University of South Carolina
August 2016–July 2017Parents Calendar
Columbia, whose city and surrounding area is home to nearly 800,000 people, is a thriving metropolitan area. Columbia was planned to be in the middle of it all. South Carolina’s capital is at the precise geographic center of the state and is a center for government, commerce, colleges and universities and abundant recreation. Columbia’s progressive attitude is obvious, and you’ll find the people are friendly and welcoming.
It seems there’s perpetual sunshine in the Columbia area with moderate annual temperatures, a perfect backdrop for year-round golf, tennis and outdoor recreation, open-air shopping, outdoor dining and a lively regional arts scene. You’ll find the vitality you’d expect of a college town here, along with a mix of local pride and building enthusiasm for a community that’s growing in every possible direction. The Columbia area is being discovered as a wonderful, welcoming place to visit and a great place to live, known for its friendly people, a comfortable pace and an overall friendly perspective.
There’s always something to do in this thriving city. The Columbia metropolitan area is alive with festivals, celebrations, tours, carnivals, parades and jubilees. Five Points, Devine Street, the Congaree Vista, City Center Partnership (Main Street) and Rosewood Drive are perfect locations for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Columbia is a great place to take in the outdoors! Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is considered one of the finest zoos in North America and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Walking, biking, canoeing and kayaking are all within minutes of the city center. Fifty-thousand-acre Lake Murray is 15 miles to the west, with 649 miles of shoreline and year-round boating, fishing and sailing.
Visitors and newcomers are welcomed into fascinating neighborhoods with affordable housing, neighborhood festivals and interesting places to shop and dine. A mix of academics, military, art, government and the diverse population make this an open and stimulating community. Columbia is a wonderful place to visit and live. Enjoy your stay and visit us often!
From the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Official Visitor Guide, www.columbiacvb.com
Columbia, South Carolina
Welcome to the University of South Carolina family! We are proud and privileged to be a part of this exciting time in your students’ development, and we take seriously the responsibility to provide them every opportunity for success and growth and to offer you the resources to support them.
As your students are preparing for the transition to college life, so too are you. Please use this calendar as a guide to that transition, to your students’ first year of college and throughout the college experience. Inside are important university dates and timely information on ways to encourage your students’ success at Carolina. I hope the Parents Calendar will answer many of your questions and help you know what to expect during the coming year.
If you have additional questions, or if we can assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact our Office of Parents Programs by calling the Parents Assistance Line at 1-800-868-6752 or sending an email to [email protected].
Best wishes for a wonderful year,
Dr. Dennis A. PruittVice President for Student Affairs, Vice Provost and Dean of Students
Dear parents,
The Palmetto State established South Carolina College—the precursor to the University of South Carolina—on Dec. 19, 1801, as part of an effort to unite South Carolinians in the wake of the American Revolution.
South Carolina’s leaders saw the new college as a way to promote “the good order and harmony” of the state.
The founding of South Carolina College was also a part of the Southern public college movement spurred by Thomas Jefferson. Within 20 years of one another, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia established state-supported colleges.
In the antebellum era, the Palmetto State generously supported South Carolina College. Offering a traditional classical curriculum, South Carolina College became one of the most influential colleges in the South before 1861, earning a reputation as the training ground for South Carolina’s antebellum elite.
The campus grew around the modified quadrangle of the Horseshoe. In 1805, four years after the college was chartered, its first building, Rutledge, was completed. Classes began that year with two faculty members and nine students.
Then disaster struck. South Carolina’s secession from the Union unleashed the devastation of civil war. The state and South Carolina College paid dearly. The institution closed in 1861 for want of students, and in the ensuing decades, it struggled to regain the leading role in the region it had held during the antebellum era.
State leaders revived the institution in 1866 as the University of South Carolina with ambitious plans for a diverse university that included the first African Americans to serve on the Board of Trustees (1868) and the first African-American students (1873).
While politically controversial, this development was an extraordinary opportunity for South Carolinians at a time when opportunities for higher education were rare. The University of South Carolina became the only Southern state university to admit and grant degrees to African-American students during the Reconstruction era.
Following the end of Reconstruction in 1877, South Carolina’s conservative leaders closed the university. They reopened it in 1880 as an all-white agricultural college, and during the next 25 years, the institution became enmeshed in the upheaval of late 19th century South Carolina politics.
Carolina went through several reorganizations in which the curriculum frequently changed and its status shifted from college to university and back again. In 1906, the institution was rechartered for the final time as the University of South Carolina. In the early decades of the 20th century, Carolina made strides toward becoming a comprehensive university, and in 1917 became the first state-supported college or university in South Carolina to earn regional accreditation.
The 1920s witnessed further progress and growth, with the introduction of new colleges and degree programs, including the doctorate. The Great Depression temporarily stalled this progress, but the outbreak of World War II launched an era that transformed the university. Carolina hosted naval training programs during the war, and enrollment more than doubled in the post-war era as veterans took advantage of the G.I. Bill.
In the 1950s, the university began recruiting national-caliber faculty and extended its presence beyond Columbia with the establishment of campuses in communities across South Carolina. On Sept. 11, 1963, Henrie D. Monteith, Robert Anderson and James Solomon became the first of an increasing number of African-American students to enroll at the university in the 20th century; in 1965, Monteith became the first African-American graduate, earning a B.S. in biochemistry.
During the 1960s and 70s, Carolina underwent explosive growth as the “baby boom” generation entered college. Enrollment stood at 5,660 in 1960, but by 1979 had reached nearly 26,000 students on the Columbia campus alone. To meet the needs of these students and South Carolina’s changing economy, the university put new emphasis on research and introduced innovative degree programs as well as a number of new schools and colleges. Carolina had become a true research university.
Today, the University of South Carolina is not only the state’s flagship university but also is a rising national star. It is consistently ranked as the country’s best program for international business by U.S. News & World Report; is 1 of 32 public universities with both research and community engagement designations from the Carnegie Foundation; has been recognized by Kiplinger’s and Princeton Review’s “Best Values in Public Colleges”; is a top producer of U.S. Fulbright students; and is in the top 3 percent in the nation for the number of African-American graduates.
With more than 50,000 students on eight campuses, nationally respected faculty and more than 280,000 living alumni, the University of South Carolina has a bright future to match its rich history.
History of theUniversity of South Carolina
Campus safety The Carolina Alert system is used to notify the university community via text message and email of any emergencies that may occur. To sign up, students should visit my.sc.edu/emergency and log in. They can add several contact numbers, including family members.
Encourage your student to download the Rave Guardian mobile app on his or her phone. This free app is available for iPhone and Android users and makes it possible for students to easily connect with the USC Police Department during an emergency.
Carolina Welcome A new school year is celebrated during a week of events called Carolina Welcome, which includes opportunities to learn more about campus services, prepare for the first day of class and participate in engaging social events. These events are a great way to meet new people and enjoy the first full week and weekend on campus!
If your student tells you that he or she is feeling lonely, encourage him or her to attend the Carolina Welcome events. The schedule can be found at www.sa.sc.edu/
welcome.
Moving in If your student is moving to campus August 10, 14 or 15, be sure to stop by the Gamecock Family Roost for information about campus and Columbia. We love to welcome new families and students to campus! More details will be provided in the summer parent e-newsletters.
Students who are moving on campus will receive additional information from University Housing with specific details about the move-in process.
Families get information at the Gamecock Family Roost
A new academic year
TipParents Weekend 2016 is Sept. 16-18. Registration is required to participate in Parents Weekend activities. The deadline to register is Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. (ET). Space is limited, so register early! Visit www.sa.sc.edu/parents for more information.
Students participate in Pillars for Carolina team-building activities
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Fraternity Recruitment
Freshman Council applications due
Sorority Recruitment Move-in and Orientation
Fee payment deadline for fall semester
Sorority Recruitment
Sorority Recruitment
Sorority Recruitment
Carolina Welcome
Sorority Bid Day
Last day to change/drop a
course without a grade of “W”
being recorded
Student Organization Fair
Last day to register for
Parents Weekendat 4 p.m.
Sorority houses open at noon
Fraternity Recruitment
Community Service
Opportunity Fair
Move-In
Carolina Welcome
Sorority Recruitment
Fall semester classes begin
Carolina WelcomeFraternity
Recruitment Orientation
AlcoholEdu & Haven Part 1 due
Carolina Welcome
Carolina Welcome
Sorority
Recruitment
Service Saturday
Move-In
Carolina Welcome
Fraternity houses open at noon
Sorority Recruitment
Carolina Welcome
Sorority Recruitment
Fraternity Recruitment
Carolina Welcome
Part-time Job Fair
August 2016
All dates are subject to change.
Fraternity
Community Service Opportunity Fair
Leadership and Service Center Encourage your student to stop by the Leadership and
Service Center, located on the second floor of the Russell
House, to learn more about ways to get involved and
make the most of his or her time at Carolina.
The Leadership and Service Center offers a variety of
opportunities for students including service projects and
trips, student organizations, leadership coaching, spirit
programs, leadership development programs and so
much more.
Leadership coaches are available to meet individually
with students to help them discover their passions,
identify ways to be involved and develop their own
leadership style.
Gamecock athletics Fall at Carolina means it’s time for Gamecock football!
For more information about student athletic tickets for
all sports, visit www.sa.sc.edu/studenttickets.
Your student can accumulate loyalty points, which will
help him or her gain tickets to football, basketball and
baseball games. Encourage your student to learn the
student ticketing process and attend Gamecock athletic
events.
The full schedule of Gamecock athletic events is available
at www.gamecocksonline.com. Encourage your student
to put events on his or her calendar as a reminder to
attend.
In addition, remind your student to have fun and be safe
while tailgating and to look for activities sponsored by
Student Life throughout the year.
A family snaps a selfie at the Parents Weekend Tailgate Party
Getting involved
Tip If you have a new student, let him or her have time to get comfortable with the new college environment while suggesting ways to get involved on campus. Have a conversation about how often you will communicate.
Freshman Council Retreat
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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Ring Week
Labor Day No classes
Last day to apply for December
graduation
South Carolina at Mississippi State
Service Saturday
South Carolina at Kentucky
Service Saturday
Ring Week
Fraternity Recruitment
South Carolina at Vanderbilt
Fraternity Recruitment
Ring Week
Grandparents Day Ring Week Parents Weekend
Ring Week
Parents Weekend
South Carolina vs. East Carolina
Ring Week
Ring Week Ring Week
Ring Week
Career Fest & S.E.T. Job Fair
Ring Week
Ring Week
September 2016
All dates are subject to change.
Students hang out in a residence hall room
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Parents Weekend
Fraternity Bid Day
Academic advising Course registration for the Spring 2017 semester is right around the corner! Check with your student to see if he or she has met with an academic adviser, which is required to register for classes.
If your student is unsure about the academic advising process for his or her major, he or she can visit www.sc.edu/advising.
Students who are looking for general academic success support or who are planning to switch majors to a different college can set up an appointment through the University Advising Center at www.sc.edu/advising/uac.
Midterm preparation Midterms can be a stressful time full of exams and projects. Consider sending a care package to your student to bring a smile to his or her face.
If your student is feeling stressed, encourage him or her to meet with a success consultant in the Student Success Center to create an exam study plan or attend an exam preparation workshop in the Student Success Center.
Student Success Center The Student Success Center is a comprehensive one-stop shop for academic support services on campus. Encourage your student to learn more at www.sc.edu/success.
The center offers financial literacy, one-on-one success consultations, peer writing assistance, supplemental instruction, peer tutoring, National Student Exchange (domestic study away), sophomore initiatives, veteran services, transfer services, the out-to-lunch program (opportunity to take a professor out to lunch) and much more.
Student Success
TipRemind your student to get a flu shot at the Thomson Student Health Center. The best time to receive the vaccine is in October and November for protection during the winter months.
Thomas Cooper Library
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Rosh Hashanah
University Housing interest form available for 2017-2018
Rosh Hashanah South Carolina vs. Georgia
Greek Village opens at noon
Alternative Break
AlcoholEdu & Haven Part 2 due
South Carolina vs. Massachusetts
South Carolina vs. Texas A&M
FAFSA available for 2017-2018
Fall breakNo classes
Greek Village closes at 6 p.m.
Alternative Break
Fall breakNo classes
Alternative Break
Alternative BreakLast day to drop a course or withdraw
without a grade of “WF” being
recorded (Part of Term 30)
Midpoint in semester
Yom Kippur
Remind your student that the
University Housing interest form
for 2017-2018 is due 10/31
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Yom Kippur
October 2016
All dates are subject to change.
Homecoming
Rosh Hashanah
South Carolina vs. Tennessee
Homecoming Week
Homecoming Week
Halloween
Health Professions Day
Career preparation The Career Center is your student’s resource to prepare
for the internship and job search process. Located on
level five of the Thomas Cooper Library, the Career
Center is convenient to students and offers a multitude
of resources.
Students can meet with coaches to review resumes, talk
about career and internship opportunities, participate in
mock interviews and more.
Students are able to see what the career field of their
choice is like through job shadowing and experiential
learning opportunities.
Remind your student to check out the various events
offered by the Career Center throughout the year,
including a variety of job and professional school fairs.
A student studies abroad in Chile
Exploration
TipEncourage your student to attend Carolina-Clemson Rivalry Week events. Tiger Burn, the annual pep rally prior to the Clemson game, and the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive are favorite traditions at UofSC.
Studying abroad Encourage your student to consider studying abroad
during his or her time in college. Students should attend
an information session hosted by the Study Abroad
Office to get started with the study-abroad process as
early as possible to best fit it into their academic plans.
The Study Abroad staff recommends starting to plan
9-12 months before departure, but students may apply
for programs as long as they are able to meet the
advertised deadlines.
Learn more about programs, requirements and more at
www.sc.edu/studyabroad.
Career Fair
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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Carolinian Creed and Diversity
Week
General Election DayNo classes
Carolinian Creed and Diversity
Week
Carolinian Creed and Diversity
Week
Carolinian Creed and Diversity
Week
Veterans Day
Carolinian Creed and Diversity
Week
South Carolina at Florida
Service Saturday
Tiger Burn Greek Village closes at 6 p.m.
Thanksgiving break
No classes
Residence halls close at 10 a.m.
Thanksgiving break
No classes
Residence halls open at 8 p.m.
HomecomingWeek
HomecomingWeek
HomecomingWeek
HomecomingWeek
South Carolina vs. Missouri
Greek Village opens at noon
Thanksgiving break
No classes
International Education Week
International Education Week
International Education Week
South Carolina vs. Western Carolina
International Education Week
International Education Week
Tree Lighting Ceremony
International Education Week
November 2016
All dates are subject to change.
HomecomingWeek
Daylight saving time ends
Thanksgiving break
No classes
South Carolina at Clemson
Voter Registration Drive
Carolina Cares Carolina Cares is a university-wide holiday drive sponsored by the Leadership and Service Center and Carolina Service Council. Encourage your student to get involved during the holidays by adopting a family or filling a stocking for children who may not otherwise have gifts.
Service opportunities The Leadership and Service Center, located on the second floor of the Russell House, is the perfect spot for your student to learn more about getting involved in serving the community.
Your student can choose to serve through a variety of programs including:
• Alternativebreaktrips:Tripsareofferedduringfall,winter and spring breaks and are a great way to travel to new places and make friends while giving back.
• Awarenessandcelebrationevents:CarolinaCares,Hunger and Homelessness Week and MLK Days of Service offer a variety of service and philanthropic opportunities focused during specific times of the year.
• ImpactWeekly:Dailyserviceopportunitiesareavailable for students, and transportation to area agencies is provided for students by the Leadership and Service Center.
• ServiceSaturdays:One-timeserviceopportunitiesfor students are held monthly on Saturdays.
UofSC First Lady Patricia Moore-Pastides reads to local children during a Cocky’s Reading Express event
Giving back
TipWinter break is a great time to reflect on the fall semester. Talk with your student about what went well and what changes he or she would like to make for next semester. Encourage him or her to visit the Student Success Center early in the spring semester to learn about resources.
Students participate in a service event
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Final exams Final exams Final exams Final exams Final exams Final exams
Hanukkah begins
Christmas Eve
Last day of classes
Reading dayNo classes
Christmas Day
Alternative Break Alternative BreakFinal exams
Commencement
Residence halls close at 10 a.m.
Alternative Break
Alternative Break
December 2016
All dates are subject to change.
New Year’s Eve
Carolina Productions event
Staying active Encourage your student to start the year on a healthy
note. Stop by the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness
Center to take advantage of the outstanding recreational
facilities that include a 52-foot climbing wall, fitness
equipment, basketball and racquetball courts, indoor
track and pools or the Solomon Blatt Physical Education
Center, which features fitness equipment; basketball,
badminton and racquetball courts; a pool and more.
Campus Recreation offers a wide variety of programs to
help your student get moving including group exercise
classes, intramural sports, club sports, outdoor recreation
trips and lifeguarding opportunities.
Overall health Make sure your student knows about the Thomson
Student Health Center resources including general
medicine, women’s care, sports medicine, physical
therapy, allergy and immunization clinic and pharmacy.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the
mental health services that are offered through
Counseling and Psychiatry. Through individual
appointments, group counseling and community support
meetings, students can speak with trained counselors
about a variety of concerns. The health fee for full-time
students covers 10 individual counseling appointments
each year.
Campus Wellness offers programs throughout the year
that focus on stress management, nutrition, physical
activity, sexual health, tobacco cessation, weight
management and other health-related topics.
Climbing wall at the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center
Student health
TipEncourage your student to look over his or her bill closely before paying. Is the meal plan selection correct? Is the insurance listed correctly? Has he or she taken another look at his or her class schedule?
Group exercise class
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Spring semester classes begin
MLK Day of Service
Hanukkah ends
New Year’s Day
Last day to apply for May
graduation
Ring Week
Residence halls open at 8 a.m.
MLK Day of Service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No classes
Last day to change/drop a
course without a grade of “W”
being recorded
Ring Week
Career Fest & S.E.T. Job Fair
Student Organization Fair
January 2017
Greek Village opens at noon
Student Organization Fair
Carolinian Creed The community of scholars at the University of South
Carolina is dedicated to personal and academic
excellence.
Choosing to join the community obligates each member
to a code of civilized behavior.
As a Carolinian…
I will practice personal and academic integrity;
I will respect the dignity of all persons;
I will respect the rights and property of others;
I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from
differences in people, ideas and opinions;
I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings and
their need for conditions which support their work and
development.
Allegiance to these ideals requires each Carolinian to
refrain from and discourage behaviors which threaten
the freedom and respect every individual deserves.
Diversity programs The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) offers
many programs to promote social justice, awareness and
student success.
Encourage your student to take advantage of diversity
programs like Safe Zone workshops, cultural and
heritage month celebrations, diversity dialogues,
EMPOWER, Diversity Retreat or the Social Justice
Program.
A student makes a sweetgrass coaster during a Black History Month event
Celebrating Carolina
TipIf your student is living off campus next year, make sure he or she knows about the resources available through Off-Campus Student Services, which can be found at www.sa.sc.edu/ocss.
Student dancers
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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Presidents Day
Ring Week
Ring Week Ring Week Ring Week Dance Marathon
Ring Week Groundhog Day
Ring Week
Ring Week Student Leadership and
Diversity Conference
Ring Week
Ring Week
AlcoholEdu & Haven Part 1 due for new first-year
and transfer students
Service SaturdayValentine’s Day
Student Government
elections
Student Government
elections
February 2017
All dates are subject to change.
Dance Marathon
Spring break safety If your student chooses to travel for spring break, make
sure to discuss safety precautions with him or her
before he or she leaves for a fun-filled week. Reiterate
the importance of following laws in the state or country
where he or she visits.
Discuss communication expectations with your student
before he or she leaves. Will he or she check in with you?
If so, how often? It is important to allow your student the
independence of being an adult while also knowing how
to get in touch with him or her.
Law enforcement and safety The University of South Carolina Police Department
is a full-service police department that works to keep
our campus safe year round. They offer a variety of
programs including self-defense classes, property
registration and more.
The university has more than 200 emergency call boxes
on campus that students can use to alert the police to an
emergency. Pushing the call button immediately notifies
the police of a student’s location and calls dispatch.
Sexual assault Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault, and it’s
never tolerated at the University of South Carolina.
The university urges survivors to seek help from the
resources at www.sc.edu/stopsexualassault. As members
of the Carolina family, we all can better understand our
responsibilities to help care for our community.
USCPD leads a self-defense class
Student safety
TipThe Rave Guardian mobile app turns any cell phone into a personalized protection network, connecting students with USCPD at the touch of a button. Download it free in the iTunes or Google Play store.
Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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Carolinian Creed and Diversity Day
Service Saturday
Greek Village closes at 6 p.m.
Residence halls close at 10 a.m.
St. Patrick’s DayStudent Government Inauguration
March 2017
All dates are subject to change.
Spring break Spring breakNo classes
Alternative Break
Spring break
Daylight saving time begins
Residence halls open at 8 a.m.
Greek Village opens at noon
Last day to drop a course or withdraw
without a grade of “WF” being
recorded (Part of Term 30)
Midpoint in semester
Spring breakNo classes
Alternative Break
Spring breakNo classes
Alternative Break
Spring breakNo classes
Alternative Break
Spring breakNo classes
Alternative Break
Spring breakNo classes
Alternative Break
Graduation with Leadership Distinction Students now have the ability to graduate with
leadership distinction in five pathways — community
service, global learning, professional and civic
engagement, research and diversity and social advocacy.
General requirements include a combination of extensive
beyond-the-classroom experiences, enhancement
activities, six credits of related coursework, presentation
or publication and an e-portfolio.
Students who earn this recognition receive graduation
cords and designation on their transcripts and diplomas.
To learn more about the requirements, visit www.
sc.edu/uscconnect. Encourage your student to consider
beginning to work toward this honor early in his or her
undergraduate career.
Pre-Professional Advising If your student is considering medical, dental, veterinary
or law school, he or she should take advantage of the
resources offered by the Office of Pre-Professional
Advising.
Many programs are available to help your student
prepare for professional school including advisement
appointments, career observations, application
preparation resources, personal statement help and
mock interviews.
Students can learn more by visiting the Office of Pre-
Professional Advising in Sumwalt College 208.
Students sing the alma mater at University Awards Day
Achieve
TipAs the weather gets warmer, your student may be tempted to skip class to enjoy being outside. Encourage him or her to continue going to class, as there is still time left to make or break his or her grades.
Students participate in a discussion in the Leadership and Service Center
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Final exams
Service Saturday
AlcoholEdu & Haven Part 2 due for new first-year
and transfer students
Easter
Passover ends Discovery Day
Last day of classes
University Awards Day
Final exams
National Student Employment
Week
Leadership and Service Awards
Good Friday
National Student Employment
Week
Passover begins
National Student Employment
Week
National Student Employment
Week
Reading dayNo classes
30
National Student Employment
Week
April 2017
All dates are subject to change.
Final exams Final exams
Carolina Productions concert
My Carolina Alumni Association If your student is preparing for graduation, encourage
him or her to join My Carolina Alumni Association.
Membership keeps graduates connected to Carolina and
the network of more than 280,000 living alumni, gives
special discounts and offers access to online resources
including the alumni directory, informational webinars,
events and campus resources after graduation.
If your student is not graduating, he or she can join My
Carolina Alumni Association as a student member and
receive some of the same great benefits.
The Official USC Ring is available for purchase to
students who have earned 60 credit hours or more.
Once a student reaches the credit requirement, he or she
will be sent an invitation to learn more about the ring.
Rings are available for purchase online at MyCarolina.
org or during Ring Week in the fall and spring and are
presented at the Ring Ceremony on the Horseshoe.
The Official Ring
New beginnings
TipTo prepare for moving out, whether it is from the residence hall or an off-campus residence, encourage your student to ask his or her resident mentor or facility manager for proper checkout procedures.
Summer plans Encourage your student to stay active during the
summer with a summer job, internship, summer school
or other activities.
If your student is coming home for the summer, help him
or her make connections in your hometown. In some
cases, many childhood and high school friends will have
moved away. Encourage your student to find ways to
make new friends during this break from school.
Commencement
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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Ramadan begins
Final exams
Memorial Day
Residence halls close at 10 a.m.
Commencement Commencement
Mother’s Day
May 2017
All dates are subject to change.
Final exams Final exams
Students participate in leadership training to prepare for the next school year
Welcome new families! Do you have friends who are joining the Gamecock
family this fall? Encourage any new UofSC parents to get
connected with the resources offered through the Office
of Parents Programs.
Share the Parents Programs website (www.sa.sc.edu/
parents) with new UofSC parents so they can sign
up for the Parents Association and receive monthly
e-newsletters. The website also has electronic versions of
Parents Programs resources.
New Gamecock families likely have a lot of questions.
Parents are always welcome to ask questions through
the [email protected] email account and the Parents
Assistance Line (1-800-868-6752).
New parents can learn valuable information through
the Parents Programs Facebook page (www.facebook.
com/UofSCParents) or the Parents Programs Instagram
account (@UofSCParents).
Encourage new parents to register for Parents Weekend
when the registration process opens this month.
You have learned a lot during your time as a parent of a
UofSC student, so share your positive experiences and
advice with your friends! Encourage your student to
connect with incoming students in your area to provide
support.
Students huddle up at Pillars for Carolina
Gamecock pride
TipTalk to your student about the past school year. What was successful? What will he or she change for the fall? Help your student reflect on his or her experience.
Outdoor pool at the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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Father’s Day
Ramadan ends
Flag Day
June 2017
All dates are subject to change.
Setting expectations Talk with your student about his or her financial needs for
the upcoming academic year. Evaluate changes that may
be needed for money management, and work together
to establish a tentative budget.
Discuss how new living arrangements will affect the
next school year. Encourage your student to have
conversations with his or her roommate about who is
responsible for bringing certain items.
Having a conversation about communication
expectations with your student is important as you
both head into a new year. How often will you talk?
What methods of communication will you use? Who will
initiate the conversations? Setting these expectations
now will help prevent communication breakdowns during
the school year.
Preparing for the fall
TipAs the summer progresses, your student may express some loneliness for friends made at college. Discuss the value of your student’s positive sense of campus life and plans for involvement in the coming year.
Helpful reminders
Suggest that your student begin organizing the things
he or she needs to take back to school so that packing
in August is not overwhelming.
Review safety tips with your student prior to the new
school year to make sure he or she is prepared to make
good decisions when it comes to navigating campus.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
IndependenceDay
No classes
30 31
July 2017
All dates are subject to change.
In recognition of the critical role that parents play in their students’ college success, the Office of Parents Programs partners with parents and families to educate them about the resources available to support their students’ growth and success. The office serves as the central resource on campus for parents of undergraduate students and focuses on communication and events for parents. In addition, the office raises money for the Parents Annual Fund, which provides funding to support Dinner Dialogues and other projects selected each year to directly benefit students.
The Office of Parents Programs is committed to providing support to you throughout your student’s undergraduate experience. Make sure to sign up for the dues-free Parents Association so you’ll receive monthly parent e-newsletters and other important university updates. It’s the best way for families to stay connected to Carolina! If you need help at any time, please call the toll-free Parents Assistance Line at 1-800-868-6752 or send an email to [email protected].
We hope you’ll take full advantage of the services and resources that the Office of Parents Programs provides. We are your link to the university, and we welcome your feedback. We hope you and your student have a great year, and we look forward to seeing you on campus! Stop by and visit us in the Russell House when you are in Columbia. We’d love to meet you!
Welcome to Carolina!
Office of Parents Programs Department of Student Life
CommunicationThe Office of Parents Programs provides a variety of ways to encourage communication between parents and the university including:
• Parents Calendar
• Parents Assistance Line (1-800-868-6752) and email address ([email protected])
• Monthly parent e-newsletters and updates
• Website resources (www.sa.sc.edu/parents)
PartnershipStudent success is a goal that is shared by parents and the university. If you attend orientation with your student, you will be signed up automatically for the dues-free Parents Association to receive monthly parent e-newsletters and other important university updates. Additional family members can be added online at www.sa.sc.edu/parents. The Parents Advisory Council is a group of parents invited to assist the university with student recruitment and fundraising.
Parents Annual FundA development program sponsored by the Office of Parents Programs, the Parents Annual Fund raises money to directly benefit Carolina students. All parents of current students are contacted each year and are encouraged to participate. Specific projects are chosen annually to receive funds generated by the Parents Annual Fund. An ongoing project supported by the Parents Annual Fund is Dinner Dialogues – a program geared at fostering strong relationships between students and their professors beyond the classroom.
EventsWe host and participate in a variety of events for parents of prospective and current Carolina students. Parents are encouraged to take part in the university’s annual events, both on and off campus, including:
• New Student Orientation
• Freshmen Send-offs
• Gamecock Family Roost during Move-In
• Parents Weekend
Overview of Our Office
Cocky’s parents make an appearance each year at Parents Weekend.Dear Carolina parents,
Books to readThe Office of Parents Programs knows that sending your student off to college can be a challenging time of transition.
We recommend these books to parents and families of incoming students as they provide genuine insight into the time
of transition and throughout your student’s college experience.
• You’reOnYourOwn(ButI’mHereIfYouNeedMe):MentoringYourChildDuringtheCollegeYears
by Marjorie Savage
• LettingGo:AParent’sGuidetoUnderstandingtheCollegeYears by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence
• TheNakedRoommate:ForParentsOnly.AParent’sGuidetotheNewCollegeExperience by Harlan Cohen
Follow us on social mediaStay updated on a regular basis by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram!
www.facebook.com/UofSCParents
@UofSCParents
Sign up for the Parents AssociationThe email address you used as the parent or family member when your student signed up for orientation will
automatically be added to the Parents Association mailing list. Members receive monthly parent e-newsletters and
important university updates. It’s free and the best way for parents to stay connected to Carolina! To add additional
parent or family member email addresses, please visit www.sa.sc.edu/parents.
Call or email the Office of Parents Programs!When you have a question or need advice, call the Parents Assistance Line at 1-800-868-6752 or send an email to
Additional parent resources
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Parents Weekend 2016
Office of Parents Programs1400 Greene Street
Russell House University Union, Suite 115
Columbia, SC 29208
Parents Assistance Line: 1-800-868-6752
Email: [email protected]
www.sa.sc.edu/parents
September 16-18Join us for Parents Weekend this fall at the University of South Carolina! Parents
Weekend is a great time to see your student’s college home while spending a
weekend together in Columbia.
Bring the whole family to Parents Weekend! Coordinated by the Office of Parents Programs, the weekend offers a
combination of social and educational activities in collaboration with departments across campus. You’ll visit the
President’s House on the historic Horseshoe, party at the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center during our
Beach Bash, stroll or run through downtown Columbia during the Parents Weekend 5K, tailgate next to Williams-Brice
Stadium at our annual Tailgate Party and cheer on the Gamecock football team to victory over East Carolina. In addition,
you’ll have the opportunity to attend educational sessions, drop-ins, open houses, exhibits, select Friday classes and
much more! Mark your calendars and make plans to join us in September!
For more information and to register, visit www.sa.sc.edu/parents. Registration is required to participate in the Parents Weekend activities. Registration starts June 13 at 9 a.m. (ET) and
ends Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. (ET). Space is limited, so register early! Visit www.sa.sc.edu/parents for more information about
registration. We look forward to seeing you at Parents Weekend!
Colleges and SchoolsArts and Sciences 777-2993
777-7161Business 777-3176Education 777-3828Engineering and Computing 777-2706Graduate School 777-4243Hospitality, Retail & Sport Management 777-4290Information and Communications Journalism and Mass Communications 777-3244 Library and Information Sciences 777-3858Law 777-4155Medicine (Columbia) 216-3300Medicine (Greenville) 864-455-7992 Music 777-4280Nursing 777-7412Pharmacy 777-4151Public Health 777-5030Social Work 777-5291South Carolina Honors College 777-8102
University OfficesAdmissions (undergraduate) 777-7700Alumni Association 777-4111Athletic Ticket Office 777-4274Bookstore (University Bookstore
at the Russell House) 777-4160Bursar (fee payment) 777-4233Capstone Scholars Program 777-4412CarolinaCard 777-1708Carolina Productions 777-3950Carolina Shuttle 777-1080Campus Recreation 576-9375Campus Wellness 576-9393Career Center 777-7280Colonial Life Arena 576-9200Counseling and Psychiatry 777-5223Crime Prevention Programs 777-0855Dining Services 777-4161Disability Services 777-6142 or TDD 777-6744Fellowships and Scholar Programs 777-0958Financial Aid and Scholarships 777-8134
Fraternity and Sorority Life 777-3506Housing 777-4283Housing Maintenance Requests 777-FIXXInternational Student Services 777-7461Koger Center for the Arts 777-7500Law Enforcement and Safety 777-8400Leadership and Service Center 777-7130Multicultural Student Affairs 777-7716National Student Exchange 777-1000New Student Orientation 777-2780Off-Campus Student Services 777-3366Parents Assistance Line 800-868-6752Police Department 777-4215
emergency 911Post Office (Student Mail Center) 777-4109Registrar 777-5555Russell House University Union 777-8182Sexual Assault and Violence
Intervention and Prevention 777-8248Student Affairs and Academic Support 777-4172
(central office)Student Athletic Tickets 777-6102Student Conduct 777-4333Student Government 777-2654Student Health Center 777-3175Student Life 777-5782Student Media 777-3888Student Success Center 777-1000Study Abroad 777-7557Substance Abuse Prevention & Education 777-3933Technology Services Help Desk 777-1800University 101 777-6029University Advising Center 777-1222Vehicle Management & Parking Services 777-5160Victim/Witness Program 777-6472Visitor Center 777-0169
*Please note that all phone numbers are area code 803 unless otherwise listed.
Office of Parents Programs www.sa.sc.edu/parents Parents Assistance Line: 1-800-868-6752 Email: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/UofSCParents
@UofSCParents
Office of Parents ProgramsDepartment of Student LifeDivision of Student Affairs and Academic Support
www.sa.sc.edu/parentsParents Assistance Line: 1-800-868-6752Email: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/UofSCParents @UofSCParents
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation or veteran status.