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 & Updates
Planning to Graduate with Honors? Apply for Graduation Now!
Honors Graduation Applications Due January 30 February 13
Are you planning to wrap up your time at SF in the Spring or Summer? Lock in your Honors credential and apply for Honors Graduation now. The deadline to apply was January 30, but there is still time if you need to apply for graduation this spring or summer.You should apply for Honors Graduation if:
You are planning to graduate this semester or over the summer, or have previously completed your degree at SF.
You expect this or the summer to be your final semester at SF.
You expect to earn at least 150 Honors Points before finishing this semester.
The graduation application takes only a few minutes, so plan to knock it out today.
What else do I need to do to graduate with Honors or Global Scholars?
If you plan to graduate with Honors, your first step is to complete the application. We'll plan to review your points, verify your status, and be in touch with additional information.
Is there a graduation event for students earning Honors or Global Scholars designations?
At the end of the semester, we award Honors and Global Scholars medallions at the Honors x Global Scholars awards ceremony. After applying for graduation, please keep an eye on your email for more information about this event.
What do I need to do if I plan to enter UF's Honors Program?
Because of our pilot transfer pathway, you can plan to transfer into UF's Honors Program if:
You graduate from SF with Highest Honors.
You complete your Honors Program requirements, including submitting documentation, before June 1.
You are accepted to UF for the Fall semester.
If all of these are true, you will receive an invitation this summer to join UF's Honors Program. You won't need to take any action to make this happen.
Club Rush Has Been Moved to February 11 & 12
5 Honors Points for membership in a student organizatiosn
1 Global Scholar Point for attendance
Connect with clubs like My Brother's Keeper at Club Rush
Stop by the Oak Grove anytime from 10 AM-2 PM on February 11th and 12th to learn more about ways to get involved on campus! Clubs from across the College will be tabling and this is a great chance to get involved and meet new people.
Academic & Scholarship Opportunities
UF College of Medicine Admissions Chats
Earn 5 Honors Points 1 Global Scholars Point
Interested in connecting with a UF College of Medicine Admission Representative? If so, UF COM invites you to join them for one of their monthly admission chats where they will answer questions and discuss all things UF COM admissions! Honors Students are allowed to submit their participation under “Attend an Event.”
Words on Canvas - Art Competition
10 Honors Points for accepted works 10 Global Scholar Points for global focused work
Words on Canvas is an annual art writing competition at the Harn Museum of Art for University of Florida and Santa Fe College students. We invite you to engage museumgoers with your poetry or prose inspired by art at the museum. This year, students can choose from 18 artworks covering each of the Harn’s collecting areas.
Writers of winning entries will be awarded fun prizes and will have the opportunity to read their entry in front of their artwork at the Harn's Museum Night. Their essay/poem will be printed in a brochure to be given to them and shared with audiences, as well as being entered into the archive of past winners on the Harn’s website.
Students may submit until midnight, February 28, 2026.
Winners will be announced by late-March, and the reception, award presentation, and readings will be celebrated at Harn’s April Museum Nights on April 9, 2026, in collaboration with BARD & Broadside’s open mic night!
For complete details – including official competition rules and list of artworks, check out the Words on Canvas website at https://harn.ufl.edu/programs/university-students/words-on-canvas/
Disclaimer: The Harn will be closing half of its exhibition spaces, beginning January 20, for a temporary period of three months due to building renovations. This may impact the ability to view some selected works in person. While we encourage you to look closely and approach the artworks with fresh perspectives to inspire your writing, please note that all eligible pieces are available to view through the Harn’s online collection via eMuseum. If you have any questions, please contact the Words on Canvas team at WordsOnCanvas@harn.ufl.edu.
SKY Happiness Retreat February 13-15, 2026 Rion & Grand Ballroom @ Reitz Student Union
15 Honors Points 1 Global Scholar Point
Experience calm, clarity, and connection at the SKY Happiness Retreat—a nationally acclaimed 12-hour wellness program offered at 100+ universities, including Yale, Stanford, and MIT. Through evidence-based breathwork, meditation, and practical life-skills sessions, participants learn tools to reduce stress and build lasting well-being. Spots are limited and filled first-come, first-served through an application process; full attendance at all three sessions is required.
National Undergraduate Research Conference at Brown University 2026 Application Deadline: February 21, 2026
Up to 30 Honors Points Up to 30 Global Scholar Points
We are thrilled to share the second annual National Undergraduate Research Conference at Brown University, scheduled for April 4th, 2026! They are inviting projects from any STEM field, such as but not limited to those in biology, chemistry, physics, public health, clinical research, behavioral sciences, and computational applications.
The conference will be hosted on Brown University's campus, bringing together 200 talented students from across the nation. This conference will serve as an opportunity to secure yourself a conference poster or oral presentation to demonstrate your research excellence, which is critical in your applications to medical school, graduate school, and beyond.
This year's keynote will feature Dr. Harvey Alter, the 2020 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine. Abstracts will be reviewed on a rolling basis with limited spots available (200 poster presentations and 20-30 oral presentations).
The early application deadline is January 21st, 2026 and the regular application deadline is February 21st, 2026.
The full application can be found at the official conference website. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach us at ivyprehealth@brown.edu. We look forward to reviewing your abstracts!
Research Experiences for Undergraduates
30 Honors Points Up to 30 Global Scholar Points
Santa Fe College engineering students, you are invited by the University of Florida’s IoT4Ag's Engineering Workforce Development Team to apply for the REU Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program for 2026.
The U.S. NSF Engineering Research Center for the Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture (IoT4Ag) is now seeking applicants for its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program. During the summer, undergraduate students work with graduate students and faculty from Purdue University, the University of California Merced, the University of Florida, and the University of Pennsylvania on interdisciplinary research addressing the societal grand challenge of food, energy, and water security. Projects span the development of IoT technologies including distributed sensing, autonomous robotics, AI-driven digital twins, and human-centered decision tools to improve crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Students are matched to projects based on their academic background and interests and gain hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, and research communication using state-of-the-art facilities. IoT4Ag is a highly convergent research environment, and students from a wide range of STEM, engineering, and social science majors are encouraged to apply. Participants receive a stipend, housing accommodations or offsets, and travel allowances, with specific details and program dates varying by host institution.
Questions: Please contact: iot4ag@seas.upenn.edu
Feeding Student Success Scholarship
5 Honors Points
Sponsor: Whataburger
Amount: $5,000.00
Closing Date: February 13, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors with at least a 2.5 GPA who will be pursuing their first associates, undergraduate degree, graduate, or technical school certificate at a 2-year, 4-year, or not-for-profit vocational school. Applicant must either live in or be planning to attend school in one of the brand’s 17-state footprint (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas).
Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship
5 Honors Points
Sponsor: Jimmy Rane Foundation
Amount: Up to $5,000
Closing Date: February 6, 2026
Description: Scholarships are open to high school seniors and current college freshmen and sophomores who are no older than 20 years of age as of August 1, 2025. Applicant must reside in one of the following states or the District of Columbia: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia. Students will be selected based on academic excellence, community involvement, leadership skills, awards and honors, and financial need.
Emerging Infectious Diseases: Using New Tools to Address “Wicked” Health Problems
5 Honors Points 5 Global Scholars Points
Join us for a special presentation by Dr. Ben Anderson, a University of Florida professor and Santa Fe College alum. In this session, Dr. Anderson will explore how complex infectious disease challenges—ranging from zoonotic spillover to global pandemics—require innovative, interdisciplinary approaches.
The talk will highlight the new frameworks and tools that are transforming how we detect, monitor, and respond to emerging health threats. Additionally, Dr. Anderson will share his personal career journey, beginning as a student at Santa Fe College and ultimately becoming a faculty member and program director at UF.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Building S, Room 326 (S-326)
RUE (Research in Undergraduate Education) Conference
15 Honors Points for Presenting Up to 30 Global Scholars Points for Presenting
Are you working on a project for class, research, or something else? We encourage you to submit your project for this year's Research in Undergraduate Education (RUE) Conference! Held in the SF Fine Arts Hall, this event highlights outstanding student research projects. If you are an Honors student or working on an Honors Contract, you are likely already doing the kind of work that is perfect for this showcase.
Students who present are eligible for prizes, and participation counts towards Honors and Global Scholars points (in addition to points earned for the project itself). Don't miss this chance to share your hard work with the college community!
Event Date: April 20, 2026
Event Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: SF Fine Arts Hall
Incentives:
Eligible for Prizes
Earn Honors & Global Scholars Points
BME Leadership Seminar: “Catalyzing BME Innovation in the Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact”
Earn 5 Honors Points 1 Global Scholars Point
Join the Department of Biomedical Engineering for a seminar led by Dr. Robert E. Guldberg (Executive Director of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact and Vice President of the University of Oregon). This presentation explores the Knight Campus’s $1B+ initiative to accelerate the translation of research discoveries into real-world impact.
Dr. Guldberg, a serial entrepreneur and bioengineer, will discuss strategies to catalyze innovation, including next-generation academic programs and embedded incubator spaces. He will highlight examples of emerging startup companies and clinical translation studies that integrate immune biology, mechanobiology, machine learning, and musculoskeletal regenerative medicine.
Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Communicore Room C1-4, 1249 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32610
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (Hosted by Dr. Kyle Allen & Dr. Brittany Taylor)
ELI Seminar: “How to become leaders in the field through publishing”
Earn 5 Honors Points 1 Global Scholars Point
Join Patti O. Davis, Executive Editor of the Americas for Springer Nature, for a seminar focused on achieving exceptional leadership in research through publishing. With thousands of books, articles, and chapters published annually, breaking through the noise can be difficult—even when the research is cutting-edge.
This seminar will provide tips, guidelines, and practices to help researchers in all disciplines become recognized for their contributions. The advice shared is not specific to one field, and there will be plenty of time allocated for questions.
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: WERT 450, Herbert Wertheim Laboratory for Engineering Excellence, 527 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission
ChE Seminar: “Do engineering students read textbooks? Learning analytics when using an interactive textbook”
5 Honors Points 1 Global Scholars Point
Join the Department of Chemical Engineering for a seminar featuring Dr. Matthew Liberatore (Professor and Department Chair, Trine University). Addressing a generation of students who have grown up in a phone-based world, this talk explores the effectiveness of interactive, web-native textbooks compared to traditional static materials.
Dr. Liberatore will present seven years of data on student reading participation to answer the provocative question: Do engineering students actually read the textbook? He will discuss how features like animations, interactive questions, and auto-graded homework can minimize reliance on static solution manuals and generative AI, while providing Big Data insights into student engagement and learning patterns.
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: NEB 202, 1064 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (Hosted by UF Chemical Engineering)
Cultural & Community Events
Sports Day Seminar
Earn 5 Honors Points 5 Global Scholars Points
Hosted by Santa Fe College Athletics in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, this seminar has one main goal: to help you discover career opportunities in the sports industry beyond just playing and coaching.
Join leaders from across the field—including athletic directors, medical professionals, and business executives—to learn how sports can shape your professional future. This event is open to all students and community members.
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM (Check-in at 1:30 PM)
Location: Santa Fe College Gymnasium (Building V)
Ticket Pricing:
Free Admission (Includes free pizza and networking!)
Gulf Scholars Cohort Field Trip: Cedar Key
Earn 15 Honors Points 10 Global Scholar Points
Join UF Gulf Scholars for a day trip to Cedar Key, a small Gulf Coast community shaped by fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and ongoing conversations about resilience and change.
Departure will be from UF campus early Saturday morning, returning by mid-afternoon. A picnic lunch will be provided.
This field trip counts as a UF Gulf Scholars cohort meeting for students pursuing the Gulf Scholars Medallion. Preference will be given to students actively enrolled in or working toward the medallion. We look forward to spending the day together on the Gulf!
Date: Saturday, February 14
Time: Depart Pugh Hall at 7:00 a.m. | Return to campus by 2:00 p.m.
Transportation: Provided
Lunch: Picnic lunch provided
Capacity: Limited to 19 students
An Evening with Benmont Tench
Earn 5 Honors Points 1 Global Scholar Point
A founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Benmont Tench ranks among today’s most accomplished players of piano, organ, and any instrument with keys. His signature sound has shaped recordings by legends like Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, and Johnny Cash. Now, Tench steps into the spotlight with An Evening with Benmont Tench. This intimate, uncompromising performance delivered with the quiet power of a true musical architect promises depth, soul, and masterful musicianship.
Date: February 18th and 19th
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Squitieri Theatre 3201 Hull Road Gainesville, Fl 32606
Tickets: $12
Gainesville Unplugged
Earn 5 Honors Points 3 Global Scholar Points
Step away from the screens and reconnect with nature at Gainesville Unplugged! This community celebration brings together music, makers, food, and fun—all in the beautiful setting of Morningside Nature Center. Explore local vendors offering wellness and nature-inspired products, enjoy live entertainment, and try your hand at creative projects in the makers area. Families can learn and play at interactive educational stations, while everyone can relax, build community, and rediscover the benefits of living unplugged.
Date: Saturday February 21st
Time: 9am-2pm
Location: Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Avenue, 32641
Valentine Swing Dance
5 Honors Points 1 Global Scholars Point
Bringing big band jazz to the dance halls of Santa Fe, we invite you to come out and enjoy the sounds of 1920's & 30's swing jazz by the SF Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Combo. This semi-formal event will also include light appetizers, and free swing dance instruction.
Date: Friday, February 14th
Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Fine Art Hall Lobby
Pricing: $10
Celebration of Black Love, Art and Poetry
5 Honors Points 5 Global Scholars Points
Celebrate Black love, life, and culture through the work of Gainesville’s leading Black poets and artists. Experience an annual Black History Month event featuring art exhibits, spoken word performances, and an open mic. Enjoy complimentary food and drinks, connect with local creatives, and take part in giveaways. The event is free and open to the public.
Volunteer & Community Service
Make an Impact: Student Volunteers Wanted for SF's Annual Open House!
Earn 1 Honors Point per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholar Point per Hour of Service
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Location: NW Campus
Time: 8:45 AM - 2:15 PM
Take part in welcoming prospective students and their families at Santa Fe College's Open House! This is a great opportunity for current Santa Fe students to showcase their school spirit, share their experiences, and help create a memorable day for visitors exploring the college's offerings.
Student Volunteer Role:
Greets prospective students and families
Provides clear, precise directions to buildings and classrooms across campus
Assists in passing out T-shirts and SF swag bags
Answers questions about student life and campus resources
Benefits of Volunteering:
Becoming more connected with campus and shaping the future of SF
Broadening your network with faculty, staff, and current students
Receiving volunteer hours or Honors points (if applicable)
Free lunch and SF T-Shirt
Requirements:
Must be a current SF student in good standing
Familiar with buildings, academic and student services, and landmarks on the NW campus
Friendly, passionate, and reliable
Comfortable with public speaking and interacting with prospective students, parents, and guardians
Volunteer with Alachua County Animal Resources!
Earn 1 Honors Point per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholar Point per Hour of 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, and youth volunteers ages 10–17 may participate with a parent/guardian. This is a great opportunity to make a real impact, gain experience in animal welfare, and give back to Alachua County.
Environmental Protection Volunteer Opportunity
Earn 1 Honors Point per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholar Point per Hour of Service
Serve your community while helping protect local natural resources with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department. Volunteers support environmental stewardship efforts such as conservation, sustainability initiatives, and hands-on activities like tree planting that help keep Alachua County clean, healthy, and resilient. Volunteer events typically take place on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM in Gainesville. This is a great opportunity for students interested in environmental service, community impact, and sustainability.
Florida 4-H Youth Development Program – Serve & Support Youth!
Earn 1 Honor Points per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholar Point per Hour of Service
Florida 4-H is a statewide youth development program run by UF/IFAS Extension that inspires young people to learn, lead, and serve through hands-on projects in areas like science, agriculture, leadership, healthy living, and civic engagement. Volunteers — including adult mentors, project leaders, and club advisors — play a vital role by guiding youth, sharing skills, and helping deliver clubs, camps, workshops, and community activities that build real-world skills and confidence. This is a great opportunity to support positive youth development across Florida and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Alternative Spring Break trip to Tallahassee
30 Honors Points for Participating 15 Global Scholar Points
Apply for the Alternative Spring Break trip to Tallahassee happening from March 15th-17th!
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.
UF Pre-Professional Interest Now Live!
Whether you’re exploring pre-professional tracks in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical or occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, or another health profession, preparing for these fields requires thoughtful planning and guidance.
To better support students like you, UF is launching a pilot initiative that allows you to indicate your Pre-Health interest to the university. This initiative is supported by UF Student Success and the UF Pre-Health Advising Members.
By opting in, your student account will reflect your Pre-Health interest, making you easily identifiable to the advising community. This helps advisors connect with Pre-Health students and allows UF to better understand Pre-Health interest across campus. This designation is purely informational and does not impact your academic record. You can also opt out at any time.
If you’re interested, visit UF Pre-Professional Interest to opt in. Your participation helps us refine and enhance the Pre-Health advising experience at UF. For more Pre-Health resources and advising, visit Pre-Health Advising Website.
Educational Aide, Fitness Center
30 Honors Points Per Semester
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 student employee will assist and provide front desk support to staff and visitors at the Fitness Center on the Northwest campus.
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.
Social Sustainability Leadership Forum
30 Honors Points Per Semester 15 Global Scholars Points
An 8-day program uniting student leaders from around the world to explore social sustainability through the lens of Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education. Students will engage in dialogues, workshops, and visits with Singaporean industry and education leaders. Applications due by March 1st!