The Honors Compass: Navigating Opportunities and Connections
Get involved, make an impact, and earn points
This week’s Compass is packed with chances to move your academic, career, and personal goals forward—transfer planning with UF advisors, one-on-one support from Navigators, global lectures and film, arts and culture, service projects, internships, and even on-campus jobs. Not only do many of these opportunities help you earn Honors Points, but they also help you build résumé-ready experience, expand your horizons, and connect with your community. So make the most of what’s ahead, and choose at least one opportunity this week to push yourself forward and stay connected.
In this edition:
Meet with a UF Transfer Advisor This Fall
Info Session: Florida Gubernatorial fellowship
Careers In The Foreign Service: Conversation With AMB. Dennis Hays
From Founder to Funder with Melissa Medina
Kedi: A Global Film Night
Archaeological Lecture Sponsored By Gainesville AIA
Populism and the Durability of the Liberal Order in Eastern Europe: EU and NATO Enlargement Reconsidered
Observe The Moon Event
Public Observing Nights
Museum Studies Club Officer Positions Available
Calculator And Math Skills Workshop
Shipwrecked!
Hiromi’s Sonicwonder
Art After Dark | Museum Nights: Celebrating Indigenous People’s Week
Meet The President
UF Harn Museum of Art Internship & Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteer with PEAK Literacy
ECS 4 Kids Volunteer Opportunity
Medi-Gators Shadowing Program
Connect with Your Future at the Career Fair
Network and Find Service Opportunities at the UF Volunteer Fair
UF JOB Opportunity: Part-Time O’Connell Center Crew Member - OPS or Student Assistant
On Campus Employment
Honors News and Updates
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!
Connect with a Navigator this Semester
Sometimes, you want to talk to someone who’s been where you are and can offer some insight. Whether you’re trying to find opportunities to earn points, are considering a new academic path, want to figure out which classes you’ll enjoy, or just want a chance to connect, our Navigators are here for you! Our Navigators are Honors Students and alumni who are committed to helping you figure out how to get the most out of your time at SF. And, starting this semester, we have an all-new spot for connecting with Navigators—the International Center on the third floor of S building—so it’ll be easier than ever to get insight and support.
Navigator Office Hours
Monday: 1pm - 3pm
Tuesday: 1pm - 4pm
Wednesday: 1pm - 3pm
Thursday: 2pm - 4pm
Academic Opportunities
Info Session: Florida Gubernatorial fellowship
30 points for completion of Program
Unlock your future in public service through the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows program. Gain hands-on government experience and leadership skills while engaging with top leaders. Attend this in-person info session to learn about the application process.
The Florida Gubernatorial Fellows program offers undergrads, grad students and recent grads a chance to gain hands-on experience in state government. Over nine months in Tallahassee, Fellows work in key government areas, receiving on-the-job training and engaging with top leaders. Fellows also enjoy hourly pay, a tuition waiver, and all-expense-paid policy trips to Washington, DC.
This non-partisan program immerses students from public and private universities in key areas of state government. During their nine-month tenure in Tallahassee, Fellows receive advanced on-the-job training as well as an invaluable front-line view of the inner workings of government.
As Fellows, participants fulfill roles of critical responsibility, interact closely with the state’s top leaders and employ their skills and abilities in a highly rewarding environment.
The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026
Careers In The Foreign Service: Conversation With AMB. Dennis Hays
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Interested in a career that takes you beyond borders?
Join The Bob Graham Center on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 2–3 pm in Pugh Hall for a conversation with the Hon. Dennis K. Hays, former U.S. ambassador to Suriname and a 1976 UF graduate. Ambassador Hays also earned his MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and brings decades of foreign service experience to share.
Students from all majors are invited to attend — whether you’re studying business, engineering, political science, journalism, or any other field. You’ll hear about internships, fellowships, graduate programs, and career paths that can help you internationalize your degree and prepare for global opportunities.
International Studies majors will gain an inside look at the ambassadorial career path, while all students will come away with new ideas for building global skills into their professional journey.
Light refreshments are provided for those who register in advance.
2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Pugh Hall, O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd floor
From Founder to Funder with Melissa Medina
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Hear from keynote speaker Melissa Medina as part of UF Innovate | Tech Licensing’s annual Standing InnOvation event.
In the keynote session, “From Founder to Funder,” Melissa, the co-founder, CEO, and president of eMerge Americas, will share her experience in shaping South Florida’s tech ecosystem as an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, as well as provide insights to inspire your own journey.
Location: Santa Fe College Charles L. Blount Center
Wednesday, October 29
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Kedi: A Global Film Night
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Please join the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at our International Studies Major Movie Night featuring the movie Kedi (2016) on Tuesday, October 14 from 5-7 pm in the Pugh Hall Ocora.
October 14
5:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Pugh Hall Ocora
Archaeological Lecture Sponsored By Gainesville AIA
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
The Missing Link: A Wari-Related Burial in Huanchaco, North Coast of Peru
Lecturer: Dr. Gabriel Prieto
Despite more than 100 years of archaeological research on the North Coast of Peru, very little is known about the transition from the so-called Moche society into the Chimu empire.
This timeframe, CIRCA A.D. 850-1000/1050, is poorly understood not only in the North Coast of Peru, but more broadly all over the Central Andean Region. Current models explain this period of time as a moment of political, economic, and militaristic control of the Wari Society.
This southern highland group has expanded as a well-organized state-like formation. Indeed, some scholars suggest that it may be the first Andean empire, and current models also suggest alternative scenarios. The recent burial in Huanchaco provides insight into the behavior of lower elites following the collapse of the Moche society and its transition into the Chimu Empire, highlighting the persistence of religious and artistic traditions from earlier times, as well as the innovations introduced from the highlands to the coast.
Free and open to the public.
Doors open at 5 PM, with light refreshments served / Lecture begins at 5:30 PM.
October 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
University of Florida, Fine Arts Building “B”
400 SW 13th Street
Gainesville, FL 32601 United States
Populism and the Durability of the Liberal Order in Eastern Europe: EU and NATO Enlargement Reconsidered
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Featuring Dr. Hillary Appel, Podlich Family Professor of Government and George R. Roberts Fellow at Claremont McKenna College
Eastern Europe provided some of the most encouraging, early cases of political and economic liberalization. However, their illiberal backtracking and rise of populist leaders in the last decade raise the question of whether after the Cold War their specific paths to joining the liberal order—which included strict membership conditionality in key institutions, the loss of policymaking autonomy in the 1990s, and the creation of dependent market economies—may later have contributed to the subsequent rise of Euroskepticism and illiberalism. In this talk, Hilary Appel will discuss whether these illiberal trends reflect a broader global phenomenon of populist resurgence and democratic decline or was there something distinctive about their paths from communism and into multilateral institutions that accounts for their trajectory.
Observe The Moon Event
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Join the UF Department of Astronomy and Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center for a second year as we come together to learn about and observe the Moon! This event features many high end telescopes pointed at the moon, along with a guest lecture by a UF Geologist, food trucks, and other educational activities. The event itself is free, with a 5$ parking fee per car (attendees are encouraged to carpool.)
This event will be hosted from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM on the evening of Saturday the 4th of October. The event is open to both the public, and UF faculty and students. Attendees of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Additional Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center information can be found at their page here
This event is under the nasa program for international observe the moon night and is registered as such.
Public Observing Nights
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
The Department of Astronomy operates an on-campus Teaching Observatory for educational and public programs. These events are all free to the public. The observatory is open 8:30PM — 10:00PM on Friday evenings when UF classes are in session in the fall and spring semesters (closed during the summer) and for special events. As their visitor, you get the chance to observe the Moon, planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae and other astronomical objects through our 8-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch Cassegrain telescopes, and our historic 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor telescope. Get updated with the latest astronomical news and ask your own questions!
8:30pm - 10:00pm EDT
UF Campus Teaching Observatory
Museum Studies Club Officer Positions Available
Earn 10 Honors points for holding an officer position for 12 weeks or more
Are you fascinated by museums, exhibits, and cultural history? A new Museum Studies Club is forming at Santa Fe, and Honors students are invited to get involved! The club plans to host museum trips, share presentations on past exhibits, and build a community of curious learners.
Officer positions are open, including Community Outreach Officer and Senator.
If you’re interested, contact Theo Dora Hamilton (Anthropology major, aspiring Museum Studies graduate student) at 34015542@sfcollege.edu to learn more.
Cultural and Community Events
Shipwrecked!
5 Honors Points for Attendance
Ever longed for adventure? Has the horizon beckoned you to chase its promise of excitement and danger? Then join us this October as Santa Fe College presents Shipwrecked! The Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told By Himself), An Entertainment. Five actors portray numerous roles (including a hero dog) as they bring to life the fantastic true story of a ship lost at sea, flying wombats, and buried treasure, as told by the man who lived through it all.
Date: Friday, October 10 & Saturday, October 11, 2025
Show time: 7:30 PM
Location: Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL
Ticket Pricing:
The tickets are FREE for SF students.
Hiromi’s Sonicwonder
5 Honors Points For Attendance
Catch this high-energy jazz fusion quartet in action! Led by the Grammy®-winning pianist, composer, and synth master, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder mixes polished compositions with spontaneous creativity to keep you on the edge of your seat. With influences ranging from classical progressive rock and a sound that calls to mind the legendary Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, Hiromi puts musical experimentation and passion center stage.
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Show time: 7:30 PM
Location: Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611
Ticket Pricing:
General Admission: $40 - $60
UF/SF Students: $12
ART AFTER DARK | MUSEUM NIGHTS: CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S WEEK
5 Honors Points For Attendance
In connection with the City of Gainesville’s recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Week, the Harn Museum of Art is proud to partner with Indigenous and Native collaborators from across the city and campus for a special evening of programming.
Join us for:
Hands-on art activities
Artist demonstrations by local artists Mario Mutis and Sylvestre Reyes
A beading workshop with artist Yona Ovdyenko of Bears’ Beadwork
A dance demonstration by powwow performers Duane Whitehorse, Maria Whitehorse-Izzary, and Terell Anquoe, honoring storytelling through movement and music
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Road Gainesville, FL 32608
Admission:
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Volunteer and Service Opportunities
Meet The President
5 Honors Points for attendance
SF’s President, Dr. Paul Broadie
This coming Monday, we have an unprecedented opportunity for you to share your perspective and represent your fellow Honors students. On Monday, October 6, at 11AM, Dr. Broadie—SF’s President—wants to talk with you about your experience at SF and in the Honors Program. Our “Coffee Chat” will take place in the S-Building Dining Room (S-329) from 11 am to 12 pm on Monday, October 6. If you are interested, please RSVP below to let us know, but feel free to stop by as well. Refreshments will be provided!
UF Harn Museum of Art Internship & Volunteer Opportunity
30 Honors Points per semester of employment
Looking for a way to grow your résumé, earn Honors Points, and gain real-world skills? The Harn Museum of Art is offering two opportunities for students this semester:
Paid Internship – Work on a focused project alongside museum staff in areas such as education, curatorial, marketing, and more. This internship is a great way to gain professional experience while contributing to meaningful work in the arts. Application deadline: October 17.
MUSE Volunteer Program – Take on a semester-long leadership role by creating and leading interactive programs, building skills in communication and teamwork, and engaging directly with museum visitors.
These opportunities are excellent for students interested in careers in the arts, education, marketing, or public engagement—and they stand out on transfer applications and job searches.
For details on how to apply, contact Ana Gamboa (agamboa@harn.ufl.edu) or Errol Nelson (enelson@harn.ufl.edu).
Volunteer with PEAK Literacy
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, reach out to Leah Galione to learn about a one-of-a-kind opportunity from 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.
Please get in touch with Leah Galione for more info at leah@peakliteracy.org
ECS 4 Kids Volunteer Opportunity
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.
Pre-Professional Opportunities
Medi-Gators Shadowing Program
30 points for completion of Program
Late registration for the 16th semester of the Medi-Gators Virtual Shadowing Program is available!The Fall 2025 Virtual Shadowing Program is a 7-week program where students have the opportunity to meet and hear from over 40 healthcare professionals. You can participate remotely through live video presentations and at your own time through recorded online presentations All presentations are held in a Canvas course for easy access to all students. Even if you have participated in our program before, you are encouraged to join again, as every semester, there are new speakers from diverse specialties!
This program allows students to find their own path within healthcare and learn more about the different opportunities healthcare has to offer! By reaching out to healthcare professionals at the end of their presentation, Virtual Shadowing can lead students to other opportunities including in-person shadowing, mentorship, research, etc.
Late registration will close Sunday, October 12th at 11:59PM EST
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to medifutures@outlook.com or medigators@health.ufl.edu!
Location: Reitz Union Grand Ballroom
Connect with Your Future at the Career Fair
5 Honors Points For Attendance
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. Santa Fe College will host a regional career fair at Blount Hall in downtown Gainesville. More than 40 regional employers are going to be present. A wide range of fields will be represented from healthcare to various business fields as well as hospitality and non-profit organizations. This is a great opportunity to network and explore the job market.
The career fair is free, and free parking is available.
Location: 530 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Date: October 8, 2025, from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m.
Network and Find Service Opportunities at the UF Volunteer Fair
5 Honors Points For Attendance
Ready to build character, sharpen your skills, and make a real impact in your community?
Take the next step—join us at the Reitz Union tabling area on Tuesday, October 7th from 11 AM to 2 PM for the Volunteer Fair!
Meet passionate University of Florida community partners who are actively recruiting volunteers and interns. Discover organizations aligned with causes you care about, and take action by signing up to serve, learn, and grow.
Whether you’re looking to boost your resume, strengthen grad school applications, or simply give back, this is your chance to make a difference.
Stop by the check-in table and start your journey of service and skill-building. We’ll see you there!
Location: Reitz Union Tabling Area
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time:11am - 2pm
UF JOB Opportunity: Part-Time O’Connell Center Crew Member - OPS or Student Assistant
30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
Job Description
The O’Connell Center offers a dynamic work environment with flexible scheduling, allowing crew members to self-select shifts before, during, or after events. Work is divided into three main areas:
Event Staff: Enforcing policies, assisting patrons, scanning tickets, and maintaining a positive atmosphere.
Changeover: Setting up, breaking down, and cleaning during events.
Technical: Supporting stage, electrical, and audio operations.
Training is provided, so no prior experience is required. Crew members must be available on weeknights, weekends, especially for fall football games and spring commencements. Additional requirements are listed on the O’Connell Center’s employment website.
Requirements
We are currently looking for individuals who are able to start working and work a minimum of 12 shifts spread across the following dates: November 19th - November 21st, November 29th, December 5th - December 7th, December 12th - December 17th, December 21st, December 28th, December 29th, January 4th, January 8th, January 9th, January 10th, and January 12th.
Please note this is NOT a seasonal position.
This position is open to anyone who wants part time employment in an exciting environment. (Note: UF Students are welcome to apply but must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average and will work up to 20 hours per week.)
On top of the hiring requirement mentioned above, you will also be required to work the following during your time with the O’Connell Center:
- A minimum of 25 hours per month during the fall and spring semesters
- 1 Holiday shift per semester
- 1 Fall commencement shift, 2 Spring commencement shifts
Location:
On Campus Employment Opportunities
Educational Aide, Student Engagement Center
30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
Job Description
The Student Engagement Center promotes involvement and development of individual students and student-run organizations. Hours for educational aides will be selected primarily from the hours of 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday with occasional evening or weekend hours potentially made available as needed
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.
Location: Northwest Campus, Building S - Gainesville, FL
Nursing Programs
30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
Educational Aide, Student Lab Assistant
Job Description
Responsibilities and Duties Include:
Provides support in the Nursing laboratories to include preparing and deconstructing labs and maintaining a clean and safe lab experience.
Provides a professional, helpful, and welcoming atmosphere by greeting, responding to, and directing students and staff in-person and over the phone.
Strictly honors the privacy and security of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal and college regulations, policies, and procedures.
Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student, in good academic standing with professor recommendation, taking six (6) or more credit hours.
Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted. The successful applicant must maintain and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter designated to tutor. Must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
Preferred: Tutoring experience is preferred.
Location: Northwest Campus, Building W - Gainesville, FL