Make it to class without solicitation hassles

Welcome to FGCU. As you begin your college experience, please don't walk around campus without a pen and some spare change.

What do I mean? Many clubs, sororities and fraternities have philanthropic causes that they raise money for — constantly.                                   

As you leave class, you will run into a multitude of various sales and donation tins on your way to your next destination.

You can walk away feeling like a heel if you only carry plastic — like I do — or you'll feel bad because you didn't have enough change for everyone. As my teachers used to say: "If you don't have enough for everyone, then don't share at all."
 

You will also need a pen to sign the massive amount of petitions that circulate. My best piece of advice when approached about signing anything is to read it first. Many have fine print. If you only pay attention to the main headline, you will still be agreeing to the entire document when you sign your name. 

In addition to the donation seekers and petition peddlers, you may encounter outside groups taking advantage of the public forums on campus. You can find fanatical groups attempting to take advantage of your impressionable mind, other groups who want to save your mind from "questionable" influences, and those who want to free your mind in the name of personal choices. Please respond to each and every person that approaches you with caution. Many people do not want to give you something for nothing.

I would also like to suggest a few ways around areas that have the highest concentration of solicitation. Groups can show up at any time, especially during any holiday season. Whether you live on campus or commute, these route suggestions can be used by all. From garage 2 or 3, I suggest the boardwalks. Take a moment and look around at the sights. Last semester I saw a wild mother hog and her babies, two gators and a black racer that I swear was stalking me.    

From the garage 3 boardwalk, you can reach AB5, AB3, and Griffin Hall.  The boardwalk from garage 2 takes you to Whitaker Hall, AB7 and Reed Hall. A quick trek across the quad between AB3 and Whitaker will get you to any of the previously mentioned buildings.

To reach the Library or the Arts Complex, I suggest parking in garage 2 and just following the sidewalk.

You can also park in garage 1 (which can get you into Sugden Hall and the Student Union) and then follow the path through the center of the library lawn, but this may expose you to some of the vultures.

If you need to go to Howard or McTarnaghan halls, follow the sidewalk from garage 3.  If you are in any building and need to go to the Student Union or Wellness Center, you may just have to get ready.

The fastest way is usually through the breezeways, unless it's Rush Week or Valentine's Day. If you keep your head down or are old like me, they may not ask you for anything, but if you get stopped you may feel like brains among zombies. You may be able to seek refuge on the new sidewalk across the library lawn running north and south, if you plan correctly.

Don't feel pressured into buying, donating, signing, or accepting reading material from anyone. While they all have the right to share their ideas and causes, you in turn have the right to say no. Part of the existential college experience is learning to weigh options and make adult decisions. Until you are prepared, just follow my map and avoid confrontation like the plague.