USC Aiken Parent and Family Newsletter-May, 2019

Volume I May 2019

In This Issue:

Same Great University, New Logo!

We are excited to share with you - USC Aiken parent and family stakeholders - our new logo seen here!

"Our new visual brand goes a long way toward helping us identify ourselves as a university within the system and thus, it is an integral part of one objective articulated in our new strategic plan, Leading Forward , which is to develop brand recognition and distinction," explains Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor at USC Aiken. She adds, "This new visual identity, or logo, builds on our unique culture here -- both at the university and within the greater community. It is also more reflective of our region in the state. This new logo complements our athletic marketing mark, which will not change at this time."

So, in the next weeks and months you will see more and more of our new visual brand. We think it's a great new look, and we hope you do, too! Go Pacers!

Oh, What a Night! Commencement!

The evening of May 8 was filled with celebration for USC Aiken graduates and their families! The Convocation Center was packed with graduates and those who honored them.

If you were not able to attend the ceremony, or you would like to share a recording of the ceremony with loved ones, please click here.

Congratulations to the Class of 2019 and their families and friends. Go, Pacers!

A Maryland family shows Pacer pride!

Grades are Posted!

The last day for professors to post final grades was May 10 which means students now have electronic access to grades. Students log into their portal for this information; no grades are mailed through the United States postal system.

Most families want to see a final grade report - and rightly so - especially if they are paying for tuition and expenses. Generally speaking, as students settle into their coursework and get accustomed to the rhythms of college life and study habits, grades improve each semester.

However, if the grade report is not quite up to your expectations, take a breath and give your student an opportunity to explain. In their book, Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years, authors, Coburn and Treeger, share this about poor grades, "My parents are sacrificing so much to send me here. I'm working hard but so far my grades aren't so hot. I just don't want to disappoint them."

Most students feel that way, so it's best to give them encouragement to keep their eyes on the prize, and let them know that you believe in them!

Pacer Family Feedback

We have come to the end of an academic year, and we want to thank you for your partnership in supporting USC Aiken students. A special thanks to families of recent graduates.

So we can improve services and information for future Pacer families, would you please respond to the following questions?

Would you recommend USC Aiken to other families and why?
What advice would you give families of a new USC Aiken student?

Please include your full name, student's major and year in school (freshmen, sophomore, etc.) city and state, and send to [email protected]. Select answers will be used in future print or electronic USC Aiken parent and family publications. Thank you!

Proud USC Aiken Family!

Mother and Daughter Graduate Side by Side

Anita and Kristen Wideman

Class of 2019

Article written by USC Aiken parent, and recent graduate, Anita Wideman

What is it like attending college when you are almost twice the age of your fellow classmates? Or even attending college alongside one of your own children? I did just that; I attended college with my daughter.

My daughter, Kristen, and I just graduated from USC Aiken. I am a wife (married for 28 years), mother to three beautiful adult children (Nathan, Kristen and Savannah), part-time employee, and, before graduation, I was a full-time student.

It was important to set an example for my children to persevere and finish what you start. My college journey started back in 2003. After overcoming some obstacles and rethinking my studies, I changed my major and transferred accumulated credits to USC Aiken.

My daughter, Kristen, graduated from high school in 2014. She shared both my choice of university and major. While we were on campus together, at the same time, pursuing the same degree, it was important to me that I not infringe on her college experience. This was her time, and I did not want to intrude on her in any way.

That said, we shared a lot. We were lucky enough to take some classes together, or take the same class during opposite semesters, which allowed for shared notes and rich discussions. It was not awkward to be in the same class together sitting side-by-side, helping each other if needed. We were each other’s biggest cheerleaders and support system!

I was not the traditional college student and had a little concern about how I would fit in with classmates. Fortunately, they readily accepted me. I was one of them and could add personal experiences and words of encouragement. Kristen said she enjoyed having me attend with her as I was just another person to bounce stuff off of, but just older.

It was sometimes difficult for me as I always had a running list in my head of various stuff that I needed to get done whether at school or at home. I struggled somewhat, but having my daughter and family there for moral support was all I needed. My other support system was my professors who encouraged me. Just knowing they were available in person or by email was a tremendous relief.

My USC Aiken experience has been wonderful, and I want to encourage anyone who might be thinking about going back to get a degree to do just that. Go back! You will not regret it. This has been the single biggest accomplishment that I have ever done, and I was proud to walk this journey side-by-side with my daughter.

New Student Orientation

Welcome, families of USC Aiken's Class of 2023! (Yes, 2023!) We are excited for your student to join us this fall, and we know that you are excited, too!

Even if students are already familiar with USC Aiken, new student attendance at orientation is required as students will learn about transitioning to college and will meet with an academic advisor.

Parents and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend and can register at the same link. Please note that after a short welcome, students will be separated into small groups and will spend much of the day meeting fellow classmates and advisors. During this time, parents will have a separate schedule and will attend programs designed specifically for them.

Parents and guests will reunite with students later in the day.

If your new student has not registered for an orientation session yet, they should do so asap. If you have questions, please monitor this site; a schedule will be uploaded soon. Or, you may contact us at [email protected]. Welcome!

Study Abroad - Group Travel

Many students express interest in taking their education "on the road" by participating in a study abroad experience.

USC Aiken offers a wide variety of study abroad options including Group Travel Programs for 2019-2020. We are sharing this information as an overview of what is available, along with associated costs. Please note all costs are tentative and do not include tuition.

Winter Term: (This program takes place during winter break.)

Global Leadership Experience : Pune, India - Cost: $1500. Deadline to apply is August 20

Spring Break:

Well-Being and Resilience: It’s Impact on Leadership Practices : Cochrane, Dominica - Cost: $2,555. Deadline to apply is December 1

Maymester/Summer:

Transcultural Nursing : Germany and Austria - Cost: $3,630

Spanish Language and Culture : Spain - Cost $3,600

USC Aiken Summer in Italy: Orvieto, Italy (4-6 weeks) - Cost $4,500

Deadline to apply is February 1

The above programs are group travel programs. If your student is interested in receiving more information about group travel programs, semester-long programs, or study abroad scholarships, they should contact the International Programs Office at [email protected] or 803-641-3671.

December Graduates Must Apply to Graduate

If your Pacer is expecting to graduate in December, 2019, please read the italicized notice below which was recently sent to students. Encourage your soon-to-be graduate to follow through with this requirement.

Now is also a good time for students to review Degree Works and ICE credit requirements to make sure that they're on track to graduate.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled for December 12.

"Students who will be completing degree requirements during the Fall 2019 semester should apply for December graduation. The period to apply for December graduation is July 18 – August 31, 2019."

Parent and Family Relations Office Hours

We are happy to reply to your messages during regular office hours, Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. -

4:30 p.m. As always, you can email us at [email protected] or call 803-641-2825.

If your Pacer is graduated this month, congratulations! It has been my pleasure to send you these newsletters. I hope they have been helpful. If you would like to continue receiving them, feel free. However, if you would like to unsubscribe please click the corresponding link at the bottom of this page.

Sincerely,

Sandy Talbott

Parent and Family Relations Coordinator

[email protected]