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Students stroll along the brick walkways of the historic Horseshoe.
IMPORTANT DATES:
1/5 Spring 2022 tuition and fee payment due
1/6 Mail and package service resumes
1/7 Residence Halls open 10 a.m.
1/10 First Day of Classes
1/17 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day (no classes)
1/18 Last day to drop a course without a "W" recorded
Happy New Year’s Gamecock Families!

As we prepare for spring and all that is to come, we hope that you and your student were able to reflect on the fall and begin to think about goals for 2022. As your student returns to campus, be sure to discuss your expectations and a communication plan with them. Creating a routine and plan can help keep you informed but also keep your student on track.

The new year brings an opportunity to think about what is important and where energy should be spent. Encourage your student to map out their spring semester, by looking ahead on their syllabus and identifying key deadlines. Consider starting a conversation by asking one of the following questions:

  • What are ways you can get involved this semester?
  • What is one way you can take care of yourself when you feel overwhelmed?
  • What are you excited about for the spring term?
  • What is going to be that one goal that you want to set for yourself? How can I support you with this goal?

As always, our Office of Parent and Family Programs is here to support you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our Parent Assistance Line at 803-777-3008 (or 1-800-868-6752), or email scparents@sc.edu and like our official Facebook Page.
Warm regards,
Leena Holt
Director of Parent and Family Programs
Mark your calendar! Family Weekend 2022 will be here before we know it! The date has been officially set for Sept. 23-24. You can find more details on the Family Weekend website.
Spring 2022 Webinars
January - Education Abroad
February - Financial Literacy
March - Resiliency & Mental Health Resources

Hear from the Education Abroad Office as they discuss the services and resources they provide to UofSC students interested in studying abroad. They will also discuss how families can help their student through the search, application and transition process into study abroad programs.
Class schedules may be canceled for all students who have not paid their fees in full. If a student is dropped from courses for non-payment, a $75 reinstatement fee will be assessed.

Encourage your student to set up a direct deposit account for potential refunds in order for funds to be received most efficiently. This can be done through Self Service Carolina. If direct deposit is not set up on the student account, a paper check will be issued and mailed to the address listed as current on the student record.

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.

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine boosters are available to Columbia campus students, faculty or staff members age 18+. Appointments are available on MyHealthSpace and members of the campus community can receive a walk-up vaccine or booster at the Center for Health and Well-Being between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Flu vaccines are also available (Room 219) during the same time and days.
Health insurance waiver due Feb. 4
Students who wish to opt-out of the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) must submit alternative insurance coverage information through the Academic HealthPlans Waiver System. This process must be completed each semester. Students must upload insurance information to their MyHealthSpace and complete the waiver submission. In order to be approved for a waiver, your alternative health coverage must meet the requirements and be submitted with appropriate documentation prior to the Feb. 4, 2022 deadline. Questions can be directed to Academic Health Plans at 1-855-844-3015.  

Please make sure you have received an approval confirmation email and print for your records. If students do not waive out by the deadline or do not provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage, students will be enrolled in the university-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan, and the premium fee will remain on their tuition bill.  
Is your student not returning to campus housing for Spring 2022? Have them update their forwarding address at MY.SC.EDU / “View Student Mail ID” / “Update Forwarding Address” for forwarding of USPS 1st class mail and packages.
Is your student graduating this spring? Encourage your outstanding senior student to apply for the 2022 senior awards! The deadline to apply for UofSC Outstanding Senior Awards is Friday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m.

For more eligibility information and to apply, students should visit bit.ly/UofSCSeniorAwards.
Students can order their UofSC Ring during Ring Week from Jan. 31 - Feb. 4, in the second-floor lobby of the Russell House! Representatives from Balfour will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on these dates. You must purchase your ring by the end of Ring Week (February 4) to be eligible to participate in the Spring 2022 Ring Ceremony on April 10.
Encourage your Students to Attend a Career Fair in the Spring! Whether your student is in career exploratory mode or they are actively searching for a job or internship- visiting a fair (virtually or in-person) is a great idea. Feb. 2 is the first fair of the semester! Your student can register today on Handshake.
  • Listen without interrupting.
  • State your respect and pride for your student’s decisions.
  • Appeal to common goals, such as safety and academic success.
  • Be clear about your expectations and values, including what "responsible drinking" means to you.
  • Approach disagreement with curiosity and seek to understand.
  • Temporarily stop the conversation if tempers get heated.
The deadline to add CarolinaCa$h or a Carolina Food Co. meal plan to spring tuition and fees is Jan. 13. CarolinaCa$h can be used on and off-campus. To view a complete list, check out the CarolinaCard Office website! Load CarolinaCa$h 24/7 through Self-Service Carolina or GET. The deadline to downgrade or cancel a meal plan is Jan. 21, by 5 p.m.
Campus Recreation is ready to start 2022 off right! Check out all they offer, including 10+ Outdoor Recreation adventure trips (transportation, instruction & equipment included), Group X classes, Personal Training packages, Intramural Sports leagues, tournaments & special events, and more!
Join the UofSC Alumni Association for the Spurs Up Sprint 5K race on Saturday, March 5, at 8 a.m. All ability levels are invited to participate. All proceeds will benefit student scholarships.

There are two ways to participate. If you're in or near the Columbia area, join the Alumni Association in person at the Pastides Alumni Center to race through campus. If you don't live in South Carolina, no worries! You can still participate in the virtual 5K and have your race packet mailed.
It's never too early for students to get involved with UofSC's vast alumni network! Garnet Circle is the UofSC Alumni Association's student organization and serves fellow students by creating connections, fostering leadership, and upholding traditions. Students must submit an application to join.
Download the Parent & Family Program App today!
Our Parent and Family app consolidates need-to-know and helpful information. It provides quick and easy access to important web pages, campus partners, and us. It’s a tool for any family member to have in their back pocket!
You can download our app in the App Store by searching  "University of South Carolina Parents" or by texting a link to your phone.
The University of South Carolina announced its plan to freeze tuition systemwide for the 2022-23 academic year, making it the fourth year in a row the state’s flagship has held tuition at the same rate
A nursing graduate shares her journey to a healthy lifestyle. I want to share my story and be the inspiration for someone to find their confidence to accomplish a goal. - Gabs Amster, College Nursing graduate
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 
Phone: 1-800-868-6752/803-777-3008
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