Personal Journal Entry #22 - FGCU Colloquium Experience

April 14, 2011

FGCU Colloquium Experience

• What I learned:

        The university realized its environmental mission through one course, IDS 3920 “University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future” (the Colloquium). The Colloquium is an upper-division course that all students take as a graduation requirement. The Colloquium examines the diversity of the local and global communities including cultural, social, political, economic, and ecological differences. It also examines ethical, historical, scientific, and health issues related to sustainability. FGCU has a Quality Enhancement Plan, which many students do not know about. The QEP wants to ensure students have an opportunity for developmental learning related to ecological perspective and community involvement.

        The QEP learning objectives for Colloquium are as follows. Students will be asked to self-report the extent to which they: a) can demonstrate knowledge of the issues related to economic, social, and environmental sustainability, b) can demonstrate the ability to analyze local and global environmental issues, c) can demonstrate understanding of the complex relationships between individuals and communities, d) can demonstrate the ability to analyze sustainability within the context of community, e) have participated in collaborative projects requiring analysis of environmental issues, and f) have participated in collaborative service learning projects that foster an ecological perspective.  


        IDS 3920 - The University Colloquium brings together students from all five colleges in a series of interdisciplinary learning experiences. These experiences are designed to address the ecological perspective outcome in relations to other university outcomes and guiding principles. Critical thinking and communication skills will be enhanced through field trips, discussion, projects, and a journal to be maintained by each student.

• My Advice:

        The most important thing you can do as a FGCU student is educate yourself about the course. I find the best way to stay organized is Make A Checklist!

1. Always do your homework when it is assigned ( DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!)

2. Keep track of all assignments with a planner or weekly list.

3. Don't stress yourself out, you CAN get things done.

4. Think about next weeks assignments and agenda if you finish early.

5. Don't wait last minute to do service learning. Find a date, time, and organization early on.