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The issue of an FGCU satellite campus in Charlotte County proved especially important to our group. We reside in Charlotte
County and the idea of a campus closer to home proved appealing. However, as we researched the topic, we discovered
the issue was much more involved than a simple “what we want for ourselves.”
The creation of a satellite
touches every resident in a community, not just college students and staff. It affects where we shop, how we drive, where
we live and how we play. It changes the face of that community and leaves a footprint for future generations. Thus the extension
of Florida Gulf Coast University into Charlotte County became a multi-faceted concern.
In our presentation, we covered
issues pertinent to the creation of a satellite campus. We explored why a satellite campus is necessary, what is the attraction
of Charlotte County, the FGCU plan for extending opportunities in higher education, the social/political/economical implications
faced by FGCU as well as Charlotte County residents and the potential environmental impacts for the area.
Our research
led us to conclude with a question: What is the purpose of Florida Gulf Coast University? Based on our findings, we analyzed
the motivations behind FGCU’s pursuit of a satellite campus in Charlotte County. The results highlighted the University’s
mission statement and probed the potential costs not only to Southwest Florida but to the University’s integrity as
well. In the epilogue, we present the decision made by Florida’s Board of Governors in mid-November and Florida Gulf
Coast University’s future plans for a satellite campus in Charlotte County.
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