The Compass: Staying on Course
Let's take this semester as an opportunity to engage with and discover more about our community!
If you are new to the Honors Program, this guide will help you navigate our community while informing you about fun ways to earn Honors Points, so you can make the most of your SF experience. Every Friday, you will receive an updated guide on student organizations, current events, scholarship opportunities, internships, and academic involvements you need to know about. All events listed in the newsletter are available to SF students and are worth Honors Points. So keep a lookout for fun opportunities!
I hope everyone is settling into their new schedules this semester! If your workload feels overwhelming, don’t worry; there will still be plenty of opportunities to engage with your community through fun and meaningful events. Student Life is hosting several events next week, so if you have time, attending could be a great way to support your community and start building connections. If you're still figuring out the best routine for success, be patient with yourself—there will be many chances to get involved in the future. Wishing you all a fantastic semester!
Activities in this edition:
Lobby Day at the FL State Capitol
Volunteering Opportunity: Conversations to Remember
Join Student Life for a Pooches and Smooches Morning!
My Sister's Keeper Finance Workshop
Black Student Union Mental Health Panel
My Brother's Keeper Family Feud Game
Learn How to Leverage Kindness and Positive Thinking
Explore the Volunteer Fair!
Seeking Student Help with Open House Initiatives
Wellness Wednesdays
Student Volunteers Needed for the Student Conduct Board
UF College of Journalism and Communications' Presentation
Pre-Health: Register Now for the Medi-Gators Pre-Health Admissions Preview!
Pre-Health: Join Us: Free EmPrep Webinars to Succeed in Medical School Admissions!
Pre-Health: Join UF's Emergency Medicine Scribe Program!
Academic Opportunities
Lobby Day at the FL State Capitol
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Cultural and Community Events
Volunteering Opportunity: Conversations to Remember
1 Honors Point per hour of Volunteering
Conversations to Remember is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating loneliness and isolation felt by senior citizens, including those living with dementia. They are currently looking for undergraduate students who are willing to volunteer.
About the virtual visit program: 2-3 college students will be matched with older adults for weekly virtual video visits. Many of these older adults have been suffering from isolation, and your students could brighten their days just by speaking with them. Students on our virtual visits initially volunteer one hour per week, and each call lasts up to one hour, based on the senior's attention span and mood on each day. Students select the times that work for their schedule and are matched with older adults for calls based on the times when they're available. They then have regular, weekly appointments for their visits. Students are expected to volunteer for at least 16 weeks so that they can develop friendships with the seniors they're matched with.
They provide training (mandatory) to all the students in our program about the best ways to interact with older adults on video calls, as well as additional regular support throughout their service. Since the visits are virtual, students can do it without any travel. This program is free for seniors and students across the country.
Students wishing for opportunities that allow them to volunteer more hours can be accommodated with other volunteering options, such as assisting us with their social media, call support, outreach, or more.
Volunteering does not need to coincide with the start of a semester, as we have new virtual visits starting all the time!
Contact Information: anthony@conversationstoremember.org
Join Student Life for a Pooches and Smooches Morning!
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Feeling stressed? Need some Valentine’s Day cheer? Come hang out with some adorable therapy dogs and de-stress with all the furry love you can handle at Pooches & Smooches!
Date: Wednesday, February 12
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Oak Grove
My Sister's Keeper Finance Workshop
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Are you ready to take control of your finances? Join Student Life for the My Sister’s Keeper Finance Workshop to get practical tips and tools to help you manage your money, budget better, and plan for your financial future! Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your skills, this workshop is for you.
Date: Monday, February 17
Time: 2 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Location: S Building, Room 329
Black Student Union Mental Health Panel
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Mental health matters, and it’s time to have the conversation. Join Student Life for a powerful Panel that explores mental health, wellness, and strategies for managing stress in our community. This is an open, supportive space to learn, share, and grow together!
Date: February 18
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Building S, Room 029
My Brother's Keeper Family Feud Game
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Get ready for some laughs and friendly competition! My Brother’s Keeper is hosting a Family Feud-style game, and you could be part of the action! Join them for a night of fun, trivia, and a chance to win bragging rights as the ultimate family feud champs. Grab your friends and make it a team effort!
Date: Wednesday, February 19
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: Building S, Room 029
Learn How to Leverage Kindness and Positive Thinking
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Have you ever wished that the world was a better place to live in, or what role could you play in helping to make our college community a more encouraging environment? Well, now here is your chance! Come hang out with Coach Darling as he teaches how to leverage kindness and positive thinking for the benefit of all.
Date: Monday, February 10
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: S-221
Explore the Volunteer Fair!
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Looking for ways to give back to the community? Join the Volunteer Fair!
About: This event features a tabling fair where you'll have the chance to connect with local organizations and discover volunteer opportunities that fit your passion and schedule.
Whether you're looking to gain experience or make a difference, there's a spot for you! Be a part of something bigger—let’s make an impact together! 💙
Date: Tuesday, February 11
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Oak Grove
Seeking Student Help With Open House Initiatives
1 Honors Point per Hour
Do you want to share your passion for SF with potential students? This spring, you can support SF and the Honors Program by volunteering at one or both of our recruitment events.
There are two upcoming events this semester that SF Admissions needs your support with:
Open House on February 22nd from 8:30 AM -2:30 PM
Family Preview Day on March 29th from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
The goals of both events are twofold: to present prospective/incoming students with the resources/support available to them and to get them excited about being an SF student! The open house spotlights academic, admissions, and transfer resources in a mostly tabling format for prospective students. Family Preview Day features more presentations and panels for incoming students. The sign-up sheet linked below allows you to sign up to help with one or both of these sessions.
For Any Questions, contact: shelby.nagle@sfcollege.edu
Wellness Wednesdays Coming this Spring
5 Honors Points for Attending Event
This spring, join us at the Learning Commons on the last Wednesday of every month to invest in yourself, celebrate mental and physical wellness, and connect with your fellow students at SF.
Student Volunteers Needed for the Student Conduct Board
5 Honors Points per Student Conduct Board Hearing
The Student Conduct Board is looking for students willing to assist with hearings. You can support your fellow students and collaborate with professionals at SF in hearing cases of academic misconduct and helping determine fair and just outcomes. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in education, law, or leadership experience. If you are interested in serving, all you need to do is email dan.rodkin@sfcollege.edu and complete the Canvas course training soon to be a part of the Student Conduct Board.
Contact info: dan.rodkin@sfcollege.edu
Pre-Professional Opportunities
Journalism
UF College of Journalism and Communications' Presentation
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Students majoring in journalism should consider attending this presentation, as it will cover Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, & Telecommunications
Date & Time: March 12th from 12:30pm - 2pm.
Pre-Health
Register Now for the Medi-Gators Pre-Health Admissions Preview!
5 Honors Points for Attending an Event
Are you ready to elevate your pre-health journey? Registration is now open for the Medi-Gators Pre-Health Admissions Preview, which will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at the HPNP Building!
About: This event is packed with workshops, Q&A sessions, and insider tips led by health professional students, designed to help you stand out in your path to a health profession. Find out more about the event schedule on the Medi-Gators Pre-Health Admissions Preview website.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity—spots are limited!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at medigators@health.ufl.edu
Join Us: Free EmPrep Webinars to Succeed in Medical School Admissions!
5 Honors Points for Attendance per Session
Elisheva Aneke, the Program Manager for the Emory Premedical Readiness Engagement Program (EmPREP) within the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Emory University School of Medicine, is excited to announce their upcoming series of EmPREP webinars designed to offer guidance and insights into the medical school admissions process. These webinars are free to attend and cover a range of important topics to help URiM students succeed in their applications.
Here are the details of their upcoming webinars:
February 13: Strengthening Medical School Applications Using HBCU Networks
Any groups that plan to attend the webinars together, should have each attendee register using the QR code.
Join UF's Emergency Medicine Scribe Program!
30 Honors Points per Semester
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain valuable experience in healthcare, especially those taking gap years or current students.
Why Apply?
Shadowing Opportunities: Work alongside PAs, residents, MDs, and DOs, gaining first-hand insights into the medical field.
Extensive On-the-Job Education: Receive comprehensive training that enhances your understanding of emergency medicine in a high-acuity and immersive setting.
Continuing Education Opportunities: Participate in simulation labs, EMS ride-alongs, and other educational initiatives to further your knowledge and skills.
Healthcare Exposure: Immerse yourself in a fast-paced environment and see how healthcare operates in real-time and in a community setting.
We encourage gap year students to consider applying for a full-time position (40 hours/week) and current students to apply for a part-time role (20 hours/week). The pay is $15/hour, and having a car for private transportation is essential.
Don’t miss out on this chance to kickstart your career in healthcare!