Programs
Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council
The Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council (JGHCSC) serves as a hub for Honors students to develop leadership and professional skills, give back to their community, and build connections with Honors faculty, staff, and peers through fun events on both the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses.
Mission and Vision
The JGHCSC fosters a community of student leaders by providing opportunities for professional development, social engagement, and service — creating a well-rounded Honors College experience.
Members of the JGHCSC play a key role in planning annual events, marketing programs, and serving the community through projects with organizations such as Feeding Tampa Bay.
Hear from the students
Umama Saifuddin, Tampa Professional Development Co-Coordinator 2026-27
What makes council especially special is the people. Our executive board and committee members have such a supportive, close-knit relationship; it truly feels like a community. Everyone uplifts one another, collaborates with intention, and leads with heart. For prospective students, I’d say this: council will challenge you in the best way. It will push you to grow, give you a strong sense of belonging, and surround you with people who inspire you daily. If you’re looking for leadership development, meaningful involvement, and a space that genuinely feels like home, council is it.
Tampa Campus
Tampa Student Council Events
The Tampa Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council hosts a variety of events each semester. Signature events like Brain Bowl and Fall Picnic occur every year, while others are special one-time events. All Honors students are encouraged to attend Student Council events, not just council members.
Spring 2026 Calendar
- Leadership Round Table with Dean Adams — Thursday, Jan. 29 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.| HON Forum
- Cookies and Culture — Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 6 - 7 p.m. | HON 3014
- Experiential Learning Fair — Thursday, Feb. 19 | 3 - 5 p.m. | HON Forum
- Pixar and Painting — Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 6 - 8 p.m. | HON 5042 Art Studio
- Recruiter Session Workshop — Wednesday, March 4 | 6 - 7 p.m. | HON 3040 |
- Spike Out Pediatric Cancer — Friday, March 6 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Magnolia Fields |
- Honors Playoffs — Wednesday, March 11 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | HON 4040 |
- VolCom Campus Cleanup: Climate Teach-In — Monday, March 23 | 6 - 7 p.m. | HON 3040 |
- Honors Got Talent — Wednesday, April 1 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | HON Forum |
- Professional Speed Networking — Thursday, April 8 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | HON 4040 |
Council Committees
All Honors College students, regardless of major or year, can get involved with the Tampa Student Council by joining one or more of its three committees: Events, Volunteer, and Marketing & Public Relations (MPR). Each committee is led by two co-chairs and overseen by the JGHCSC president and vice president. Committees meet weekly to plan events, service projects, and social media content. No application is required — students can simply attend a general meeting to join.
Events Committee
Wednesdays | 5 - 6 p.m. | HON 3014
The Events Committee designs and executes events with student interests in mind. Its
goal is to foster meaningful connections, provide engagement opportunities, and build
a stronger sense of community. Signature events such as the Fall Picnic and Honors
Got Talent are organized by this committee, along with collaborative events with groups
like the Judy Genshaft Honors College LLC in Juniper-Poplar Hall.
By joining, students gain experience in all aspects of event planning, strengthening
skills in organization, communication, and project management.
Volunteer Committee
Mondays | 6 - 7 p.m. | HON 3014
The Volunteer Committee organizes service events that allow Honors College students to engage with the Tampa Bay community and give back in meaningful ways. Students can look forward to volunteering at places like the Humane Society, Feeding Tampa Bay, and other local organizations. The committee also organizes donation drives and group service projects, making it simple to give back.
Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) Committee
Mondays | 5 - 6 p.m. | HON 3014
The MPR Committee promotes Tampa Student Council events and initiatives on Instagram
and other platforms. Members create graphics, reels, and posters to support programming
across the council’s committees. Meetings include brainstorming sessions, content
creation, and hands-on training with tools such as Canva and CapCut.
The MPR Committee is dedicated to creating a fun environment that allows students to learn about marketing and public relations skills.
Professional Development Opportunities
The Professional Development Co-Coordinators organize speaker events and workshops
designed to make professional development a fun and accessible experience for all
Honors students.
Students can look forward to guest speaker presentations, networking events, and interactive
workshops such as Cookies and Conversations. Topics include résumé building, creating
LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews.
Join a Committee
To join a committee or learn more about the Tampa JGHCSC, and . Please email jghcsc@usf.edu with any questions.
Hear from the Students
Emily Meeker, Tampa Vice President 2026-27
"Being in council means being a part of an incredible, supportive community where
everyone wants to see each other succeed in their own unique ways. Council is a fantastic
way to grow personally and professionally, while making a positive impact on the Honors
College."
St. Petersburg Campus
St. Petersburg Student Council Events
- Honors Charity Pickleball Tournament — Saturday, Jan. 31 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | ͬÐÔÁµÉ«Çé St. Petersburg Courts
- Valentine's Cards & Crafts Drop-in Event — Monday, Feb. 16 | 12:30 - 3 p.m. | Snell House
- Rock Climbing with Dr. Marpet — Sunday, March 8 | 1 - 3 p.m. | Vertical Ventures
- KPB Crescent Lake Cleanup — Saturday, March 28 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Crescent Lake |
- End of Year Garden Party — Thursday, April 16 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Snell Courtyard
- Humane Society Pinellas Volunteering — Saturday, April 18| 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Humane Society Pinellas
Hear from the Students
Izabella Prange, St. Petersburg Events Committee Co-Chair 2025-26
"Honors Council is the perfect mix of a group of people who will push you to become the best version of yourself and a supportive safe space and community that will help you get there. JGHCSC gives you incredible opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and make memories, all while enriching your experience in the Honors College. It’s given me invaluable leadership skills and experience that I will carry with me long into the future."
Council Committees
Each committee is led by two co-chairs that meet biweekly to plan and execute student-led service and social events.
Events Committee
Bi-weekly Thursdays | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Snell House
The events committee plans and hosts fun, creative events that foster a strong sense of community within the St. Petersburg Honors College. Past events include Game Night, Paint & Pasta, a trip to the Dali Museum, and more!
Students in this committee can expect to play an active role in brainstorming event ideas, setting up before the event starts, greeting people, and cleaning-up after the event ends.
Volunteer Committee
Bi-weekly Thursdays | 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Snell House
The volunteer committee plans and participates in meaningful service projects that support the local community and foster connections. Past activities include cleanups with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, card-making for pediatric patients, campus Butterfly Garden Restoration, and more!
Students in this committee can expect to play an active role in planning service events, engaging in hands-on volunteering, and building lasting relationships with peers and the community.
Hear From the Students
Hollie Quackenbush, St. Petersburg President 2025-26
I joined Council my first semester at ͬÐÔÁµÉ«Çé, and it played an incredibly meaningful role in helping me transition into college and finding a sense of community. As I later stepped into leadership roles, it became even more impactful, allowing me to not only grow as a leader but also as a person. Through Council, I have found so much fulfillment in connecting with other students and faculty, and I've truly discovered a home within Honors. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to build lasting connections, find a supportive space, and grow both professionally and personally while giving back to Honors and the community.
Join St. Petersburg JGHC Student Council
If you would like to be part of the JGHC Student Council at St. Petersburg, you can where all information about committee meetings and events will be communicated.