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!
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. To check on your graduation status for Global Scholars, please email International Education Coordinator, Matt Michel, at matt.michel@sfcollege.edu.
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.
Academic & Scholarship Opportunities
NISOD Student Essay & Graphic Design Contests
Earn 15 Honors Points Earn 1 Global Scholars Point
Win $1,000 and a trip to a national conference! NISOD is hosting two student competitions to celebrate excellence in community colleges.
Student Essay Contest: Write about a faculty or staff member who inspired you.
Graphic Design Contest: Design the official poster for the 2027 NISOD conference.
Prizes (for each contest):
$1,000 cash prize
Complimentary conference registration & hotel lodging
Up to $400 in travel reimbursement
Deadline: March 6, 2026
FGL Law School Involvement Panel Monday, March 9, 2026, 7:00 - 9:00 PM Zoom
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 1 Global Scholars Point
First Generation Lawyers Law School Involvement Panel will be made up of UF FGL alumni who are well-involved within organizations in or related to law school. While this event will focus primarily on pro-bono work and its impact on the community, the speakers will also be able to share some other helpful insight. The event will consist of mostly moderated questions, but there will be time at the end to open up the floor for any other questions attendees might have. Honors Students are encouraged to attend especially if they are particularly interested in the panels discussion. You will be able to earn 5 Honors Points for attending this event virtually and submitting a reflection about the panelists disu=cussion and what you took from it.
Join Museum Studies Club
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 1 Global Scholars Point
Are you looking to join a club and are interested in Museum Studies? Museum Studies Club will be having their first chapter meeting on March 3rd, 2026. Honors Students can earn 5 Honors Points for being an active member of a club for at least 12-weeks! Join Museum Studies Club today!
Contact Theo Hamiliton for more information: theo.hamilton@sfcollege.edu
Lawrence W. Tyree Library Events for All Students – Spring 2026
Earn 5 Honors Points
Earn X Global Scholars
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.
Secrets in the Stacks: A Clue-Inspired Mystery
Self-paced: March 2–13 | Tyree Library & Online
Put your detective skills to work in this interactive mystery experience. Join the kickoff event, then solve clues at your own pace over the following two weeks.
Research & Citation Workshops
APA Made Simple
March 25 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
MLA Made Simple
March 30 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Chicago Made Simple
(Chicago session earlier in semester; no additional dates after Feb. 13.)
Source Savvy: Crafting a Research-Driven Paper
March 26 | 1–2 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.
Free Zoom LSAT Workshop with TestMasters Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET. Zoom
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 1 Global Scholars Point
You are invited to a free LSAT Argument Evaluation Workshop presented by TestMasters, the leader in high-end LSAT preparation. Register in advance for this meeting! The workshop will be conducted by Anthony Meni, a veteran TestMasters instructor who has taught over two thousand LSAT students in live class settings. Anthony has 18 years of LSAT teaching experience, an official LSAT score in the 99th percentile, and a J.D. from George Washington University. Attendees will be challenged with a series of difficult LSAT questions and Anthony will demonstrate the most effective methods for tackling them. If you are interested in law school and want to crush the LSAT, don't miss this great opportunity. RSVP now to save your spot! Honors students can earn their points by submitting their event reflection on Canvas under “Attend an Event.”
Science Illustration Workshop
Earn 5 Honors Points
Earn 1 Global Scholars Point
Title
5 Honors Points
Cultural & Community Events
India Fest 2026
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
Experience the vibrant culture of India right here in Alachua! India Fest is a family-friendly celebration featuring traditional music, dance performances, authentic food, and local shopping.
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Performances run throughout the afternoon)
Location: Alachua, FL
Sing Into Spring
Earn 5 Honors Points
Earn 5 Global Scholars Points
Join Santa Fe Arts for a show to break into Spring on a good note!
Date: Friday, March 13th
Time: 7:30-9:30pm
Location: 3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville
Ticket Pricing: $0-$20
Eco Market in Gainesville
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholar Points
Shop Eco Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Gainesville featuring sustainable, secondhand and vintage goods from local vendors. Eco Market includes live music by Wax Atoms, small batch treats from Lulu’s Gelato and a thrift swap with the UF Thrift Club from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, March 8th
Time: 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: 409 SW 4th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32601
Stomp the Swamp for Autism
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 3 Global Scholar Points
Support autism services through an active community fundraiser at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Join UF CARD for the 17th Annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism by walking or running stadium steps or laps to raise funds for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Registration opens at 1:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 2:00 p.m. on March 7.
Date: Saturday, March 7th
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: 157 Gale Lemerand Dr. Gainesville, FL 32611
SOAR: Science-Oriented Activities and Recreation
Earn 5 Honors Points Earn 5 Global Scholar Points
SOAR to discover science through this interactive program. On the second Thursday of the month during the school year, our nature interpreters provide fun, nature-based activities or fun team games at the Maker Space at the Gainesville Housing Authority (200 SE 26th Street).
Date: Thursday, March 12th
Time: 3:30-4:30pm
Location: Maker Space, 200 SE 26th Street, 32641
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
Volunteer & Community Service
Volunteer at Historic Neighborhood Cleanup
Earn 1 Honors Point per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholar Point per Hour of Service
Join Keep Alachua County Beautiful (KACB) and members of the Pleasant Street Neighborhood
Association for a community litter cleanup in this historic Gainesville neighborhood.
Date & Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Food will be provided from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Meeting Location & Parking: Pleasant Park
Street parking available
Cleanup maps will be provided on the day of the event
Supplies: KACB will provide all cleanup materials
Volunteers must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
People of all ages are welcome. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Contact for questions/concerns: KACB at 352-371-9444 or greatamericancleanup.kacb@gmail.com
Volunteer at Camp Boggy Creek!
Earn 1 Honors Point per Hour of Service Earn 1 Global Scholar Point per Hour of Service
Volunteer at Camp Boggy Creek this summer and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with serious medical conditions. Located in Central Florida, the camp offers free, medically supported experiences for kids ages 7–16, with activities like swimming, horseback riding, and arts and crafts. Volunteers help create a fun, safe environment where campers can build friendships, make lasting memories, and simply enjoy being kids.
Depot Park Run & West End Community Parkrun
Earn 5 Honors Points for attending an event Earn 1 Global Scholar Point per Hour of Service
See the links below to volunteer!
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
Earn 30 Honors Points for Participating Earn 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.
Social Sustainability Leadership Forum
Earn 30 Honors Points Per Semester Earn 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!
Date: 30 June - 7 July
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
X Global Scholars
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.