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ATTRIBUTIONS
Director of Student Media
Sarah Scarborough
Assistant Director of Student Media
Sydney Cranmer
Advertising Director
John Burbage
Art Director
Krista Larson
Advertising Team
Ryan Gentile
Ariana Herbas
Maria Jose
Sofia Sabatino
Biffy Skeels
Allie Weiner
Copy Editor
Tyler Sprague
Editor-In-Chief
Tyler Sprague
Creative Director
Writers
Kaylen Pritchard
Isabella Agostino
Marley Bassett
Sam Stroup
Noah Jones
Tyler Sprague
Olivia Ireland
Creative Services
Abby Short
Chloe Ehlers
David Olsen
Fabian Bellamy
Lily Ferguson
Fabian Bellamy
Fabian Bellamy
Fabian Bellamy
WELCOME HOME!
To all the new and returning students, alumni, family members, and community members, WELCOME TO USC! My name is Tyler Sprague, and for the last time as the marketing director of Garnet Media Group, I would like to welcome you to Carolina Insider 2025!
Carolina Insider is an essential guide for new and returning students and families to help navigate the departments and resources of student life here at USC. This year, we will take you through the journey each student can make to explore on-campus resources, student involvement opportunities and things to do around Columbia.
My time at USC has been a transformative experience. Coming from a small rural town on the west coast, I never thought I’d experience half the things I have here. From career opportunities to becoming a part of the Carolina community, this place has truly become home. As my final message to the university, I’d love to share the advice I have featured in every Carolina Insider in which I have participated. Whether you are a first-year student stepping on campus for the first time or preparing to graduate this year, I believe this advice can help you make the most of your Gamecock experience like I did. While here, try something NEW! Step outside your comfort zone and explore everything USC and the city of Columbia offers. Join a new club, attend a sports game you don’t usually attend or take your friends to a restaurant or bar you’ve never been to. The opportunities are endless!
Keep an open mind. USC is home to people with many diverse identities, histories, ideas and perspectives. The opportunity to engage and form connections with people is one of the things that makes USC so great. So,
Welcome, Gamecocks!
be honest, compassionate and understanding toward others so we all feel at home.
Savor. Every. Moment. It’s a bittersweet truth, but your time here at USC will eventually end, believe me. Cherish every friendship, experience and memory you come across. Appreciate the highs and lows, as the lows can often teach you the most valuable lessons.
I hope this advice can help you make the most of your Gamecock experience! Now, please join us on the journey of students at USC!
Forever to thee,
Tyler Sprague Marketing Director | GMG
August is one of my favorite times of year at the University of South Carolina. It is when our campus comes alive with the energy and activity of our new and returning students. We are happy to welcome you home.
The First Lady and I always enjoy our opportunities to interact with students as they are walking the brick pathways on their way to class, relaxing under the shady oak trees, and celebrating special events on campus.
As a student at the flagship university of South Carolina, you will discover plenty of opportunities to explore your interests and indulge your curiosity here. Inside this publication, you can read about student organizations, campus resources, service and learning opportunities, entertainment and fellowship options, career guidance, and many other ways to enjoy a great student experience at Carolina.
Generations of your fellow Gamecocks have crisscrossed this campus before you. Like them, you will find yourself surrounded by a campus that is rich in beauty, history and tradition, with a vibrant culture. You now share this connection with more than 340,000 living alumni worldwide who will happily greet you with a “spurs up” sign or a “Go Gamecocks!” wherever you may meet.
Once again, welcome home to USC! We’re glad you’re here, and we are looking forward to another great year together!
Michael Amiridis President | University of South Carolina
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
INSPIRE. SERVE. LEAD.
LEADERSHIP & SERVICE CENTER
At the Leadership and Service Center, we empower Gamecocks to lead boldly and serve passionately. Whether you’re looking to develop leadership skills, engage in meaningful service, or find a place to belong, we have opportunities for you!
WHAT WE OFFER:
Leadership Development
Whether you’re an emerging or experienced leader, the LSC has programs, workshops, and retreats to meet all leadership needs.
Service & Volunteerism
Give back and serve local and regional communities through Service Saturdays, alternative breaks, and The Big Event.
Student Organizations
With over 600 recognized student organizations, you’ll be sure to find your place at USC! Visit garnetgate.sa.sc.edu for a full list.
Civic Engagement
Explore how to be an active participant in your community to become a responsible, informed, community leader.
activities centered around school spirit and traditions to inspire students to leave their
Students who participate in the Pillars for Carolina program start their first year feeling more confident about life in the classroom with a greater knowledge of campus while gaining new relationships with student mentors and staff members.
STUDENT TICKETING
By Kaylen Pritchard
For many students, sporting events are at the heart of the Gamecock experience. The way the stands rattle beneath your feet during a football game sandstorm is pure magic, and witnessing the basketball team shoot that final winning goal is nothing short of exhilarating. Games are an awesome place to make friends and jumpstart your school
Whether your favorite sport takes you to Arena, or Founders Park, we have good news
for students: your tickets are completely free! Where else will you have the chance to attend a sporting event without draining your bank account? There are just so many benefits to being a Gamecock.
Points system
When requesting tickets for football games, USC operates on a points system. Each year, you will start off with a set number of points based on your class standing. These points are based on the number of completed
credit hours you have at the start of the academic year, not on the number of years you have been at the university. Freshmen start off with three points, sophomores start with four, juniors start with six and seniors start with eight.
Throughout the year, you will receive points for every sporting event you attend. The higher the number of points you have accumulated, the greater your chances are of receiving tickets to the most popular games of the season. For a specific breakdown of how many points each game yields, visit gamecocksonline.com/cockpit-points/
The Cockpit Rewards App is the one-stopshop for all your ticketing needs. When creating an account, make sure you use your USC email address to ensure a smooth process. This is how you will request your football tickets and grab tickets for basketball and baseball games.
Your tickets for all games will be loaded to the app. Students do not need to have a ticket to
attend all sports except football, basketball, and baseball. If the game you’re attending doesn’t require a ticket, you will scan in using your Cockpit QR Code ID. Scanning your ticket or QR code is how you earn points!
If you are especially passionate about getting the most out of your athletics experience, consider joining the Student Gamecock Club. Offering one-year and four-year memberships, both options include additional points and other benefits such as an official Cockpit Student Section Under Armour t-shirt.
Football Tickets
On Friday at 10 a.m. the week before a game, students can begin requesting tickets to that game. The window will remain open until the following Tuesday at 3 p.m. Requesting a ticket does not guarantee you will receive one, and the number of points required varies for each game and is determined once all requests are placed.
On Wednesdays at 10 a.m., tickets will be loaded into the accounts of students who
requested and qualified for a ticket. Students will be emailed informing them of what ticket they received.
Lower-level tickets will be awarded based on reward points and seniority until all tickets are distributed.
After all lower-level tickets have been distributed, the remaining requests will be given upper-level tickets based on reward point priority as well.
There will also be an on-demand period offering a limited number of tickets for students who did not initially request one. Make sure you download your ticket to make gameday as simple as possible!
Basketball and Baseball Tickets
The process works a bit differently for basketball and baseball games. Students will need to claim a ticket through the Cockpit Rewards App to attend.
Tickets are made available on a month-by-month basis and are available first-come, first-served. Guest tickets, which are non-refundable, will also be available on a game-by-game basis.
If you are no longer able to attend a game, you must make sure to cancel your ticket. Students who have a ticket on their accounts and fail to cancel their ticket and do not attend the game will receive a penalty strike for each no-show. Once a student receives three penalty strikes, they will lose their ticketing privileges for the season. Canceling is simple and can be done through the app.
“Sporting events have been one of the best parts of my student experience,” says a USC senior. “The atmosphere is so electric, and it’s a great place to meet people too. I recommend every student go to at least one home football game before they graduate!”
CAMPUS RECREATION
Campus recreation is a broad and constantly growing category. Whether you are looking for an exciting outdoor adventure, a pilates class or a way to build some cardio into your week, there is something for all skill and thrill levels.
The Wellness and Fitness Center (WFC) is open daily and has three floors of recreational offerings. During the summer, students can often be found congregating at the outdoor pool, and the indoor pool and adjacent sauna are great options all year round. The 52-foot climbing wall is available for everything from bouldering to beginner clinics, and student memberships to participate are free. There are also indoor soccer and basketball courts, as well as regular fitness classes.
The Blatt PE Center, which is located closer to the east side of campus, has basketball courts, a tennis court and a softball field. Do you and your friends
want to take a weekend camping trip but none of you have a tent? No problem! Blatt is also home to the ORec Hub, which offers all kinds of affordable rentals for your outdoor escapades. Transportation, equipment and instruction are included with all trip registrations!
Both the WFC and the Blatt have fully outfitted weight floors. If you are unsure how to make use of the equipment, both gyms offer equipment orientation sessions that cover everything from proper use to which exercises target which muscle groups. Operational schedules for all facilities can be found on the USC Campus Recreation website.
Assistant director of facilities and risk management Justin Furlough said that “it is essential for students to have access to campus recreation programs as they provide a focus on holistic wellness.”
“We are a safe space on campus where students can come in, and they can figure out what makes them feel best that day,” Furlough said. “Nobody needs to come in here and solely focus on working out. (Students) may come in to do some rehab on some injuries.”
Athletic training services through the Campus Recreation AT Clinic are free to anyone with a valid Carolina Card. This includes injury evaluation, personalized exercises and therapies to aid recovery and injury prevention strategies.
By Kaylen Pritchard
Intramural sports are another great way to stay active and make friends. For a flat $15, you can participate in unlimited intramural sport leagues and special event tournaments such as pool battleship. This is a great option for students who are looking to learn a new sport and want to pursue a competitive activity in a low-stress environment.
Club sports are organizations created and led by students, and they are often described as the level between intramural and traditional collegiate sports. Some of these teams are recreational and instructional, but many are competitive. While the majority of teams fall under the category of traditional sports, like basketball, hockey and rugby, you also have the option to get involved in water sports, outdoor activities and special interest sport groups. These include everything from rowing to ballroom dancing to equestrian sports.
If your skills are better suited to a game controller, esports are a completely free option for getting involved in campus competition. Part of the intramural sport family, esports feature both leagues and tournament-style competition that let you compete against fellow gamers. There are currently four games to choose from: EA Sports FC, NBA2k, Mario Kart and Pokemon Showdown.
The Wellness and Fitness Center is open daily, and Blatt is open Monday through Friday during select hours to anyone with a CarolinaCard. To learn more about Campus Recreation, visit sc.edu/campusrec
Fabian Bellamy
FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE
By Isabella Augostino
Fraternity and Sorority Life is a way to foster a sense of inclusion and identity. With more than 9,000 members in over 50 organizations across four different councils, students can build a tight network of brothers and sisters through retreats, social events and chapter activities.
Vice President of Finance for the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Victoria Kibbee, feels that joining the organization pushes students outside their comfort zones and offers opportunities to develop new abilities.
“I would describe Greek life at the University of South Carolina as one large community that offers long-lasting friendships, support and skills,” Kibbee said.
Members also participate in service opportunities to give back to their community. Through these initiatives, 65 community establishments and 40 service institutions partner with the organizations. This allows all students, no matter where they’re from, to connect with local groups and feel more at home.
Pi Chi staff member and out-of-state student Sofia Raymond perceives Fraternity and Sorority Life as an immediate way to make connections.
“Greek life gives students a sense of belonging,” Raymond said. “It is important to get involved in any community you are in, big or small.”
If students want to take their involvement to the next level, they can also be a part of leadership efforts. Each Fraternity and Sorority Life organization allows students to hold several officer positions. In these roles,
they delegate tasks, plan events, control finances, connect with fellow members and inspire new members.
At the University of South Carolina, there are 21 Sororities and 32 Fraternities on campus and three different recruitment/intake processes that students could explore: Panhellenic Sorority recruitment, Interfraternity Council recruitment, Cultural Greek Council (CGC) membership intake and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) membership intake. Each organization on campus requires different but small fees.
College Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment welcomes its potential members at the beginning of August. The sororities that contribute to the National Panhellenic Conference and the College Panhellenic Association have a structured schedule of events. The process lasts from Aug. 9 to Aug. 17, where each student will participate in primary recruitment. Recruitment is open to all females willing to put themselves out there and get involved in a new community. Each round consists of meeting with the existing chapters, ranking groups, watching videos and finding a new home.
IFC fraternities are a part of the NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference. Students can go through IFC recruitment in the fall or spring semesters. Orientation on Greene Street will introduce future brothers to the members and teach them the process and policies. After registering, IFC recruitment lasts from Aug. 31 to Sept. 7. If any fraternity chapters go against the community guidelines, they will be suspended from campus to offer all students a positive fraternal experience.
The Cultural Greek Council (CGC) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) serve to unify multicultural organizations and promote unity throughout the community. The CGC and NPHC were created to foster cooperative actions among its members, provide leadership, promote diversity and foster a community of support through their chapters. Instead of recruitment, these chapters do individual intake. If you meet specific membership qualifications, such as academic achievement, GPA, community service and good character, you have a chance of being admitted into one of these groups. Interested candidates should research each chapter and attend their various events. The CGC intake orientation sessions will be held on Sept. 2 and Sept. 10, and the NPHC intake orientation sessions will be held on Aug. 28 and Sept. 3.
Interested students can also live in fraternity and sorority housing on campus during their second year of membership. The USC’s Greek Village features 20 facilities. Students should also anticipate membership expectations such as holding a minimum GPA, attending chapter meetings, completing service hours, supporting philanthropic events and maintaining a financially good standing.
Any students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority should make sure to research each organization and their specific recruitment requirements and deadlines! To learn more about Fraternity and Sorority Life at USC and the individual organizations, visit their office at 601 Devine St. or go to sc.edu/fraternitysororitylife
GARNET MEDIA GROUP
If you’re interested in a career in the journalism and media industry or just have an interest in media creation, Garnet Media Group, also known as GMG, is one of the top organizations you need to join. The organization is composed of four student-run media outlets: The Daily Gamecock, SGTV, Garnet & Black, and WUSC-FM.
The Daily Gamecock is the editorially independent student newspaper that publishes a daily email newsletter Monday through Friday and a print publication each month.
SGTV is USC’s student television station and covers news, entertainment, sports, comedy and filmmaking. In addition to the station’s main news show, it is also home to short-film production company 1080c and sketch comedy show Carolina Tonight.
Garnet & Black is the semesterly magazine that focuses on issues important to the university community, including culture, entertainment and style.
WUSC is the radio station that currently broadcasts on 90.5 FM, iTunes, the TuneIn app and their website: wusc.fm. Each show is specially curated by the DJ and can include musical and non-musical content.
In addition to the four primary media outlets, students can be part of the advertising, creative services and marketing support branches.
The advertising team handles the digital and print ads for all media outlets.
Creative Services helps design ads and other promotional materials for Garnet Media Group and other campus partners.
The marketing team helps create the two main promotional publications for Garnet Media Group: Best of Carolina, published in the spring, and Carolina Insider (What you’re reading right now!), published at the beginning of summer. They also provide general support and public relations advice for the group and other organizations that partner with GMG.
SGTV Station Manager Delaney Flanagan said that what makes Garnet Media Group special is the wide range of things interested students can get involved in.
“When you combine all of the Garnet Media Group branches together, I just think that there is something for everybody, and any job that you can do in media, you can do here,” she said.
While many of the students involved in the organization are members of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, GMG is open to all students regardless of their major. Flanagan said that being a part of the organization can provide students with valuable skills that will be useful in the future.
“If you don’t really know what organization to join, this is one that is really fun. It’s really different. You definitely learn a lot of skills that you didn’t think you would need or maybe that you didn’t even think you would like,” she said.
By Marley Bassett
Garnet & Black Editor-in-Chief Kaylen Pritchard said that her time in Garnet Media Group has been “transformative.” “It has been absolutely transformative for me in so many ways,” she said. “I’ve grown in my writing skills. It’s definitely developed my leadership skills. It has really helped me hone my research skills.”
Students looking to join Garnet Media Group in any capacity should be on the lookout for the various organizations at the Student Organization Fair, held at the beginning of every semester on Greene Street in front of Russell House.
Those interested can also follow each branch on social media to find out when recruitment is beginning. Students who sign up after attending an interest meeting will complete training for their specific organization and a general Garnet Media Group onboarding before officially being a part of the group.
“There really is a community here for everyone. You just have to show up,” Flanagan said.
To learn more go to garnetmedia.org.
Jada Mack
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE CENTER
The University of South Carolina’s Leadership and Service Center (LSC) is the driving force behind student engagement and leadership development on campus.
The Leadership and Service Center supports students through leadership programs, community engagement initiatives, and over 600 student organizations.
Joshua Cauble, the center’s associate director, assists with development and programming throughout the office. Cauble says the LSC helps students develop their leadership styles by giving them service-based opportunities.
“We really work closely with students to give them opportunities to lead, participate and engage,” Cauble said.
The Leadership and Service Center helps students develop skills that fit into any professional career path, including teamwork, communication and time-management.
“It also builds the skills that employers are looking for,” Cauble said. “(It) provides you the opportunities that when you do those internships, you have some of that leadership experience that they’re looking for.”
Fourth-year student Evey Konstantopoulos began her journey with the center without any prior experience in student-led organizations.
“I didn’t do any leadership in high school,” Konstantopoulos said. “I wasn’t a part of
any clubs. I wasn’t president of anything, nothing in student government. My whole life was dance, so there was no room for anything else.”
Konstantopoulos first joined Pillars for Carolina, a multi-day student-led program that aims to create a foundation of community and confidence that students will build upon throughout their years at USC. Konstantopoulos later became a co-director of the program, leading her to becoming an ambassador with the center.
“Getting to interact with all these different organizations and student government has really given me a bigger picture of what’s really happening in school,”
Konstantopoulos said.
The LSC also hosts trips during breaks for students focusing on community service. Konstantopoulos said her experience during a break trip helped her realize her passion for service and civic engagement.
“I went on our alternative breaks program to New Orleans that winter break of my sophomore year,” Konstantopoulos said. “That was an amazing experience that really changed my perspective on service.”
If you want to stay local but still serve the community, the LSC holds monthly service opportunities on Saturdays. Volunteers can choose from various service sites and activities to help support the Columbia community.
Participants check in on Davis Field, participate in their service on or off
By Sam Stroup
campus and return to campus for a free lunch. Registration is required to participate and can be done on the LSC website.
In addition to being involved within an organization or participating in community service, students can continue developing their leadership skills, such as participating in the Close Family Emerging Leaders Program.
This in-person, eight-week program is for students who want to build their leadership skills and bring change to the USC community. Upper-level students can serve as mentors in this program.
The LSC also advances civic engagement through voter registration efforts and programming. Gamecock Civic Leaders is a group of students who brainstorm, plan and execute nonpartisan events to engage with and educate students on active citizenship.
Cauble believes that keeping students engaged is the core mission of the center. This engagement leads to more success by students in the classroom.
“We know that higher engagement provides higher retention for students,” Cauble said. “If one student finds their niche on campus, finds new friends, new interests, they then are able to be more engaged on campus.”
Students in the center get a head start on building their professional network, helping them find internships and jobs during college and after graduation.
Cauble, who’s worked with the center since 2021, said watching students develop professional skills is the most rewarding part of his job.
“Just seeing the students come in as first-year students, not really acclimated to campus,” Cable said. “Not really sure of themselves or their leadership styles, and then gradually start gaining new experiences, joining organizations, really developing their own leadership.”
Konstantopoulos believes her time in the Leadership and Service Center has helped her develop leadership skills that will translate to her professional career after college.
“The people in the LSC and getting to watch them, ask them questions, have them help me with things, has really been life-changing for me,” Konstantopoulos said. “They introduced me to different types of leadership. They showed me what good leadership looks like.”
Students interested in leadership, service, civic action, or getting involved in any aspect of campus life should follow the LSC on social media @uofsc_lsc or learn more at sc.edu/lsc.
Nickolas Hill
Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. FOR ALL
OFF-CAMPUS LIVING & NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS
By Jenna Swenson & Tyler Sprague
Nearly all students will experience off-campus living at the University of South Carolina, and luckily for them, there are many different options to fulfill their off-campus housing needs.
The university provides resources for students to help them make informed decisions when planning to live off campus through the Office of OffCampus Living and Neighborhood Relations (OCLNR), housed in the Leadership and Service Center.
The OCLNR’s website can help them with exactly that.
First, students should be careful to find a residence within their budget, accounting for rent and utilities. Some apartment complexes include utilities in the monthly rent, but some don’t. Others have a monthly cap.
A monthly rent is also probably new to first-year students who pay their housing expenses all at once. That is why it is vital for students to assess their spending habits accurately to find housing that will fit their financial lifestyle.
Commuting is also a factor for students to consider, especially since many living options are too far away to walk to campus. Many apartment complexes offer shuttles to and from campus, but students must adjust to those schedules. And if they are bringing their own form of transportation, such as their car, they
must consider how much parking will be and factor in the cost of gas as well.
Food is also a considerable expense to budget and plan for. While students can still have a meal plan regardless of their living situation, off-campus housing will include kitchens and a range of appliances, allowing students to make their own meals.
However, one of the most essential parts of living off-campus is making a conscious effort to keep the space clean for everyone sharing it.
This is a concept students should be familiar with from their first-year dorm experience, but apartments and houses have more areas that must be kept clean, especially the kitchen.
Elena Keller, a fourth-year mass communications student, lives in an off-campus h ick up the slack and try to help each other out with household chores.
“It’s hard to keep the house clean because it’s so much more space than an apartment. Mowing the lawn is the hardest — that’s the only struggle,” Keller said.
While all of these tasks may seem daunting, students should not fret! The OCLNR website’s Living Off Campus section goes more in depth detailing
common concerns providing tips for being a good neighbor and roommate.
Tips include maintaining the property — inside and out — and being mindful of neighbors. Another tip details common expectations of pet owners, such as making sure dogs are leashed and picking up after them during walks.
Additionally, the webpage has a unique feature that allows students to simulate living off-campus through a 20-minute educational module. It details how to party smart, move in and out and live safely.
Ultimately, the university provides many great resources students should utilize when deciding where to live off-campus. Find more information at sc.edu/offcampusliving
Fabian Bellamy
CENTER FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
The Center for Student Engagement (CSE) is here for everyone. Regardless of one’s background, everyone can increase inclusivity on campus through the willingness to learn, discuss and participate in the campus community. CSE’s programming and initiatives can be briefly summarized into four main areas: student support, identity engagement, socio-education programming and resources for LGBTQIA+ students.
Being a first-year student at a university can be hard to navigate at first. Through the Multicultural Assistance Peer Program (MAPP), students transitioning into university for their first year can get guidance. First-year students from historically marginalized populations are paired with older, experienced students who serve as mentors. Mentors are usually one of their mentees’ first friends on campus and help them take advantage of all the university offers. MAPP holds meetings and social events to establish relationships between mentors and their mentees and academic and professional development workshops.
Director of the Center for Student Engagement Dr. Will Sheppard believes the program’s resources have helped students determine how to make the best of their college experience and have a more likely chance to continue that experience as a returning student.
“Some very prominent figures have gone through that program and went on to be great figureheads in their field,” said Sheppard.
The Center for Student Engagement hosts events for students to create connections within the university community and learn about the many identities that it encompasses.
Hip Hop Wednesday, a monthly event on Greene Street, provides student organizations with a platform to promote their groups, share departmental resources, and highlight campus initiatives while a DJ plays the latest and greatest hip hop tracks.
The Intersection Student Lounge, slated to move to the third floor of Russell House in the fall, serves as a physical space for conversations and connections for all students. Students can hold meetings, work on group projects or just hang out in the multipurpose room. The lounge is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sheppard believes these events are integral to community involvement and connection, but that no one knows the student experience better than the students.
“I think the students have a better perspective of saying ‘Hey, I think our students or campus community would love for us to host this. Let’s do that,” Sheppard said. “And so, our office, what we do is want to support them in a way to help them make that come into fruition, whether that’s financially, whether that’s advertising, helping getting things completed, or connecting
By Noah Jones
to the right person to make things work.” To encourage improvement in the campus community and celebrate students, CSE hosts the Student Life Legacy Awards in collaboration with the Leadership and Service Center, where students are recognized for their active contribution to community service and outstanding leadership. Other celebrations include the Multicultural Senior Recognition Ceremony to commemorate those that will complete their undergraduate degree and acknowledge the unique experiences of underrepresented students at USC.
Students can learn more about creating a community of acceptance for all individuals through discussions, presentations, workshops, and more provided by CSE. These resources include Carolina Conversations and presentations to assist in the skill development of intentional positive interactions. This helps students navigate and advocate topics they are passionate about. Students can also become CSE Peer Leaders or trained facilitators who lead discussions and explore the different areas of inclusive excellence.
Students can learn more about the many opportunities to get involved by visiting CSE’s website at https://sc.edu/about/ offices_and_divisions/studentengagement.
WHERE GAMECOCKS FIND THEIR ROOST
UofSC students post for free when using their UofSC email address.
MediaGroup GARNET
Nickolas Hill and Fabian Bellamy
1 - Capstone
3 - Gibbes Green
2 - Pickens Bridge
6 - McKissick
7 - Maxcy Monument
4 - Cocky Statue
5 - Russell House
GAMECOCK ENTERTAINMENT
If a student has ever participated in a fun event at the University of South Carolina, it was likely hosted by Gamecock Entertainment.
Gamecock Entertainment serves as the university’s top source for on-campus programming and activities, including events like First Night Carolina, Homecoming and Cockstock.
Courtney Buzan, the associate director of Campus Programs, said Gamecock Entertainment aims to give students a balance between schoolwork and life.
“We create a lot of the entertainment and core student experiences that happen outside the classroom,” Buzan said. “We’re home to a lot of the traditions at Carolina in the form of events.”
Elizabeth Cole served as Homecoming Commission President last semester and crafted fun events for students and alums. Cole said she prioritized connecting with recent graduates.
“Not only were we incredibly engaged with all the students on this campus, but we were also engaged with the community and with alumni,” Cole said. “That was definitely a really big part of the Carolina community that we want to engage with.”
Buzan believes Gamecock Entertainment and other student-led organizations give students a sense of belonging.
“It makes you love being a Gamecock, love being at Carolina,” Buzan said. “It
makes you want to come back despite maybe the course load that stresses you out. We’re the break in that, that you can look forward to.”
One of Gamecock Entertainment’s iconic events is its annual Tiger Burn before the football game against Clemson University. Last year’s Tiger Burn was moved to a more central location on campus, the Blatt Fields, resulting in a significant increase in student turnout.
“We average about 4,000 students annually at Tiger Burn,” Buzan said. “Last year, we did 7,000. It was a massive, colossal celebration of campus pride.”
Another Gamecock Entertainment event that saw an increased turnout was the powderpuff football game during Homecoming Week. Cole said the event more than doubled its turnout from the year before.
“We had an incredible amount of male engagement, female engagement,” Cole said. “Students from all walks of life loved that event and so many came out.”
Gamecock Entertainment also hosted a takeover at the Riverbank Zoo in late March, giving students a break from their daily schoolwork. The event saw nearly 1,200 students tour the zoo, which was open only for USC students that evening.
“That was a pleasant surprise,” Buzan said. “We were hoping we would get that many, but you never know what to expect. Students came out in droves for that. That was a really neat win for
By Sam Stroup
Gamecock Entertainment and a great partnership with our friends at the zoo.”
The department’s student workers are the backbone of these events, as they use their time away from the classroom to create memorable experiences for other students.
“For our students in our office, it’s a great way for them to have fun,” Buzan said. “Yes, they take ownership and are working hard to deliver these events, but we know the payoff for them is also quite rewarding.”
Gamecock Entertainment’s student workers serve as the lifeblood for so many memorable on-campus events. It’s a perfect fit for students who are passionate about making college an unforgettable experience.
File Photo
of Parent & Family Programs
PARENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
By Tyler Sprague
The Office of Parent and Family Programs helps families of USC students find all the information they need to stay informed and connected throughout their student’s college years.
“I have seen the breadth of opportunities and resources our university offers its students,” Cecelia Tatro, a USC alumna and former intern for the office, said. “It has given me a greater appreciation for the intentionality that our university staff pours into programming. It is a rewarding experience to share it with our Gamecock parents and families.”
The easiest way to connect with the Office of Parent and Family Programs’ resources is to visit the Parents and Families Gateway at sc.edu/parents.
It consolidates and provides information about what is most important for families to consider as well as the other ways families can connect with USC.
One of those methods is the Gamecock Family Hub, a one-stop shop for campus resources, personalized information and relevant articles on topics from which families can benefit.
The Hub features more timely information, and families can select how often they’d like to receive email newsletters that include announcements, reminders and updates.
Those with specific questions or needs can always contact the office at sparents@sc.edu or 803-777-3008 for
individualized support. The assistance line allows parents to speak to someone in the office to ask more complicated questions or get help navigating resources.
Besides sharing information, the office provides a memorable experience through Family Weekend, a signature event that takes place over a weekend during the fall semester.
For the occasion, students invite family members and parents to see the campus and experience what it’s like to call USC home. In addition to reuniting with their students, families can connect with others who also have loved ones attending the university.
This upcoming Family Weekend will be held from Sept. 11 to 13, 2025, featuring signature events, such as the president’s meet-and-greet with President Michael Amiridis and First Lady Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis, Rock the Roost with the Reggie Sullivan Band and the family tailgate party on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium before kickoff for the football game against Vanderbilt.
“My favorite parts of Family Weekend are the events tailored for family bonding,” Tatro said. “The family tailgate party prior to the football game on that Saturday is a great time for students to share their love for Gamecock football with their families. Families can feel the energy and excitement of a Saturday in Columbia, South Carolina. There is food, music and space to enjoy the time together. It is a truly special day when a parent gets to experience their first ‘Sandstorm’ with their student.”
Look out for information about online registration for Family Weekend 2025 in July 2025!
David Olsen
RUSSELL HOUSE
There is never a dull moment at the Russell House University Union, especially during class hours. From meetings to celebrations, this building is home to spaces for any occasion and serves as an engagement hub and resource center for all students.
The building features four vibrant levels, each offering something unique. On the ground floor, you’ll find a variety of popular dining options, including the newest allyou-care-to-eat dining hall, Garnet Station, Panera Bread, Chick-fil-A and Qdoba— perfect for a quick bite or a casual meal with friends as well as the campus spirit store, which offers Gamecock gear and apparel.
Also found on the ground floor is the Office for Student Advocacy, the Dean of Students and the CarolinaCard Concierge (next to Qdoba).
The second floor is home to Gamecock Park and Fresh Greene’s, two more of USC’s spacious all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, as well as auditoriums, ballrooms and flexible event spaces that host everything from conferences to social gatherings. It also hosts the Leadership and Service Center and Russell House Theater.
On the third floor, you’ll discover the offices of Garnet Media Group, Gamecock Entertainment, and coming in the fall, the Center for Student Engagement. The third floor is also
filled with various meeting spaces and lounging areas.
First-year student Cydney Smith comes to Russell House multiple times a day by herself and with friends and finds that she can utilize it to fit any need.
“I come to Russell House to relax my mind, study and then also get some good food,” Smith said. “I would describe it as peaceful, fun sometimes.”
While students could make the most of this space during the day, they can also enjoy it in the evening. Russell Underground hosts up to 150 people for any event, fully equipped with sound systems, microphones, live streaming services and stages. The Russell Underground hosts a weekly music series and also has pool tables, ping-pong, foosball and video games.
Some recent events at the Russell House include a dating show hosted by “Love Island” celebrity Kaylor Martin, Carolina’s Got Talent, build-a-buddy and open mic night.
In the basement, students can also utilize the postal and printing services, the Carolina Styles hair salon and the Office of New Student Orientation.
By Isabella Augostino
While many students come here to relax, Russell House is also a center for learning. Students can use the information center on the second floor at any time. The center is equipped with staff to assist students directly and quickly. Clubs and organizations use the meeting rooms to grow their knowledge on a wide variety of topics.
The ballrooms are used for career seminars and synopses for all majors. Students at the University are encouraged to use this resource to catapult their professional skills while still earning an education.
Recent graduate and former student employee Allie Ray believes that besides the entertaining events, Russell House has more to offer than students realize.
“(It’s) definitely a big melting pot for all of the organizations,” Ray said. “Without the Russell House, I don’t think there would be a place that would work well enough for that. So, it’s more, it’s definitely more than just food.”
Every floor has lounging areas for students to meet up with tutors, study groups or teammates on projects.
Russell House operates every day until 11 p.m. While the USC campus is vast, the Russell House serves as a center for students to connect, study, eat, gather and have their best Gamecock experience.
Fabian Bellamy
By Will Kelly & Tyler Sprague
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION & EDUCATION
Substance Abuse Prevention & Education, commonly known as SAPE, is “dedicated to promoting healthy, low-risk behavior and encouraging students to make responsible decisions when using alcohol and other drugs,” according to the office’s website. The most common SAPE initiative that students interact with is AlcoholEdu. AlcoholEdu is an online education program all USC students must complete during their first semester. This online alcohol course measures students’ perceptions of alcohol use and abuse both before they arrive on campus and again after they’ve been on campus for several weeks.
According to the department, 92% of students reported that AlchoholEdu prepared them to plan ahead of time to make responsible decisions about alcohol, identify when someone has consumed too much alcohol, identify the signs of alcohol poisoning and intervene when a friend is drinking too much.
SAPE also hosts tailgates on Greene Street before home football games in the fall, providing an alcohol-free alternative to pre-game festivities and offering water and sandwiches to students attending the game — whether they are drinking or not.
SAPE also oversees Gamecock Recovery, a program that supports USC community members who are in recovery from substance use. The program offers free coaching to students working to heal from substance abuse.
This coaching spans all forms of recovery, from personal substance abuse to a student’s recovery from early substance exposure. These meetings cater to the students’ privacy and confidentiality concerns. According to Nikki Prude, assistant director of ourtreach and communication, students do not have to
turn on their microphones or cameras in online meetings because they are designed to work at the student’s comfort level.
The department also hosts studentfacilitated Peer-Based Mutual Aid Meetings where students can exchange recovery skills, share challenges and celebrate successes with people with similar experiences.
The topics and activities of these meetings range from moderation support and mindfulness practice to boundary-setting and self-care. SAPE also provides educational workshops and seminars like Recover Allies and their Addiction & Recovery-Informed Seminar (ARISE) Series that help create a community forum and platform for those in recovery.
Students Taking Initiative and Responsibility (STIR) is a screening and intervention program that provides students with information on the negative impacts of substance use and ways to get support.
Students can refer themselves or someone they know to this program, where the referred student will take a substance abuse assessment to provide deeper insight into their
relationship with alcohol and other substances. After that, the student will attend three sessions with an STIR coach to offer insight as the student completes the program.
STIR coaches are graduate students in the Social Work program at USC. They are trained to ensure students get the most out of the STIR program and to guide them to identify high-risk behaviors to make healthy, responsible decisions instead.
SAPE’s office is located on the third floor of the Wellness and Fitness Center. For more information, visit the office’s website at sc.edu/sape
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Founded in 1908, Student Government is at the heart of the university and has wide-reaching impacts that stretch to every corner of USC and beyond to the greater Columbia community. Student Government is composed of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial and there are four executive positions: president, vice president, speaker of the student senate and treasurer. The organization mainly focuses on the well-being of students and their needs.
“Our main goal is listening to the students, hearing their concerns and hearing what they need accomplished on campus,” Student Body President Courtney Tkacs said.
In addition to the four executive positions, Student Government is composed of the president’s cabinet, student senate, freshman council, constitutional council, elections commission, communications team, and federal, state and local lobbying agencies.
By Marley Bassett
There are many different ways to begin for newly enrolled students or those looking to get started in Student Government.
“There are so many ways to get involved, from our freshman council to our philanthropy team and cabinet committees in the president’s branch or applying to a vacant senate seat,” Tkacs said.
Student Government is also responsible for many of the campus-wide initiatives,
including some of the recently introduced ones like the Swipe Out Hunger program, where students can donate unused meal swipes to some of their peers in need, and providing a shuttle to the Columbia airport over the major breaks during the school year.
The organization also partnered with the athletics department to put portable chargers in Williams-Brice Stadium for students to access during football games. They also partnered with Parking and Transportation to provide an Uber discount for students to use on game days.
Tkacs said that during her term as student body president, she wants to work with parking and transportation to help make parking on and around campus more accessible to the student body. She is also helping to implement a survey for students to provide feedback about their classes and experience at the university.
“We’ve also talked with Campus Rec and academics… about our student experience course evaluations and really pushing that… so professors and faculty can get feedback about how their courses are going,” she said.
Many of these programs go through the Student Senate, where 50 Senators from all of the university’s individual colleges meet to discuss and pass legislation. Each Senator is a member of multiple committees that discuss various campus issues and how best to fix them.
During the past senate term, they passed legislation to have the Thomas Cooper Library open 24 hours during finals, increased lighting on the Horseshoe, created a late-night shuttle that runs on certain days to make traveling safer for students and provided more space in Close-Hipp for the Student Disability Resource Center.
Those interested in joining Student Government can be on the lookout for applications to open during the first week of June, and interviews will take place at the beginning of the fall semester.
“Getting involved in Student Government was one of the best things I did freshman year,” Tkacs said.
Fabian Bellamy
RELIGIOUS LIFE
By Francesca Cumello & Tyler Sprague
Spiritual and religious life is a significant element of many students’ lives at the University of South Carolina.
When leaving home and the communities they have always known, it is integral for students — new and old — to find spaces on campus where they feel safe.
For many, this security is found in a religious context. At USC, the Office of Student Affairs and Academic Support makes a clear effort to provide access to spiritual and religious opportunities for interested students.
Different support elements include access to religious affiliates, religious centers near campus in the Columbia community and faith-based student groups.
Students can find groups of nearly every denomination and affiliation, and, if they can’t identify an organization that suits their needs, there is an accessible solution. Students can start their own religious organizations. Like starting a new club, the same can be done for students who want to create a new faith-based group on campus.
Existing organizations include Campus Outreach, Carolina Navigators, Hillel, InterVarsity Fellowship and Catholic Campus Ministry — just to name a few of the 22 religious groups.
Lizzie Keegan, a member of the InterVarsity staff, speaks to the importance of religious life for some students and how much growth she has seen in them over the years.
“College is such an important time to figure out who you are, what you believe and what you want out of life,” Keegan
said. “Getting to see students go from insecure and uncertain freshmen to confident and mature seniors is the best feeling in the world… Being part of a faith community has a huge impact on students. It provides a place of belonging, identity, personal growth, accountability and support.”
The department also highlights and educates the community about all religions and traditions through their Interfaith Calendar.
The calendar showcases religious and spiritual traditions, holidays and observances throughout the year and recommended accommodations for students, staff and faculty.
Keegan explains that one of the central tenets of religious life on campus is to allow students to explore and expand that facet of themselves when they come to college.
“I would love to see us continue to provide opportunities for students of any background to come and seek their faith and discover what they believe,” Keegan said. She continued by saying another element for expansion at USC is to “work more together on the things we can all agree on — like justice and service.”
Places for students to expand their spiritual and religious involvement on campus include the Carolina Faith Center, Center for Health and Wellbeing, 1409 Devine St., C.A.L.M Oasis, Close Hipp Building, Hamilton College and Russell House University Union.
All students — regardless of background — are invited to explore their religious interests, curiosities and involvements at the University of South Carolina.
For more information on religious and spiritual life at USC please see sc.edu/religiouslife
Nickolas Hill
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
Starting college can be an overwhelming and exciting new adventure, between managing upcoming assignments and exams and figuring out how to balance social life.
But no need to worry, the University of South Carolina understands the challenges that students face. That’s why the Student Success Center exists: to make your transitions smoother and your college experience a little less stressful, no matter where you may be in your journey.
With free services for students, convenient appointment scheduling through the university’s website and resources tailored to your specific needs, the center is here to help Gamecocks soar!
When looking for academic support, the Student Success Center is your one-stop shop for all your needs.
“The Student Success Center is an essential resource for students because it is a place where they can get the support that they might need for free, and it is able to provide a different perspective than what their professors or TA’s might be able to provide,” said Austin Fayssoux, a peer assistant mentor and consultant at the SSC.
Whether you are looking for oneon-one tutoring with a peer leader or Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions led by students who’ve taken the same course, these resources are designed to help you succeed in even the most challenging classes.
The Peer Leadership Program offers students the opportunity to guide and inspire others along the way. Jake Brezner, a peer assistant mentor at the SSC, believes this is one of the center’s best attributes.
“We are able to help students who may learn in different ways take their own customized approach to learning the material,” said Brezner.
If writing isn’t your strong suit, the center offers consultants who can help you strengthen your papers and research projects.
For those who want to improve their study methods or study smarter, not harder, personalized advising is offered to help you develop strategies to manage your coursework effectively.
“The Student Success Center differs from other tutoring platforms because we are all USC students, and a lot of us have had some of the professors that students currently have,” said Fayssoux. “We have a better understanding of what their teaching style is and what they’re covering.”
The SSC also helps students connect and network with professors through their Coffee Convos program. The center will provide a preloaded dining card that works at most coffee locations on campus, covering the cost, so you can focus on speaking with your professor and gaining a personal perspective on your course, major, or even what lies beyond your time at USC.
In addition to academics, the Student Success Center offers the “Money Smart” program. Ensuring that finances don’t add unnecessary stress to your college journey. With money management consultations, students can create budgets, learn how to save and gain confidence in their financial decisions. And when an unexpected moment may occur, emergency loans are available to keep you afloat.
By Olivia Ireland
Support at the Student Success Center doesn’t stop at undergraduate life. Graduate students can also take advantage of the resources that the center offers.
They provide one-on-one peer graduate success consultations that can help you plan for your future goals, manage your time in grad school and “relearn how to learn”.
Additionally, the department has accountability groups that provide a collaborative space where graduate students can connect with others, share their progress, set goals and maintain motivation throughout their semester.
In addition to these core programs, the center hosts workshops and events on topics that many students struggle with during their college years, such as time management, test-taking strategies and stress management. Drop-in services are also available for quick help without an appointment.
“Drop-in services enhance the student’s ability to learn because it is open to any student at almost any time, and not having to make an appointment is easier for some students, so they can just swing by whenever,” said Brezner.
College is about more than just surviving; it’s about thriving. The Student Success Center at USC is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way so you can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime and reaching your full potential.
Visit the the Student Success Center page at sc.edu to take your first step towards success!
UNIVERSITY 101
Starting college can feel like entering a whole new world, but the University of South Carolina’s U101 course is designed to make your transition easier, exciting, and stress-free!
From gaining knowledge to building strong time-management skills to discovering campus resources and building lifelong connections, U101 is your “all-access” pass to thriving as a first-year student at USC.
Within their section, students will gain confidence and tools to tackle challenges, achieve their goals, and make the most of their first year.
So, what makes U101 such a standout experience? Why should you ensure that it is a class in your first semester? For starters, the course is all about you! Your growth, your well-being, and your future as a Gamecock.
Students can explore and master essential skills, such as stress reduction and study strategies, both of which will help ease the transition to the demands of college life.
This course also prioritizes the resources available across campus, such as the Student Success Center and Student Health and Well-being, ensuring that students know where to turn for support if needed.
“Taking U101, my first semester, definitely helped with my transition to college,” first-year student Brady Mahoney said. “I was able to learn about resources on campus that have helped me this year, and the friends that I made are still my friends now”.
One of the most beneficial aspects of U101 is the sense of community that it offers. The class is designed to create a more personal and engaging environment, allowing for meaningful interactions with both classmates and instructors.
Each class also has a peer leader who acts as a co-instructor. Peer leaders are upper-level students who are trained to guide and mentor students throughout the course.
“Having a peer leader in the class was very helpful, and it was easy to connect with them because we are close in age, and when they shared stories and advice, it was relatable,” Mahoney said.
Peer leaders offer real-world advice, share their own experiences and help students feel connected to the broader USC community.
By Olivia Ireland
The U101 course is filled with engaging assignments and activities that promote personal growth and academic success.
From reflective journals to student presentations, students have the opportunity to develop their strengths and other valuable skills.
Collaborative assignments with other students in the class help encourage teamwork and foster meaningful connections with peers. Tasks like the Academic Success Strategies assignment provide practical tools to navigate college life.
Beyond the classroom, U101 helps students think big about their college experience and future goals. Whether that is crafting a four-year plan, exploring career interests or learning about leadership opportunities, the U101 course encourages students to take charge of their journey.
The experience of U101 doesn’t just end when the semester does- the course equips students with tools and connections that continue to serve them throughout their time at USC and beyond.
At its core, U101 is more than just a class; it’s an introduction to what being a student at USC is all about.It’s a chance to embrace the challenges and opportunities of college with confidence and support.
Whether you’re stressed about an upcoming exam and trying to figure out the best way to approach it, navigating campus life or figuring out your passions. U101 is your guide to making the most of your first year at USC.
Nickolas Hill
GARNET GATE
With more than 600 student organizations active on campus, the University of South Carolina offers organizations for almost anything: careers, academics, sports, volunteering, games and other niches.
Garnet Gate is the university’s online platform for involvement outside the classroom. It serves as a hub of information to help students find and join the organizations they’re looking for.
Students can use Garnet Gate to see a complete list of all student organizations or to search and filter organizations by name, keyword, subject or category. Logging into the platform will allow you
to see full details about each group, including the officers’ contact information, regular meeting times and important documents.
Garnet Gate also features information about campus events, including events open to the entire campus community, and allows users to RSVP and track their attendance on the platform.
Once a student officially joins an organization, they are listed on that group’s roster. The university formally notes their participation on the My USC Experience transcript that lists extra-curricular activities. You can also find many of these organizations at the Student
By Katryn West & Tyler Sprague
Organization Fair hosted by the Leadership and Service Center (LSC) at the beginning of each semester.
This event traditionally takes place on Greene Street within the first two weeks of the semester. Tables line each side of the street, with each student organization having its own table staffed with organization representatives ready to answer questions and give out information.
Jamie Howelle, assistant director of the Leadership and Service Center, helps students and student leaders use Garnet Gate effectively to find opportunities, plan events, communicate with
members and share highlights and organizational news throughout the year.
The LSC also hosts monthly workshops during the academic year to help student leaders run their organizations.
“These workshops are really casual conversations about topics that student organization leaders and members are curious about,” Howelle said. “These topics could include event planning, time management, goal setting, self-care and transitioning roles to the next group of leaders.”
If a particular organization doesn’t exist on USC’s campus, the LSC has a process for creating a new one. Founding members just need support from seven other members to begin the process.
“If you look for things you have an interest in, you’ll find opportunities that speak to your passions and interests,” Howelle said. “Start with one or two
organizations. Get a feel for those, and see what the time commitment is. And, of course, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, come see me, and we can talk about how to create it.”
You can learn all about student organizations and how to join or create your own at sc.edu/leadershipandservicecenter under the Student Organizations tab. To find your next student organization experience, visit Garnet Gate at garnetgate.sa.sc.edu.
Nickolas Hill
TRIO
Higher education opens doors to a brighter future. Yet, navigating the college landscape can present unique challenges for many students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
The University of South Carolina recognizes this disparity and offers support through TRIO Student Support Services.
This program equips first-generation and income-eligible students with the resources and guidance necessary to thrive academically and personally.
TRIO at USC is a comprehensive program encompassing various initiatives that empower students from diverse backgrounds. It uses four programs — Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Opportunity Scholars and the Ronald E. McNair program — to help students enter college and complete their studies with greater success.
TRIO aims to increase access to college for first-generation and low-income students and retain and graduate students by providing support and helping students graduate with a baccalaureate degree and move on to successful careers.
The Educational Talent Search program begins in the seventh grade for students at select Richland County schools. Its goal is to identify and encourage promising students to pursue higher education by providing academic coaching, college planning assistance and cultural enrichment activities.
Upward Bound is another pre-college program that helps high school students prepare for college success.
By Jazmine Solorzano & Tyler Sprague
This intensive summer program offers academic workshops, college visits and personal counseling for its students, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the college application process.
TRIO offers two programs for college students: the Opportunity Scholars Program and the Ronald E. McNair Program. The Opportunity Scholars Program provides many different resources for students once they are on campus. These include tutoring assistance, academic advising, undergraduate research guidance, study abroad opportunities and more.
First-year students taking three or more OSP-specific courses can even receive significant tuition reductions. The OSP also includes the Gamecock Guarantee program, a need-based financial and academic support program.
“OSP has allowed me to participate in classes my freshman year with other OSP students who understood and related to me. I will always be thankful to OSP for connecting me with some of my greatest friends who have supported me through my college career,” said Isha Borhara, an OSP scholar alumna.
The Ronald E. McNair Program supports TRIO-eligible undergraduates by preparing them for graduate-level education through scholarly activities.
With extended faculty mentoring, research experience and other academic opportunities, the program aims to increase the number of Ph.D
recipients who are first-generation or low-income students and those who are from underrepresented groups in graduate school.
While these four programs heavily emphasize academics, TRIO understands that success goes beyond academics. The program also offers workshops on time management, stress management and navigating campus resources.
Additionally, TRIO fosters community through social events and peer mentoring programs, helping students build a strong support network on campus.
“Mentoring is a big component for those who come here as first-year students whose parents have never been to college, so they do not know what to expect. By being paired with an upperclassman, they can show you the ropes of the university,” said Curtis Pernell, OSP graduate assistant for mentoring and social events.
Mentors get paired with one to three students yearly, building a network of first-generation students and helping each other reach the highest level of success.
By providing a comprehensive support system, TRIO at USC empowers students from all backgrounds to achieve their academic goals and build a fulfilling college experience.
This commitment to student success strengthens the campus community and ensures that USC remains a place where opportunity thrives.
For more information please see https:// sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/ trio_programs
STUDENT DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER
By Noah Jones
Living with a disability, whether visible or hidden, does not have to be the reason someone misses out on any aspect of campus life.
Through the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC), students can receive help in the classroom, with housing, at athletic events and more.
The SDRC collaborates with other departments on campus to meet the needs of students in multiple aspects of their lives, making it accessible and comfortable.
The SDRC provides accommodations on a per-person basis. Sonia Badesha, the director of the Student Disability Resource Center, explains that this is because even if two people have the same disability, it doesn’t mean their experiences will be the same. This individualized method helps students have a better university experience, providing additional services that meet their current needs.
“Sometimes life can happen, and what was a non-barrier before could be a barrier now, and that’s okay,” Badesha said. “So as long as we know what is going on, we want to be able to approach it on that one-on-one, individualistic basis to make sure we are addressing those needs and making sure that we are accommodating appropriately.”
The SDRC aims to help faculty and staff become more inclusive and accommodating through educational training and presentations.
To encourage and further facilitate this training, outstanding faculty and staff members are recognized and celebrated through the Two Thumbs Up Program. Students can nominate faculty and staff who have gone
above and beyond in helping students with disabilities.
“Through those nominations and those recognitions, we’ve been able to establish really close partnerships, not just with those faculty members but with those departments taking it a step beyond to really bring awareness to our students and our office,” Badesha said. “I think it’s been great to offer a new perspective and really show those faculty staff members who are recognized your work is not going unnoticed.”
The SDRC provides accommodations for transportation to class and using technology for assistance during class. Regarding exams, the department accommodates students who need more time to get tests done or have a classroom environment that hinders their performance.
Additionally, the SDRC caters to students’ needs regarding food and housing. Collaborating with University Housing, the SDRC can recommend and find accommodations that provide housing for students with physical and psychological disabilities.
The university’s meal plan offers options that can be modified based on dietary restrictions.
There is also the option to consult with a registered dietitian who works with Carolina Food Co., which provides meals for the university. To obtain these accommodations, you must complete a request form on the department’s website.
The SDRC helps other campus departments to ensure everyone’s experience is
worthwhile. From experiences hosted on campus, such as speaker events and student organization gatherings, to presenting on the department’s functions and resources, the SDRC assists and participates in the university community whenever possible.
“When we look at accommodations and disabilities in our office, it’s more outside-ofthe-box thinking. What is a way to get from point A to point B and just because it hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be done… if you need a little assistance to demonstrate and show your knowledge, your preparedness, then we want to be able to help with that,” Badesha said.
To formally get the accommodations the SDRC provides, one must complete the online application. Through the application on their website, students can inform the department about their disabilities and any accommodations they believe they require.
Then, once the documentation is filed, a one-on-one meeting will be conducted with an SRDC coordinator to review their policies and procedures, discuss their disability further and learn about which accommodations will be approved.
They also work closely with the health center, as well as counseling and psychiatric services, in case traditional accommodations may not meet a student’s needs.
Students in graduate school, med school, law school or other programs at USC can also benefit from accommodations with the SDRC.
To learn more or get accommodated by the university, visit the Student Disability Resource Center page at sc.edu.