The Humanities Engagement Scholars (HES) program shapes undergraduate humanities students’ academic experiences at UF through a variety of learning, service, and mentorship opportunities. Students attend two humanities events of their choice per academic year. In January 2021, for example, Julianna Panton (Psychology and African American Studies) attended the talk “Data Feminism” and learned about “structural forces of power and intersections.”
Students of HES also contribute to a humanities event once a year. During the pandemic, the program offered opportunities to volunteer virtually. Isabella Kemp (International Studies) instantly changed her daily routine to include homeschooling her nieces and holding FaceTime playdates.
The program requires students to take 12 credits of coursework in the humanities. Students who learned about subjects like Japanese culture and Victorian bodies reiterated how this requirement introduced them to the depth and breadth of the humanities.
Additionally, students of HES can participate in optional monthly discussions in the Humanities Center with speakers on topics of scholarship and professionalization for undergraduate students. In February 2019, HES collaborated with Carly Vogelsang (Coordinator of the Office of Global Learning) and Amila Tica (UF Program Support Specialist) from the UF International Center by using trivia to connect international and humanities students. In January 2021, HES and the UF International Center teamed up again in a virtual setting. The students’ positive responses showed how trivia can serve as an entertaining learning tool.
HES also provides a mentorship program entitled Humani-Mentors to its students. Mentor and Ph.D. student Kimberly Williams (English) reveals that “this program was restorative because it provided a way to build and create something with Yasmine Adams (African American Studies major), my mentee. It was important to provide intentional care and guidance to her during a time of so much grieving. Yasmine was so intelligent, hilarious, and intuitive! Ultimately, my experience with my mentee was a reminder that mentorship is a relationship-building mechanism, so often forgotten but so richly needed for Black women.”
Similarly, mentor and Ph.D. student Brianna Anderson (English) said, “Brian Marra (English and History major) and I attended a virtual event together, discussed career aspirations, and reflected on the current state of academia and the humanities. I also learned more about my field and my university as I sought out internships and other professional development opportunities that would benefit my mentee.”
In August 2020, Stephanie Chang (Advertising) joined the Humanities Center as an intern to collect stories of students in the HES program. In January 2021, Emily Vanover (Psychology), Isabella Alonso (Political Science) and Hannah Brady (Psychology) brought new perspectives to the program. And in May 2021, three undergraduate students— Jeffrey Hayden (History and International Studies major), Lisa Kurian (Applied Physiology and Kinesiology), and Trent Wintermeier (English major) — graduated from the program.
Through all of these opportunities, the HES program offers innovative ways to become engaged humanities students.