- Talking Points
- Bill information
- A new look
- Off-Campus Living
- Airport shuttle
- Study away
- Student Health Services
- University news
- Important dates
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Greetings!
Winter has officially descended onto the University of South Carolina campus. And, while our weather may be a little chillier, the semester is heating up. February brings new assignments, academic deadlines, and engagement opportunities. Suffice it to say, there's no hibernation happening here!
It's important in these colder months for students to stay mentally and physically healthy; getting enough sleep, taking mental breaks from studying and eating right are all ways for students to thrive leading up to spring break in March! Meditating in the
C.A.L.M. Oasis
, attending a
healthy cooking
demonstration,
enjoying a movie
in the Russell House, or taking a
group exercise class
are all wonderful options for you to share with your student.
Later this month, students will have the opportunity to both run for and elect their newest
Student Government
officers. These individuals will be the collective voice for South Carolina students in terms of policy, finances and campus initiatives. Encourage your student to take an active role in the process by attending a candidate debate and casting their vote Feb. 26-27.
This month's newsletter features helpful tips and opportunities from our campus partners - geared to help your student get the most out of their South Carolina experience. I hope you find it beneficial! Have feedback?
Please let us know!
Wishing you and your student a great month ahead!
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Anna C. Edwards, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Life
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As the semester progresses, remind your student of the services available through the
Student Success Center
to help keep them on track with their coursework.
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February Family Talking Points
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With Valentine's Day approaching, students are spending more time thinking about their friendships and relationships.
As a parent or family member, it's important to continue the conversation with your student about their relationships, new or old, to ensure they are healthy.
When talking with your student about relationships, be sure to actively listen – don’t interrupt, maintain a calm tone, rephrase what you hear them say, and wait until they’re done sharing to ask any questions.
- What makes a relationship healthy? (feeling supported, respected and valued; sharing in decisions; communicating openly and honestly; making decisions together; having friends and interests outside of the relationship)
- What do you want in a relationship? (This question can pertain to a friendship or a romantic relationship.)
- What are some unhealthy behaviors you want to watch out for? (isolating from friends and family; lack of mutual decision-making; mocking a person’s opinions or interests; showing violence during an argument (yelling, hitting or throwing things, threatening, intimidating); demanding check-in's via phone call or text message)
- How do you set boundaries with others? How do you show others you respect their boundaries?
- Where can you go on campus if you have questions about healthy and unhealthy relationships? (SAVIP is a free and confidential resource for survivors of interpersonal violence and students concerned about their relationship.)
As a parent or loved one, if you have a concern about your student, you can also reach out to SAVIP for consultation and support.
Staff is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 803-777-8248 and after hours by calling USCPD at 803-777-4215 and asking for the SAVIP advocate.
Additional talking points to share with your student throughout their time at South Carolina are added monthly to the
Parent & Family Programs mobile app
. Be sure to review the "Conversation Kick-Starters" and the
Talking Points
publication for discussion ideas.
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Important Tuition Bill Information
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1098-T Educational Tax Credit Statements
Students who opted into the online version of the 1098-T statement through their Self Service Carolina (SSC) account can conveniently print it from a home or school computer. Students who did not electronically opt in will have their 1098-T statements mailed to their home beginning Feb. 1. Additionally, important information about the revisions required by the IRS on tuition tax credit statements can be found
on the Bursar's website.
Spring 2019 Payment Plans
The next payment for students enrolled in a payment plan is due Feb. 11.
A late fee of $100 will be applied if payment is not made on time. Any charges not captured in the payment plan, e.g., parking citations, health service charges, student conduct charges, etc., must be paid manually via the student's SSC account.
Bill Changes
Students are encouraged to frequently review their bill.
Any time a change is made on the account (e.g. adding a class, changing meals plans), unexpected charges can be added.
Additionally, dropping classes at this point in the semester will likely result in a percentage of financial liability for the course. Students should review the
part of term dates
prior to dropping a course.
Refunds
We encourage your student to set up a direct deposit account through SSC for potential refunds in order for funds to be received most efficiently.
If your student is expecting a refund, please allow
at least
72 hours for the funds to be deposited. If direct deposit is not in place, students will receive a paper check via mail to the current address on file.
Authorized Users
Students have the ability to
assign authorized users
to their account via
SSC.
Only the student can add authorized users which will allow them to view the student's bill, payment history, 1098-T information and payment plans. Authorized users also receive account communication and can speak with the
Bursar's Office
about the student's account.
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A new look (and more) for UofSC
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When you hear the phrase “brand platform,” you might be tempted to substitute the word “logo” in your mind. But a brand encompasses far more than a logo and the University of South Carolina is embarking on a long-awaited refresh of the university's brand platform. For students, faculty, alumni, donors and more, a focused brand platform helps everyone understand just
what it is about the University of South Carolina that makes it special
.
Though new to campus and the general public, the brand refresh has been in the works for about two years and has involved university leadership every step of the way.
@UofSC Today sat down with J.C. Huggins
, director of brand strategy in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, to discuss the brand refresh and what can be expected in the coming months.
"These [updates] are not things that are revolutionary — these are things that people who were surveyed said they feel about us when they come here ... [Our brand] should serve as a guidepost for how people think of the university and how we want them to think of the university.
It’s us trying to be our best selves
." J.C. Huggins shares additional insight on the brand's refresh, the elements that were incorporated and much more
in the article
.
Keep your eye to the University of South Carolina throughout the spring, as more of the refreshed brand is unveiled and the story of being a South Carolinian continues.
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The Spring 2019 Housing Expo hosted by
Off-Campus Living & Neighborhood Relations
(OCLNR) will be Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Greene Street. Students searching for off-campus living arrangements will be able to speak with apartment communities and other resources to learn about their options in the surrounding area.
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Students departing for spring break from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport can take advantage of the
free Student Government airport shuttle service
. Students can be picked up from campus at the corner of Greene and Sumter Streets
March 8 and 9 at 5 a.m., 9 a.m., noon or 5 p.m.
Shuttles will return students to campus from the airport
March 16 and 17 at 9 a.m., noon or 5 p.m.
Reservations are required by March 1 at noon.
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National Student Exchange
Students interested in studying away for a summer, semester or academic year can do so through the National Student Exchange. This unique opportunity allows students to study at one of nearly 200 institutions in the United States, Canada and U.S. Territories. More information about applying and taking part is available on the
UofSC National Student Exchange website
.
Maymester Study Abroad Courses
Students interested in traveling and taking courses during the shortened Maymester term can connect with staff in the Study Abroad Office to discuss the opportunities available to them. Many Maymester programs have March application deadlines, so encourage your student to attend an information workshop and
set up an appointment
with a Study Abroad staff member soon.
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Student Health Services Events
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Trauma 101
Feb. 6, 13 & 20, 2-4 p.m.
Center for Health & Well-Being 217
This three session workshop series discusses the impacts of trauma, why its hard to talk about and how to help others who've experienced it. Students who are looking for ways to support their friends or themselves through trauma or learn more about the biological effects are encouraged to attend.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Walk
Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-noon
Russell House University Union - Greene Street
Students and families can sign up to join the Columbia NEDA Walk to raise awareness and funds for the fight against eating disorders. NEDA walks are an opportunity for those in recovery and their families to share stories of hope.
Registration
to walk is free.
10 Things I Hate About You
Feb. 18, 7-9 p.m.
Russell House University Union Theater
SAVIP and Carolina Productions partner for this second annual film screening. Attendees will engage in an open dialogue about stalking and how movies have minimized the impact of these behaviors.
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"Making it to the Big Show"
The National Retail Foundation (NRF) Big Show in New York is the largest retail conference in the U.S., and this year it included the biggest group of Gamecocks, yet - 17 students, three of whom earned NRF scholarships for the trip.
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"Taylor Wright finds his home at UofSC"
From a shy high school senior, to the voice for 30,000-plus as the university’s student body president, Taylor Wright has made it his mission to see that every Gamecock feels at home at UofSC.
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Feb. 2:
Student Leadership & Diversity Conference
Feb. 15:
Last day to apply for May 2019 graduation
March 4:
Last day to drop a course without a grade of "WF"
March 8:
Greek Village closes at 6 p.m. for spring break
March 9:
Residence halls close at 10 a.m. for spring break
March 10-17:
Spring break -
no classes
March 17:
Residence halls open at 8 a.m., Greek Village opens at noon
March 20:
Spring AlcoholEDU and SAPU part 2 due
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Please continue to visit the Parents & Families Gateway for information and resources at
sc.edu/parents
.
Office of Parent & Family Programs
University of South Carolina
Parents Assistance Line: 1-800-868-6752
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