The Honors Compass: Navigating Pathways to Growth and Connection
Get involved, make an impact, and earn points
This week’s Compass brings together opportunities that highlight how learning extends beyond the classroom, from celebrating achievements at the Honors & Global Education Awards to exploring new academic and cultural experiences across campus and the community. Whether you’re advancing your studies, gaining hands-on experience, or broadening your worldview, these events and programs are designed to help you grow, engage, and make your mark this semester.
In this edition:
Honors & Global Education Awards Ceremony November 20 at 5pm
Cookies and Conversation
Meet with a UF Transfer Advisor This Fall
Join Brain Bowl Academic Quiz Team
The Institute for Youth In Policy Fellowship
Florida Gubernatorial fellowship
LWV Fall Luncheon with Daniel A. Smith - RSVP To Attend
Forward To The Moon! Planetarium Showing
From Founder to Funder with Melissa Medina
Public Observing Nights
Pilobolus: Other Worlds
Kedi: A Global Film Night
Dracula: A Live Radio Play
Boo at the Zoo
Upcoming Fall Fest at Santa Fe Campuses
UF Harn Museum of Art Internship & Volunteer Opportunity
ECS 4 Kids Volunteer Opportunity
Prepare for Careers in Communication Fair
UF JOB Opportunity: Part-Time O’Connell Center Crew Member - OPS or Student Assistant
On Campus Employment
Honors News and Updates
Honors & Global Education Awards Ceremony November 20 at 5pm
Are you planning to receive your Honors credential this semester? I am excited to share that we will hold the inaugural Honors & Global Education Awards Ceremony on November 20th. Students who are graduating and have met the requirements to graduate with Honors will receive their Honors medallion and awards will be bestowed on to individual students, staff, and faculty for their contributions to the Honors and Global Education communities. If you expect to graduate this fall, please keep an eye on your SF email for more information about the event, regalia, and graduation.
Cookies and Conversation
5 Honors Points for attending event
Are you considering attending UF? Did you know that there are nearly 20 majors that give you a guaranteed transfer pathway? Join students and faculty from SF and UF to learn about programs and experiences at UF.
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
Join Brain Bowl Academic Quiz Team
30 points for completion of Program
Brain Bowl (Quiz Bowl) is a fast-paced buzzer-style competition in which teams of four students answer questions on academic topics, such as literature, humanities, science and math. The team practices regularly and travels to compete in tournaments against other colleges.
Brain Bowl is a great way to get involved on campus, make new friends and sharpen your academic skills.
For more information, contact:
Coach Asha Brunings, PhD
Office: Building W, Room W-054
Phone: 352-395-5636
Email: brain.bowl@sfcollege.edu
The Institute for Youth In Policy Fellowship
30 points for completion of Program
The fellowship program is a two-month development opportunity designed for young, emerging leaders who are passionate about learning how to engage with and develop public policy and create positive social, political, economic, and environmental change.
Throughout this program, fellows collaborate with their peers, YIP department executives, political and educational leaders, and community stakeholders to analyze and develop innovative solutions to current issues in a wide variety of mediums. Fellows will collaborate with their peers and mentors to gain a deeper understanding of the various sub-sectors related to their fields of focus while honing their project management, policy analysis, and development skills.
The fellowship empowers young leaders on their policy journey. Each session is crafted to be unique and impactful, giving fellows invaluable knowledge, skills, and experiences that will shape their future through workshops and discussions (often in collaboration with YIP’s other departments). Fellows will work on numerous fronts and focus on topics including social change, urban renewal, public policy reform, SMART infrastructure/technology initiatives, and education to create a brighter and more collaborative future for all.
Application due date for the Winter cohort of the 2026 Fellowship. Decisions will be released on January 7th.
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
LWV Fall Luncheon with Daniel A. Smith - RSVP To Attend
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Honors students are invited to attend a special Fall Luncheon featuring Dr. Daniel A. Smith, UF Political Science Professor, who will lead an engaging Q&A-style discussion on current political issues and civic engagement.
The League of Women Voters Club (nonpartisan) is funding attendance for 12 Honors students! (Male and Female)
This is a great opportunity to enjoy a catered lunch, connect with local leaders, and participate in thoughtful dialogue.
Space is limited — RSVP asap by emailing Linda Mussillo and joining the League at the link!
linda.mussillo@sfcollege.edu
Forward To The Moon! Planetarium Showing
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth towards a sustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st century Artemis program, named after the Greek moon Goddess and twin of Apollo, is the next step in our mission to explore the universe and land the first woman and person of color on the surface of the Moon.
Produced by Fiske Planetarium in collaboration with TEND Studio with funding from NASA SSERVI and Lockheed Martin.
Saturday, October 11, 2025. 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
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
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
Cultural and Community Events
Pilobolus: Other Worlds
5 Honors Points for Attendance
Witness the extraordinary! This Emmy-winning company returns to Gainesville, transforming the stage into a living canvas with powerful movement and athleticism. Pilobolus brings more than just dance—they push the limits of storytelling, earning them the title of an “irreplaceable dance treasure” by the Dance Heritage Coalition. This utterly unique, visually stunning, and deeply moving performance will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Show time: 7:30 PM
Location: Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611
Ticket Pricing:
General Admission: $40 - $60
UF Students: $12
Kedi: A Global Film Night
5 Honors Points For Attendance
Join us for Global Film Night! We’ll be screening Kedi, the visually stunning documentary that captures the heart of Istanbul through its most beloved storytellers: its cats. For thousands of years, hundreds of thousands of cats have roamed the metropolis, wandering in and out of people’s lives. Kedi paints a vivid portrait of Turkey’s vibrant cultural capital, revealing how ordinary interactions with animals become extraordinary insights into identity, belonging, and the rhythms of urban life. Snacks will be provided!
Date: Today, Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Pugh Hall Ocora
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (RSVP Requested)
Dracula: A Live Radio Play
5 Honors Points For Attendance
The UF Driveway Theatre Project proudly presents the legendary tale of Count Dracula, re-vamped as a live radio play! Adapted from the Bram Stoker novel and directed by Derek Wohlust, this 50-minute, PG-rated performance invites you to join the cast as they tell the tale of the most famous of all vampires.
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Matheson History Museum (Main Exhibit Hall), 513 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (Only a few left)
Volunteer and Service Opportunities
Boo at the Zoo
1 Honors Point per hour of volunteer service
Help out the Santa Fe Zoo and volunteer at the annual event on October 31st! The event runs from 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. They are asking for volunteers for shifts from 1:15 – 4:45 and 4:30 – 7:30. The volunteer positions they need filled are for greeters, a few tables like the voting table, line management, and floaters.
Please email Kara Sylvester (kara.sylvester@sfcollege.edu) for more information on how to volunteer at the event.
Upcoming Fall Fest at Santa Fe Campuses
10/21 - Blount Center 11 am - 1 pm
10/23 - Watson Center 11 am - 2 pm
10/29 - Davis Center 11 am - 1 pm
10/30 - Andrews Center 10 am - 1 pm
10/30 - NW Campus Oak Grove 10 am - 2 pm
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).
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
Prepare for Careers in Communication Fair
What is the Careers in Communication Fair? It’s a place to meet top employers in advertising, journalism, public relations, media production, and more—all looking for talented students like you!
Join us for a virtual workshop designed to help you:
Research employers ahead of time
Craft a memorable introduction
Prepare for meaningful conversations at the fair – hear directly from employers and ask questions like:
“What should we talk about?”
“How can I engage with your company?
Location: Zoom
Date: Tuesday, October 14 Time: 1:00–2:00 PM EST
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: O’Connell Center
On Campus Employment Opportunities
Educational Aide, Planetarium Console Operator
30 points per semester (minimum 15 hours per week)
Job Description
The Natural Sciences Department in the Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences is seeking a person to assist in the operation of the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. The Kika Silva Pla Planetarium serves college and public-school students, special groups and the general public.
The Planetarium is seeking a SF student with an active interest in Astronomy to assist with the operation of the Planetarium. A strong interest in astronomy, excellent communication skills and eagerness to learn. Training will be provided. Anyone who loves science, enjoys working with the public and seeks to share in the joy of learning should apply!
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.
Preferred: Successful completion or current enrollment in AST 1002
Location: Northwest Campus - 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