FIYou: Monique Garcia


Name: Monique Garcia

Hometown: Rowland Heights, Calif., an unincorporated part of Los Angeles County.

Job Title/Department: Assistant Director of Compliance/APR Specialist

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I work to ensure that FIU’s athletic teams reach an APR (Academic Progress Rate) score of 925 single-year or higher each academic year. This means that I am involved in all academic aspects of every student-athlete, from recruitment to graduation. Think of me as the “academic gatekeeper” for the Athletic Department.

Number of years at FIU: Two years in April.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The challenge of helping “fix” the problems that FIU faces in regards to APR.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

The world of athletics compliance is far from glamorous. When you really sit down and think about it, the pressure on my office’s shoulders is one that should never be taken lightly. The demands to keep up with the NCAA rules and regulations are never-ending, which in turn never give us any down time per se, but at the same time it is what makes it fun.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The top of the football stadium in the northwest corner. The view is amazing day or night.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

The amazing vision that has been set forth for FIU and all the students, faculty and staff that work tirelessly each and every day to make that vision into a reality.

Family snapshot:

I am the oldest of three sisters. My mom is Maria Garcia, my dad is Gilbert Garcia and my sisters are Susie and Andrea Garcia. They all reside in Los Angeles along with the rest of my extended family, which includes my 98-year-old grandmother.

Word that best describes you: Tenacious.

First paying job: I worked at a Millers Outpost back west.

Favorite TV show: NCIS.

What is playing on your iPod?

Mariachi music or an NPR podcast.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Helping institute positive change at FIU by bringing together various departments across the university to help create an academic blueprint for FIU Athletics, which has led to drastic improvements in APR scores.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

Cook, read and watch college football.

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