University of South Carolina  

University of South Carolina Parent E-news: November 2017
In This Issue
Quick Links

 

 
Stay up-to-date with University of South Carolina news through Facebook and Twitter !
 
Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter
  

The fall weather has finally arrived on campus and students are gearing up for the last five weeks of the fall semester. Encourage your student to use this time to seek supplemental instruction or tutoring resources through the Student Success Center before going home for Thanksgiving Break.

We had such a wonderful time hosting parents and families for Parents Weekend 2017. The university welcomed over 8,700 people, who cheered the Gamecocks to a Parents Weekend victory! Please save the date for Parents Weekend 2018 - Oct. 5-7! Registration will open in early summer.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we would like to express our gratitude to all of the Carolina families that we work with throughout the year! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with your questions by calling the Parents Assistance Line at 1-800-868-6752 or by emailing scparents@sc.edu

Stay connected with the Office of Parents Programs; make sure to like us on Facebook , follow us on Instagram  and visit the Parents Programs website  for timely posts and monthly tips to supplement this newsletter. 

Pictured above: The Hauptman family is all smiles at this year's Carolina Beach Bash! 
Fall 2017 Graduates
Fall 2017 Commencement
Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m.
Colonial Life Arena 

Students who are approved to participate will be eligible to receive up to five guest tickets per ceremony. Guest tickets will be available online starting Monday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. for students to reserve . Graduating students do not need a ticket to attend the ceremony. 
My Carolina Alumni Association
UofSC Fall 2017 Ring Ceremony 
Nov. 12, 2 p.m.
Historic Horseshoe

Once you've purchased your class ring, take part in a time honored Carolina tradition. At this elegant ceremony, President Pastides will present each student with their ring on the grounds of the Historic Horseshoe. Rain location is TBD (decision will be announced Nov. 10). Ceremony registration can be found here
CarolinaCard
Thank you for joining us for Parents Weekend! 

As midterms end, we are looking forward to finishing the semester strong. Follow us on social media this month as we are highlighting our CarolinaCa$h vendors!  Follow us on twitter at  @USCCarolinaCard  and like us on  Facebook at U of SC CarolinaCard  for giveaways, news and other important information!

How to add CarolinaCa$h:
Use the GET Funds option for parents, guardians, and relatives to upload CarolinaCa$h. Visit  get.cbord.com/sc and select the parents, guardians, and relatives link below the student login to upload CarolinaCa$h, at any time, to your student's account. The information needed to upload CarolinaCa$h is your student's VIPID number, last name and date of birth.
 
Parents are also able to deposit CarolinaCa$h by calling our office at (803) 777-1708 or visiting our office located in the basement of the Russell House.
 
We also recommend students download the new GET Mobile App through the Apple or Android App Store. Students can request CarolinaCa$h deposits as well as check their current balance. They can even browse food locations and services that accept CarolinaCa$h to see where they'd like to eat or shop.
 
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Parents Programs Mobile App
Coming to a phone near you!

Download our app in the app store by searching: 
University of South Carolina Parents


This year-round resource allows you to access helpful information and tips 24/7.
Columbia Airport Shuttle Service
Now accepting reservations for Thanksgiving Break
Student Government coordinates a shuttle service for the student body to use  free of charge

Students will be picked up from USC to be taken to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport on:
Nov. 21 and 22
5 a.m., 9 a.m., 1 p.m. or 5 p.m.

Students will be picked up from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport to be taken to USC campus on:
Nov. 26
9 a.m., 1 p.m. or 5 p.m.

Reservation deadline: Friday, Nov. 17 at noon

The shuttle will pick up students at the corner of Greene and Sumter Streets.
News from the Bursar's Office
Spring 2018 bills
Tuition bills will be available for students who are registered for spring semester classes on Self-Service Carolina (SSC) beginning Nov. 16. Please be sure your student reviews their bill thoroughly, checking that all charges are present and accurate. The online and in-person payment deadline for spring 2017 is Jan. 7. The deadline for pre-payment by mail is Dec. 13. Payment plans for the spring semester are available through your student's SSC account.

1098T Educational Tax Credit Statements
Students can choose to access and print their 1098T forms online via SSC or have them mailed to their permanent address. This choice can be made via a student's SSC account. For additional questions concerning your tax credit, please contact your tax advisor.

Fall 2017 payment plans
If your student enrolled in a payment plan for fall 2017, please be reminded the next payment is due Nov. 10.

Changes in your student's bill
Please remind your student to look at their bill on SSC each time a change is made to the account. This includes dropping or adding classes, changing meal plans, changing housing, adding optional fees, etc. Charges can also be added for other activities such as visiting the Student Health Center, etc. - for which invoices/bills will not be sent to the student. Unpaid balances on your student's account could result in the cancellation of classes and/or holds being placed on the account.

Authorized Users
Students have the ability 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.

Direct deposits
If your student expects to receive a refund (which includes excess financial aid), we advise setting up direct deposit through SSC via the E-Refunds tab. This is the most efficient method for receiving overage dollars. Otherwise, paper overage checks will be mailed which significantly slows down receipt of potentially needed dollars. Please note that if your student had direct deposit prior to the conversion to SSC, direct deposit information will need to be set up again.

For more information from the Bursar's Office, click here.
From the Career Center
Virtual career connections with Brazen
University of South Carolina students and career professionals can now connect virtually with the introduction of a new online platform, Brazen Careerist. With several unique features designed to enhance the virtual networking experience, Brazen allows students and alumni to chat 1-on-1 with employers and experts in various career fields.

Graduate & Professional School Fair
Nov. 9,  11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Students can connect with representatives from over 50 graduate and professional schools in the Russell House Ballroom. This is a great opportunity for students to learn what graduate programs are offered, as well as, what courses they should be taking to prepare.

For a complete list of fall Brazen virtual networking events or to register , visit sc.joinhandshake.com.
Gamecock Recovery
SAPE offers substance use recovery programming.
The University of South Carolina has recently joined 200 colleges and universities across the country that have support programs for students in recovery from a substance use disorder.

An initiative of the Substance Abuse Prevention & Education office and College of Social Work, Gamecock Recovery exists to support all students in recovery and is open to all pathways to sobriety. Gamecock Recovery promotes a healthy environment and lifestyle for students in recovery and seeks to ensure they can achieve success. 

Gamecock Recovery Mediation
For students who are considering making a change in their drinking or drug use, the STIR program is a resource:  https://www.sa.sc.edu/sape/stir/ . Gamecock Recovery believes students shouldn't have to choose between their recovery and their education, so we provide these opportunities for students to have the Carolina experience.

Gamecock Recovery Programming
Our graduate assistant provides individual support and plans social events and educational programs, such as holiday celebrations and alcohol-free tailgates. We assist students in hosting 12-step meetings on campus, as well as support a Recovery Meditation each week in the CALM Oasis in the new Center for Health and Well-Being. Students also utilize the SAPE office (Strom 301B) in the evening to study and relax.

Follow us on social media @UofSCRecovery and  facebook.com/gamecockrecovery. Parents who want to learn more can sign up for our newsletter or visit our website:   www.sa.sc.edu/sape/gamecock-recovery
Save the Date 
Parents Weekend 2018 will be Oct. 5-7! 

Online registration will be available this summer!
Student Health Services Events
Flu shot clinics

The Center for Health and Well-Being is offering the flu shot in their Allergy, Immunization and Travel clinic. No appointment needed - just walk in. Flu shots are FREE for students.

Healthy Carolina Farmers Market
Greene Street
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

The  Healthy Carolina Farmers Market  is a convenient way for USC students, faculty, staff and community members to shop for fresh, healthy, locally-grown produce and sustainable products.  It aims to emphasize the direct connection between local food choices people make and the quality and health of our environment and daily lives. The market promotes overall wellness through campus resources, cooking demonstrations, health screenings and community engagement, while still providing access to healthy, fresh and locally-grown goods.

Gamecocks Eat Well
Center for Health and Well-Being Demonstration Kitchen
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 5:30-7 p.m. (register by Nov. 1)
Thursday, Nov. 16, 5:30-7 p.m. (register by Nov. 9)

Cleaning Out the Pantry - Learn how to make quick, healthy recipes with pantry items you already have. Gamecocks Eat Well Cooking Classes are free and open to any university student. A Registered Dietitian provides knowledge of nutrition and hands-on instruction for preparation of healthy, balanced meals. Registration required: https://www.sa.sc.edu/shs/cw/nutrition/recipes/

Women's self-defense
Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center 116
Friday, Nov. 10, Noon-4 p.m.

SAVIP partners with USC's Division of Law Enforcement and Safety to offer Women's Self Defense. These workshops are a hands-on, full contact training. Participation is not mandatory, and attendees can observe without contact if they feel uncomfortable. Class size is limited to 30 women, so students should register early to secure their place. To register, students should email  safe@sc.edu with student's name, phone number, and date of workshop they wish to attend.  https://www.sa.sc.edu/shs/cw/students/
Opportunities to share with your student
Registration for Service Saturday now open
Students are invited to participate in Service Saturday, headed by the Leadership and Service Center.  This signature monthly event allows representatives from the university to collaborate with and serve the surrounding Columbia community.  For more information, visit the  Service Saturdays website .  
At Home in the Heart of the Horseshoe 
USC First Lady releases new book

It's a question USC First Lady Patricia Moore-Pastides often hears about the historic building she and President Harris Pastides call home: "What's it like to live there?" 

She quickly answers that it's an honor and privilege to live  in the President's House on the Horseshoe, but she wanted to s hare more about one of the most  recognizable buildings on the Carolina ca mpus. She didn't want to write a memoir. Instead, she wanted to talk about what life is like in the house for her family and the other seven families who have lived there as first families of the University of South Carolina.

The result: "At Home in the Heart of the Horseshoe: Life in the University of South Carolina President's House," published this fall by USC Press. The book offers a look at the first families and their memories of the home, along with some history of the house and photographs of the home and gardens. There are even a few recipes for entertaining and photos of floral arrangement designs. 

This gorgeous coffee-table-style book is the perfect holiday or graduation gift for all the Gamecocks in your life. Pick up a copy today at a local retailer, order online from USC Press or visit with Ms. Moore-Pastides at one of her upcoming book signings. More information about her events can be found at this link.
University news updates
Gamecocks in the Galรกpagos 
For the second year in a row, UofSC is taking students to one of the rarest classrooms in the world: the Galapagos Islands. The cross-disciplinary study abroad program offers diverse lessons, but the overarching theme is sustainability.  Read more>>>

No. 1! UofSC sport science programs top national rankings
The University of South Carolina's sport science programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the second year in a row, and No. 4 in the world by ShanghaiRanking's 2017 Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.   Read more>>>

A new leader for TRIO students 
Althea Counts has been named the new director of the university's TRIO programs. The programs help low-income, first-generation college students personal attention to help them thrive in college and beyond.  Read more>>>

Stay updated on the latest   University of South Carolina news .
Important upcoming dates
Nov. 5: Daylight Saving Time ends
Nov. 21, 6 p.m.: Greek Village closes
Nov. 22, 10 a.m.: Residence Halls close
Nov. 22-26: Thanksgiving Break (no classes)
Nov. 24, 8 p.m.: Residence Halls open
Nov. 25, 8 a.m.: Greek Village opens
Dec. 8: Last day of classes
Dec. 18, 2:30 p.m.: Fall 2017 Commencement
Please continue to visit our website for information and resources at www.sa.sc.edu/parents . As always, we are only a phone call or email away, and we encourage your feedback!

Office of Parents Programs
University of South Carolina
Website: 
www.sa.sc.edu/parents   
Parents Assistance Line: 1-800-868-6752
Email:
scparents@sc.edu
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.