USC Aiken Parent and Family News-March, 2020

Volume 2 - Issue 9 - March, 2020

In This Issue:

Coronavirus Message - Extended Spring Break

As the University of South Carolina Aiken continues to monitor the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), our first concern is the health, welfare and safety of our students, staff, faculty, and community. We are currently working with the Department of Health and Center for Disease Control to determine an appropriate response that proactively protects at-risk populations and reduces possible spread of the virus among campus constituents.

Spring Break will be extended for a week (March 16 - 20) and no face-to-face classes or student meetings will be held. Online courses will resume their regular schedule on March 16.

While students are on spring break this week, the university remains open, including residence halls and dining services.

Students should monitor their USC Aiken email account and the USC Aiken Student Health Service website to stay updated.

Pacesetters Discuss Residential and Commuter Student Opportunities

USC Aiken Safety, Housing, and Commuter Student Information

This month's USC Aiken Parent and Family Relations video addresses residential and commuter resources and safety. This is the second in our video series designed specifically for parents and families.

Upcoming videos will be posted on the parent and family website and will include:

Advising and academic assistance
Welcome from Aiken's mayor
Testimonial from USC Aiken parents

We hope these resources assist you as you support your Pacer. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Grad Finale

Encourage your degree candidate to attend Grad Finale on Wednesday, April 1 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and again from 3 - 6 p.m. in the Student Activities Center (SAC) mezzanine. Among other things, students may:

Purchase Family Celebration Brunch tickets
Get a photo taken in cap and gown
Order a class ring
Learn about the graduation ticket process.

Parents and families can read more about USC Aiken commencement here .

Pacer Family Advisory Board

Thank you to Pacer Family Advisory Board members who met on Homecoming morning,

Feb. 22 in the Gregg-Graniteville Library. These volunteers will assist the parent and family programs, write newsletter articles, and help with development initiatives. Thank you!

front row l to r: Maureen Nwajiaku, Jennifer Hilley. back row l to r: Lynn Bradley, Joanna Caldwell, Trish Bluff, Bonnie Maxwell.

Members not able to attend: Alice Dorn, Gwen Jones, Jodi Fitchett.

Tax Credit

You MAY qualify for a tuition tax credit!

South Carolina Act 40 of 2017 increased the amount of income tax credit for tuition at both two- and four-year institutions for tax years beginning after 2017.

Students attending public or independent institutions of higher education in South Carolina are allowed a refundable individual income tax credit equal to 50 percent tuition paid, not to exceed $1,500, during that taxable year.

Please share this information with your financial advisor to see if you are eligible for the tax credit.

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.

Inter-Curricular Enrichment (ICE)

Alaine Sullivan

Senior - business administration major

I was fortunate enough to transfer to USC Aiken in the fall of 2017. Like other incoming students, I studied the list of graduation requirements such as maintaining a good GPA and following university regulations. Since degree completion was my ultimate goal, I paid special attention to all requirements including Inter-Curricular Enrichment (ICE) .

As an international student I didn't immediately understand the importance of ICE.

Gracen Farr

Freshman - exercise science major

Pacer Athletics

The Peach Belt Conference recently announced men's and women's basketball Teams of Academic Distinction. That list includes Pacers' Kyle Tackeberry, Kwajelin Farrar, Kanna Suzuki, and Melyk Taouil. Congratulations!

Come out and support all our student athletes as they compete in the Peach Belt Conference! Click here for schedules. Go Pacers!

Parenting College Students - Books and Articles

Do you ever feel stressed by being parents or family of a college student? You're not alone! In fact, several books and articles address ways that you can effectively communicate and influence young adults in powerful ways.

Suggested books and articles are listed on the USC Aiken parent and family website. Happy reading!

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 [email protected] or call 803-641-2825 during office hours, Monday –Thursday,

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. I am happy to serve as a resource person for parents and families of USC Aiken students.

Sandy Talbott

Parent and Family Relations Coordinator

[email protected]