The Honors Compass: Highlighting Classes and Involvements
Get involved, make an impact, and earn points
In this edition:
Spotlight on Honors Classes
Spring 2026 registration requests now open
Meet with a Navigator
Meet with a UF Transfer Advisor This Fall
Intro to Museum Studies & Practice (Hybrid) + Internship
Take Honors Statistics This Spring!
Pie & Preparation Workshop
Florida Ancient Philosophy Workshop: Plato’s Republic
French author Lola Lafon presents her book: When You Listen to This Song
International Education Week 2025
UF Transfer Advising - Public Health & Health Professions
UF Transfer Advising - Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Sustainability
UF Transfer Advising - UF Online
P.A.’s and Pies
Student Photo Exhibit: UF in Istanbul
Gainesville International Folk Dance
Songs of the Season
Free Timed 5k with Parkrun
Alachua County 2025 Climate Festival
Swamp Chomp: A Benefit for Girls Place
SPARC Volunteers at Ronald McDonald House – Thanksgiving Eve
Santa Fe Service Field Trips
ECS 4 Kids Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteer with Florida 4-H
Volunteer with Alachua County Environmental Protection!
Volunteer with Alachua County Animal Resources!
Mechanical Engineering Internship
Civil Engineering Internship
Educational Aide, Fitness Center
Educational Aide, Learning Commons STEM Tutor
Educational Aide, Learning Commons Humanities, Languages, and Writing Tutor
Educational Aide, Learning Commons Peer Academic Success Coach
Honors News and Updates
Spotlight on Honors Classes
What does it mean for a class to be Honors? What are you signing up for when you select the Honors version of a class? From now until the beginning of Fall, we’re going to highlight some of the classes you can sign up for, to give you an idea of what to expect. This week, we’re kicking things off with Honors Social Psychology.
Honors Statistics
Course Number: STA2023, Section 0H1
Department: Mathematics
Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday , 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Course Description: In this course, students will utilize descriptive and inferential statistical methods in contextual situations, using technology as appropriate. The course is designed to increase problem-solving abilities and data interpretation through practical applications of statistical concepts. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines and programs. Topics include: measures of central tendency and dispersion; probability and probability distributions; linear regression (and inference for regression); and statistical inference.
How It Differs: This course will be offered with a reduced class size (max of 15) where you will gain a deeper understanding of the material (and cover additional topics). You will develop your teaching, research, and presentation skills while making your resumé stand out with an honors math class.
Why This Class: Statistics is used to make sense of real-world phenomena and, due to the increase of data, has applications in virtually every discipline. You will always be able to answer the question: “when am I ever going to need this?”
Kelly Almaguer has a Bachelor and Masters of Arts in Mathematics where she completed 3 graduate level courses in Statistics. This ignited her passion for statistics and has since taught the subject the last 10 years in various high schools and colleges.
Introduction to Museum Studies & Practice
Enrollment open to Honors and non-Honors students. Honors option available in-class. Register via eSantaFe!
Course Number: ISS2371, Section 001
Department: Electives
Schedule: Tuesday, 8:30 - 9:45am
Spring 2026 Honors Registration Requests Open
Starting November 8, Honors students began building their schedules for the coming spring semester. Start planning for next term by viewing the Spring 2026 Honors Course Catalog.
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.
Plan Your Spring Schedule
Are you trying to figure out which classes would be the best fit for this spring, summer, or beyond? The best way to set up a plan for success is to meet with your advisor in the Academic Advisement Center. Log into eSantaFe now to find your advisor and set up a time to meet.
If you are planning to transfer to UF in the future, now is also an excellent time to plan on meeting with an advisor from your intended program. Contact the UF@SF Center for information on when UF advisors will be visiting to meet with prospective transfer students.
Right Now: Check for Account 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.
Register for your non-Honors classes
As a member of the Honors Program, you have access to advanced registration, meaning that you’re among the first students who can pick their classes and lock in your schedule. Starting on November 6, you can log into eSantaFe and register for any of your non-Honors Classes.
Meet with a Navigator
Do you have questions about being successful in the Honors Program? Do you want to plan out how you’ll earn your points and graduate with Honors? Do you want some insight into how to get the most out of your time at SF? Honors Navigators are leaders in the Honors Program who are here to support you. Come drop in during office hours to connect with a Navigator, talk about Honors, and stay successful!
Do you need to meet virtually with a Navigator? Starting now, you can join Navigator office hours virtually. Just click the link below during their office hours and a Navigator will be able to help through video chat on Teams.
Meet with a UF Transfer Advisor This Fall
Throughout the Fall semester, UF transfer advisors will be available to meet with SF students to discuss prerequisites, academic planning, and applying for transfer. Meetings are drop-in only, and some advisors are planning to come on multiple dates. If you’re thinking about applying to UF, look below for the schedule of meetings and plan ahead so you can be there!
Academic Opportunities
Intro to Museum Studies & Practice (Hybrid) + Internship
Earn 30 Honors Points For Satisfactory Completion Of The Course
Take Honors Statistics This Spring!
Earn 30 Honors Points For Satisfactory Completion Of The Course
Honors Statistics will be offered in Spring 2026 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00–2:15 PM. Eligible students must have earned a B or higher in ENC1101 and in MGF1131, MAT1033, or a higher-level math course.
This honors section offers a smaller class size, a deeper understanding of statistical concepts, opportunities to develop teaching and presentation skills, and a strong addition to your transfer application through an honors-level math class.
To enroll or learn more, contact Professor Kelly Almaguer at kelly.almaguer@sfcollege.edu, visit her office in B-007B, or call (352) 395-5157.
Pie & Preparation Workshop
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Don’t let stressful holiday conversations get the best of you this season! Join ICDP and the Civic Engagement Team at Santa Fe College for the Pie & Preparation Workshop on November 20 at 1:30 PM in S-029. Learn strategies to prepare for and engage with family members during difficult conversations. Pie and drinks will be served. All students and faculty are welcome, bring a friend!
Florida Ancient Philosophy Workshop: Plato’s Republic
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
The Florida Ancient Philosophy Workshop invites you to a two-day exploration of Plato’s Republic, held in the Philosophy Department Library. This event brings together distinguished scholars from institutions such as Bilkent University, Georgetown, USC, and the University of Florida to discuss foundational questions regarding justice, the structure of the soul, and the “City of Pigs.”
Supported by the Philosophy and Classics Departments, the Hamilton School, and the Center for Humanities and the Public Sphere, this workshop offers a rigorous look at one of philosophy’s most enduring texts through a series of lectures and discussions ranging from “The Logic of the City of Pigs” to “The Ability to Unify the Soul.”
Date: Saturday, November 15 – Sunday, November 16, 2025
Time:
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Griffin-Floyd 303 (Philosophy Department Library), University of Florida
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission
French author Lola Lafon presents her book: When You Listen to This Song
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Join The Lynx and Villa Albertine for a special event featuring prizewinning French author Lola Lafon. She will discuss her book When You Listen to This Song in conversation with UF Professor of French Dr. Sylvie Blum-Reid. The book offers a quietly powerful exploration of memory, recounting Lafon’s unique experience spending a night alone in the Anne Frank Annex. Together, they will explore themes of loss, the myth of Anne Frank, and the act of writing in the face of danger. (Note: The conversation will be held in English).
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM EST
Location: The Lynx Bookstore, 601 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32610
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission
International Education Week 2025
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Enter your global future! Join the UF International Center for International Education Week, a call for Gator students, faculty, staff, and alumni to explore, connect, and lead in our increasingly interconnected world. This week serves as an affirmation of UF’s ongoing commitment to international learning, research, and cultural exchange.
As global challenges evolve, this week reminds us to foster new ideas and collaborations that reach across borders. UFIC warmly invites all campus communities to participate, whether by hosting events or sharing your international achievements.
Date: Monday, November 17 – Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM, Nov 17 – 5:00 PM, Nov 21 EST
Location: Campus-Wide Events
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (Multiple events, see full schedule)
UF Transfer Advising - Public Health & Health Professions
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Organized by the UF at SF Center, this advising session is dedicated to students interested in transferring into Public Health and Health Professions programs at the University of Florida. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with advisors, ask questions about admission requirements, and get guidance on the transfer process.
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Building HA, Room 132 (UF at SF Center)
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (For more info, call 352-381-7136)
UF Transfer Advising - Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Sustainability
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Organized by the UF at SF Center, this session provides essential advising for students looking to transfer into the College of Design, Construction and Planning. If you are interested in Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, or Sustainability, this is your chance to speak directly with advisors about transfer requirements and the application process.
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Building HA, Room 132 (UF at SF Center)
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (For questions, call 352-381-7136)
UF Transfer Advising - UF Online
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Organized by the UF at SF Center, this advising session is designed for students interested in transferring into the University of Florida’s online degree programs. Whether you are looking for flexibility in your education or specific online majors, this is the perfect opportunity to speak directly with advisors about transfer requirements, the application process, and the benefits of UF Online.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Building HA, Room 132 (UF at SF Center)
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (For questions, call 352-381-7136)
P.A.’s and Pies
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Join SPARC for P.A.’s and Pies on Nov. 19, 2025, 6–7 PM, W-206!
Meet a Surgical Intestinal ICU Physician Assistant, ask questions, and enjoy Thanksgiving desserts.
Earn 5 Honors Points – just make sure to take a photo at the event and submit it under “Attend an Event” with your reflection.
Cultural and Community Events
Student Photo Exhibit: UF in Istanbul
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
The students’ photos capture everyday moments that define the city—from cats napping in bookstores and ferries packed with commuters to political graffiti and peaceful seaside sunsets. The exhibit highlights the contradictions that make Istanbul unique: ancient and modern, chaotic and calm, deeply traditional yet constantly changing. From 12:30 to 1:30 pm, enjoy a light lunch and hear directly from the student artists about their photos and experiences studying, living, and learning in Turkey.
Date: November 17th, 2025 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Pugh Hall Ocora
RSVP: For lunch
Songs of the Season
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending This Event
Get into the holiday spirit early as the Santa Fe Singers, joined by special guests from the Gainesville Youth Chorus, present “Songs of the Season”. The Chorus’s Concert Choir and Concertina Choir, featuring young vocalists aged seven to 17, will perform both individually and in collaboration with the Santa Fe Singers, adding an extra layer of harmony to the evening.
Date: Friday, November 14th
Time: 7:30pm
Location: 3000 NW 83 St Gainesville, Fl
Ticket Pricing:
Free for Santa Fe students!
Additional ticket prices range from $10-$20
Free Timed 5k with Parkrun
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending This Event
This free, weekly, timed 5K at Depot Park is entirely run by volunteers. Register via parkrun ahead of time.
Date: Saturday, November 22nd
Time: 7:30am
Location: Depot Park
Alachua County 2025 Climate Festival
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending This Event
Celebrate planning for the future, protecting natural resources, and promoting community resilience at the Alachua County Climate Festival. The free, public event will feature activities and information on local sustainability and environmental initiatives. It encourages collaboration, education and action to strengthen Alachua County’s response to climate challenges and foster a more sustainable, resilient community for future generations
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: UF/IFAS Extension Office, 22712 W Newberry Rd Newberry, FL 32669
Swamp Chomp: A Benefit for Girls Place
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending This Event
Swamp Chomp returns for an evening of enjoyment and community at its tailgate-style celebration benefiting Girls Place. The event will feature local food, beverages, and live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Guests can compete in outdoor games such as cornhole, or unwind by the fire while connecting with friends and neighbors. Open to longtime supporters and newcomers alike, Swamp Chomp offers a chance to enjoy Gainesville’s spirited atmosphere while supporting programs that empower local girls to grow strong, confident, and self-sufficient. Ticket includes dinner, 2 drinks, entertainment, and fun!
Date: Saturday, November 22nd
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: The Barn at Deep Creek, 3910 NE 156th Ave Gainesville, Fl 32609
Ticket Pricing: $75
Volunteer and Service Opportunities
SPARC Volunteers at Ronald McDonald House – Thanksgiving Eve
Earn 1 Honors Point per hour of volunteer service
Spend your Thanksgiving Eve spreading kindness! SPARC will be delivering “Sweets & Treats” to brighten the day of families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
This volunteer opportunity is open to all students—bring joy, smiles, and a little celebration to families who need it most.
Santa Fe Service Field Trips
Earn 1 Honors Point per hour of volunteer service
There are many service field trips coming up! Use the button below to sign up!
Campus Litter Clean-up
(November 20th, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m)
Join as they help clean up our campus!
ECS 4 Kids Volunteer Opportunity
Earn 30 Honors Points for Program Participation
ECS offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs for pregnant mothers and children from birth to age five. We deeply value our volunteers and interns, recognizing their important role in supporting children’s development. By working closely with our dedicated staff, they help enrich the quality of life for families in our programs.
Volunteer with Florida 4-H
Earn 1 Honors Point per hour of volunteer service
Florida 4-H is a youth development program that empowers young people through hands-on learning and mentorship. Volunteers play a key role by guiding and supporting 4-H youth, coordinating local clubs, and helping plan and run community events. Through caring relationships and experiential activities, volunteers help youth build confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Training and background screenings are required in accordance with Florida State Law.
Volunteer with Alachua County Animal Resources!
Earn 1 Honors Point per hour of volunteer service
Help support the care, rescue, and adoption of animals in our community at the Alachua County Animal Resources shelter (3400 NE 53rd Ave, Gainesville). Volunteers can assist with animal care, events, transport, enrichment activities like “Doggy Day Out,” and more. Orientation and training are required; long pants and closed-toe shoes must be worn.
Pre-Professional Opportunities
Mechanical Engineering Internship – Winter 2025 / Spring 2026
Earn 30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
Looking to gain hands-on engineering experience before transferring or graduating? WSP USA, a global leader in engineering and environmental consulting, is offering a Mechanical Engineering Internship in Gainesville for Winter 2025/Spring 2026.
This internship is ideal for undergraduate engineering students seeking real-world experience in mechanical systems design, project planning, and environmental sustainability. Interns will collaborate directly with professional engineers, participate in design and analysis projects, and develop the technical and ethical decision-making skills essential to the field.
Qualifications:
Enrolled in a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or related) undergraduate program
Anticipated graduation of May 2026 or later
18 years or older and authorized to work in the U.S.
Strong communication, organization, and technical skills
Responsibilities include:
Supporting engineering design and analysis tasks
Assisting with project research, documentation, and cost estimates
Applying engineering ethics and sustainability principles in real projects
This is a paid, full-time temporary internship—a great opportunity to network, strengthen your résumé, and gain industry-recognized experience early in your academic career.
Civil Engineering Internship
30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
Engineering students seeking hands-on experience in civil design and project development—this opportunity is for you! Kimley-Horn, one of the nation’s top-ranked engineering and design consulting firms, is offering a Civil Engineering Internship at their Gainesville, FL office.
Interns will gain experience across multiple aspects of civil engineering, contributing to real projects that shape the future built environment. You’ll work closely with professional engineers, solve technical challenges, and practice the processes that bring infrastructure to life—from design through permitting and analysis.
Qualifications:
Students pursuing an ABET-accredited degree in:
Civil or Environmental Engineering
Mechanical, Electrical, Biological, Chemical, Agricultural Engineering
Engineering Technology
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Responsibilities include:
Use industry-leading software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, and more to support project design and deliverables
Assist with civil engineering planning, modifications, and permitting for projects of varying scales
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and project managers to deliver client goals
Learn and apply federal, state, and local standards in engineering practice
On Campus Employment Opportunities
Educational Aide, Fitness Center
Earn 30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
Santa Fe College is proud to offer wellness services and programs at the SF Fitness Center to all of the campus community, including students, faculty, and staff. The Fitness Center has an array of equipment and services suitable for everyone, ranging from the experienced athlete to those just exploring their fitness options and is open 6:30am-8:30pm, Monday-Friday.
The student employee will assist and provide front desk support to staff and visitors at the Fitness Center on the Northwest campus.
Standard shift coverage will occur during morning hours. Some flexibility in scheduling is desired to assist with department and facility needs. Must be enrolled in classes for Spring 2026 to apply.
Start Date: January 5th, 2026
QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student, in good academic standing, taking six (6) or more credit hours.
Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted. Must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
Educational Aide, Learning Commons STEM Tutor
Earn 30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
As a Peer Tutor, you will support active learning by providing one-on-one tutoring in STEM subjects both in person and online at the NW Learning Commons in the RISE Center and Library, and at College Centers. You may also represent the Learning Commons at campus events, help connect students to other academic resources, and offer valuable feedback to improve services from a student-centered perspective. Peer tutors serve as role models and mentors, fostering a collaborative learning environment that empowers students to succeed. This position is ideal for students who are passionate about helping others, excited about their studies, and enjoy working in a relaxed, academic environment.
The disciplines/areas that this tutor might serve are Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Physics, Mathematics (MAC1105 through MAC2313 & MAP2302), Anatomy & Physiology, Nursing, or other relevant STEM courses.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Must be a currently enrolled SF student, in good academic and behavioral standing, and taking six (6) or more credit hours for each semester of hire.
Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted. Must meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:
Have earned a grade of B or higher in the subject being tutored AND/OR documented experience equivalent to a grade of B or higher in the subject/content being tutored and/or
Written approval of a content and/or skilled instructor/faculty OR the endorsement of a tutor trainer AND/OR supervisor.*
Educational Aide, Learning Commons Humanities, Languages, and Writing Tutor
Earn 30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
As a Peer Tutor, you will support active learning by providing one-on-one tutoring in Humanities, Languages, and Writing subjects both in person and online at NW Learning Commons in the Library and at College Centers. You will also represent the Learning Commons at campus events, help connect students to other academic resources, and offer valuable feedback to improve services from a student-centered perspective. Peer tutors serve as role models and mentors, fostering a collaborative learning environment that empowers students to succeed. This position is ideal for students who are passionate about helping others, excited about their studies, and enjoy working in a relaxed, academic environment.
The disciplines/areas that this tutor might serve are Writing, ESOL, U.S. History and Government, French, Spanish, Chinese, American Sign Language, Public Speaking, or other areas within and/or related to Humanities, Languages, and Writing.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Must be a currently enrolled SF student, in good academic and behavioral standing, and taking six (6) or more credit hours for each semester of hire.
Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted. Must meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:
Have earned a grade of B or higher in the subject being tutored AND/OR documented experience equivalent to a grade of B or higher in the subject/content being tutored and/or
Written approval of a content and/or skilled instructor/faculty OR the endorsement of a tutor trainer AND/OR supervisor.
Educational Aide, Learning Commons Peer Academic Success Coach
Earn 30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
The Learning Commons is seeking driven, compassionate, and growth-oriented students for a part-time peer coaching position. The Academic Success Coaching Program serves SF students through online and in-person formats at all Santa Fe College’s locations across Alachua and Bradford counties. Peer Coaches build supportive relationships with students and help them manage academic challenges through coaching conversations, connecting them to college resources, and helping to cultivate skills around goal setting, time management, academic anxiety, resource utilization, and effective study habits. Peer coaching offers students a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on fellow students’ academic journeys while developing their own leadership, communication, and mentorship skills.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Must be a currently enrolled SF student, in good academic and behavioral standing, and taking six (6) or more credit hours for each semester of hire.
Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted.