Student Engagement and Activities
Get Involved
Welcome to your starting point for getting involved at New College. Whether you’re looking to join a student organization, attend a campus event, take on a leadership role, serve your community, or just find your people, this is where your New College experience outside the classroom begins, and if you’re not sure where to start, stop by our office or say hello at an event. Every student brings something unique to this community, every student has a place here, and your experience is what you make of it, with us here to help you make the most of it.
Signature Events
From beloved traditions to brand-new experiences, our student-led signature events bring the New College community together in ways that create lasting memories.
Between the big traditions, you’ll find something happening almost every week, from pop-up activities to tabling in Ham Center, so there’s always an easy, low-key way to get involved.
- Rooted @ NCF, our signature welcome and involvement fair, held each August
- Late Night Breakfast
- NewStock
- Harvest Fest & Pumpkin Patch
Clubs & Organizations
Student clubs are one of the best ways to build friendships, explore your interests, and make your mark on this community. With creative, athletic, cultural, academic, service, and faith-based organizations, there’s something for everyone. including:
Can’t find a club that matches your passion? Start one. We’ll guide you through every step of turning your idea into a recognized organization.
- MEDLIFE
- Cultivation Club
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Swim Club
- Turning Point USA New College
- Dance Collective
- …and many more waiting for you to discover.
Volunteer & Community Engagement
Service is at the heart of a strong, connected community. Whether you’re supporting a local food bank, joining a 4ocean cleanup, participating in the Oxfam Hunger Banquet, or partnering with organizations like Turning Points, service builds character, empathy, and purpose, on campus, across Sarasota and Manatee County, and beyond.
Work With Us: The Student Event Team
Our office welcomes each year a team of students, the Student Event Team (SET), who plan and run the events you see on campus all year. From marketing and traditions to weekend and special events, SET members gain real, resume-ready experience in event planning, leadership, and campus programming while helping shape the New College experience for their peers.
Stay in the Know
Each week, our office publishes This Week @ NCF, a snapshot of events and activities happening across New College, pulled straight from our campus-wide events calendar.
Head to NCF Connect to browse this week’s events, discover student organizations, and RSVP in one place.
What We Do
Welcome to your starting point for getting involved at New College. Whether you’re looking to join a student organization, attend a campus event, take on a leadership role, serve your community, or just find your people, this is where your New College experience outside the classroom begins.
The Office of Student Engagement & Activities fosters a vibrant, connected campus community by creating meaningful opportunities for involvement, leadership, service, and connection. Whether you’re a student leader, volunteer, employee, or first-time attendee, we intentionally create space for learning, growth, and belonging, so every student leaves New College with the confidence and connections to succeed beyond it.
Connection
We build opportunities for students to connect with one another, faculty, staff, and the broader community, because meaningful relationships are the foundation of a thriving college experience.
Belonging
Every student deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and free to be their authentic self. Belonging fuels success, well-being, and growth.
Student-Centered Engagement
Students aren’t just participants in campus life, they’re active partners in shaping it. We listen, and we build around what students actually want.
Leadership Development
Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a mindset. We help students build confidence, responsibility, and communication skills through hands-on experience.
Collaboration
A vibrant campus is built through partnership. We work with students, faculty, staff, and campus departments to create experiences that move New College forward together.
Positivity & Well-Being
Fun and celebration matter. We create space for students to recharge, connect, and enjoy campus life.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
We stay curious. We seek feedback and keep evolving how we engage students so our programs actually meet their needs.
Partnering with Campus Departments
Beyond our direct work with students, our office is a resource for NCF campus partners. We help coordinate scheduling and promotion of campus-wide events, connect departments with student organizations and student employees, and support the cross-campus initiatives that bring New College together. This same spirit of partnership extends beyond campus. Events like Rooted @ NCF connect students directly with local Sarasota-Manatee organizations and businesses, building relationships that benefit the whole community.
Campus partners can count on our office for:
- Event calendar coordination and promotion through This Week @ NCF and NCF Connect
- Connections with student organizations and student employees for collaborative programming
- Guidance and logistical support for planning student-facing events
- A consistent, reliable channel to reach students about campus opportunities
Interested in planning an event or program? Reach out to our office to get it on the calendar and in front of students.
Dr. Morrison is an Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist who primarily studies employee well-being, organizational leadership, remote work, and feedback culture. She also has professional consulting experience in the areas of training design, onboarding, succession planning, and employee assessment.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT?
New College is an honors college, so you should expect high academic standards—but also a high level of support. You’ll have close mentorship from faculty and the flexibility to shape your own academic path, making it a great place if you’re curious, motivated, and want to take ownership of your education.
WHAT MAKES NEW COLLEGE OF
FLORIDA SO UNIQUE?
New College of Florida stands out for its small class sizes, narrative evaluations instead of traditional grades, and strong emphasis on independent research. Combined with its location on Sarasota Bay, it creates a close-knit, academically rigorous, and uniquely student-driven learning environment.
What made you decide to teach at New College of Florida?
As an alum of New College, I had a formative experience in the psychology program and with its faculty. When the opportunity arose to return as a professor, it felt like a natural fit. I especially value the chance to know my students personally and support their academic, career, and personal development.
You’ve been admitted… congratulations! Now what?
Join us for a session to discuss your next steps. Take this time to ask all of the burning questions that you’ve been meaning to ask. Get to know faculty, students, staff and key on campus support resources ahead of orientation. Have questions? Staff from departments including Financial Aid and Residential Life will be available to meet!
Politico published an excellent spotlight on the successful growth of classical education across Florida and how it can serve as a model for the nation.
Excerpts of the article, including New College’s role in providing classical education at the university level, appear below.
…
Classical schooling in Florida has support from significant names such as Erika Donalds, the wife of GOP Rep. Byron Donalds, who leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding classical education. And, in another shift orchestrated by DeSantis, Florida overhauled the state’s only publicly funded liberal arts university — New College of Florida — to implement a classical curriculum under the charge of former state education commissioner and state House Speaker Richard Corcoran; Corcoran’s wife also founded a classical, liberal arts charter school.
…
Florida, at the same time, became the first state to require its colleges and universities to accept the Classic Learning Test for admissions, putting it on par with the SAT or ACT. More than 120,000 Florida students have taken the CLT college entrance exam in the year since the policy was enacted. Students also can take the CLT to qualify for Florida’s massively popular Bright Futures scholarship.
When asked for comment on this story, DeSantis’ office directed POLITICO to Corcoran. The university leader said in a statement that “the growth of classical schools in Florida and our unrivaled support for parents that elect to home school needs to be represented in our higher education admissions process.”
…
Read the full article at Politico.com.
Welcome to ‘The Mighty Banyans on the Bay: Faculty Podcast’ hosted by New College of Florida’s Dr. Douglas Estes and Dr. Bruce Gilley and Dr. Alicia Mercado-Harvey as they talk to various NCF Faculty. On this episode, listen to our guest, Dr. Samantha Levell, as she discusses her latest write up in the Biological Journal about “Can females differentially allocate resources to offspring sired by different males?”
To learn more Dr. Levell’s class you can send an email to: [email protected]
To read about Dr. Levell’s article visit: https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/a…
You can also send in your questions via email to:
[email protected] (Bruce Gilley)
[email protected] (Douglas Estes)
[email protected] (Alicia Mercado-Harvey)
LINKS:
WEBSITE: https://www.ncf.edu/
X: https://x.com/NewCollegeofFL
INSTAGRAM: 
/ newcollegeoffl
Dive into Your Future with the Masters in Marine Mammal Science (MIMMS) program on Sarasota Bay!
About MIMMS
Florida is rich in marine mammals and the scientists who study them. As a MIMMS student, you will be part of an interdisciplinary program that collaborates with prestigious partners around marine mammal science. New College, housed on Sarasota Bay, home to the longest studied society of bottlenose dolphins in the world, brings together Florida’s marine mammal scientists to support student work and marine mammal welfare in our state. This program offers faculty expertise in marine mammal science through Professors Gordon Bauer (Emeritus), Peter Cook, Heidi Harley, and Athena Rycyk, as well as many partners.
Our formal partnerships include the Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, led by the “Jane Goodall” of dolphin research, Dr. Randy Wells, whose team has focused on the study of these animals for more than 50 years across six generations of dolphins, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, providing access to both in- and ex-situ dolphins and manatees as well as the scientists who track Florida’s rehabilitated manatees after release. Through these and other collaborations, such as the Aquatic Animal Health Program in the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and government agencies, our students are supported by additional mentors, animal access, longitudinal databases, and unique facilities.
Having a prestigious world-class program unique to Florida and the U.S. allows us to share resources, produce more and better informed science benefitting Florida’s remarkable marine mammals, and attract students such as yourself!
MIMMS MISSION: An interdisciplinary academic center providing research and graduate/undergraduate education of the highest quality in marine mammal science through the collaboration of experts and students dedicated to scientific excellence, marine mammal conservation, and outreach.
To support our mission, please visit here to donate to fund #0594, Marine Mammal Science.
Career Opportunities in Marine Mammal Science!
Students trained in this program will have multiple options for next steps after graduation. The skills required to study marine mammals in an interdisciplinary way, the focus of this program, are broadly applicable to advances in science, technology and medicine. The MIMMS degree program provides individuals with the post-baccalaureate training needed to pursue careers in research design and data analysis, comparative psychology, conservation biology, ecology, and marine mammal husbandry and training.
What Do Students & Alumni Say?
I chose this program because of the connections it has to offer. I fell in love with working with wild dolphins through an internship at the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, and it was a life-changing opportunity to be able to conduct my Master’s research alongside them. Dr. Heidi Harley was an incredible advisor, and I learned so much from her that I will carry with me throughout my career.
Next steps: I am continuing my education to earn a Ph.D. at Florida International University.
The professors at MiMMS were so caring and genuinely invested in their students’ success; you felt it from the first day. My favorite aspect of the program was how much they encouraged me to pursue what I actually found interesting. There was a real sense of freedom to follow my curiosity and dive deep into the questions that mattered most to me. Doing this within an interdisciplinary environment brought together incredible perspectives and experience, making it a truly special program.
What I loved most about the MIMMS program was the ability to take ownership of my education. I gained practical, hands-on experience across a variety of research projects, which allowed me to explore my diverse interests in marine mammals. With unwavering support and mentorship from a faculty truly invested in student success, I felt fully empowered to shape my career path
Next Steps: Following graduation, I am preparing my thesis for publication and continuing work on several ongoing projects.
I was drawn to this program because of the amazing professors, who come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of perspectives to the field of marine mammal science. A research-based interdisciplinary approach was exactly what I was looking for, and it has made me into a better scientist. In addition, the MIMMS professors are world-renowned and highly respected in their respective fields. Drs. Rycyk, Harley, and Cook are not just amazing scholars, but they are also wonderful mentors who showed deep commitment to our success as students.
This is a rare program, led by a special convergence of esteemed marine mammal scientists. They each readily provide support, guidance, and expertise that cultivates high-quality research across several fields. MIMMS is built to develop and launch capable scientists toward the individualized research horizons they are chasing.
Next Steps: Currently a Laboratory Technician at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Meet Our…
Marine Mammal Science In the News
MIMMS Faculty & Staff
Gordon Bauer
Professor Emeritus
Peter Cook
Associate Professor of Marine Mammal Science and Psychology
Breanna DeGroot
Senior Laboratory Technician
Heidi Harley
Peg Scripps Buzzelli Chair/Director of Marine Mammal Science
Professor of Psychology
Athena Rycyk
Associate Professor, Marine Mammal Science and Biology
Nicole Van Der Berg
Assistant Director
Real-World Experience
Graduate students and their research are integrated into the Florida and Sarasota marine mammal communities, contributing data and findings concerning the state of Sarasota Bay and other Florida ecological systems and helping to determine potential management and research priorities. Ongoing monitoring and research help conserve our Bay and bring focus and funding to our area and the people and animals who make it home.
Study by the Seaside
Regularly ranked among the best places to live in the US, Sarasota is famous for its beautiful Gulf beaches, plethora of arts and cultural institutions, and year-round warm weather.
Fall 2026 Applications Now Available
Are you ready to take the next step and immerse yourself in the study of marine mammals? Start your application today!
Additional Information
Request More Info About MIMMS
Accreditation
New College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. New College of Florida also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of New College of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Dr. David C. Ellis joined New College of Florida in August 2023 as an Associate Professor of International Relations and Comparative Politics. Prior to joining the New College faculty, Dr. Ellis served as a Resident Senior Fellow at the Joint Special Operations University (2016-2022) affiliated with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He applied his research on democratization and development after identity conflict to U.S. counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations at USSOCOM (2009-2013), deployed as a civilian intelligence analyst to Afghanistan in support of Village Stability Operations (2010-2011), and later served as a program manager for cyber-intelligence and socio-cultural analysis contracts (2014-2016). Dr. Ellis has also served as a consultant to companies providing battle damage assessments to civilian infrastructure in conflict zones across the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe in support of prominent international organizations (2014-present).
Dr. Ellis’s most recent research focuses on the intersection of strategic competition, complexity theory, organizational learning within the Special Operations enterprise, and integrated statecraft. His research draws upon the literatures covering complex adaptive systems, structuration (agent- structure) dynamics intrinsic to the concept of praxis, the social construction of reality in theory and practice, the philosophy of social science, and competing visions of human rights and moral systems. Additionally, his research on atrocity included exposure to the literature on totalitarianism, the individual and social psychology involved in creating totalitarian environments, and the factors promoting resistance to totalitarianism and atrocity.
At New College, Dr. Ellis looks forward to working with students interested in U.S. foreign policy, international relations, and comparative politics. His recent experience working with the U.S. military and with other interagency partners reinforced the necessity to merge these subdisciplines, and he hopes to inspire thesis research rooted in practical political challenges. His pre-doctoral studies covered peacekeeping, conflict resolution, international development, and atrocity in ethno-religious conflict. His doctoral research then focused on identity, social movements, organizational and social learning theory, and economic growth theory.
Dr. Ellis’s recent publications and book chapters include Complexity, Organizational Blinders, and the SOCOM Design Way (co-author, 2018); Iranian Proxy Groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen: A Principal-Agent Comparative Analysis (co-author, 2020); Big Data for Generals…and Everyone Else over 40 (editor, 2021); The Network Illusion: How a Network-Centric Special Operations Culture Impedes Strategic Effect (chapters, 2022); “Organizing US: Regime Theory for Integrated Statecraft” (chapter, 2023), “Human Smuggling and Terrorism: A Complex Adaptive Systems Approach for Special Operations Forces” (chapter, 2023) and Competing for Advantage: The Chinese Communist Party, Statecraft, and Special Operations (editor and co-author, 2024).
The article below presents excerpts from a guest commentary authored by New College President Richard Corcoran that was originally published in the Wall Street Journal on May 27, 2024. The full commentary is available at WSJ.com (pay wall).
It might be customary to have a prominent entrepreneur speak at the commencement of a renowned institution like Princeton or Harvard, but it was a notable honor to have Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, step on stage at New College of Florida. Some students, unfortunately disagreed, interrupting his speech with scattered boos and chants. Nonetheless, civil discourse and free speech will prevail at New College.
…
That students intermittently disrupted the proceedings was a disheartening reflection of the prevailing intolerance for diverse viewpoints in today’s society. But that illiberal attitude hasn’t and won’t rule New College.
…
The school made meticulous preparations to protect students’ right to enjoy a normal commencement and the speakers’ to address the crowd freely. Commencement organizers made contingency plans for the possibility of protests, deploying law enforcement and surveillance to ensure that disruptions wouldn’t overshadow the event’s significance.
…
Mr. Ricketts remained composed as he delivered his address, though a momentary pause betrayed his concern.
“They don’t care,” he confided to me in a brief side discussion, the microphone inadvertently capturing his words, later revealed in video footage of the event. “I hate it, but they really don’t care what I have to say.”
In the aftermath, supporters of the student protesters expressed concerns about potential repercussions for their behavior. I reaffirmed New College’s unwavering commitment to fairness and due process.
…
In the final exchange inadvertently captured on the mic, Mr. Ricketts and I acknowledged the broader significance of our actions. It wasn’t merely about New College but about upholding the principles of free speech and civil discourse in an increasingly polarized society.
“We will win, Joe,” I declared.
Mr. Ricketts echoed the sentiment, “You will win.”
In a world often fraught with discord, I believe New College’s unwavering stance can be a beacon of hope—a testament to the inseparability of freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth.
–
Related Links:
Joe Ricketts’ Commencement Address (Text)
Additional Details on Student Disciplinary Referrals
The New College Challenge
Test Change — Yipp More than a year in the making, the New College Challenge is a bold design endeavor created to excite and engage the college and community in envisioning a more vibrant campus and campus life for New College. New College partnered with six world-class design schools from top universities to reimagine a future campus that cultivates students into trailblazing problem-solvers and leaders.
Designs Now On Exhibit
The discoveries and ideas of the partner university design teams are now part of a public exhibition at Architecture Sarasota (265 S. Orange Avenue) – a partner throughout the Challenge.
Exhibition Hours:
- Summer Hours (beginning May 21, 2023): Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm (except federal holidays)
- Fall Hours (beginning September 11, 2023): Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (except federal holidays)
The Challenge Process
The New College Challenge is a testament to the university’s commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to providing its students with a top-notch education experience.
One key aspect of the New College Challenge is the incorporation of external perspectives and examining the university’s operations and initiatives through outside lenses of its partner institutions.
All six universities presented their compelling designs to the New College campus and surrounding community May 12, 2023
The following day, May 13, 2023, the New College Challenge Exhibition opened at Architecture Sarasota where leaders from the partner universities participated in a panel discussion led by Challenge Co-Chair Dr. David Brain.
How Did We Get Here?
The New College Challenge grew from an idea in late November 2021 to a series of plans, programs and research. New College formed a team of faculty, staff and students to lead the initiative, seated a high level advisory committee and engaged the college and local community and a host of experts in the process. New College taught a class of its own that began in Fall 2022 which supported the work of the partnering academic teams.
Challenge Launch Week
A week of events launched the New College Challenge, beginning with a community Kickoff Brunch on the Bayfront on Oct. 25, 2022, New Topics lecture with Harvard professor Chris Reed, and the Designing for Resilience Symposium.
Watch the Symposium Livestream | Learn more about Launch Week Events
Spring Classes and University Partner Visits
Our academic partner institutions began teaching their design studio classes on New College in January, 2023. In early February, five of six nationally renowned design leaders brought their students to campus as part of their Spring architecture studio courses to inform their coursework. As part of their visit, the academic teams jump-started their creativity with a one-day design exercise – known as a charrette – that focused on improving the New College campus.
The design teams were given one of three categories to focus on: Bayfront Activation; Collaboration, Creativity and Community Core; Reimagining Pei. On Saturday, February 4th, the teams presented their early designs in an interactive exercise with the campus and community, which boasted strategies and mechanisms to address various environmental factors that affect us all region-wide.
These 8 design presentations below– developed in collaboration by students from Kean University, New College, Syracuse University, University of Florida, University of Miami and the University of South Florida – are just an example of the campus innovation being developed for New College by the Challenge academic teams.
As a continuation of this phase of the New College Challenge, students from Yale University visited the campus March 13th-15th, and presented their mid-term work to New College faculty, staff, and students.
All the university partner teams completed their designs at the end of their Spring Semester and the team leaders returned to New College May 12-13, 2023 for final presentations (above).
What’s Next?
New College will use the designs to inform a new campus plan to match an enhanced curriculum. The public exhibition of the designs will be on display at Architecture Sarasota throughout 2023.
Student Leadership
The Planning for Campus Resilience Challenge academic course at New College invited students to play a central role in shaping the future of their campus, explore practical responses to rising sea levels in coastal communities, and develop leadership skills for collaborative problem solving in diverse communities.
From its inception New College students have been integral leaders involved in the Challenge.
The Challenge Model
The New College Challenge is modeled after two endeavors in the Northeast: “Envision Resilience: Nantucket Challenge” and “Envision Resilience: Narragansett Bay”. Learn more at envisionresilience.org
Donate to Support the Challenge
We often hear that it takes money to make money. It’s true. The Challenge is an expensive endeavor, but it is a collaborative undertaking that is designed to elevate our campus and community, both regionally and nationally. Yes, it’s an ambitious undertaking for our small school, but together we can have an impact that reaches well beyond our area. This Challenge is a collective investment in our future–can you help us seize this moment?
Challenge Advisory Council
Bill Dudley
Former President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Company
New College Alumnus
Ann Darby
Former Vice President, JP Morgan Chase
Bob Essner
Former Chairman & CEO, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Norm Worthington
Former Founder & CEO, Star2Star
Company
Chairman, Sangoma Technologies Corp
Location
New College Alumnus
Janet Doyle
Former President & CEO, Kramer Junction Company
Contact Us
The New College Challenge
Email Address
Thank you to our Challenge Sponsors
Jake Short, ‘87
Kathleen Binnicker Swann Foundation
Plan your #NewCollegeWedding or event! College Hall can be blended seamlessly into the outdoors and is available to rent on weekends based on availability.
Our beautiful bayfront, with its natural foliage and historic mansions facing Sarasota Bay, is a popular location for weddings and celebrations. The elegant, early 20th-century College Hall is the former home of circus magnate Charles Ringling and his wife Edith. It offers a gracious living room with curving wrought-iron staircase and expansive fire place, enclosed portico overlooking the bay, and wood-paneled music room with high, fresco-timbered ceilings, burnished wood floor and grand piano.
Located at 351 College Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243. College Hall can be blended seamlessly into the outdoors and is available to rent on weekends based on availability. Spaces can accommodate up to 130 guests. For pricing and other inquiries please email us
Photo (above): Love and Style Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY – We welcome photography at Historic Ringling Mansion | College Hall on the beautiful Sarasota Bayfront or at various locations on campus with the following guidelines:
7-day advance notice, approval will be communicated with the requestor. $250 fee for a 2-hour session.
Please provide your name, the best phone number to contact you at, and your top 2 choices of dates and times you wish for your photography session. Upon payment and approval, you will be provided with a permit that will need to be shown to any campus personnel when requested.
Mail: [email protected] with requests
Contact Us to Learn More!
New College Venue Rentals
Email Address
Working Hours
M – F
9 – 5