Providing Paid Educational Leave to Eligible Employees Completing Their Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral Degrees.
The Grant-in-Aid program supports FGCU's commitment to the development and retention of high-performing, qualified faculty and staff.
About Grant-in-Aid
Eligibility requirements and selection criteria
- Grant-in-Aid applicants must have at least two years of satisfactory performance in a permanent or continuing full-time position prior to the beginning of the academic year in which the grant will be awarded.
- Recipients agree to continue employment with Florida Gulf Coast University for one calendar year after completion of the program. If employment is not continued, a prorated amount of the funding received under the program must be returned to Florida Gulf Coast University.
- Applicants must be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, Master or Doctoral degree.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants will be evaluated on specific criteria
- Contribution to the University's goals
- Personal statement
- Benefit to the University
- Career and educational enhancement
- Academic record
- Length of service to Florida Gulf Coast University
- Anticipated completion date of the degree
- References
If a recipient would like to apply for a second award, they must satisfy the one-year employment requirement prior to receiving a second award.
Apply
Click HERE to apply
If you encounter any errors while applying, please contact the Ombuds Office (ombuds@fgcu.edu).
In the 2023-2024 academic year, I was fortunate enough to be awarded educational leave through the Grant-in-Aid program, which allowed me to devote extra time and energy to my research and dissertation writing. I was able to work part-time during the fall and spring semesters, and my department received valuable support during my absence. Thanks to this opportunity, I was able to successfully complete my Doctor of Education (Ed.D) program in less than six years. I spent a significant portion of the fall and spring terms crafting my dissertation, serving as a Teaching Assistant, and conducting interviews for my research.
Dr. Natasha “Tasha” Ziegler
Assistant Director, Center for Academic Achievement
Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management
The opportunity to be the recipient of the Grant-in-Aid Educational Leave award allowed me to work part-time for the 2020-2021 academic year while continuing to support my sons as well as my educational and career goals.
I completed the Doctor of Education (Ed.D) program in Spring 2021 and have continued
to support curriculum development activities now in a leadership capacity as Director.
Thank you FGCU!
Dr. Lucero Carvajal
Director, Academic and Curriculum Support
Academic Programs and Curriculum Development
I was a recipient of the Grant-in-Aid Educational Leave Program 2015/2016. This program provided me with an outlet to achieve my education goal of completing a doctorate. I was able to utilize the time to write in preparation for my doctoral proposal defense in 2017. The GIA Education Leave Program benefit allowed me the opportunity to progress in my doctoral program while working. I am so grateful for this wonderful program and the potential it afford employees who are willing to furthering their education. It is so nice to have such a program that benefits, and fosters the developmental growth of employees.
Dr. Locksley Knibbs
Academic Advisor II, College of Arts & Sciences and The Water School
As a recipient of the Grant in Aid award, it enabled me to focus on my Undergrad qualitative research for my senior capstone class. The award also allowed me to utilize campus resources such as the Center for Academic Achievement. The Center for Academic Achievement’s supplemental instruction and tutoring services were instrumental in my success in earning a high grade in a challenging math class. I am thankful to this day for the opportunity Grant in Aid provided me to finish my Bachelor’s Degree.
Lauren Cargo
Coordinator of Campus Visits
Margaret S. Sugden Welcome Center
Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management
I’ve been lucky enough to be a two time recipient of the Grant-in Aid program. The first opportunity allowed me to focus on being a full-time student for a term without juggling a full-time job, all while raising two children, as I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree. The second opportunity allowed me to work part-time, while being a part-time student as I earned my Master’s Degree under the College of Education. Both opportunities allowed me to further my education, without the stress of balancing a full-time hands-on job and studying, as I achieved my educational goal of obtaining a Master’s Degree and being be promoted at work.
Sue Meyers
Assistant Registrar of Scheduling, Catalog, & Space Management
Paid Educational Leave
Contingent upon funding, a total of up to four awards may be given annually. The recipients may choose to use full-time leave for one semester, or part-time leave for two semesters. Support Personnel (SP), Administrative/Professional (AP), and Faculty are eligible.
When full-time leave is granted, the employee will receive their full salary. The award recipient is required to carry a full-time course load but does not have to perform any work-related duties at FGCU. When half-time leave is granted, the employee will receive their full salary. The award recipient is required to work half-time and carry a half-time course load. At the doctoral level, satisfactory progress toward the degree is required.
Deadline: Monday, March 10, 2025 by 5:00 PM
The Grant-in-Aid Committee will meet on March 18, 2025
