SF Honors News: January 6, 2025
Welcome back for Spring 2025!
I don’t know about you, but it’s going to take me about 3 months to get used to writing 2025. Classes may not start until Wednesday, but we’re already getting ready for our best semester yet!
In this Edition
Honors Student Meeting Hours for Spring 2025
Classes Start Wednesday, January 8th (and other important dates)
New First-Semester Credit Option - Stress Management (SLS1223)
Important Updates and FAQ - Tracking Honors Points in Canvas
Submit Your Backlog of Honors Points by January 31
Preserve your Honors Status - Register for Spring 2025 Honors Classes
New to Honors? Take a Required First-Semester Credit
SF Honors Presents: Psychology Research in Ireland Study Abroad
UF Advising Schedule - Spring 2025
Future of Florida Summit Applications Now Open
Honors Office Hours for Spring 2025
New semester, new office hours! This semester, if you need to meet with Professor Keith, you can drop in during the hours below to talk about Honors Points, Honors Classes, or anything else! The Honors Office is closed today, January 6th, but I’ll be in to meet with you starting Tuesday, January 7th. Soon, we’ll have a meeting schedule for the Honors Navigators, so you’ll know when to come in and talk with them, too!
Classes Start Wednesday, January 8th (and other important dates)
I know you’re so ready to get started, but this year we’re starting classes on Wednesday! Take a couple of days to get your brain back in school mode, then get going halfway through the week. With the semester starting partway through the first week, this means a couple of important things:
The last day to add classes is Friday. If you’re still in need of an Honors class, looking to get in just the right chem section, or changing your schedule in other ways, you’ve got through Friday (January 10) to add classes to your schedule. There’s still space in some of our Honors classes, so jump in and get in there!
The last day to drop classes is next Tuesday. If you need to remove a class from your schedule, you’ve got through Tuesday, January 14, to drop it and receive a refund.
New First-Semester Credit Option - Stress Management (SLS1223)
You already know that, as a first-semester Honors student, you have to take one of a few one-credit courses in the spring. This week, I’m excited to announce a new option—Stress Management (SLS1223), taught by the excellent Professor Montero. Being a student is stressful, and this isn’t any different for those in the Honors Community. You can register for this class on your own through eSantaFe.
Important Updates and FAQ - Tracking Honors Points in Canvas
Last week, we were thrilled to finally launch a project nearly a year in the making. Starting now, you can track all your Honors points in Canvas. In just the past few days, we’ve seen many of you start using this system, but you’ve also had questions. Look below for some important updates and helpful information.
Q: How do I use this system?
Just log into the Honors Canvas Community and click on the button titled “Honors Points.” In that module, you can see all the ways we currently recognize Honors points. Each one of those entries is an assignment where you can submit documentation for a points-earning involvement and learn about opportunities to earn Honors Points.
Q: If I’m graduating now, do I need to use this?
If you plan to graduate in Fall 2024 (right now), don’t worry about the new system. You can use your current spreadsheet and portfolio to track your points and submit documentation. If you plan to remain at SF beyond the Fall, it’s time to start using the new system.
Q: When should I start recording points? Does it have to happen now—during FINALS WEEK!?
We’re very excited for you to start using our new system, but we also understand that it’s finals week and you have a lot of other commitments. For points activities related to this semester and earlier, you have until January 31 to submit your documentation.
Q: What do I do about documenting past semesters? Is it too late?
It is *not* too late to document involvements from past semesters! Just submit your information for those involvements before January 31, 2025 and we can count them for Honors Points.
Q: What if I have multiple entries for one kind of involvement (e.g., several Honors Classes)?
If you have multiple Honors classes, volunteer experiences, internships, or other kind of involvement, just submit each of them as a standalone attempt for the assignment. We’ll be able to review all of your submissions and make sure that your awarded points reflect everything you’ve submitted.
Q: What if I’m not sure what category to use for an activity or involvement?
If you’re unsure of where to record your Honors Points, just reach out to the Honors Program Office (honors@sfcollege.edu) and let us know. We can help you figure out which category is the best fit and how many points you can anticipate earning.
Q: What if there isn’t an appropriate category or I think the involvement should earn a different number of points?
If you think an involvement should earn a different number of points or you feel that an activity doesn’t fit in any existing category, you should submit an Honors Points Proposal. Be sure to include a thorough description of the activity, full justification of the reclassification or point value, and sufficient documentation to support your proposal. If you have questions, just reach out to the Honors Program Office (honors@sfcollege.edu.
Q: What does this change mean for the portfolio?
Because Canvas can now document your involvements, the Honors Portfolio isn’t an essential requirement for graduation with Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors. Instead, documenting all of your involvement in the Portfolio will be an optional submission that earns additional Honors Points. Look for an assignment where you can submit this in the Spring semester.
Submit Your Backlog of Honors Points by January 31
By now, you know that we have an *all new* system for tracking Honors Points, but it doesn’t automatically know about all the cool stuff you’ve been up to for the past semester, or two, or six. So, to make sure we know about your involvements and get your points awarded, be sure to log into Canvas and submit your documentation. For anything you completed before the end of 2024, you’ve got through January 31 to get your documentation in. Moving forward, we’ll need documentation submitted by the deadline in each of the assignments on Campus.
Preserve your Honors Status - Register for Spring 2025 Honors Classes
If you haven’t gotten a chance to sign up for Honors classes for the spring, we want to remind you that membership in the Honors Program requires that you earn at least 30 Honors Points per semester, and that 3 credits of Honors coursework is the most straightforward way that you can earn your needed points. Luckily, although classes are filling up, there is still space available. To sign up now, just complete a registration request.
Check eSantaFe for Registration Holds
Before you register, be sure to check your eSantaFe account for registration holds. Holds, such as the requirement to complete a registration agreement or meet with an advisor, will result in you being ineligible to register for courses and significantly delay processing.
New to Honors? Remember to take a first-semester credit
We know that having a strong foundation and common academic experience are great ways to make sure you are successful in the Honors Program. As such, all new Honors Program members accepted for Spring 2025 are required to sign up for one of the following courses for the Spring 2025 semester.
Sign up for one of the courses below. Each course is a one-credit class that will require up to 3 - 4 hours of involvement per week. If the class is SLS1320, you will need to submit a registration request, but you can enroll in LIS1002 and LIS2004 via eSantaFe like any other class. If you are not able to register for one of these courses or if registering for one of these courses for the spring would present an inordinate burden, please email honors@sfcollege.edu so that we can coordinate on a solution.
Option 1: Honors Foundation Seminar (SLS1320) The Honors Foundation Seminar gives you an opportunity to connect with other members of the Honors Program, SF resources, and our local community. Build a strong foundation in the Honors Program while working together on a semester-long service project that supports a local organization! Because this is an Honors course, it is worth 10 Honors Points. This class meets once per week on Fridays—section GH1 at 9:30 and section GH2 at 11:00—and begins in Spring G (February 2).
Option 2: Library Online Resources (LIS1002) Library Online Resources is a one credit hour course that provides an introduction to information retrieval using SF library databases. This class is available online in either Spring A (first half of spring) or Spring B (second half of spring). You can register for this class on your own through eSantaFe.
Option 3: Internet Research (LIS2004) Internet Research is a one credit hour course that focuses on methods of accessing information resources available through the Internet. Students will learn how to design effective search strategies and how to retrieve, evaluate, and cite Internet sources. This class is available online in either Spring A (first half of spring) or Spring B (second half of spring). You can register for this class on your own through eSantaFe.
Option 4 (new!): Stress Management (SLS1223) Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans is so stressed it impacts their ability to live effectively? How about this—did you know that the rate for college is students is more like 1 in 2? If you’re stressed, you’re not alone; being in college is stressful! In this course, learn about stress and develop the skills to harness it and be an even more effective student and person. This class meets in the Spring semester on Wednesdays from 12:30 - 1:20 and is taught by the excellent Professor Helda Montero. You can register for this class on your own through eSantaFe.
SF Honors Presents - Psychology Research in Ireland Study Abroad
30 Honors Points for Study Abroad Participation
Join an exciting study abroad program designed for SF Honors students! Explore the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture of Ireland while earning credit in General Psychology (PSY2012) and Mathematics Special Topics (MAT1931). This unique experience combines psychology and data analysis in a hands-on research project in Dublin and Donegal, Ireland.
Why Participate?
Walk the historic streets of Dublin and Donegal.
Immerse yourself in Irish culture and traditions.
Explore the stunning Irish countryside, including Yeats Country and the Sliabh Liag Cliffs.
Gain research experience in a hands-on, cross-cultural project
Estimated Cost: $4,400 (includes airfare)
Scholarships ranging from $1,000–$1,500 are available.
Next Steps:
Visit sfcollege.edu/studyabroad to learn more or contact:
Prof. Breanne Hooks at breanne.hooks@sfcollege.edu
Dr. Dana Lindsey at dana.lindsey@sfcollege.edu
UF Advising Schedule - Spring 2025
This spring sees the return of the UF@SF Center’s UF Advising Schedule. Look at the dates and times below to find out when you can meet with an advisor from the UF program you hope to join.
COLLEGE/MAJOR
DATE/TIME
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL & LIFE SCIENCES
Agricultural Education & Communication
April 10 (Th) 12:30-2pm
Food and Resource Economics
Feb 26 (W) 12:30-2pm
SFRC - Geomatics, Marine Science, Forest Resources & Conservation, and Natural Resource & Conservation
Feb 5 (W) 12:30-2pm
COLLEGE OF DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & PLANNING
Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Sustainability
Jan 22 (W) 12:30-2pm; Feb 26 (W) 12:30-2pm
Construction Management
Jan 29 (W) 1:30-3:30pm; Feb 25 (T) 1:30-3:30pm; April 2 (W) 12:30-2pm
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Education
Feb 10 (M) 12:30-2pm
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
General/Main
Feb 3 (M) 12:30-2pm
Chemical Engineering
April 8 (T) 12:30-2pm
COLLEGE OF HEALTH & HUMAN PERFORMANCE
Applied Physiology & Kinesiology
March 6 (Th) 12:30-2pm
COLLEGE OF JOUNRALISM & COMMUNICATION
Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, & Telecommunications
Jan 22 (W) 12:30-2pm
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Jan 29 (W) 12:30-2pm
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Nursing
Jan 13 (M) 12:30-2pm
ONLINE MAJORS
Online At UF (UF Online)
Jan 21 (T) 12:30-2pm
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Pharmacy
Jan 9 (Th) 12:30-2pm
Future of Florida Summit Applications Now Open
The future is here, and it all starts with you at the 2025 Future of Florida Summit!
My name is Amanda Joseph, and I am the chair of the 2025 Future of Florida Summit, Florida’s largest student-led public policy conference, hosted by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida.
Each year, we host 70 student leaders to explore critical public policy issues affecting Florida. The policy theme for the 2025 Summit is the Gulf of Mexico, with a focus on addressing vital topics such as environmental sustainability, economic development, immigration, and public health.
The 2025 Summit is scheduled for Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2 on the University of Florida campus, with an online policy preparation session on Sunday, February 23.
Students from all Florida colleges and universities are encouraged to apply. All majors are welcome, including graduate students!
If you want your college experience to expand beyond the classroom, providing real lessons from policy experts and professionals that will stay with you and fellow students for the rest of your life, this is the opportunity for you.
Applications are due on Sunday, January 19, 2025, by 11:59 pm.
No prior public policy knowledge is required.
Hotel accommodations are provided for students outside Alachua County and meals are provided to all attendees.
Learn More || Submit an Application
If you have any questions, please contact us at FOF-GrahamCenter@ufl.edu or call (352) 846-1575 x. 0.