The Honors Compass: Fall 2025 Deadlines, Events, and Essentials
Welcome new and returning Honors students! Here’s to a focused and successful start to the semester!
The Fall semester has officially begun, and we’re excited to set sail with you on another semester full of opportunities, growth, and achievement. This week’s issue includes some must-know updates to help you start strong and stay on track: reminders about the upcoming fee payment deadline, class registration options, Honors contract info, and how to get involved—from service opportunities and open houses to paid internships and student leadership. Whether you’re new to the program or continuing your Honors journey, we encourage you to explore what’s ahead and take advantage of the many ways to stay involved and on track.
In this edition:
Fee Payment Deadline Approaching
Seats Still Available in Select Courses
Honors Contracts: What You Need to Know
Peak Literacy Volunteer Info Session
Ethics Bowl Open House This Friday
Internship Opportunities - Apply by Sunday
Grant Proposal Deadline: NCHC
Navigator Meeting Hours Available
Now Recruiting New Navigators
CWC Support Group: Sign-Up Deadline Approaching
Remember to Pay Fees:
This semester, the fee payment process has changed slightly. Students now have until Wednesday, September 3rd to pay for their classes. If your fees aren’t paid by the deadline, you may be dropped from your classes and risk losing your seat. Re-adding courses after being dropped is not guaranteed. Be sure to confirm that your financial aid is in place and your fees are paid on time to avoid any disruptions to your schedule.
Honors Contracts: Earn Points Through Enhanced Academic Engagement
10 Honors Points per credit hour for successfully completing contract.
Interested in taking a regular course to the next level? With an Honors Contract, you can earn 10 Honors Points per credit hour by completing additional coursework that demonstrates deeper engagement with your subject. Contracts are established in collaboration with a professor and typically involve extra assignments, higher standards of participation, and engagement with additional material beyond the regular syllabus.
Key Requirements:
Attend one of our required information sessions (linked below).
Collaborate with your instructor to build a Contract Proposal.
Submit your Honors Contract Proposal Form no later than the end of Week 3.
Complete all contract expectations and earn a B or higher in the course to receive points.
Mandatory Info Sessions for Contract Students:
Anyone proposing an Honors Contract must attend one of the following Contract Overview Sessions located in S-328 or via Zoom:
Peak Literacy Volunteer Info Session:
30 Honors Points for Program Participation
Are you looking to make an impact in our community? Do you want to support learning for students of all ages? Do you need a way to earn your Honors Points for Fall? If so, join us to learn about a one-of-a-kind opportunity from Leah Galione with PEAK Literacy. Students who volunteer with PEAK literacy will receive training ahead of time and work with students on building literacy skills. Honors students who serve as volunteer tutors will earn 30 Honors Points per semester. Virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities are available.
Register for one of our two upcoming information sessions to learn more and get started on boosting your Honors points! Both sessions will take place in S-328 and online, so you can join in-person or virtually.
Ethics Bowl Kickoff – Join the Team!
5 Honors Points for Ethics Bowl Membership.
Are you ready to dive into complex ethical questions and engage in thought-provoking discussions with your peers? Come to the Ethics Bowl Kickoff this Friday, August 29th at 12:00 p.m. in S-212 to learn more about Santa Fe College’s Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Team.
Ethics Bowl is an academic team competition where students wrestle with current ethical issues through civil discourse and collaborative reasoning. You’ll develop your critical thinking skills, explore real-world dilemmas, and contribute to meaningful conversations that challenge your perspective.
Why Join?
Earn Honors Points for academic engagement
Participate in regional Ethics Bowl competitions
Present your case research at conferences like SF RUE or Honors Symposia
Build your résumé with unique experience in applied ethics and teamwork
Please contact ronald.claypool@sfcollege.edu or ann.thebaut@sfcollege.edu for additional information.
Internship Opportunity: Food Conservation Research + Certificate Program
30 Honors Points for Internship Completion.
Looking for a paid research opportunity that makes a real impact? Santa Fe College students are invited to apply for the Food Conservation Specialist Certificate Program, a unique partnership between the Center for Food Conservation and Waste Reduction and UF’s Dr. Karla Shelnutt.
Participants will:
Complete a 9-week synchronous online course
Contribute to a paid research project focused on household food waste in Gainesville
Earn a Food Conservation Specialist Certificate
Optionally complete a community engagement project that improves food security in our local community
This opportunity is open to current SF students and offers a chance to stand out in job interviews while making a difference in your community.
Email Dr. Brenna Ellison at Purdue University for additional information: ellisonb@purdue.edu
Application Deadline: Midnight, Sunday, August 31
Submit Your Fall Portz Grant Proposal!
Do you have a creative, innovative, or high-impact idea to improve the Honors experience at Santa Fe College? The National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) is now accepting proposals for the Fall 2025 Portz Grants, with awards ranging from $500 to $1,500. These grants are intended to support Honors students and programs working on meaningful projects related to leadership, service, research, collaboration, or college innovation. Whether you’re planning an event, launching a new initiative, or developing a research-based Honors activity, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring your idea to life.
Applications include:
A narrative outlining your project and its impact
A proposed timeline
A detailed budget (template available through NCHC)
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Meet With an Honors Navigator This Semester!
Sometimes you just want to talk to someone who’s been where you are and can offer meaningful insight. Whether you’re trying to find opportunities to earn points, exploring a new academic path, figuring out which classes you’ll enjoy, or simply looking to connect, our Honors Navigators are here for you. Navigators are current Honors students and alumni who are committed to helping you get the most out of your time at SF. They can answer your questions, point you toward opportunities, and share their own experiences in the Honors Program.
You can meet with a Navigator during their weekly office hours in International Student Services, located on the 3rd floor of the S Building.
Navigator Office Hours:
Monday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
CWC Support Group - Discovering Your True Authentic Self
The Counseling and Wellness Center is now recruiting students for a Fall support group focused on self-identity, mental health, and personal development. This support group offers a safe and affirming space to explore cultural, social, and personal identity. Through guided discussions, activities, and reflection, participants will build self-awareness and resilience alongside their peers.
Open to all enrolled SF students (Fall 2025)
Limited to 8 participants
Minors require a CWC consent form
Participation includes discussions, group exercises, and self-reflection
Group Title: Who Am I? My Developing Self-Identity – Discovering My True Authentic Self
Facilitators: Dr. Kalpana N. Swamy, PHD, LMHC & Alton Darling, Ed.S., RMHCI
Dates: Tuesdays – September 9, 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: CWC @ Northwest Campus (R-227)
Commitment: 8-week closed group (you must attend all sessions)
Sign-up Deadline: Wednesday, September 3rd
Email Alton Darling at alton.darling@sfcollege.edu to register!