SEPTEMBER 2020
In This Issue
  • Town Hall
  • State of the University
  • SC Collaborative for Race and Reconciliation
  • Family Weekend
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Bursar's Office
  • Career Center
  • CarolinaCard
  • Parking & Shuttles
  • Postal Services
  • Student Health Services
  • Student Life
  • Substance Abuse Prevention and Education
  • UofSC Alumni Association
  • UofSC Parents App
  • University News
South Carolina families,

Though classes have only been in session for a few short weeks, the semester will soon be in full swing. Students should start off their semester (or college career) by getting involved on campus early. Encourage your student to check out the Student Calendar as well as Garnet Gate to find events, organizations, and resources.

Take some time this month to talk with your student about the topics shared in this newsletter. College is often the first time students are faced with difficult decisions. Use the Family Talking Points included in the Parent & Family Programs mobile app to have important conversations about decision-making and what's expected of your student when they face those difficult choices. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure your student has a fulfilling and engaging year here at the University of South Carolina. 

While I am sad we will not be able to gather together under the tents to celebrate Family Weekend, I find joy in thinking about the Gamecock family that stretches across the nation and around the globe. I do hope you find the educational resources and "Build Your Own" Family Weekend tips to be helpful during this time.

Remember, the Office of Parent & Family Programs' mission is to partner with you to support your student's growth and success at the university. Our staff work to ensure you're able to support and encourage your student throughout their time at South Carolina. We know how important family is to student success, so don't hesitate to reach out to Parent & Family Programs should you or your student have questions.

Forever to Thee,
Anna C. Edwards, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Life
Stay updated with our office throughout the summer by downloading the Parent & Family Programs mobile appliking us on Facebook, following us on Instagramand visiting the Parents & Families Gateway for timely posts and monthly tips to supplement this newsletter.
Town Hall
University leadership will hold a virtual town hall meeting for students, families, faculty and staff on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m.

The link to join will be posted in the "Latest Updates" section of go.sc.edu/coronavirus prior to the event.
Join President Caslen online as he details his vision for the University of South Carolina and outlines the university's new strategic plan, For South Carolina: A Path to Excellence,
live from the University of South Carolina Alumni Center.
 
Sept. 9 • 10 a.m.
Stream the virtual event at facebook.com/uofsc

 #UofSCSOTU
South Carolina Collaborative for Race and Reconciliation
Housed in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Collaborative was developed to foster racial reconciliation and civic renewal through on-going dialogues in classrooms, boardrooms and community rooms. The Collaborative’s work focuses on inclusiveness and the participation of individuals who are committed to exchanges of personal reflections about their lives and the desire to build bridges among participants and, in turn, to bring about real and lasting change.

What We're Reading, Watching, and Listening To
  • “1619” is a New York Times audio series, hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, that examines the long shadow of American slavery. 
  • Brené on Shame and Accountability Brené Brown on "why accountability is a prerequisite for [racial] change, and why we need to get our heads and hearts around the difference between being held accountable for racism and feeling shame and being shamed." 
  • All Students Need Anti-racism Education by Christina Torre. Schools across the nation are committing to the all-important work of anti-racism. Schools with predominately white or privileged students should be no exception.
  • Angela Davis on Violence an excerpt from Göran Olsson's documentary film "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975" (2011).
Family Weekend
Family Weekend 2020 (Sept. 11-13) will serve as a launching pad for a series of family engagements, spanning the fall semester.

To kick things off, check out these creative ways to host your own virtual Family Weekend!
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
The University of South Carolina is working with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to actively monitor the novel coronavirus outbreak and any potential impact to our campus community.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The university is continually monitoring conditions to determine what additional mitigation actions the campus community should take to keep themselves and others safer. These conditions contribute to the current campus status. The dashboard is updated Tuesday and Friday afternoons.
Bursar's Office
Payment Plan
A payment plan is available for students. Visit the Bursar's website for details and how to enroll. The first installment for the Fall 2020 Payment Plan is due Sept. 10.

Authorized Users
Students are strongly encouraged to assign Authorized Users to their account via SSC. Granting this authorization allows the Authorized User to see the student's bills, receive communication, view payment history, request/print 1098-T information, enroll in the Payment Plan, and speak with Bursar's Office staff about the student account. Please note – only the student can set up Authorized Users on their account

Direct Deposits
If a refund is expected, which includes excess financial aid, please set up direct deposit via SSC through the E-Refunds tab. This is the most efficient and convenient way to receive a refund.
Career Center
Building Social Capital Through Networks and Opportunity
Tuesday, Sept. 16 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Join the Career Center as we provide information on how to help your student navigate getting involved and building their network at UofSC and beyond. During this session, we will provide information and resources for you to help your student in finding jobs (both part-time and full-time), making new connections through mentorship, and building transferable skills through experiences. Ambra Hiott, Director of the Leadership and Service Center, will be joining us for this session to provide information on how to get involved with community service, student organizations, and leadership programs. We look forward to sharing information with you so you may better assist your student in getting involved and gaining transferable skills.


If you own or work for a business that’s looking for great talent, encourage them to recruit with the University of South Carolina. Each year, we graduate thousands of strategic thinkers, thoughtful collaborators and service-minded leaders. Learn more about setting up an account through Handshake, our career management platform. 
CarolinaCard
CarolinaCard
The CarolinaCard ID is the passport to all things UofSC! Bookmark our website to learn more about the benefits of using the CarolinaCard and refer back to it throughout the year.

GET Mobile App
Students can manage their CarolinaCard funds through the GET Mobile app so they can conveniently swipe their card to pay for food, bookstore items, athletic event tickets and more.

GRUBHUB App
Expanded options have been added for ordering ahead for on-campus dining mobile pick-up orders. Panera, Chick-fil-A and all residence halls have been added to the GrubHub app.
Parking & Transportation Services
Parking Permits
Parking permits are still available for purchase, both for garages and surface lots. All options can be found when you log into your account.
  • Parking permits for the upcoming semester should be picked up in the Parking Office, located in the Pendleton Garage at 1501 Pendleton St. Permits are printed on demand. It will take two business days from the time of purchase to process each order.

Shuttles
Beginning Sept. 1, students will need their CarolinaCard to ride campus shuttles.
Postal Services
Package and Mail Pick Up
Fall 2020 student package and mail pick up will be located at the Carolina Coliseum (701 Assembly St.). Students will receive an email when they have mail at the student package/mail pick up center. Students must have their CarolinaCard to pick up items.

To assist students in accessing the pick-up location, a shuttle will run from the Russell House (South Bull St. shuttle stop) to the Coliseum from 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. on MWF Aug. 24 through Oct. 2.

Mailing Address and Mail ID Number
Students residing in UofSC Housing residence halls on the Columbia campus and the Greek Village received their campus mailing address via my.sc.edu under "Personal Information."

Residents of Park Place, Greene Crossing, YOUnion and 650 Lincoln
Mail and package services are provided directly to each respective location by Amazon, USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL and should be addressed accordingly. Please check with the management office for mailing address requirements.

For additional information, please visit our website or email rhstumailctr@mailbox.sc.edu.
Student Health Services
Student Health Insurance
Every student’s health and well-being are critical components to academic success -- especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students with health insurance stay healthier by using recommended preventive care services that help avoid health issues. The primary purpose of the Student Health Insurance Plan is to provide families an option for a plan that is affordable and offers a comprehensive benefits package, so students have easy access to physical and mental health care and prevention screenings while attending the university or traveling the country. Take a look at the Student Health Insurance Plan and compare it to your current plan to see if it makes sense for your family. The deadline to waive or enroll in the university plan is Sept. 11.
Student Life
The mission of the Department of Student Life is to advance student success by serving as the catalyst for student involvement. We provide opportunities for every student to define a unique involvement story that prepares them to lead and serve as an engaged global citizen.

Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation's mission is to inspire and connect an active and strong UofSC community. We are excited to be able to do that this fall through:
  • intramural sports leagues, tournaments & special events;
  • outdoor recreation adventure trips; and
  • fitness based Group X classes and personal training (both in-person and online).

Check out our website for more details and how your student can get engaged and stay involved!

Gamecock Entertainment
Encourage your student to follow Gamecock Entertainment for FREE and FUN activities!

Gamecock Pantry
Support South Carolina students experiencing food insecurity by helping the Gamecock Pantry stock their shelves! Running to the grocery store to pick up some food to stock your student's residence hall room? Consider throwing a few extra items in your cart to donate to the Gamecock Pantry. Visit the Gamecock Pantry website for details.
Substance Abuse Prevention and Education (SAPE)
Top Reasons Students Choose NOT to Drink
  • I'm going to drive.
  • I don't want to spend the money.
  • I have other things to do.
  • I don't have to drink to have a good time.

Plenty of students choose not to drink, sometimes or all the time. Research shows families have a strong influence on their student's choices around drinking, especially through the first semester. For tips on continuing the conversation with your student, download this conversation guide (linked below) from Substance Abuse Prevention & Education and Parent & Family Programs.

Talking with College Students About Alcohol
The Office of Parent & Family Programs has partnered with South Carolina's Substance Abuse Prevention and Education team to provide an in-depth guide to talking with your student about alcohol use during their time in college. Highlights of this guide include:
 
  • Tips for starting the initial conversation with your student
  • How alcohol works in the body, including reactions to medicine
  • Why students choose (and don't choose) to drink in college
  • Answering the "Did you drink when you were a student?" question
 
Backed by comprehensive research, this conversation guide is available to download for University of South Carolina parents and family members. Use code "UofSCfamily" as the username and password when logging in to access the guide. 
 
If you feel concerned at any point during your student's time at South Carolina about alcohol or drug abuse, you can refer them to receive assistance through the STIR coaching program as part of Substance Abuse Prevention and Education's many initiatives to assist students in making good and healthy choices during college.
UofSC Alumni Association
Ring Week
Aug. 31 - Sept. 4 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pastides Alumni Center

Student Alumni Association
Home to over 40 years’ worth of Carolina traditions, the UofSC Student Alumni Association offers students the ability to make connections, establish leadership, and develop Gamecock pride. In order to keep the Student Alumni Association thriving, you can show your support and get your spirit pack today for just $30* which includes four BEAT T-shirts, BEAT stickers, and a rally towel. *Shipping fee included.
Download the Award-Winning UofSC Parent and Family Programs Mobile App
Access university resources when you need them — compiled just for you in one easy-to-use mobile app!

Download the app by searching "University of South Carolina Parents" in the app store or text the link to your phone and find out why it has been accessed more than 210,000 times by UofSC families!

This 24/7 resource is the winner of the 2020 Outstanding Parent and Family Relations Institutional Initiative Award from NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and a recipient of the 2019 Award of Excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
"Getting a job on campus"

Working on campus is a great way to get involved, develop professionally and earn some extra cash. Check out these featured student employee positions.
"Podcast Episode 11: The Evolution of Cocky"

Forty years ago, Cocky was born. But that feisty garnet-feathered bird wasn't the University of South Carolina's first mascot.
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
Website: sc.edu/parents 
Parents Assistance Line: 1-800-868-6752