火爆社区

New College of Florida is the state鈥檚 public honors college, and students appreciate the school鈥檚 signature, personalized curriculum. This begins with the Chart Your Course (CYC) curriculum, which pairs a student鈥檚 academic interests with practical skillsets like teamwork and problem solving, and continues with a January Independent Study Period (ISP) on a topic of their choosing where they can research, create, or intern in a way that gives them the highly appreciated 鈥渙pportunity to engage with community members and the endless possibilities of scholarships for internships and study abroad courses.鈥� The academic process culminates with a capstone project that 鈥渁llows students an opportunity to focus on an area of academic growth and discipline that they can apply later in life (especially in graduate school).鈥� As one student reports, 鈥淚鈥檝e started my own business and so many of my peers have also done so for academic credit.鈥� This method, which provides 鈥渘arrative evaluations instead of grades,鈥� helps engage students, as do the professors. 鈥淭he research opportunities here are great because of how much professors involve undergraduate students in their research.鈥� This demonstration of 鈥渢he respect the professors have for students and their opinions鈥� is just another example of these 鈥渋ncredible professors who pour everything into their teaching and care a lot about the well-being of students.鈥� Those seeking 鈥渁 massive amount of freedom鈥� in their education are likely to have that wish granted.

This honors college attracts 鈥渉igh-achieving, liberal leaning students that are very focused on academics and making an impact on the world around them.鈥� While students say that interest-wise, the school is 鈥渆xtremely diverse...we currently have it all,鈥� some students share their concerns regarding the recent ending of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida. Still changes can be made: Every New College student is a senator in the student government, which means they 鈥渁re able to join discussions on academic subjects, educational policy, and be elected as representatives to speak on behalf of student voices in those meetings.鈥� Students note that the school is 鈥渃urrently undergoing some changes to incorporate athletes, which has made things interesting,鈥� but one student seems confident that those changes won鈥檛 affect 鈥渢he integrity and reputation of our institution.鈥� Overall, this group is 鈥渙pen-minded and friendly, [and] always willing to say 鈥榟i鈥� or wave in the hallway.鈥�

With a prime waterfront location in the Sarasota area, 鈥減eople use outdoor spaces a lot, including the bayfront or reading under the Banyan tree鈥�; kayaking is also popular, as 鈥渋t is always nice to go take a break from classes and connect with nature.鈥� The college is 鈥渁 very small campus with a big sense community...[where] most students live on campus,鈥� and there are 鈥渕ultiple events throughout the year鈥� to help students connect. On weekends there are 鈥減arties on campus, which are a wonderful and safe way to have fun,鈥� and there are 鈥渢hree large parties, typically referred to as 鈥楥enter of the Universe Parties鈥� or COUPs...held annually, [where] students get to vote on the themes.鈥� There are also 鈥渁 lot of sports/active clubs,鈥� to get involved in with students mentioning the 鈥渂iggest ones鈥� as rock climbing, court soccer, dance collective, and sailing. As befits the school鈥檚 academic freedom, most 鈥渟tudents are involved in many things at once.鈥�

The Center for Engagement and Opportunity (CEO) houses everything related to career services, internships, and fellowships for New College of Florida students thinking strategically about their future. Coupled with the guidance of faculty mentors, students can explore off-campus research, study abroad, and other experiential learning opportunities, including the nationally recognized Sarasota-Manatee Arts & Humanities Internship Program, which matches students with paid, community-driven internship projects. Students are encouraged to incorporate work-based learning into their academic experience with practicums, senior projects, and tailored courses taught by career educators. Students seeking work opportunities or advice about life after graduation can also engage with the Alumni Association, which boasts professional connections at University of Florida, University of South Florida, the Florida Policy Institute, MOTE Marine Lab and Aquarium, and Apple Inc. Students surveyed on PayScale.com reported a median starting salary of $53,100, with 51 percent of respondents finding meaning in their jobs.