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
Coffee Chat with President Broadie | April 2
5 Honors Points
SF College President, Dr. Broadie
Honors students have a rare opportunity this Thursday: a conversation with SF President Dr. Broadie about your experience at SF and in the Honors Program.
The Coffee Chat runs from 2:30–3:30pm in S-329 (S Building, 3rd floor). Dr. Broadie wants to hear what's working, what could be better, and what you want for your future here. This isn't a stressful or formal event, just an open conversation with SF's President over refreshments.
Walk-ins are welcome, but if you plan to attend, RSVP at the link below so we can plan accordingly.
Get Ready for Registration
Registration comes around every semester, but it always feels like a fresh start. Get a jump on getting ready for spring by planning your schedule, taking advantage of advanced registration, and selecting your Honors classes. This term we even have a new opportunity where you can get registered for your Honors classes quickly and early, bypassing the registration form. Whether you’re choosing courses that move you closer to graduation, exploring new disciplines, or securing the schedule that fits your life best, this is the time to map your path.
Right now: Plan Your Summer and Fall Schedule
Are you trying to figure out which classes would be the best fit for this summer, fall, 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.
Right Now: Check for Account 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.
Today: Spring and Summer 2026 Honors Registration Requests Open
Starting today, Honors students can begin building their schedules for the coming spring semester. Start planning for next term by viewing the Summer & Fall 2026 Honors Course Catalog.
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.
Registration requests will be processed following spring break on a first-come first-served basis, so get your request in today!
March 26: Advanced Registration Opens - Register for Classes
As a member of the Honors Program, you have access to advanced registration, meaning that you’re among the first students who can pick their classes and lock in your schedule. Starting on March 26, you can log into eSantaFe and register for any of your non-Honors Classes.
The Compass - Now on Mondays
From now on, you'll be able to start your week with a look at all the great opportunities that are coming up! The Compass has moved to Mondays to give you a better idea of what you can do to get involved on and off campus each week.
Academic & Scholarship Opportunities
SF Speaker Series - Sean O'Donnell and the DBA Journey
Earn 5 Honors Points
Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
Please join us this Thursday, April 2 at 10am for Sean O'Donnell's dissertation sharing session on the motivations and career outcomes of professionals who pursue a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).
In this session, O'Donnell will explore why students and professionals pursue the DBA, how the degree bridges the gap between practice and academia, and how it complements the traditional PhD in business schools. The talk draws from his newly completed dissertation study and his extensive background in corporate leadership, including his work as a Regional VP at Charter/Spectrum overseeing 2.25M+ customer relationships across four states.
O'Donnell is currently a DBA candidate at UF's Warrington College of Business and brings real-world experience as a former EY consultant, Bresnan SVP, and civic leader.
This presentation is part of the 2026 RUE speaker series. Faculty, staff, and students are all welcome and encouraged to attend! We will take attendance for students who receive extra credit for coming.
Date & Time: Thursday, April 2, 10am - 11am
Location: S-326
Lawrence W. Tyree Library Events for All Students – Spring 2026
Earn 5 Honors Points
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.
Wellness Wednesdays
April 1
1–2 p.m. | Y-240
Take an hour to reset. These sessions focus on student wellness and practical strategies for managing stress during the semester.
Research & Citation Workshops
MLA Made Simple
March 30 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Beyond Google: Smart Strategies for Research
April 7 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
These workshops help you strengthen your research and citation skills—whether you’re polishing a paper or just getting started. Online sessions are available via Zoom: https://sfcollege.zoom.us/my/reference
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.
ICDP Fellowship Applications Open - Apply by April. 10th
Honors students don’t miss this opportunity!
Applications are now open for the Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Partnership (ICDP) Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic year. This year-long hybrid program brings together students from institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Santa Fe College to build real-world skills in leading meaningful conversations across political differences.
As a Fellow, you’ll receive specialized training in facilitation, connect with scholars and professionals in ethics and public discourse, and engage in impactful dialogue on today’s most important issues.
Apply by April 10th to be considered.
If you’re passionate about leadership, democracy, and creating spaces for thoughtful conversation, this fellowship is for you.
From Interview to Archive: An Introduction to Oral History Workshop
Earn 5 Honors Points
Earn 1 Global Scholars
Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
Location: Pugh Hall 210
Ticket Pricing:
Free
UF Smathers Libraries Annual Michael Gannon Lecture with Rick Atkinson
Earn 5 Honors Points
Earn 1 Global Scholars
The George A. Smathers Libraries welcome best-selling author, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, and former Washington Post journalist Rick Atkinson as the 2026 Michael Gannon Lecture speaker. Atkinson will deliver a lecture on the subject of World War II, drawing from his extensive work in military history, including the acclaimed Liberation Trilogy. A book signing will immediately follow the event.
This annual lecture commemorates the achievements of Distinguished Service Professor Michael Gannon, remembered at the University of Florida as an outstanding teacher, scholar, and advocate for academic integrity. To help ensure future events with thought-provoking speakers that honor Professor Gannon's legacy, you can support the Michael Gannon Lecture Fund at UFgive.to/GannonLecture.
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM EDT
Location: Grand Reading Room, Smathers Library
Ticket Pricing:
Free and open to the public
Cultural & Community Events
Elements of Style
Earn 5 Honors Points
Earn 5 Global Scholars
Santa Fe College’s annual dance showcase, Elements of Style, returns! This year’s production features more than 30 SF dance students performing works in seven distinct styles, highlighting the depth, versatility, and artistic range of the college’s dance program. Audiences can expect an exciting evening spanning classical, contemporary, and culturally rich dance forms.
Date and Time:
Friday, April 3rd at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 4th at 9:30 pm
Location: Lyceum Concert Hall
Pricing: $0-$20
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
Song Art Exhibition at Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholar Points
Explore the Song Art Exhibition in Gainesville featuring artwork inspired by music and created by local artists. The Song Art Exhibition is presented by the Gainesville Fine Arts Association and is on display March 25 through April 17 at Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery. An opening reception takes place March 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
Date:
March 27th, 7-10pm
Location:
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery
Volunteer & Community Service
Volunteer & Tabling Opportunities for Spring Arts Festival April 11 & 12
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
The 54th Annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival is approaching! This year the festival will be held on Saturday, April 11th 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sunday, April 12th 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The event is looking for student volunteers to support festival operations, assist artists, help with visitor engagement, and be part of one of the College's biggest cultural events. Students are also able to sign up to and help with Set-Up on Friday, April 10th.
Volunteer & Tabling Opportunities for Spring Arts Festival April 11 & 12
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
The 54th Annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival is approaching! This year the festival will be held on Saturday, April 11th 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sunday, April 12th 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The event is looking for student volunteers to support festival operations, assist artists, help with visitor engagement, and be part of one of the College's biggest cultural events. Students are also able to sign up to and help with Set-Up on Friday, April 10th.
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.
Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
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)
Civics Challenge Alachua County Middle Schools
Earn 1 Honors Point Per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholars Point Per Hour of Service
Volunteer as a scorer at these exciting civics competition for middle schoolers co-sponsored by the LWV.
April 15th, from 9 AM – 3 PM. Volunteer all day or just morning/afternoon. Contact Sue from LWV to learn more: 352-226-5336.
This is a great for students interested in:
• Education
• Civic engagement
• Mentoring younger students
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.
Internship at Charlotte Behavioral Health Care Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 Punta Gorda, Florida
Earn 30 Honors Points
Earn 30 Global Scholars Points
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care center is currently accepting applications for their Summer 2026 Internship program. This is an 8-week, unpaid opportunity that offers participants a dynamic rotation through various key areas of the center, including mental health and substance use treatment, as well as inpatient and outpatient settings. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and closed on April 1st for the following summer or when all positions have been filled.
Summer interns needed at Operation Catnip
Earn 30 Honors Points
Earn 30 Global Scholars Points
The Operation Catnip (OC) Kitten Shelter Diversion (KSD) Program Internship is a community cat management program that offers undergraduate students the opportunity toward furthering the welfare of community cats alongside OC staff, future veterinarians, and other community stakeholders. Must commit to participating for the summer semester- May 18-July 25. 20 hours per week, flexible scheduling within the windows of Tuesday-Saturday 7:30am-6pm. Application Deadline Saturday April 11th.
Vet Tech Summer Internship
Earn 30 Honors Points
Earn 30 Global Scholars Points
The Operation Catnip (OC) veterinary technician internship offers undergraduate students an opportunity to work towards furthering the welfare of community cats alongside Operation Catnip staff, future veterinarians, and other stakeholders. Must commit to participating for the summer semester- May 18-July 25. Must commit to at least 20 hours (2 clinic days) per week. Clinic days are typically Wednesday-Saturday 7:30am-6pm with some variation depending on special events. Applications due Saturday April 11th!