The Honors Compass: Wrapping up 2025
Get involved, make an impact, and earn points
Hey everyone. Welcome to the final issue of The Compass for 2025! I know there is a lot going on right now, but you still have great opportunities to make the most out of the end of the semester and get ready for spring!
In this edition:
Secure Your Spot - Register for Spring 2026
Spotlight on Honors Classes
Intro to Museum Studies & Practice (Hybrid) + Internship
Meet with a Navigator
Taste of Tech Seminar: Global Engineering Pathways & Solid-State Spin Qubits
NBCUniversal Internship Program Applications - Now Open!
Get Ready For Finals…Study Session With SPARC!
Your Paper Quest Writing Competition
Become a MUSE at the Harn Museum of Art!
Take Honors Statistics This Spring!
GRACE - Apply to be an Executive Intern
Gators Women Basketball V. West Georgia
Christmas in Ireland
Holiday Pet Pagent
Santa Paws 5k & 10k
What Allied Leaders Said About the Holocaust
Holiday at Santa Fe
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!
GRACE Development 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
Educational Aide, Student Activities
Honors News and Updates
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 Introduction to Humanities
Course Number: HUM2020, Section 0H1
Department: Humanities
Schedule: Monday and Wedesday, 8:30 - 9:45
In this Honors section of Introduction to Humanities, we explore how human beings have expressed meaning, value, and transcendence from antiquity to the present through literature, philosophy, and visual art. What makes the Honors version unique is the depth of inquiry we pursue together: we compare texts and artworks across cultures, interpret them within their historical contexts, and challenge ourselves to think critically about the questions they raise. This class will give you a chance to explore how people across different eras have grappled with themes such as beauty, power, belief, and the search for purpose. You’ll work closely with primary texts and artworks, discuss ideas in a small seminar setting, and build strong analytical and communication skills.
As a professor with more than 16 years of experience in history and the humanities, I will be happy to learn alongside you by guiding you through a discussion-driven and intellectually rewarding exploration of the humanities, while supporting your development of strong analytical, writing, and interpretive skills.
Honors Computing for Business
Course Number: CGS2100, Section 0H1
Department: Business
Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Hello, my name is Brian Fox, and I invite you to join our CGS2100 Computer Applications for Business honors class. In addition to exploring the various applications in Microsoft Office, we will be discussing how software impacts all of our lives, both personally and professionally. You will be given the opportunity to explore topics of your own interest in computer technology and work with others to develop documents for business of your own design. I look forward to meeting and learning with you!
Honors Calculus 2
Course Number: MAC2312, Section 0H1 & MAC2312L, Section 0H1
Department: Mathematics
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 - 9:45
Hi! My name is John Pfeilsticker, and in Spring 2026 I will be teaching calculus II honors. Calc II is already a fantastic course, exploring applications and methods of integration, sequences, infinite series, and much more; in the honors course we will learn about all of these topics, and we will also get an introduction to the Fourier transform and Fourier series-- two exceptionally exciting (and fairly modern) tools in analysis. The class is capped at 15 students, the tone is kept conversational, and the added depth and enrichment of the class ensures we always have a good time! If you are interested in taking honors calculus II with me in Spring, please reach out at john.pfeilsticker@sfcollege.edu.
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.
Academic Opportunities
Taste of Tech Seminar: Global Engineering Pathways & Solid-State Spin Qubits
Earn 5 Honors Points for going to this Event
Join us for the next Taste of Tech Seminar, featuring two compelling presentations on the future of engineering and technology.
First, Joel Parker (UFIC Associate Director for Experiential Learning) will present “Global Engineering Pathways,” exploring how study abroad and hands-on international experiences strengthen creativity, collaboration, and career readiness for the next generation of innovators.
Following this, Dr. Laura Kim (Assistant Professor, ECE) will discuss “Solid-State Spin Qubits for Magnetic Field Sensing.” She will introduce a new approach to boosting diamond-based quantum sensors using nanophotonic metasurfaces, unlocking potential new tools for biomedical imaging and chemical detection.
Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Malachowsky Hall, Rm 7200 & Online via Zoom
Agenda:
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Lunch
12:00 PM – 12:20 PM: Talk 1 (Joel Parker)
12:20 PM – 12:40 PM: Talk 2 (Laura Kim)
12:40 PM – 1:00 PM: Networking
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (Hybrid Event)
NBCUniversal Internship Program Applications - Now Open!
Apply for Nationally Competitive Internship — earn 30 Honors Points for Summer Internship
NBCUniversal’s Summer 2026 internships dropped, and opportunities span everything from Ad Sales to Sports to Entertainment.
Applications close on OR before Dec 5th - secure your spot!
Get Ready For Finals…Study Session With SPARC!
Earn 5 Honors Points for being an active club member for at least 12 weeks. Earn 10 Honors Points for serving as a club officer.
Join SPARC this Friday for a group study session, and enjoy some FREE COOKIES!!!
Friday, December 5th
Y-233
@4:00-8:00PM
Your Paper Quest Writing Competition
Earn 10 Honors Points For Entering The Competition
We encourage students to submit their work. This contest may be submitted for Honors Points under Academic Competition by uploading your piece along with a brief reflection about the contest.
Become a MUSE at the Harn Museum of Art!
Earn 30 Honors Points Per Semester for Internship
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.
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.
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
Cultural and Community Events
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. West Georgia
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attendance
Come out to the O’Dome on Sunday, December 14th, as Gator Women’s Basketball takes on West Georgia! Tipoff is at 2:00 PM, so bring your friends, rep your orange and blue, and help pack the stands for another exciting night in the Swamp. Go Gators!
Date: Sunday, December 14th
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Stephen O’Connell Center
Pricing: $8.60
Christmas in Ireland
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attendance
The program features Irish fiddler Andre Cox and the Singers of Reformation with close a cappella harmonies. Professional sound supports an hour of continuous performance designed for families. Tickets are ten dollars at the door with open seating.
Date: Friday, December 12th Holiday Pet Pageant
Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Location: The Historic Thomas Center
Pricing: $10 Tickets at the Door
Holiday Pet Pageant
5 Honors Points for Attendance
This free event features a costume contest for dogs of all sizes with prizes, dog-themed art, games, and photos with Santa. The event offers activities and entertainment for dog lovers and their families.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Swamp Head Brewery
Pricing: $15-$25
Santa Paws 5k-9 & 10k-9
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attendance
Join the 4th Annual Santa Paws 5K-9 and 10K-9, a run and walk bringing people and their dogs together for a meaningful cause. This year’s event honors the memory of Dozer, celebrating the bond between pets and their owners. Participants support The Humane Society of North Central Florida, helping animals in need while enjoying a community-focused event full of activity, camaraderie, and holiday spirit.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 8:00am-10:00am
Location: Albert “Ray” Massey Park (Westside Park)
Pricing:
5k: $38
10k: $48
What Allied Leaders Said About the Holocaust
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attendance
Dr. Richard Breitman, eminent historian of the Holocaust, examines why Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, though faced with mounting evidence of the Nazi extermination of Jews, were reluctant to speak out against the atrocities. Through close readings of public and private statements, Breitman pieces together the competing motivations that drove each leader’s response to the atrocities.
Date: Tuesday, January 13th
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Pugh Hall Ocora
Pricing: Free!
Holiday at Santa Fe
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attendance
Join Perry the mouse and Santa Claus on a magical journey through the forest to make it snow in the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall! SF Performing Arts, SF Teaching Zoo, SF Planetarium and SF Little School collaborate to bring a thrilling performance that captivates both young and adult imaginations. Enjoy familiar holiday music during this interactive and educational performance, followed by a meet-and-greet with the animals in the lobby.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall
Pricing: $0-$20
Volunteer and Service Opportunities
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!
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
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.
Educational Aide, Student Activities
Earn 10 Honors Points Per Semester
Job Description Summary
The application deadline for this position is 11:59pm EST on December 5, 2025.
Student Life serves as the hub for students at Santa Fe College and is comprised of student activities, student clubs and organizations, civic engagement and service, student government, leadership programs, the Student Engagement Center, international student support and advising, Saints Food Share, the Student Life Business Office, and Student Life marketing. Student Life also provides student-centered services such as access to a recreation room, computer lab, art gallery, ID card services, and holds evening hours.
The Student Activities Office in Student Life is seeking educational aides to support the departmental and college mission and assist staff with event facilitation. This position is generally scheduled for 5 hours per week. Hours may vary weekly based on staff need and class schedule.