The Honors Compass: Prepping for Turkey
Get involved, make an impact, and earn points
Hey everyone. Just a quick note—the Compass is going to take a break next week, since the college will be closed on Friday and our editorial team (the Navigators) will be enjoying the holiday. Travel safely and have a great Thanksgiving break!
In this edition:
Welcome New Honors Students
New to Honors - Don’t Miss Orientation
Secure Your Spot - Register for Spring 2026
Spotlight on Honors Classes
Meet with a Navigator
Meet with a UF Transfer Advisor This Fall
Intro to Museum Studies & Practice (Hybrid) + Internship
Become a MUSE at the Harn Museum of Art!
Strategies for Success: Finals Editions
Take Honors Statistics This Spring!
French author Lola Lafon presents her book: When You Listen to This Song
GRACE - Apply to be an Executive Intern
EDUCAUSE Students and Technology national survey
Reitz Union Class Carnival
Saturday Walk or Ride Tour at Carson Springs Wildlife
James and the Giant Peach
GFFA Art Market
Free Timed 5k with Parkrun
Swamp Chomp: A Benefit for Girls Place
SPARC Volunteers at Ronald McDonald House – Thanksgiving Eve
Volunteer with LifeSouth “Operation Santa Delivery”
Santa Fe Service Field Trips
Volunteer to be a Part of TedxGainesville26!
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
Student Life is Hiring - Student Activities Assistant Needed
Honors News and Updates
Welcome New Students!
Today, I’m excited to welcome 104 new Honors Program members who will be joining us for the Fall semester. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Honors Admissions Committee we are lucky to have tremendous students from across the planet joining us this coming semester.
New to Honors? Don’t Miss Orientation
If you’re new to Honors, you’ll need to plan on attending an upcoming orientation. During this orientation you will connect with current and incoming Honors students, learn about Honors Program membership requirements, and gain insight into opportunities available to SF Honors students. In addition, we’ll discuss how to remain successful in the program, explore Honors classes and extracurricular opportunities, and highlight resources available to Honors Students. We currently have one session scheduled on Monday, December 1, from 1:00pm to 2:15pm. You will be able to attend virtually or in-person, depending on what works best for you. We may schedule a make-up session to take place during finals week. Please register for the event by visiting the link below.
Secure Your Spot: Spring 2026 Honors Course Registration
While spring may seem far off, we encourage you to register for your Honors courses as early as possible. Classes tend to fill quickly, so submitting your Course Registration Form soon will help ensure you get into your preferred classes. Before registering, log into your eSantaFe account to check for any holds that might delay your registration. Taking care of this now will help you avoid complications later.
As a reminder, Honors students must earn at least 30 Honors Points each semester. The easiest way to do this is by enrolling in Honors courses — you’ll earn 10 points per credit hour upon successful completion.
Honors courses are available in subjects including Communications, Social and Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Humanities, and Electives, and are designed for smaller class sizes, deeper learning, and more interactive experiences. These courses may feature special topics or enriched versions of existing classes, and students are expected to take initiative and commit time outside of class to succeed.
Review the Fall 2025 Honors Courses Catalog and prepare to make your selections!
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 Ethics
Course Number: PHI2600, Section 0H1
Department: Humanities
Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 - 9:45
Hello! I’m Eugenio E. Zaldivar, and I teach philosophy and ethics here at SF. I think it’s really interesting to think about what it means to be a good person, and in our ethics course we’ll do just that. We’ll also look at some theories and traditional topics in ethics. I like to have a relaxed, conversational classroom where we share ideas and analyze concepts, if that sounds good to you, then I think we’ll get a long pretty well. In this course, specifically, we’re going to try something a bit unusual, the last few weeks the class will turn into a writing workshop so that you can really explore topics that you find interesting. I’m excited about this structure and I think it will help you produce some great work.
Honors Developmental Psychology
Course Number: DEP2004, Section 0H1
Department: Social Sciences
Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Greetings Honors Program students! My name is Ryan Barbeau. I am a Licensed Psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Prior to becoming a professor at Santa Fe College, I provided psychological services (assessments and interventions) in a variety of settings including a public school district, a community mental health center, a veteran’s hospital, and a prison. Also, for ten years I trained and supervised Ph.D. students and early career psychologists at the University of Florida.
In Developmental Psychology, we explore how people grow and change. We’ll look at key theories and principles of human development, covering everything from prenatal development through late adulthood and death and dying. This class gives you a deeper understanding of how we develop throughout our lives. What sets this Honors section of Developmental Psychology apart from the other sections I teach is a greater opportunity for honors students to collaborate with their professor and their classmates in selecting and guiding the topics we explore, discuss, and learn about together. In this honors section there will also be an enhanced focus on examining real world applications and critically analyzing and understanding the competing biological, psychological, and social theories that are shaping current trends and controversies in the field.
I look forward to sharing my passion for the subject, having fun, and learning as much as we can together!
Introduction to Museum Studies & Practice
Enrollment open to Honors and non-Honors students. Honors option available in-class. Register and get more information by contacting Professor Sarah Cervone.
Course Number: ISS2371, Section 001
Department: Electives
Schedule: Tuesday, 8:30 - 9:45am
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
Become a MUSE at the Harn Museum of Art!
Earn 30 Honors Points Per Semester
The Museum University Student Educator (MUSE) program at the Harn Museum of Art is now recruiting new volunteers!
As a MUSE, you will:
Create and present museum activities
Lead programs for museum visitors
Develop professional skills in education, art, and public engagement
Join a community of creative students from all majors
Honors students are highly encouraged to participate. For every hour served, students will earn 1 Honors Point toward their program requirements.
Strategies for Success: Finals Editions
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending this Event
Stressed about finals? You’re not alone. Join us for a student-led workshop where we’ll give and swap helpful tips, tools, and techniques that have helped us succeed during finals week.
Date: Thursday, December 4th
Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Location: S-319
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.
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
GRACE - Apply to be an Executive Intern
Earn 30 Honors Points per Semester
GRACE Marketplace is offering a unique temporary internship opportunity for students seeking hands-on experience in social services, nonprofit leadership, and community impact. Interns will work directly with GRACE leadership and support programs designed to help end homelessness in our community.
How to Apply:
Submit the following to dwilliams@gracemarketplace.
Resume
Brief Statement of Interest (1–2 paragraphs)
Contact:
Darius Williams, MS, ABA, SME
Chief Executive Officer
GRACE Marketplace
EDUCAUSE Students and Technology national survey
Earn 1 Honors Point for Completing The Survey
Santa Fe College is participating in the EDUCAUSE Students and Technology national survey.
This survey will help us understand your technology experiences and your satisfaction across five areas:
Workforce skills and competencies
Generative AI in teaching and learning
Student mental health and accessibility
Cybersecurity and privacy
Course modalities and engagement
The survey has been given an exemption from the college Institutional Review Board. You do NOT have to provide any personally identifiable information for this survey, and all student responses will be shared as one summary with the college. The survey may take up to 15 minutes to complete.
If you choose to participate, you may be eligible to enter for a chance to win a gift card. Participation in this incentive opportunity is completely voluntary, and your data cannot be tied to your gift card entry.
Our hope is that your responses can help us uncover any gaps in our services and in fulfilling your technology needs. Your answers can help us make improvements for ALL students.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Page at (352) 395-5817 or page.jerzak@sfcollege.edu. Thank you for considering this opportunity!
Cultural and Community Events
Reitz Union Class Carnival
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending This Event
Class Carnival is happening Tuesday, December 2nd, 11AM-3PM on the Reitz Union North Lawn.
Enjoy exciting rides, carnival games, snacks, and the chance to snag a limited-edition Class Carnival t-shirt!
Take a picture at the event to submit along with your reflection!
Saturday Walk or Ride Tour at Carson Springs Wildlife
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending This Event
Enjoy the outdoors and meet the animals of Carson Springs Wildlife on walking or riding tours. See 100 rare and endangered animals in natural habitats during the two-hour tours featuring big cat feeding demonstrations and giraffe feedings. Tours are led by professional zoologists.
Date: Saturday, November 22nd
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Pricing:
Child: $15
Adult: $45
James and the Giant Peach
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending This Event
Celebrate the arrival of the holiday season by attending a family-friendly performance of James and the Giant Peach at the historic Gainesville Community Playhouse. This joyous, high-flying adventure reminds us that friendship, hope, and a little bit of magic can make anywhere feel like home. This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale blends dazzling imagination with Broadway-caliber music.
Date: Saturday, November 22
Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Gainesville Community Playhouse
Pricing: Tickets vary $15-$25 depending on age
GFFA Art Market
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending this Event
Browse creations from 27 regional artists, including ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and photography. Enjoy live music, bites from Germain’s Food Truck, and the 2025 Winter Exhibition Showcase.
Date: Monday, November 29th
Time: 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery
Pricing: Free!
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
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.
Volunteer with LifeSouth “Operation Santa Delivery”
Earn 1 Honors Point per hour of volunteer service
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!
Latina Women’s League Food Distribution
(December 2nd, 1:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
Toys for Tots - CityLight Church
Picking out toys for children, toy sorting!
(December 3rd, 9:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.)
Volunteer to be a Part of TedxGainesville26!
Earn 1 Honors Point per hour of volunteer service
Work behind the scenes and gain experience!
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.
Student Life is Hiring - Student Activities Assistant Needed
Earn 10 Honors Points Per Semester
This job is event-related for the spring semester, so it’s ONLY 5-7 hours per week.