Honors Outdoors

Honors hosts several outdoor recreational and educational opportunities for students throughout the year.

UnCommon Classrooms 

UnCommon classrooms are courses designed around unusual topics with cities, places and natural landscapes serving as experimental classrooms. Many of these courses take place predominantly, and in some instances entirely, outdoors. Recent examples of outdoor UnCommon Classrooms include opportunities to study science communication to improve the conservation of coastal resources at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station and Seahorse Key Marine Lab and a sea kayaking trip to the Florida Everglades to learn about the rich history of this remarkable part of Florida, what makes the Everglades and the ecosystem unique, and why preservation of the area matters.

Students who elect to participate are registered for a 1-credit course and are responsible for tuition (financial aid may apply) and course fees. Honors Wentworth Travel Scholarships are available to support this experience. Through enrollment in an UnCommon Classroom, Honors students can earn 1 Academic point towards Honors completion. 

Details and application instructions for each UnCommon Classroom can be found under the Signature Experiences tab for the semester that corresponds with the trip. 

Honors Outdoor Series

Each semester, the Honors Program hosts workshops and events designed around the outdoors and natural spaces on campus and in the Gainesville community. From mindful walks in nature preserves and trips to the local botanical gardens, to outdoor skill-building workshops and nature-based talks from faculty, this series offers something for everyone. 

Information about upcoming events can be found in the Honors on Wednesday and the Honors Calendar of Events. 

Honors Alternative Breaks 

Honors Alternative Breaks are immersive, trip-based service experiences where students engage in direct service and community-based learning during long weekends and academic breaks. Through hands-on service and structured reflection, students deepen their understanding of critical issues, develop leadership skills, and practice collaborative problem-solving. Many of these trips revolve around supporting the natural environment, including beach clean-ups and trail maintenance. Honors Alternative Breaks are offered in partnership with the Center for Outdoor Recreation Education.

The Honors Program provides funding to support the costs for students interested in these trips. Students who participate in an Honors Alternative Break earn 1 Enrichment point towards Honors completion. Information about upcoming events can be found in the Honors on Wednesday and the Honors Calendar of Events. 

Honors TRiPs

The Honors Program and the Center for Outdoor Recreation Education offer outdoor adventure TRiPs exclusively for Honors students every semester. Transportation and group gear are included with the cost.

Information about upcoming Honors TRiPs can be found on the events calendar. Additional details and registration information is available via RS Connect.  A special promotion code that can be applied at checkout for a discounted rate is provided to current Honors students in the Honors on Wednesday email.