What’s New this Week?
It’s the end of the semester, which means a relatively short update this time around. Check on some good, final reminders for the term as well as a preview for what’s coming in the spring. Thank you, everyone, for all of your hard work this term!
In this Issue
This Week in Honors:
Wrapping up the Fall
It’s an exciting time of year, watching the plummeting number of exams and papers you have to grade—I mean have to take—while looking forward to winter break plans. Before we completely turn off our school brains and break out the holiday beverages of choice, it’s important to make sure that we take care of a few last pieces of business.
Finalize Graduation. If you’re planning to graduate, make sure you’ve got everything wrapped up and ready for commencement and final processing. I posted an announcement earlier this week about those few remaining steps to make sure the College knows you’re graduating and so that I can verify your Honors credential. Take a look there for some guidelines on completing your Honors Portfolio, applying for graduation, and filling out your graduation survey.
Finalize Honors Work. If you’re completing an Honors contract, thesis, or independent-study project, turn in any remaining work and ask your instructor to contact the Honors Office to let us know you’ve finished everything.
Finalize Spring Classes. Especially as grades get finalized, now is a good time to take another look at your schedule and make sure it makes sense. If you need help selecting classes or processing your registration, Santa Fe will be open until December 19. Remember, although advisors in the AAC are a fantastic resource and you can register yourself for most classes, you’ll need the Honors Office to register you in any Honors courses. For a list of available courses for spring 2024 , check out our schedule of upcoming courses at https://www.sfhonors.com/schedule.
No Room for a Class? You’ve got options.
In the Honors Canvas shell, we give you lots of options for earning Honors Points beyond your courses. All of the opportunities in the weekly newsletter are worth points, but you can also take charge of your own academic and enrichment opportunities through honors contracts, independent study projects, student organizations, and research opportunities. To learn more about these options and connect with these opportunities, please contact honors@sfcollege.edu.
Santa Fe News and Events
Fall 2023 Graduation! Commencement Ceremony December 8 at 3pm
Whether you’re graduating this semester or not, come to commencement and show your support for our Honors grads! Santa Fe College will celebrate Fall 2023 graduates with in-person commencement ceremonies that will be held in the SF Gymnasium (Building V) on the Northwest Campus.
Students earning a bachelor’s, A.A., A.S. or A.A.S. degree, or a certificate degree will be recognized at the ceremony on Friday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m.
Visit the graduation website for parking information and more.
Academic Opportunities
2024 Future of Florida Summit: A Convergence of Minds on AI Policy
15 Honors points for participating in event
The Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida proudly hosts the 2024 Future of Florida Summit, the state's largest student-led public policy conference. This year's focus is on the evolving realm of Artificial Intelligence, with discussions centered around its impact on education, healthcare, agriculture, and law.
Scheduled from March 1-3, 2024, at the University of Florida campus, this summit offers a pre-event online policy preparation session on February 25. It's an extraordinary opportunity for 70 student leaders from across Florida to engage in meaningful dialogue with state leaders and professionals, gaining insights that extend far beyond the classroom.
Applications for this pivotal event are due by January 13, 2024, with a confirmation of attendance required by January 26. The summit welcomes students from all majors and levels, including graduate students, from any Florida college or university. Attendees from outside Alachua County will be provided hotel accommodations, and meals are covered for all participants.
Don't miss this chance to be part of shaping Florida's policy landscape in the age of AI. For more information and to apply, visit the summit's website. Questions can be directed to FOF-GrahamCenter@ufl.edu or by calling (352) 846-1575.
Florida Society of Geographers 2024 Annual Meeting
10 - 30 Honors Points for conference attendance/presentation
The Florida Society of Geographers (FSG), a vibrant community of faculty, students, and professionals from various universities across the state, including UF, FSU, FAU, USF, and others, invites interested individuals to its 2024 Annual Meeting. This non-profit organization, established in 1964, is committed to enhancing professionalism in geography through education, government, and business applications.
Event Details:
Date: February 16-17, 2024
Location: Holiday Inn St. Augustine – World Golf, 475 Commerce Lake Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32095
Registration: Early registration is available until December 16, 2023. Register here.
Abstract Submission: Paper and poster abstracts are due by January 16, 2024.
FSG is proud to offer a platform for sharing a wide range of geographic specialties, from historical and human geography to human-environment interactions and geospatial technology. This conference is an excellent opportunity for faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students to present their research, with monetary prizes awarded for top student posters and talks.
We encourage interested parties to review the Fall 2023 Newsletter for more information about FSG and the annual meeting. This event promises to be a hub of knowledge-sharing and networking for those passionate about geography and related fields.
Join us as we further the advancement of geography in Florida. For more information, please visit the FSG website or contact us directly.
Explore the Path to Scientific Excellence with the SF2UF Bridge Program
Are you ready to broaden your academic horizons in the biomedical or behavioral sciences? The SF2UF Bridge to the Baccalaureate program invites applications for its 2024 cohort. This unique initiative not only fosters your educational growth but also offers hands-on research opportunities at the University of Florida – all while you continue your studies at Santa Fe.
Dedicated to supporting students from underrepresented groups, the program provides an enriching environment for both professional and personal development in the scientific community. To see if you meet the eligibility criteria and to apply, visit our program page here. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a journey that shapes future scientists and innovators.
The Archaeology of Colonialism in Eastern Africa: Emerging Trends on the Swahili Coast
5 Honors Points for attending event
Join the Center for African Studies for a lecture in African archaeology by Adria LaViolette (University of Virginia), “The Archaeology of Colonialism in Eastern Africa: Emerging Trends on the Swahili Coast.”
Time: December 8, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Location: UF Grinter Hall, 404
Scholarships
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship Updates
10 Honors Points for a completed application
Phi Theta Kappa’s 2024 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship application is already open and closes on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
To learn more about the JKCF Foundation Scholarship and how to apply, visit JKCF.org
Cultural, Community, and Career Opportunities
Opportunities at the Humane Society of North Central Florida: Spring 2024 Internship and Volunteer Programs
1 Honors Point per hour of service
Fundraising and Communications Internship Dive into the world of non-profit animal welfare with our Fundraising and Communications Internship. This role offers hands-on experience in event planning, communication strategies, and social media management. Ideal for students seeking practical experience in a non-profit setting, this unpaid internship is a gateway to professional development and making a significant impact.
Vet Tech Volunteer Program Join our Vet Tech Volunteer Program and play a vital role in our veterinary care initiatives. You'll gain firsthand experience in various aspects of veterinary care, contributing significantly to the well-being of animals in our care. This program is perfect for those looking to gain practical experience in animal health and welfare.
Program Duration Both the internship and volunteer program run from January 2nd, 2024, to April 4th, 2024. Start dates are flexible.
Application Process Interested candidates for either opportunity should provide the following:
For the Fundraising and Communications Internship, email Isabella@humanesocietyncfl.org with:
Resume
Cover letter
Semester schedule availability
A mock dog toy drive flyer (created using Canva or a similar tool)
For the Vet Tech Volunteer Program, email Volunteer@humanesocietyncfl.org with:
Relevant experience or goals
Preferred areas within our vet program
Number of shifts per week and weekly availability from 1/2/24 to 4/4/24 (including each day's availability)
Preferred start date
Application Deadline The deadline for applications is December 23, 2024. Late applications may be considered if needed.
For additional information or to apply, please contact the respective email addresses with the required information. Detailed job descriptions are available upon request. We're eager to welcome new members to our team and look forward to your participation!
Art & Mindfulness: Seeing, Sensing, Savoring
5 Honors Points for attending event
Time: Saturday, December 9, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Location: UF Harn Museum of Art
This series of guided meditations, led by instructors from the UF Mindfulness team, is inspired by art in the Harn collections and held at the museum. Take a break from your regular schedule to slow down, experience stillness, and re-charge. Forty minutes of guided meditation is followed by an art spotlight tour. Please register through the Eventbrite link to hold a space.
Support your local community - Volunteer with Gainesville Thrives
1 Honors Point per Service Hour
Volunteers needed! Gainesville Thrives is dedicated to nurturing academic success and healthy family dynamics in our community. We offer unique opportunities to engage in tutoring and mentoring for students from kindergarten to high school. Our outreach extends to expectant parents and those with infants, toddlers, and preschool children, ensuring support at every stage of early development.
Join us in shaping a brighter future for Gainesville. Whether you're interested in volunteering as a tutor or getting involved through our UF Student Club, your contribution will have a lasting impact. Discover more and sign up at Gainesville Thrives.
Connect with SF’s Office for Civic Engagement and Service
1 Honors Point per Service Hour
Dive into the heart of our community with the Civic Engagement and Service (CES) at Student Life. CES is your go-to for linking up with community service ventures, attending on-campus recruitment events, and seeking personalized advice on civic involvement. Keep in the loop with CES email alerts for the latest in volunteer gigs, internships, and community engagement. And if you’re eager to volunteer or intern but unsure where to begin, contact CES Specialist Sarah Blanc at sarah.blanc@sfcollege.edu for a friendly steer in the right direction!
In addition to matching Honors students with service and civic-engagement opportunities that match their interests and availability, CES also tracks your service involvement, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your Honors Points and progress toward your credential.
2023 Wish Upon a Star Gift Drive for Local Foster Youth
Each year, Partnership for Strong Families (PFSF) works with community partners and donors to provide holiday “wishes” to over 1,200 local children in foster care. Wish Upon a Star offers an opportunity to add some joy to their holiday.
Student Life partners with PFSF each year to help members of the SF community sponsor 50 stars. Click here to see available stars. Each star includes information about a child in local foster care and three of their wishes for the holidays. Sponsors agree to purchase at least two of the three items (around $50 total) but are welcome to donate more. If you cannot find a specific gift listed on the star, you are welcome to substitute another age-appropriate gift. Donations should be unwrapped with a copy of the child’s star securely attached to each gift. Please drop off donations by Monday, November 27 at 4 p.m in S-245 on SF’s Northwest campus.
To sign up, e-mail sarah.blanc@sfcollege.edu with the following information:
1: The name and Wish ID number of the child you’d like to sponsor.
2: Let us know how you would like your sponsorship to be shared on this site, for example:
Sponsored by [Individual] and Family
Sponsored by [Organization/Department]
Sponsored by Anonymous
We’ll send you a confirmation message with your star attached and a couple follow-up reminders. We thank all the members of the SF community who have supported this annual tradition, and warmly welcome any new donors who are joining this effort!
Questions? E-mail sarah.blanc@sfcollege.edu.
Civic Media Center Volunteer Opportunities
1 Honors Point per volunteer hour completed
The Civic Media Center & Stetson Kennedy Library Inc., founded in October 1993, is an alternative library, reading room and info shop. The Civic Media Center is a community-based nonprofit that serves as a resource for progressive grassroots organizing, activism, and public awareness in Gainesville. The CMC’s mission is to provide community access to information and points of view that are under-reported or distorted in mainstream media.
The CMC offers a public-access library, educational discussions, a meeting space, WGOT radio, workshops, music shows and much more!Check our Instagram for flyers and details.
Want to get involved? We hold volunteer meetings on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Come out and get connected!
Pre-Professional Opportunities
STEM
Applications Due December 11: Embark on a NASA Adventure with NCAS
15 Honors Points per completed “Mission”
Attention aspiring explorers and innovators! NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) is calling on students to join a thrilling educational journey. Apply now and seize the opportunity to delve into STEM activities that could pave the way to a future at NASA. Whether you're STEM-focused or branching out from other majors, NCAS is your launchpad to extraordinary experiences and potential internships. Don't miss out on:
Exclusive NASA mission invites and events
Insightful webinars and hands-on projects
Valuable networking with NASA professionals
Applications are open until noon CDT, December 11, 2023. Ready to start your NASA story? Visit the NCAS website for more information and mark your calendars for the upcoming info sessions. Launch into your future with NCAS—your mission awaits!
Join an information session at one of the times below to learn more about this NCAS opportunity.
Pre-Health
Medical Interpreting Training Information Session
5 Honors Points for attending event
Are you bilingual and a prehealth student?
We are offering a virtual information session regarding Medical Interpreting Training on Jan. 16th at 6 PM.
Becoming a medical interpreter is a great clinical opportunity as you work towards building a competitive application for a healthcare profession.
Register in advance for this meeting either via the link below or the QR code in the flyer attached.
https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkfu6gpzoqGdXqr45eBA1uh-4dxrkkcsHw
Hope to see you there!!!
UF First Responder Gator Registering for Spring 2024
50 Honors Points for completion of course
Are you on a pre-health track & interested in emergency medicine? Take First Responder Gator! Our 40-hour extracurricular course is a fantastic way to learn new skills and become prepared to help others in an emergency! Our class will be offered this spring from January 23rd to April 9th. Registration is open until January 30th.
First Responder Gator has both a lab and lecture component. Lectures are once a week on Wednesdays from 5:30pm - 7:30pm and are taught by Gainesville Fire Rescue firefighter and paramedic Chief David Sutton. Labs are once a week from 6:00pm - 8:00pm with the option to choose Tuesdays or Thursdays where you will learn hands-on skills like CPR, bleeding control, and more! Classes are held on the UF campus, but you do not have to be a UF student to register!
Class registration links:
Registering for a lab automatically registers you for the Wednesday lectures. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the class, reach out to us at contact@frgator.com and check out our website,
https://frgator.com/
UF Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) Applications Open
30 Honors Points for Program Completion
SHPEP, a national program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a free six-week academic enrichment program for freshman and sophomore students from across the country who have an interest in pursuing a career in the health professions. In addition to academic enrichment relevant to pre-health subjects, students will also gain clinical exposure, skill labs, career development, and interprofessional education experience.
UF SHPEP 2024 will take place from May 13th – June 21st, 2024. During the first two weeks of the program, all events, workshops, and instruction will be held virtually. All programming during the remaining four weeks will take place in-person on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, FL, during which participants will be provided on-campus housing, meals, and a $1000 stipend.
The application for the 2024 cohort is currently OPEN and will close on February 5th, 2024 at 11:59pm (EST). Applications are available at the national Summer Health Professions Education Program website. Admissions decisions will be released on March 15th, 2024.
Additional information can be found on the UF SHPEP website at https://ufhealth.org/ufshpep or the national program website at http://www.shpep.org/
Have an event, opportunity, or announcement you’d like to highlight? Get in touch and let us know so that we can include it in the next Honors Newsletter.