Santa Fe College to close on March 29 for Professional Development Day

Press release from Santa Fe College

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Friday, March 29, Santa Fe College (SF) will be investing in its employees by holding Professional Development Day. The college will cancel all classes and close all public facing offices (including the zoo, planetarium, etc.) to give employees the time to participate.

The event will be highlighted by a keynote address from Dr. Lisa Nunn, a professor of sociology and the director of the Center for Educational Excellence at the University of San Diego. Dr. Nunn is also the author of two books geared toward helping first-year and first-generation students transition into the college experience.

With a strong belief in celebrating and valuing in-house knowledge, most of the professional and personal development programs will feature presenters from within our very own SF community. This approach ties into this year’s theme of “Evolution: A Journey Towards Transformation and Belonging at Santa Fe College.” Evolution is not just a biological term—it represents progress, transformation, and the refinement of ideas and practices over time. This theme symbolizes our commitment to continuous growth for all employees.

  • ” I also work on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice here on campus. Inclusion is at the forefront for me.”

    “Girls Get Free Drinks: Undergraduates’ Misunderstandings of Heterosexual Privilege”

    “Wearing a Rainbow Bumper Sticker: Experiential Learning on Homophobia, Heteronormativity and Heterosexual Privilege”

    “Classrooms as Racialized Spaces: Dynamics of Collaboration, Tension, and Student Attitudes in Urban and Suburban High Schools.”

    • So does this violate the FL statute barring spending on DEI in public institutions? Seems like this “investment” in SF employees should be audited.

      Further, are SF employees required to participate? Will the transformation include elevating some groups and shaming others?

      Closing the school for the day emphasizes the importance of whatever will be presented that day.

  • Umm, how about doing this on a Saturday?

    Some people in the private sector have to work weekends occasionally. Just saying.

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