- Parents Annual Fund
- COVID-19 Updates
- Commencement
- Bursar's Office
- Career Center
- CarolinaCard
- UofSC Housing
- On Your Time Initiatives
- Postal Services
- Student Health Services
- Student Life
- Substance Abuse Prevention and Education
- UofSC Alumni Association
- UofSC Parents App
- University News
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Greetings Gamecock families!
It's been an exciting start to fall at South Carolina! Homecoming Week is always a great celebration and students are feeling more comfortable and confident in their semester.
As students make their final push before end-of-the-semester exams, encourage them to take extra time to utilize the resources around them. Students can meet with their professors during office hours, connect with peer tutors for one-on-one help, or attend Supplemental Instruction group sessions. They can connect with a writing peer tutor for help on a research paper or lab report. Students can also make time to meditate and shift their mindset in the midst of a busy season.
Many students are looking forward to Thanksgiving break to truly rejuvenate before the end of the semester. I hope that you, too, are looking forward to the holiday and having your student home with you to celebrate.
Before they leave for Thanksgiving, we're strongly encouraging all students to take advantage of regular COVID-19 testing during the month of November. Testing is robust, accessible and free to students. Please urge your student to get tested to ensure that they are healthy when they join you and the rest of your family later this month.
During the month of November, I like to reflect and share my gratitude for the many people who make the work in Student Life possible. I am most grateful for you, our Gamecock families, as our efforts would not be as successful without the encouragement and support you share with your UofSC student!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful month!
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Anna C. Edwards, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Life
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What Is the Parents Annual Fund?
Families who are eager to demonstrate their support for the university their students chose to attend can give to this tax-deductible fund. Your gifts contribute to programs and services that directly impact University of South Carolina students and families.
Your Involvement Is What Matters Most
Your participation in the Parents Annual Fund is more important than the size of your gift. Whether your gift is $25, $250 or $25,000, we appreciate your support. Your gift means we can offer important resources to enhance the college experience and improve educational opportunities for students.
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Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) |
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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. |
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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.
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We have made the decision to hold a virtual commencement ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. in lieu of an in-person ceremony. Our decision not to host a large indoor event in December is based on advice from public health experts. While our virtual ceremony will be different than a traditional commencement, our aim is to create a meaningful experience that honors each of our graduates. More details on the ceremony will be provided to graduates and posted on the commencement website. |
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Fall 2020 Payment Plans
If your student enrolled in a Payment Plan for Fall 2020, please be reminded the final payment is due November 10th.
Spring 2021 Bill and Information
Tuition bills for Spring 2021 will be available through Self-Service Carolina (SSC) beginning November 19th. Please be sure your student reviews his/her bill thoroughly, checking that all charges are present and accurate. The payment deadline for Spring 2021 is January 6th.
The Bursar’s Office will be closed December 24th – January 1st. To ensure spring 2021 payments are processed timely, the deadline for mailed in payments is set for December 16th. If payments will include 529 College Savings Plan checks, or scholarship/grant checks, please communicate with the respective administrators regarding the mail in deadline and provide any required documentation to them to ensure payments are received by the deadline. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the University of South Carolina (USC) and mailed to:
Bursar’s Office
University of South Carolina
1244 Blossom Street Suite 128
Columbia, SC 29208-0001
Spring Payment Plans
Payment Plans for the spring semester are available through your student's SSC account. Payment Plans do not roll over from semester to semester. You must re-enroll each semester. More information about Payment Plans can be found on our website
1098T Tax Form
Students can choose to access and print their 1098T forms online via SSC or have them mailed to their permanent address. Authorized Users can also access the 1098T forms through SSC. For additional questions concerning your tax credit, please contact your tax advisor.
Authorized Users
We strongly encourage students to assign Authorized Users to their account in SSC. This authorization will allow the Authorized User to view the student's bill, payment history, view 1098T information and Payment Plan, as well as speak with the Bursar's Office staff about the student's account. Please note – only the student can set up Authorized Users on their account
Student’s UofSC Email Account
Please encourage your student to check his/her USC email account often. We regularly communicate critical information through the student email account regarding student account financial activity.
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Career Coach
Every student has a Career Coach who can assist them with exploring possible careers that match their interests, help obtain career skills, and gain experiences that will make them marketable candidates for employment, and preparing for the job/internship/graduate school search. Encourage your student to schedule an appointment with their Career Coach through Handshake. Appointments can be conducted via virtual chats, phone, or in person! After Thanksgiving, our staff will only be available for virtual appointments.
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November has arrived and as students prepare for Thanksgiving break, deposit CarolinaCa$h to make sure they have the essentials to finish this semester successfully. CarolinaCa$h is sensible, simple, safe.
CarolinaCa$h can be used at our UofSC on-campus dining locations, the University Barnes & Noble Bookstore, the post office, the student health center, Williams-Brice Stadium , off- campus vendors and more.
Take a glance at our website to see the benefits of using the CarolinaCard or follow the UofSC CarolinaCard office on Facebook and Twitter for CarolinaCa$h deals, updates, and campus information.
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Winter Intent Form
Students will need to fill out their Winter Intent Form before leaving for Thanksgiving Break to inform Housing of their plans for Thanksgiving and Winter Break. Please note that student’s access to their residence halls is contingent upon their response to the Intent Form. Students may access their Winter Intent Form in their Housing Portal by visiting my.sc.edu.
Residence Hall Opening Dates - Spring 2021
As we quickly approach the end of the fall semester, University Housing has begun preparations for the Spring 2021 semester. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape, we are pleased to release the following residence hall opening dates:
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January 8, 2020: New Resident Move-In Day. Additional information about requirements for move-in will be released in the coming weeks.
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January 10, 2020: Returning Student Arrival. All returning residents will be allowed to return to on-campus housing beginning Sunday, January 10. As we clean and prepare residence halls for the new semester, access to residence halls will not be available before this date. Additional information about requirements for move-in will be released in the coming weeks.
In an effort to best keep you informed of all the latest information about returning to your residence hall for the spring, we encourage you to visit sc.edu/movein for the latest information.
Returning Student Housing Sign-Up
Returning Student Sign-Up for Fall 2021 will be available via the Housing Portal beginning on January 11, 2021. If your student would like to apply to live on campus next year, they will need to sign up for housing. For more information, please visit UofSC Housing’s website!
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Winter Session Courses
Winter Session courses help students graduate on time or early! All Winter Session courses are 3 credit hour, 3 week, all online courses in a variety of subjects that are taken over Winter Break. In terms of financial aid and tuition, Winter Session courses are included with spring semester, so any additional aid or scholarship funds allotted for spring can be used. Winter is also a great way to lighten the spring course load and make time for any practicums, clinicals, or internships needed for graduation. Winter Session takes place from Dec. 28, 2020 to Jan. 17, 2021. Students can register for Winter Session along with the spring semester!
Students should speak to their advisors if interested in Winter Session courses or contact On Your Time Initiatives at onyourtime@sc.edu for more information.
Graduating Early
Does your student want to graduate early? Accelerated Study Plans allow students to complete a traditional bachelor’s degree in under four years, saving time and money. Graduating early will allow your student to enter the job market sooner, or get a leg up on entering graduate or professional school earlier, if desired. Options are also available for completing combined undergraduate and graduate programs in less time. Students can discuss ASP options with their advisors. For more information, click here or contact On Your Time Initiatives at onyourtime@sc.edu.
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*NEW* On-Campus Amazon Lockers
Amazon lockers are now on the Columbia campus!
These delivery locations are fully automated and allow for package pick up and return for all Amazon customers. Students can select these pick up locations at checkout for many of their Amazon purchases allowing them 24/7 access with more control over pick up location.
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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.
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Mental health care over the holidays
Students who are currently receiving services from Counseling and Psychiatry should talk to their health care providers before leaving campus to establish a care plan for the break. While federal regulations prevent our providers from treating students while they’re out of state, students in S.C. can be seen on the same day for an urgent need. For more information or to speak to a counselor, call 803-777-5223 any time.
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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 has so much to offer students in our facilities, on-campus, in the community and even in their own homes. They can:
- Purchase a Group X pass for unlimited Group X class access throughout the semester
- Register for an Adventure skills clinic or trip and learn how to kayak, mountain bike, boulder or rent some of our gear and head out on their own
- Participate in any of the numbers intramural opportunities, like Tennis, HORSE, Golf, Softball, Sand Volleyball and Disc Golf
- Purchase a personal training package (online or face-to-face), which includes individually designed work-outs to help meet their goals!
Gamecock Entertainment
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.
Leadership and Service Center
Does your student wish they were more involved on campus? Encourage them to sign up for an involvement coaching session to meet with a leadership coach, share what they are interested in, and together find opportunities and create a plan to get more involved at UofSC.
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Substance Abuse Prevention and Education (SAPE) |
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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. 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.
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Future Alumni Week
Future Alumni Week for December 2020 graduates will be held virtually Nov. 4 - 6. There is a week's worth of events ranging from graduation prep to social activities to wellness and personal development. Space is limited on many of the events, so RSVP soon. The events are open to all 2020 graduates, including undergraduate seniors, graduate students and professional school students. These events are also open to current UofSC students and recent UofSC graduates. The first event of the week is a Virtual PiYo Class on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m
Fall 2020 Future Alumni Conference
The Fall 2020 Virtual Future Alumni Conference will be hosted for current students, graduating students, and recent alumni on Zoom on Friday, November 6 from 9 a.m. - noon EDT. They can register here for this free event!
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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.
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Students can check out these tips for voting and navigating the upcoming election with resilience from now until after election day.
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Buckle up for a time traveling excursion to 1840 and a sensory experience of 19th century life on campus.
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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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