Welcome to The Compass, where each week you can find dozens of ways to get connected, get involved, and make the most out of the SF community. Below, we have news and updates, academic and scholarship opportunities, cultural and community events, volunteer and service involvements, and preprofessional opportunities. Not only are these great ways to get involved at SF and beyond, but they're also some of the many ways that you can earn points in the Honors Program and Global Scholars Program. For more information on how to join these programs or record your involvement for points, just visit them online or email honorsxglobal@sfcollege.edu.
In this Edition:
News & Updates
Academic & Scholarship Opportunities
Cultural & Community Events
Volunteer & Community Service
Employment & Preprofessional Opportunities
News and Updates
Graduating with Honors or as a Global Scholar spring or summer? Here's what to expect
Are you planning to graduate this semester or next with an Honors or Global Scholar distinction? It can feel like there is a lot going on and to keep up with, but we're here to support you all the way across the finish line! Below, we've got some common questions about graduating with Honors or as a Global Scholar.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with Honors, you will need:
a 3.5 GPA
150 Honors Points
To graduate with a higher level of points, you will need:
a 3.5 GPA
195 Honors Points for High Honors
240 Points for Highest Honors
To graduate as a Global Scholar, you will need:
to have completed 4 internationalized courses.
70 Global Scholars Points.
Timeline
You don't need to have all of your records finalized now. Below, we've included a timeline for events and record submission.
Thursday, April 23, at noon: Honors & Global Education Award Ceremony Rehearsal (R-001)
Thursday, April 23, at 5pm: Honors & Global Education Award Ceremony (R-001)
May 1: Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony for Spring and Summer graduates
May 15: Spring Deadline to submit Honors Points and Global Scholars documentation for final processing
June 1: Deadline to submit Highest-Honors documentation if anticipating transfer into UF Honors for Fall 2026
Questions?
If you have questions about graduation, just email honorsxglobal@sfcollege.edu
Academic & Scholarship Opportunities
Lawrence W. Tyree Library Events for All Students – Spring 2026
Earn 5 Honors Point Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
Looking for something engaging, helpful, or just plain fun this spring? The Tyree Library has a full lineup of events designed to support your success and give you a break when you need it.
Finals Snack Break
April 20 & 21
1–3 p.m. | Library Lobby
Stop by during finals week for free snacks and a quick recharge before heading back to your studying.
Tales and Treats: Storytime with Your VP
April 22
2:30–3:30 p.m. | Y-240
Celebrate the end of the semester with a relaxed Storytime event and treats.
All events are open to students. Mark your calendar and plan to stop by! Each event is worth 5 Honors Points.
Become a MUSE at the Harn Museum – Summer 2026 Applications Now Open! Due April 26th
Earn 30 Honors Points Earn 30 Global Scholars Points
Are you passionate about art, education, or community engagement? Are you looking to get a foot in the door at the Harn? Looking for collaboration and personal development opportunities? The Harn Museum’s MUSE (Museum University Student Educator) program is now accepting applications for Summer 2026!
This semester-long volunteer opportunity provides hands-on experience behind the scenes at the museum, professional development, and the chance to contribute to making the Harn a more accessible and engaging space for all. Weekly in-person meetings are held on Wednesdays from 3:30–5:00 PM, with one additional Zoom meeting scheduled by the group. MUSEs play a vital role in Museum Nights—free, high-impact evenings of art and community—so don’t miss your chance. Apply now!
Zephyr Launch Party
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
Students are invited to come celebrate the newest release of ZEPHYR on April 14, 5:30 p.m., E-Building Lyceum. If you attend this event upload a reflection about your experience and earn 5 Honors Points.
Santa Fe College Juried Student Art Exhibition
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
The Santa Fe College Art Gallery will host the Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, showcasing artwork from the college’s visual arts classes. The show features pieces in painting, ceramics, 2D and 3D design, drawing, photography and more. Santa Fe College faculty serve as jurors, selecting works that highlight students’ creativity and technical skill.
The exhibition opens with a reception and award ceremony on Friday, April 17, from 7 to 9 p.m., with cash prizes awarded at 7:30 p.m. Custom Caterers will provide refreshments.
The show runs through May 1 at the Santa Fe College Gallery (Building M, Room 147), located at 3000 Northwest 83 Street, Gainesville.
This and all SF Gallery events are free and open to the public.
Astronomy Department Campus Teaching Observatory Public Night
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
The Department of Astronomy operates an on-campus Teaching Observatory for educational and public programs. These events are all free to the public.
8:30pm - 10:00pm EDT
Campus Teaching Observatory
Come Celebrate Student Research at the Research in Undergraduate Education (RUE) Festival
Earn 5 Honors Points for Attending Earn 5 Global Scholars Points for Attending
Curious about the exciting research and creative work happening across Santa Fe College? Attend the Research in Undergraduate Education (RUE) Festival on April 22nd to explore the wide range of projects SF students are developing and to celebrate their achievements together.
The RUE Festival is a campus-wide showcase of student research and inquiry, featuring projects from empirical studies in labs and classrooms to analytical and interpretive work with texts, ideas, and concepts. By attending, you’ll have the chance to learn from your peers, see how research takes shape across disciplines, and engage in conversations that spark curiosity and connection.
Students present their work primarily through academic posters, often complemented by multimedia elements and oral presentations. The festival is as much about community as it is about scholarship—an opportunity to support one another, recognize the effort behind each project, and celebrate the collective intellectual life of SF.
For more details about the event and what to expect, visit the RUE Festival page.
Date: Monday, April 20
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: SF Fine Arts Hall Lobby
Cultural & Community Events
Eco Buddies
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
Come learn through play about the wonderful world of nature all around us with rotating weekly themes!
Date and Time:
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Tuesday, May 05, 2026 | 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Location: Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center
Pricing: $5 per child, $2.50 for each additional child in the same group
Annual 5th Ave Arts Festival
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholar Points
The Fifth Avenue Arts Festival, organized annually by the Cultural Arts Coalition in Gainesville, Florida, is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community. Held in the historic Fifth Avenue neighborhood, this event highlights the rich cultural heritage of the area through a diverse showcase of artistic expression.
Date: April 24-26th
Time: 10am-6pm
Location: Santa Fe College Blount Center
High Springs Pioneer Days
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholar Points
Attend Pioneer Days and earn Honors & Global Scholars Points. There will be live music, vendors, heritage village, food, shoot out, & a kids Corral. If you attended this event please upload your pictures from the event along with a reflection to redeem points for attending this event.
Date:
April 25th, 10am-5pm
April 26th, 10am-4pm
Location:
High Springs
ICEbreakers
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
The League of Women Voters is hosting an event on April 21st in room S-326. All students are encouraged to join the discussion. There will be a guest speaker & free food. Join the event and become informed about your rights, understand what ICE presence looks like on our campus, and communicate your thoughts to fellow students.
Honors students can earn 5 Honors Points for attending this event along with uploading their reflection.
Florida in the Frame Art Exhibition
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
The Harn Museum of Art is presenting Florida in the Frame: A Century of Artists’ Reflections on the Sunshine State as part of its 35th anniversary celebration (2025–2026). The exhibition features over 80 works from 1850–1950, showcasing how artists have depicted Florida’s landscapes, cities, and tourism through themes like “Visualizing Florida,” “Expanding Cities,” and “Florida Destinations.”
Honors students are encouraged to attend to write a reflection on the exhibit and earn points.
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art 3259 Hull Rd. Gainesville, FL 32611
Alachua County Farmers Market
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
The Alachua County Farmers' Market is open to customers every Saturday, rain or shine, at 8:30 AM. Don't forget to bring shopping bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small bills. Come early to get the best selection! They close at 12:00 noon. Although this is their official closing time, many vendors will have already sold out, especially with items that have a short growing season.
Flower Festival
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
We're celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a delightful array of flowers, engaging games, a tea tasting, and much more. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of these cultures and connect with your campus community.
Gather your friends and mark your calendars for:
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Oak Grove
Volunteer & Community Service
5th Ave. Community Garden Workdays
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
Help strengthen the Fifth Avenue community by volunteering at the garden workday! This project fosters:
food security,
mental health, and
social connection through hands-on collaboration and sustainable action
Join them in cultivating a space where everyone can grow, thrive, and belong!
They will have workdays on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9 AM - 11 AM.
Meet at the Heavener Arch — Tiana (in a Gators for Good t-shirt) will walk everyone to the garden.
Departure: 8:40 AM sharp.
You’re also welcome to bike or drive to the garden on your own.
Create an account with your email then register for the event.
United Way North Central Florida ReadingPals
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative focused on ensuring children are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Locally managed by UWNCFL, the program matches trained volunteers with preschool and early elementary students for weekly reading sessions
Using a blend of evidence-based literacy instruction and social-emotional learning, ReadingPals supports vocabulary growth, comprehension skills, and positive relationships between students and mentors. UWNCFL collaborates with schools, families, and community partners to help close literacy gaps that can have lasting impacts on academic success.
Requirements
This is a weekly one on one volunteer opportunity from September to April where you foster a love of learning for a young child. For more information on ReadingPals go to our United Way North Central Florida website.
Background check
Training
Other
No additional requirements
Volunteer at The Meadowbrook Elementary School Carnival
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
SF Students, Ketona Middleton, who serves as the PTA Volunteer Coordinator Chair for Meadowbrook Elementary School here in Gainesville is searching for volunteers. They are excited to host their annual Meadowbrook Elementary School Carnival on Friday, March 27, 2026, and would love to partner students to make this event a memorable experience for our community.
They are seeking volunteers to support various parts of the event, including:
-Set up
-Concessions
-Rides and activity stations
-Ticket sales
Volunteer Shifts Include -
Set Up (March 27): 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Event Support (March 27):
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM (one-hour increments) Their students absolutely love interacting with college volunteers. Your presence not only helps the event run smoothly, but also gives their elementary students a chance to connect with inspiring role models from SF. It's a meaningful way to show the power of giving back and the importance of community involvement.
There is a Signup Genius attached below that you can share with your organization/peers to choose time slots.
Contact: ketona495@gmail.com (352)327-5963
Peaceful Paths needs short and long-term volunteers
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
Guest Chef Gainesville
On March 29th, Peaceful Paths will be hosting their 24th Annual Guest Chef Gainesville fundraising event. Leading up to this event, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities. On the event day, they will need over 60 volunteers. To Volunteer use the sign-up link provided. Each volunteer must register individually.
Earth Day of Service Volunteers Needed
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
Join us in honoring Earth Day through a day of community service and reflection! The David and Wanda Brown Center for Leadership & Service (BCLS) is organizing Earth Day of Service to come together and take action in remembering the importance of honoring our environment. This event is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members who wish to devote their time serving for a positive impact. Participants will have the chance to select from two, on-campus service sites who are devoted to environmental causes:
Native Plant Nursery
Natural Area Teaching Lab
Date: April 15, 2026 KICK-OFF AT 1:00PM at Lake Alice
Times: 2:00pm-4:00pm for all other sites. Please join us at 1:00pm for our Lake Alice Kick-Off
Location: Volunteers are instructed to meet at 1:00PM at Lake Alice to begin our Kick-Off. ALL shifts are from 2:00pm-4:00pm at varying locations.
Lake Alice Address: 982 Museum Rd, Gainesville, FL 32603
Who Can Attend: Open to students, faculty, staff, and community members
Be a part of this special day to serve, reflect, and create a positive impact in our community!
Note: Waivers are required for transportation to service sites. Click here for a step-by-step guide to submit your waivers via the Gators for Good Network.
Requirements
Single-Day Service Waivers must be signed prior to participating in this event.
Be sure to click on the Single-Day Service Waiver hyperlink as well as the Photo Release Form - to download, complete, sign and upload the document during the registration process.
Signed waivers are REQUIRED prior to departure from the Reitz Union.
Students must follow all registration steps including creating a Gators for Good Network account with the Brown Center for Leadership & service (Request to Join) . Click the Register button, follow the steps, refresh the page, click register again and you will be able to sign up!
Food Pantry and Packing at The Gainesville Community Ministry
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
Join with the Gainesville Community Ministry to stock shelves, unload donations, put together food bags, and hand out food to underserved members of the community. Please contact Ruby Tidwell to confirm your attendance. Her email is ruby32609@gmail.com.
Mon, Mar 30, 2026 - Tue, Dec 22, 2026 (Multiple Shifts)
Employment & Preprofessional Opportunities
UF Pre-Health Advising Services Spring Term 2026
Pre-Health advising appointments are available in-person and remote through Zoom Monday through Friday. Our 30-minute appointments are open 7 days in advance and are bookable through the Connect Survey.
The Pre-Health Advising Team is offering mock interview appointments. Students must submit a professional school interview invitation from the 2025 application cycle, as well as all of their application materials (pre-health resume and/or personal statement) at the time of booking or it will be canceled, as sufficient time is needed for advisor feedback.
Dream Team Engineering Shadowing Opportunity
Earn 30 Honors Points Per Semester Earn 15 Global Scholars Points
Dream Team Engineering is a group of engineering and non-engineering students alike that are dedicated to making novel technologies to enhance the lives of the patients at UF Health Shands, the surrounding Gainesville community, and beyond. The Shadowing Program is a semester-long opportunity for freshmen and sophomore students to gain hands-on experience while rotating through various DTE sub-teams! Experience is not needed, they are just looking for students who are willing to learn and interested in the engineering field. If you are interested in applying for the program please email the Director of Shadowing, Ari Friedman, at shadowing@dreamteameng.org.
PeaceCorps Campus Ambassador Program
Earn 30 Honors Points
Earn 30 Global Scholars Points
SF Students: great job opportunity for fall 2026 and spring 2027! Pay is $1,600 stipend per semester for about 5-7 hours of work per week on campus, promoting Peace Corps to other students.
Apply today (by April 30, 2026) to be a Peace Corps Campus Ambassador
Send Campus Ambassador questions to: ambassadors@peacecorps.gov
There's More Than One Way to Get There: Exploring Pre-Professional Pathways
Earn 5 Honors Points
Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
Thinking about medical, dental, PA, or optometry school? You don't have to major in Biology or Chemistry to get there. This workshop explores flexible academic pathways that meet prerequisites while supporting gap years, work experience, and career readiness. There is no
single path to Professional school. Come learn what works best for you.
WEDNESDAY MAR. 11 2:30-3:45PM
Questions? Contact the Academic Advisement Center at academicadvisingcenter@sfcollege.edu to recieve the zoom link
Learning Commons STEM Tutor
Earn 30 Honors Points
Earn 30 Global Scholars Points
The Learning Commons STEM Tutor position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ academic journeys through one-on-one tutoring sessions, leading Learning Commons workshops and activities, and helping connect students to campus resources. As a tutor, you will support active learning by providing one-on-one tutoring in STEM subjects both in person and online at NW Learning Commons in the RISE Center and Library, and at College Centers. You will serve as role models and mentors, fostering a collaborative learning environment that empowers students to succeed, and are expected to model academic success behaviors and help develop resources for student learning.
You also may 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. Additionally, as part of our professional development model in the Learning Commons, all new tutors receive mentorship and, in turn, mentor new tutors and may help support the Learning Commons’ CRLA training program. You may also take part in the Learning Commons embedded tutoring program.
This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about helping others, excited about learning support, 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.
Work at least 15 hours per week for 8 weeks to earn 30 Honors Points
Learning Commons Humanities, Languages, and Writing Tutor
Earn 30 Honors Points
Earn 30 Global Scholars Points
The Learning Commons Humanities, Languages, and Writing Tutor position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ academic journeys through one-on-one tutoring sessions, leading Learning Commons workshops and activities, and helping connect students to campus resources. As a 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 serve as role models and mentors, fostering a collaborative learning environment that empowers students to succeed, and are expected to model academic success behaviors and help develop resources for student learning.
You also may 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. Additionally, as part of our professional development model in the Learning Commons, all new tutors receive mentorship and, in turn, mentor new tutors and may help support the Learning Commons’ CRLA training program. You may also take part in the Learning Commons embedded tutoring program.
This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about helping others, excited about learning support, 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.
Work at least 15 hours per week for 8 weeks to earn 30 Honors Points
Educational Aide, Library
Earn 30 Honors Points Earn 30 Global Scholars Points
Application Deadline: This advertisement is open continuously and for multiple positions. Applications are reviewed on a need-by basis.
The Lawrence W. Tyree Library located at Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus supports the college’s mission, goals, and curriculum with knowledgeable staff, appropriate resources, and an environment that promotes user success and life-long learning.
The library is hiring multiple educational aides to perform duties essential to library circulation, collection maintenance, and the provision of quality library services. The Educational Aide will maintain a functional and efficient work environment and ensure compliance with SF and FERPA policies.
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: Availability to work mornings, nights, and/or weekends.
Work at least 15 hours per week for 8 weeks to earn 30 Honors Points