The Honors Compass: We're halfway there!
Cool weather, pumpkin spice everywhere, and the end of fall A
As we move from Fall A into B, we enter spooky season in earnest, watch the leaves changing color in other places, and start planning ahead for spring! In this edition of the compass, we have tons of great opportunities to get involved and earn points, but also some important updates for everyone. As we look toward next term, we've got everything you need to start planning your schedule, including all the honors classes we are offering and updates about how registration is going to work this time around. And, as you plan your classes and points pathway, we have more ways than ever for you to connect with honors staff and Navigators so you can keep making the most of your time at SF!
In this edition:
Get Ready for Spring 2026 Registration
Pizza with the Provost, Wednesday October 29
Meet with a Navigator
Meet with a UF Transfer Advisor This Fall
A Conversation with Cornel West and Robert P. George “How to Disagree Agreeably”
Hagar Chemali: AI and U.S. National Security
Deadline to Apply: Support for Student Gulf Impact Projects
Zephyr Logo Design Competition
MediGators Socialize and Service
2026 Future of Florida Summit on Growth and Development
The School of Music presents: Gator Horn Choir
Center For Governmental Responsibility Lunch And Learn Workshop
True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen
The Institute for Youth In Policy Fellowship
Florida Gubernatorial fellowship
From Founder to Funder with Melissa Medina
Humanities Happy Hour: Reading: True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen
On View at the Harn Museum “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850 – 1950”
Florida Bat Festival
Boo at the Zoo
Upcoming Fall Fest at Santa Fe Campuses
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.
Pizza with the Provost, Wednesday October 29
5 Honors Points (and pizza) for attending
Join other Honors Students in talking with the SF College Provost about your experiences at SF and in the Honors Program! Most students never get the chance to speak directly with the person shaping the college’s academic direction—but Dr. Southerland wants to hear from you. The provost is the chief academic officer of the college, responsible for overseeing programs, faculty, and the student learning experience across every discipline. In other words, he shapes what learning at Santa Fe feels like and where it’s headed.
This Wednesday, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Dr. Nate Southerland, Santa Fe College’s Provost, and share your perspective as an Honors student. He wants to hear from you, including what you love, what could be better, and what makes your experience distinctive.
Join us in the International Center Conference Room (S-319) for pizza and an open conversation with Dr. Southerland.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 1:00pm
Location: International Center Conference Room (S-319)
RSVP below—or just drop by and take part in the conversation.
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
A Conversation with Cornel West and Robert P. George “How to Disagree Agreeably”
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Based on the political causes they’ve championed as public intellectuals, one might expect philosopher Cornel West and legal scholar Robert P. George to bitterly dislike one another. But nothing could be further from the truth. The progressive West and conservative George are good friends, united by their interest in great thinkers from the past and by their commitment to lively, respectful debate on the questions that matter most.
They will be joined by award-winning journalist Jane Ferguson, whose experiences as a decorated war correspondent in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan have made her keenly aware of how entrenched disagreement can lead to violence and unspeakable suffering.
This event, produced in partnership with American Public Square, will have both a live audience hosted by The National WWI Museum and Memorialin Kansas City, MO, and be streamed nationally.
Hagar Chemali: AI and U.S. National Security
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Discover how AI is reshaping national security, democracy, and global power. Hear foreign policy expert and media voice Hagar Chemali unpack today’s most urgent threats—and opportunities—for America’s future.
What do deepfakes, cyberattacks, and the global race for AI dominance mean for America’s future? How will these forces shape democracy, foreign policy, and even daily life?
On Tuesday, October 28 at 5 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora, join national security expert and political satirist Hagar Chemali for an in-depth conversation on how AI intersects with U.S. national security, global competition, and the future of democracy. A regular commentator on MSNBC, CNN, BBC, and Bloomberg, Chemali is known for translating complex global issues into clear, engaging insights.
This program gives UF students, faculty, staff, and community members a unique opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s leading voices at the crossroads of technology, policy, and global affairs.
Chemali spent 12 years in senior U.S. government positions, including as Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations under President Obama. She also served as Spokesperson for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and as Director for Syria and Lebanon at the White House National Security Council. She holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where she concentrated in international security policy and the Middle East.
Today, Chemali channels her government and media expertise into Oh My World!, a YouTube series she created and hosts.
The program is free and open to the public. A pre-event reception begins at 4:15 p.m. A livestream is available at this link:
The program is sponsored jointly by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service and the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT
Pugh Hall Ocora
Deadline to Apply: Support for Student Gulf Impact Projects
30 points for completion of Program
Do you have a Gulf-related internship, research opportunity, or other experiential learning activity in mind? Are you working with a faculty mentor or community partner and looking for funding to support your project? The Gulf Scholars Program is offering funding to help you pursue these impactful opportunities focused on the Gulf region.
We are offering funding to support experiential learning opportunities that are directly connected to your Gulf Impact Project. Whether it’s an internship, fellowship, research opportunity, or other Gulf-related activity, your experience should contribute to an ongoing or planned Gulf Impact Project. This project must be focused on the Gulf region, from Florida to Texas, and aim to produce actionable results that benefit Gulf communities.
Recipients will receive:
$1,200 for Fall, Spring, or Summer C projects
$750 for Summer A/B projects
Zephyr Logo Design Competition
Earn 5 Honors Points For Submission
DESIGN A ZEPHYR LOGO – ZEPHYR is running a logo competition until November 10, 2025. They would like to have a logo branded as part of the official Zephyr name. If you would like to design it, we highly encourage your participation. Please email contest entries to zephyr@sfcollege.edu
MediGators Socialize and Service
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Medi-Gators is proud to host their first ever service awareness event! Join MediGators for Socialize & Service, an exciting opportunity for students on the pre-health track to connect with peers, give back to the community, and learn about service-oriented organizations on campus.
This event highlights the importance of building meaningful connections with your peers while performing an act of kindness. Attendees will have the chance to meet service and volunteer-based organizations, listen to an inspiring keynote speaker, and engage in post-event volunteering opportunities on or around campus.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore community involvement, or simply enjoy a morning of giving back, this is a great way to experience the value of service and connection within the healthcare field.
Saturday, November 8th
Location: HPNP Building
Date & Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Check-in begins at 9:45 AM)
Light breakfast included
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.
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!
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 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.
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
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
Humanities Happy Hour: Reading: True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen
Earn 5 Honors Points For Attending This Event
Join us for an evening of conversation, books, and community at Grand Scheme Brewing for a Humanities Happy Hour featuring a reading of True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen by award-winning writer Lance Richardson. This sweeping biography traces the extraordinary life of Peter Matthiessen—novelist, naturalist, explorer, and co-founder of The Paris Review—as Richardson reconstructs his restless search for meaning, his role in shaping modern environmental literature, and his ability to see connections between the natural world and human experience.
Date: Monday, October 27, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM EDT
Location: Grand Scheme Brewing
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission
Cultural and Community Events
On View at the Harn Museum “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850 – 1950”
5 Honors Points for Attendance
Check out the limited time “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950.” Featuring 55+ paintings, drawings, and sculptures shipped all the way from the Brooklyn Museum, plus Monet’s Waterloo Bridge and the Harn’s own Oat Field. Experience a century of French art from Realism and Impressionism to Cubism and Surrealism.
Date: October 16th through January 4th
Location: Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Ticket Pricing: Free!
Florida Bat Festival
5 Honors Points For Attendance
Calling all bat enthusiasts, animal and nature lovers, festival partakers, and curious minds! Come and enjoy a day full of exciting activities, fascinating exhibits, and unforgettable fun fo3r all ages and of course the world’s largest bats! All funds collected are used for ongoing conservation and community education programs.
Date: Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Time: 10:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Lubee Bat Conservancy
Ticket Pricing:
Ticket - Child: $5
Ticket - Adult: $10
Joseph Keckler invites you into his enchanting world for a special Halloween-themed set of stories and songs. A cutting-edge artist who defies convention, Keckler pivots from humor to heartbreak, from the everyday to the ethereal, and from the intimate to the operatic. With a powerful, shapeshifting voice, he delivers haunting ballads, spooky grooves, and wild absurdist tales.
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!
Volunteer and Service Opportunities
Moo-Ket
1 Honors Point per hour of volunteer service
Email Katelyn at katelyn@crittercreekfarmsanctuary.org for more information and to sign up.
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
10/29 - Davis Center 11 am - 1 pm
10/30 - Andrews Center 10 am - 1 pm
10/30 - NW Campus Oak Grove 10 am - 2 pm
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 Pre-Health Peer Mentorship Office Hours
Planning to transfer to UF and pursue a pre-med or other healthcare-related major? The Medi-Gators Pre-Health Peer Mentorship Program is a perfect opportunity to learn from experienced UF students who’ve already navigated the pre-health journey.
Hosted by UF Health, in collaboration with UF Advising and the Career Connections Center, this program offers personalized insight into academic and professional success within the healthcare field. Whether you’re exploring UF’s pre-health pathways or preparing for medical school, the Medi-Gators Peer Mentors are here to help you make the most of your experience.
Come for guidance on:
Extracurricular and clinical involvement
Shadowing and mentorship opportunities
Research experiences
Letters of recommendation
The application process and its components
Exploring different healthcare careers
Medi-Gators Peer Mentors are trained through UF’s Pre-Health Advising Office and understand what it takes to succeed in competitive healthcare programs.
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: UF Career Connections Center (located on Level 1 of the Reitz Union)
Mechanical Engineering Internship – Winter 2025 / Spring 2026
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.
Marketing Intern / Student Ambassador
Ready to level up your leadership and communication skills? Vaza Inc. is searching for driven students to join their team as Marketing Interns/Student Ambassadors.
In this dynamic, hybrid role, you’ll work directly with the marketing team to design campaigns, conduct market research, organize events, and represent the company on campus; all while helping launch the world’s first monetized opinion platform. This is your chance to turn creativity and campus involvement into professional experience that stands out on any résumé.
Whether you’re majoring in business, communication, or STEM, this internship offers the perfect opportunity to sharpen your marketing savvy, build real-world project management experience, and expand your professional network, all from right here in Gainesville.
Ideal candidates will have:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong time management and teamwork abilities
• A knack for leadership, marketing, or campus engagement
Why it’s worth your time:
Flexible hours, hybrid setup, mentorship, résumé-ready experience—and yes, up to $2,500/month.
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
Educational Aide, UF@SF
Job Description
The UF@SF Center supports student access and admission to all bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Florida (UF), providing advisement for UF partnership programs, walk-in advising for various UF majors, and information and referral to UF colleges. Additionally, UF@SF produces a yearly Gator Day @ Santa Fe event.
The Educational Aide will provide administrative support to staff and students within the UF@Santa Fe Center. This position is responsible for assisting current and prospective students, staff and faculty from SF and UF that visit the Center. This is for a part-time 20 hour per week position, with a schedule between Monday and Friday, 10am - 2:30pm.
Location: Northwest Campus - Gainesville, FL