University of South Carolina Parents Calendar

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

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Fraternity Recruitment

Freshman Council applications due

Sorority Recruitment Move-in and Orientation

Fee payment deadline for fall semester

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


Community Service

Opportunity Fair

Move-In

Carolina Welcome


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


Carolina Welcome



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


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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


South Carolina at Vanderbilt


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


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


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


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Carolinian Creed and Diversity

Week

General Election DayNo classes


Week


Week


Week

Veterans Day


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


Thanksgiving break

No classes

International Education Week



South Carolina vs. Western Carolina



Tree Lighting Ceremony


November 2016


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


Alternative Break

Alternative Break

December 2016


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


January 2017



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


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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


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


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Carolinian Creed and Diversity Day

Service Saturday

Greek Village closes at 6 p.m.


St. Patrick’s DayStudent Government Inauguration

March 2017


Spring break Spring breakNo classes

Alternative Break

Spring break

Daylight saving time begins

Residence halls open at 8 a.m.


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


Alternative Break


Alternative Break


Alternative Break


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


Week

Passover begins


Week


Week

Reading dayNo classes

30


Week

April 2017


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


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Ramadan begins

Final exams

Memorial Day


Commencement Commencement

Mother’s Day

May 2017


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


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Father’s Day

Ramadan ends

Flag Day

June 2017


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.


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IndependenceDay

No classes

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July 2017


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

[email protected].

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.

Documents

University of South Carolina Parents Calendar