Volume 2 - Issue 4 - December 2019
In This Issue:
Happy Holidays from USC Aiken | December Graduation | Temporary Office Moves | Tuition Payment Information | Tips for Winter Break | Winter Break Schedule | Resident Mentor Opportunity | Pacesetter Opportunity | Scholarship Information | Career Fair | Savannah River Site Seeking Interns | It's Time to Apply for Financial Aid | DuPont Planetarium Mystery of the Christmas Star | Pacer Madness | Newsletter Survey | Parent and Family Relations Assistance | Save the Date and Quick Links
Happy Holidays from USC Aiken


From the USC Aiken family to yours, we wish you a blessed and happy holiday season!

Click on the 'Twas a Year to Remember image to see our holiday greeting message. (Volume is on.)
December Graduation



Congratulations and best wishes to families of December 2019 graduates!

Haley Dixon, a double-major in communication and fine arts, with a minor in anthropology and human geography, was recognized as USC Aiken's Outstanding Senior Student.

If you would like to view a recording of the graduation ceremony, click here. (Music introduction until the 4:03 mark. Volume is on.)
Temporary Office Moves
Due to renovations in the Penland Building, several offices including Business Services, Financial Aid, and Admissions have temporarily moved to the Business and Education (B&E) building, Room 200.
If you or your student need to pay a tuition bill, or need to see representatives from any of the offices listed in the sign above, please go to the Business and Education Building which is adjacent to the Student Activities Center in the quad. Look for signs like the above.

Tuition Payment Information

Tips for Winter Break
During break, don't be surprised if your Pacer takes a "long winter's nap." If you are able, let them sleep. You can always lure them to the kitchen table with the smell of fresh baked cookies later. :-)

When you have your student's undivided attention, you might discuss:

  • Maintenance on their car
  • Professional clothing for the February 19 Career Fair (Career Closet option)
  • Potential plans for a job while at USC Aiken.
  • FAFSA. Due date is March 1
  • Spring break plans (March 9-13)
  • Spring commencement (May 6) plans, if applicable
Winter Break Schedule
Most university offices are closed Dec. 24 - Jan. 2. Campus police officers will be on duty throughout the holiday break.

We are thankful for the opportunity to work with your students every day. We wish you a safe and blessed holiday season.
Resident Mentor Opportunity
USC Aiken Housing is recruiting students to apply for resident mentor (RM) positions. Successful candidates will work an entire academic year beginning with training in August 2020. 

Through teamwork, they will create and implement programs and assist residents with academics, stress, and time management. 

RMs receive a room fee waiver, stipend, and learn life skills like time management, communication, and mediation.

Students can apply for one of 33 positions in mid-January.

For more information, students should go to this website and stop in the Student Life office for more information.
Pacesetter Opportunity
Current USC Aiken students have a great opportunity to become Pacesetters. Students in this paid position help introduce inco ming freshmen, nontraditional, and transfer students to the university during summer orientations.

If you think your Pacer would like to pursue this opportunity, direct them to this site.

Career Fair


On Wednesday, Feb. 19, employers and graduate schools will be on campus to recruit students for part-time, full-time, and internship positions. Students from all majors and academic years are strongly encouraged to attend.

A list of employers will be updated on this website in the coming weeks. This site also includes information on other USC Aiken career services.
Savannah River Site Seeking Interns

Students can learn about

Internships for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
on
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Penland Building Room 106

All majors; all academic years

Sponsored by:
Career Services • 108 Penland • 803-641-3440

It's Time to Apply for Financial Aid
The 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available now! 

Both the student and parent will need their FSA ID and 2018 tax information (as applicable) on hand. We highly recommend using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA to easily and accurately provide tax information.

If you have any general financial aid questions, please call the USC Aiken Financial Aid office at 803-641-3476. If you are calling with specific questions regarding an individual student's aid, you will need the student's VIP or USC ID.

Priority deadline to submit is March 1. 

DuPont Planetarium
Mystery of the Christmas Star
The DuPont Planetarium is part of the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center (RPSEC) and exists to inspire others to explore the majesty of the heavens. For a nominal fee, guests age 4 and up can attend the planetarium show, Mystery of the Christmas Star  on designated dates throughout December. Perhaps you and yours would like to see this fascinating program. Planning ahead,  here is a complete list of future programs.  
 
You might be interested to know that USC Aiken students have a unique opportunity to enhance their college education by working at the center. Availability of positions at the RPSEC can be found through Career Services student employment opportunities, click here.

For more information about the RPSEC and the DuPont Planetarium, click  here .

Pacer Madness
More than 280 students attended Pacer Madness at the Convocation Center on Tuesday, Nov. 19. USC Aiken men and women's basketball, cheer, and dance teams were introduced, and activities included a half-court shot competition, surprise flash mob, and center-court dancing!

Pacers enjoyed Chick-fil-A sandwiches and chips along with free t-shirts and phone wallets.

Your student can get involved in next fall's Pacer Madness by contacting Lacie Wehrmann at LacieW@usca.edu  or Josh Whitley at jaw23@usca.edu.
Newsletter Survey


Thank you for reading these newsletters and for your feedback which helps us improve this effort. You may see some of your ideas incorporated into future newsletters.

Please complete this six-question survey regarding this newsletter. We appreciate your time and thoughts.

Parent and Family Relations Assistance
While it is our goal to develop independent, self-sufficient Pacers, we know that sometimes parents or guardians may need guidance. Please feel free to contact me for assistance.

You can email parents@usca.edu or call 803-641-2825 during office hours, Monday Thursday,
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. This office will be closed from Dec. 24 - Jan. 1. Please leave a message, so I can reply. If you have an emergency, call USC Aiken police at 803-648-4011.

Sandy Talbott
Parent and Family Relations Coordinator
Save The Date



Fall term
December 24 - January 1 - Most offices closed

Spring term
January 2 - Offices open
January 12 - Move-in for residential students
January 13 - Classes begin
January 20 - MLK Day - offices closed, no classes
January 20 - Fall 2020 housing application process begins
January 22 - Last day to change meal plan
February 3 - Summer 2020 housing application process begins
February 19 - Career Fair
February 22 - Homecoming
March 9 - 13 - Spring break
April 9-10 - Scholar Showcase
April 29 - May 5 - Final exams (excluding Saturday and Sunday)
May 6 - Commencement


Stay updated with USC Aiken News.
Parent and Family Relations| University of South Carolina Aiken | 803-641-2825 | parents@usca.edu | www.usca.edu/parents