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:
Get Ready for Spring 2026 Registration
Honors & Global Education Awards Ceremony November 20 at 5pm
Cookies and Conversation
Meet with a UF Transfer Advisor This Fall
2026 Future of Florida Summit on Growth and Development
Speaker Event: The League of Women Voters Presents — Misinformation & Disinformation
University of Florida: Transfer Into Research Meet and Greet
Tove Jansson, the Moomins, and the Legacy of Imagination
The School of Music presents: Gator Horn Choir
Lunchtime Symposium: Exhibiting the Arctic
Center For Governmental Responsibility Lunch And Learn Workshop
Walter O. Weyrauch Distinguished Lecture In Family Law
Climate Skills Workshop
True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen
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
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
UF JOB Opportunity: Part-Time O’Connell Center Crew Member - OPS or Student Assistant
On Campus Employment
Honors News and Updates
Get Ready for Spring 2026 Registration
It may be hard to believe, but Fall is already halfway over and that means it’s time to start planning for spring. You can’t get registered quite yet, but all the pieces are in place for building a solid schedule for the coming term. Take the steps below to get ready for advanced registration and selecting your classes!
Check eSantaFe for Registration 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.
Come Up with a Plan for Spring Classes
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.
Advanced Registration Begins November 5
Once you’ve got your plan together, you are in good shape to register for spring classes. As a member of the Honors Program you are among the first students who can get registered through eSantaFe. On November 5, you’ll be able to register for all of your non-Honors courses.
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
5 Honors Points for joining, 10 points per academic competition
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
2026 Future of Florida Summit on Growth and Development
30 points for completion of Program
Applications are now open for the 2026 Future of Florida Summit, Designing Tomorrow: Florida’s Growth and Development. Students from all majors and universities are invited to apply and we urge our Honors students to apply. The Summit takes place Jan 30–Feb. 1 at UF, and offers hands-on leadership experience, expert engagement, and statewide networking. Participants will collaborate in teams to craft and present innovative policy solutions addressing Florida’s most pressing growth and sustainability challenges.
This year’s event, “Designing Tomorrow: Florida’s Growth & Development” will take place from January 30 – February 1, 20216 in Gainesville, FL with a virtual policy preparation workshop on Sunday, January 25. The FOF Summit brings together students from across Florida to collaborate on innovative, student-led policy proposals on a chosen topic. Participants will connect with student leaders from universities throughout the state and have the chance to network with professionals and peers.
The FOF Summit experience is designed to foster education, growth, and professional development, empowering students to strengthen their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to Florida’s future. For the 2026 FOF Summit, the participants will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping Florida’s development through four key lenses: culture, economic development, public health, and the environment.
Lodging will be provided for any students outside of Alachua County, and meals will be provided for all participants during the duration of the Summit. For more information and the 2026 FOF Summit application, please visit the website link provided.
Apply before Oct 31.
Speaker Event: The League of Women Voters Presents — Misinformation & Disinformation
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event - All Students Welcome! Bring a friend!
Join the Santa Fe College Chapter of the League of Women Voters for an engaging speaker event featuring members of the Alachua County League’s Speakers’ Bureau — Donna Waller, Alison Keel, and Candy Birch.
Learn how misinformation and disinformation spread and discover how you can be an agent of truth in today’s world.
Gain valuable insight from experienced community leaders, enjoy snacks, and earn five Honors points for attending!
Wednesday, October 23
12:00–1:00 PM
Room R-001
University of Florida: Transfer Into Research Meet and Greet
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
In celebration of National Transfer Student Week, join the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida for the Transfer Into Research Meet & Greet an event that connects transfer students with faculty and researchers from across UF.
Hosted by the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, the UF Center for New Student & Family Programs, and the UF ELITE Program, this cross-campus networking event brings together all UF colleges to share research opportunities, mentorship, and inspiration.
Whether you are a faculty member interested in meeting future researchers or a transfer student exploring ways to get involved in research, your presence matters.
Honors students: No RSVP needed, just check in at the event.
Let’s celebrate UF’s transfer community and build connections that spark discovery.
Tove Jansson, the Moomins, and the Legacy of Imagination
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Featuring Moomin & Tampere Art Museum Director Selma Green. This lecture explores the world of Tove Jansson and her beloved Moomins, tracing how her art and stories have inspired generations across Europe and beyond. You will look at the roots of the first Moomin book, the values at the heart of the tales, and the lasting cultural legacy of Jansson’s imagination.
Oct 21, 2025 5:00 PM
200 Ustler Hall
The School of Music presents: Gator Horn Choir
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Honors students are encouraged to attend the Gator Horn Choir performance. When attending the performance take a picture to submit onto canvas along with your reflection about the event!
Lunchtime Symposium: Exhibiting the Arctic
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Museum Director Selma Green explores how exhibitions in the Sámi region and Sweden’s Torne Valley engage with questions of identity, heritage, and representation. The talk highlights the role of museums in supporting minority languages and cultures, and in shaping how Arctic communities and their histories are presented to wider audiences.
Center For Governmental Responsibility Lunch And Learn Workshop
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
The University of Florida Levin College of Law, the Center for Governmental Responsibility (CGR), the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, and the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education welcome you to the CGR Lunch and Learn Workshop Series on recent Supreme Court cases, occurring every other Wednesday during the Fall 2024 semester. Learn about the cases, their implications, and what they mean for the future.
Berta Esperanza Hernández-Truyol, Stephen C. O’Connell Chair and Professor of Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law, will discuss abortion cases Moyle v. U.S. and Idaho v. U.S. Pizza will be served. Please contact ruthm@law.ufl.edu for more information.
Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, Holland Hall 180.
Walter O. Weyrauch Distinguished Lecture In Family Law
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Teresa Drake, Senior Legal Skills Professor, University of Florida Levin College of Law, delivers this year’s Weyrauch Distinguished Lecture in Family Law, Trauma and the Rippling Effects in Family Law. Judge Denise R. Ferrero, Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida, introduces her. Lunch will be served.
Please contact ruthm@law.ufl.edu for more information.
Time: Noon ET
Location: Holland Hall 180 – Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom
Climate Skills Workshop
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
We have a lot of climate skills that are useful everywhere. We can listen, raise issues, insist, make connections, start groups, show caring, make art, and much more. This talk will explore why focusing on climate skills can be more useful than focusing on danger or failure and how using those skills in what we are already doing can lead to meaningful climate action and institutional change. Dr. Chislenko learned climate organizing with the youth organization The Sunrise Movement and is co-founder and steering committee chair of Philosophers for Sustainability, an international organization dedicated to shifting educational institutions and the world toward sustainable practices. He has written on moral motivation, blame, and the role of academics in climate change.
October 20, 2025
4:00 pm
Smathers Library 100
True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen
5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Attend this event to be involved in a conversation with author Lance Richardson as he discusses his latest book on the life of explorer and novelist Peter Matthiessen. In this captivating work, Richardson explores Matthiessen’s writings about the Everglades, his role as co-founder of The Paris Review, and his accounts of Himalayan expeditions, weaving them into an inspiring portrait of a figure whose legacy continues to shape generations.
Students will have the opportunity to meet Lance Richardson as he presents an exclusive reading from True Nature. This event is open to all students, faculty, and staff, especially those interested in exploring the creative writing process and the craft behind biographical storytelling.
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
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
YDW Welcome Concert Featuring Urban Bush Women BOLD Collab Lab with SF + UF
5 Honors Points For Attendance
The opening presentation of the Young Dancers Workshop features a lecture-demonstration by the acclaimed Urban Bush Women BOLD (Builders, Organizers & Leaders through Dance). This special event includes a unique Collab Lab performance by the Dance Theatre of Santa Fe and the University of Florida dance program.
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL
Ticket Pricing:
General Admission: $0 - $20
Free for SF students!
Young Dancers Showcase
5 Honors Points For Attendance
Experience a showcase of exceptional young dance talent from across the state of Florida. This performance is part of the Young Dancers Workshop of North Central Florida, bringing together gifted performers for one incredible evening of dance.
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL
Ticket Pricing:
General Admission: $0 - $20
Free for SF students!
Michael Feinstein in Big Band Broadway
5 Honors Points for Attendance
Broadway never sounds better than when it swings with Michael Feinstein as he brings the classic Broadway songbook into the 21st century. Featuring The Carnegie Hall Ensemble and special guest star Bobby Daye, Feinstein delivers modern and classic show tunes with a fresh and dazzling twist. Experience music from quintessential shows such as Cabaret, Hello, Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof, Into the Woods, Chicago, Wicked, and more!
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Show time: 7:30 PM
Location: Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611
Ticket Pricing:
General Admission: $35 - $60
SF Students: $12 (Balcony seats)
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. Today. Apply Now!
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
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