Press
USC Named Bicycle-Friendly Campus
The award is the result of an effort by USC’s multidepartment Bike Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from Outdoor Recreation, Sustainable Carolina, Healthy Carolina, Vehicle Services and the Campus Police to highlight and promote the various benefits of cycling. -The Free Times, April 4, 2012
Bike racks, repair shop earn praise for USC
Those are just a couple of the initiatives that helped USC become one of 35 campuses nationwide considered Bicycle Friendly Universities. The League of American Bicyclists announced Wednesday that USC had earned bronze bicycle friendly status. -The State, March 29, 2012
Tips for Establishing Paid Peer Mentor Positions
"We spoke this week with Jimmie Gahagan, director for student engagement at the University of South Carolina, an institution with a well-established track record in developing strong and innovative student leadership programs." -Academic Impressions, March 16, 2012
Cocky’s Reading Express focuses on financial literacy at Mellichamp
“As a first-year principal, I was encouraged to see that tonight was a foreshadow of greater things to come for our school,” Jean said. “Our students had the opportunity to see a microcosm of the greater Orangeburg community, with a college-bound focus." -The Times and Democrat, February 27, 2012
USC, mascot Cocky get bus for reading program
University officials announced Tuesday that oil company BP donated a custom-made bus for the effort known as Cocky's Reading Express. -Herald Online, February 21, 2012
Bucking the trend: High schooler gets equestrian scholarship to USC
South Carolina and the College of Charleston have the only NCAA equestrian programs in the state, and USC is the only scholarship program. South Carolina has the equivalent of 15 full scholarships to spread out among 40 team members. -The Post and Courier, January 25, 2012
USC's Cocky visiting Hampton, Allendale counties
Each child receives seven books, and families get literacy kits with tips on making reading a family experience. So far, more than 5,000 books have been distributed. - WMBF News, January 6, 2012
Former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw addresses USC grads
Officials say they expect to award more than 2,600 degrees to graduates from all eight of the state university's campuses. - The State, December 12, 2011
Carolina Clemson blood drive saves thousands of lives
"This year’s event resulted in 7,120 donors presenting to give blood, with Carolina donors totaling 4,079 and Clemson donors totaling 3,041." - WACH Fox, November 18, 2011
SC, Clemson students run game ball to Columbia
"Students from Clemson's Sigma Yu Fraternity chapter grabbed a football and took to the open road Friday afternoon. The group is using the annual Game Ball Run to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society." - Fox Carolina, November 18, 2011
SC students' exercise converts to electricity
"A typical 30-minute workout can power a laptop for an hour, but a sweat-dripping "athletic" workout can power four..." - Myrtle Beach Online, November 27, 2011
Cocky surprises students, encourages literacy
"The students were so excited," said Ronda Speed, librarian at Wilder Elementary School. "They recognize Cocky. To them, he's the same as Big Bird. The important part is they have to promise to read the book they're given. Encouraging life-long readers is what we're going for." – The Item, November 13, 2011
“I didn’t stop using electronics after the week was over,” she says. “But I realized the amount of things I use, like napkins. I just thought, ‘Well, that’s not necessary.’ So it wasn’t even a bother to stop using them.” -Free Times, November 9, 2011
Develop risk management plans now for unexpected crises
10/27/11- First take care of the ill students or victims, Pruitt said. “Tending to them may indeed make managing the rest of the community more manageable. Most of all, remember to be kind, caring, and treat all equitably and fairly.”
Behind the Scenes: USC custodian takes pride in her job
10/12/11- Clarissa Ballard, who has worked with Brown for three years, and Cameka Thompson, who has worked with her for two, say Brown took them under her wing. "She trained me and looks after me," Thompson says. As a group the janitors say they're happy with their jobs and that making students comfortable is a serious matter.
A makeover for Habitat ReStore
9/12/11- “We are grateful that students from the University of South Carolina have come together to support the hundreds of thousands of lives that were forever impacted by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in March,” said Scott Salemme...
9/12/11- USC also established a bike shop, where students can bring their broken-down bikes for free repairs. And the next big step will be bike-sharing, where people pay a small fee to unlock a rugged bike from a solar-powered docking station and ride to another docking station.
What’s Keeping Black College Students From Making the Grade?
9/1/11- The University of South Carolina reported an increase in Black freshman enrollment this fall, up about eight percent from a year ago, when 287 black freshmen enrolled.
8/17/11- Hundreds of students lined a long corridor leading into the Russell House ballroom at USC on Tuesday, but it wasn’t to get tickets to a campus concert or even the opening football game.
Renovated Residence Hall Welcomes USC Freshmen
8/12/11- More than 4,500 freshman are coming to the campus of USC this weekend–the largest crop of new students ever. And welcoming them–along with staff and faculty–will be the recently renovated Patterson Residence Hall.
USC Welcomes Bigger, Smarter and More Diverse Freshman Class
8/16/11- USC’s office of admissions received approximately 21,000 applications this year compared to 18,221 the previous year, continuing a decade-long trend.
There are jobs in S.C., for those who have education,training
“There is a mismanagement between the skills graduates may have and employers may require, no doubt about that,” said Tom Halasz, USC Career Center director. - The State, September 5, 2011
Cocky’s Reading Express is also joining in on the drive into Charlotte with a more service-oriented goal. Kim Jeffcoat, executive director of the South Carolina Center for Children’s Books and Literacy , will travel with five to 12 students plus Cocky on Friday to nearby elementary schools in Rock Hill and Fort Mill on their usual statewide book-reading tour. - The Daily Gamecock, September 2, 2011
No Impact Man Impacts USC Students
This year USC’s selected book for the first year reading experience was “No Impact Man” and the students were fortunate enough to have the author, Mr. Beavan speak about his book, movie and his philosophy. - Columbia City Paper, August 25, 2011
Colleges Sign Up For Obama's Interfaith Program
Eboo Patel, president of Interfaith Youth Core and one of those advisers, said he was pleased with the diversity of participants, including Cornell University, University of South Carolina, evangelical Bethel University in Michigan and Hebrew College, a rabbinical school in Massachusetts. -Huffington Post, August 4, 2011
Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and USC Career Center to Host Opportunity Knocks Part-time Job Fair August 16
Students attending the event possess a wide range of skills and academic backgrounds to fit all employers' needs," said Tom Halasz, director of the USC Career Center. "This is the one event to meet every organization's part-time openings!" -Midlands Biz, July 25, 2011
Spreading the Gamecock spirit, 90 minutes at a time
Nick Allen stepped onto the campus of the University of South Carolina recently and felt that indescribable, hard-to-quantify rush of good feeling that made him think for the fleetest of moments: I could go here.
Read more
-The State, July 12, 2011
College Orientation is a Learning Experience for Parents, too
…Melissa Gentry, director of parents programs at USC, says there’s also a 1-800 number parents can call to get important questions answered, plus an e-mail helpline where they can send their questions or concerns. -Greenville News, July 11, 2011
The Great Intern Debate
For instance, while nearly one in five career centers reported employers not posting internships due to concern (or confusion) over legality issues, at the University of South Carolina, postings of both paid and unpaid opportunities are at “historic levels,” said Career Center Director Tom Halasz. -Inside Higher Ed, July 1, 2011
Before we give the books to the students we ask them to make a pledge to Cocky that they will take the book home and read it to their families. And children really take that to heart. I've seen kids we've visited weeks before and they have said, 'I kept my promise, I read my book Cocky gave me!' That's always exciting to see and those are the moments you know the program is really working across the state. - ESPNU's "SEC Weekly", June 9, 2011
The University of South Carolina and other schools have hosted farmers markets and make a point of purchasing food from local farmers. -The Post and Courier, June 13, 2011
Fighting the Freshman 15 With Calorie Counts
College dining facilities are part of a national push for more nutrition awareness. …Deborah Zippel, dietician at the University of South Carolina, which posts calorie counts in its dining facilities, notes that the ubiquity of nutrition information, while advantageous for most students, can be damaging to students with eating disorders. - U.S. News & World Report, June, 7, 2011
'Condition of Education' Looks at College Transition
Students have to make more consumerist decisions now about when to go to college," explained Jennifer R. Keup, the director for the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, at the University of South Carolina. -Education Week, May 26, 2011
Immedion Hires Christine Gattoni Through USC’s Community Internship Program
Immedion, LLC, South Carolina’s first dedicated data center and managed services provider announces they have hired Christine Gattoni as a summer intern. A Finance and International Supply Chain major at USC, Gattoni will be working primarily in Immedion’s Columbia data center. - Midlands Biz, May 17, 2011
Job Prospects for New Graduates Not Entirely Grim
According to Halasz, the biggest increases in hiring of new grads are in the fields of accounting, engineering (particularly in the energy sector), insurance, computer science, information technology, nursing and global supply chain management. He’s also seen a surge in marketing positions, which he says is a good indicator of future job growth. -Free Times, May 18, 2011
Missing: Black males on campus
“There are fewer African-American males to begin with and fewer are making it into the pipeline,” said Dennis Pruitt, USC’s vice president for student affairs. -The State, April 6, 2011
There Is a Weekday Farmers Market Downtown, Too
This week, the University of South Carolina opened its weekly farmers market once again. The market runs each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s open through April 19 in front of the Russell House union on Greene Street. Vendors sell everything from vegetables and salad greens to soap to honey.
- The (Columbia) Free Times, March 28, 2011
Should You Wait to Start an MBA Program?
Thomas Halasz, director of the Career Center at the University of South Carolina, said students should talk to professionals in the industry they're interested in working in to understand the value of the degree, schools they should consider and areas of focus in the program.
- The Huffington Post, March 22, 2011
Ochoa Hails Catalytic Impact of TRIO Programs on K-12 Level
“In TRIO programs, students are empowered to perform and succeed and there are many promising programs that demonstrate that fact,” he said, pointing to the Upward Bound summer program at the University of South Carolina as an example. Through the program, graduating high school seniors can take a college-credit research methodology course taught by one of the university’s professors.
-- Diverse Issues in Higher Education, March 17,2011
USC increases access - and revenue - with another record-size freshman class
School officials argue that the larger class means the university is more accessible to South Carolina students. Indeed, they anticipate that the number of South Carolina students in this fall's freshman class will exceed the total number of freshmen at any other public, four-year college or university in the state.
"We're proud of that," said Scott Verzyl, USC's assistant vice provost for enrollment management. "We are holding to our mission to serve South Carolina students."
- The State, June 16, 2010
Three strikes, you're ... in
Only after frequenting professors' office hours, utilizing the tutoring lab and spending sleepless nights with open books before the computer monitor did I experience a breakthrough. Thankfully, I also received superb academic and social support through the TRIO program at USC, which is designed to help first-generation, minority students navigate the college scene, excel and graduate.
-The State, May 4, 2010
Condom couture
A novel way to raise awareness of responsible sexual behavior and condoms among students at the University of South Carolina has been discovered by a health educator there.
Ryan Wilson took as his inspiration a US popular reality show called Project Runway, in which aspiring fashion designers produce their best creations and are then progressively voted off the series by the audience.
-British Medical Journal, November 17, 2009
Furman, Clemson, USC expecting a stellar freshman class
At USC, the overall application pool is stronger each year and the entering South Carolinians are smarter than ever, based on their grade point average on the South Carolina uniform grading scale, said Scott Verzyl, admissions director at USC.
- The Greenville News, May 24, 2010
USC students to plant trees annually
USC has said it plans to become carbon neutral, and Outdoor Recreation is a part of that effort. "Environmental education and advocacy are core values in Outdoor Recreation," said the group's director, Katie Coley. --The State, April 25, 2010
USC's green dorms receive Earth Day energy honors
Earth Day on the USC campus included celebrating the new honors dorm meeting energy standards. --WIS-TV, April 22, 2010
Provide ample professional development opportunities for your staff members
"I think it's important for us to do professional development because I don't see as many people coming up through the ranks of enrollment management and admissions who stick with the profession," said Scott Verzyl, assistant vice provost for enrollment management and director of admissions at the University of South Carolina. "It's a good profession with a lot of opportunities if people learn what they need and stick with it," he added. --Enrollment Management Report, April 2010
Hilton Head woman named USC's Woman of the Year
"This is a fantastic honor," said Steele in a news release. "It is a big 'thank you' to all the women who have been my mentors for me throughout my experience here. They made my time enjoyable and helped me have so many neat experiences. This is my thank you to them." -- The (Hilton Head) Island Packet, March 31, 2010
Amid vicious health care fight, USC examines civility and debate
USC this week celebrates its Carolinian Creed, a code of conduct for the university community. Toatley would like to see those principles extend beyond the campus. -- WIS-TV, March 24, 2010
Campus farmer's market promotes healthy eating "The green movement is growing in America, and it's definitely alive at USC," says Violet, pointing to the more than steady turnout on a sunny afternoon. --WACH-TV, March 23, 2010
University Honors Colleges Pitch the 'Liberal-Arts College Experience'
Ask students enrolled in the University of South Carolina's honors college why they chose it, and most will offer essentially the same explanation: Being here is like being at a small private liberal-arts college and a big public research university simultaneously. --Chronicle of Higher Education, March 1, 2010
College 101: Finding a dorm roommate
More colleges are beginning to realize the benefits to these Web sites. University of South Carolina has a system called, U-CHOOSE and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, according to miamistudent.net, plans to alter their roommate selection process by creating a site similar to the others previously mentioned. -- The Los Angeles Times, February 24, 2010
Financial Aid Workshop Aims to Help Students, Parents
For the past four years, however, the TRIO program at the University of South Carolina has endeavored along with its partners to make that process as easy as possible. Toward that effort, its annual College Goal program is a free workshop geared at helping parents and prospective students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required for students to receive need-based loans. -- The (Columbia) Free Times, February 25, 2010
Community Internship Program to help students, S.C. businesses
The University of South Carolina Career Center has launched an innovative program that will offer students the opportunity to intern this summer with South Carolina companies. -- Midlands Biz, February 24, 2010
USC Celebrates Black History Month
While current University of South Carolina director of multicultural student affairs Rodrick Moore was at Texas A&M University, he began an annual tour of important civil rights locations throughout the South that allowed university students the opportunity to see the venues and, in some cases, hear the first-hand accounts of civil rights leaders active during one of the most contentious and important decades of the 20th century. -- The (Columbia) Free Times, February 11, 2010
Recession puts another barrier between college, minority students
Unemployment, recession and growing aversion to debt are affecting students of low socio-economic status regardless of race, said Dennis Pruitt, vice president for student affairs at the University of South Carolina, where black student enrollment is 12.8 percent. -- The Greenville News, February 9, 2010
Haiti Relief Concert to rock Coliseum with local talent
"The Columbia music community came forward very quickly after the earthquake in Haiti and offered their talent to raise money," said Jerry Brewer, associate vice president for student affairs. "The college community in the Midlands is promoting the concert as a fund-raiser to assist the American Red Cross in their work to help the Haitian people. --The (Orangeburg) Times and Democrat, February 4, 2010
University's ACE program wins national academic-support award
The University of South Carolina's Academic Centers for Excellence (ACE) program has received a Bronze Excellence Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). The award recognizes "excellence and Innovation in Student Affairs Programs and Initiatives." -- Midlands Biz, January 28, 2010
College programs help disabled students
USC is one of four South Carolina universities offering study programs this year for students with intellectual disabilities. -- The (Charleston) Post and Courier, February 1, 2010
Technology, personal approach boost enrollment
"You can impact decisions to enroll and decisions to stay," said Scott Verzyl, assistant vice provost for enrollment management and director of admissions at the University of South Carolina. --Enrollment Management Report, January 28, 2009
USC students help those in Haiti
Students at the University of South Carolina are doing their part to help those in Haiti. This week several student organizations are spending their free time informing others how they can assist the earthquake ravaged country. -- WACH-TV (Columbia), January 20, 2009
Hundreds of USC students honor MLK with day of service
On Monday more than 450 University of South Carolina students volunteered time on their day off to take part in the annual Martin Luther King National Day of Service. Groups of students worked at 19 different locations in Columbia. -- WACH-TV (Columbia), Jan. 18, 2009
USC to help students secure federal loans
In a move that is intended to ensure a secure source of federal loans for students and their families, the University of South Carolina has announced it will participate in 2010 in the Federal Direct Loan Program. -- SC Biz, December 22, 2009
University of South Carolina Career Center receives innovation grant
The Career Center at the University of South Carolina has been awarded a Call to Serve Innovation Grant by the Partnership for Public Service. USC was one of five universities to receive a grant; the award amount was $5,000. -- Midlands Biz, December 21, 2009
Report: December Graduates' Opportunities Down for 2010
. . . "Employers have reduced hiring significantly from last fall to this fall," Tom Halasz, director of the Career Center, said. "Unlike last fall, when there were still pockets of relatively strong hiring in some industries, all areas of recruiting were impacted this year." -- WCIV-TV (Charleston), December 16, 2009
Student Wellness: Finding The Low-Hanging Fruit
Taking the example of America's obesity epidemic, Burcin advises focusing not just on fitness or on dining options, but on both, in addition to a hard look at the campus environment. "Look at the whole picture," she advises. "It isn't just the staff who make the hot food who are responsible for presenting healthy options. What are your vending machines selling?" -- Academic Impressions, December 3, 2009
Stopping Short of No More Fries
At the University of South Carolina's main campus in Columbia, a string of efforts aimed at "making healthy choices simple" have been brought under the umbrella of the Healthy Carolina initiative. Michelle Burcin, director of the program, points to a four-season farmers' market that averages about $7,000 a week in sales, eight walking and running paths around campus, and Fitness Buddies, an anonymous online networking tool to match students, faculty and staff who share the same exercise interests. -- Inside Higher Ed, December 1, 2009
USC offers needy a financial guarantee
Scott Veryzl, USC's vice provost of enrollment management, said those who enrolled in the program this fall have an average family income of less than $18,000 a year, and many of them are honors students. "They have the ability," Veryzl said. "They just need the support." -- The (Spartanburg) Herald-Journal, November 16, 2009
Kershner, Lindley: We could use more work on campus sexual health
This recognition will not bring the sea of headlines that come with national championship banners. Nonetheless, the "team" of educators, doctors, nurses, professors, counselors and student volunteers who work daily to promote healthy decisions about sex, particularly within the Office of Sexual Health and Violence Prevention, should be commended. -- The State, November 4, 2009
Gamecock Guarantee Program assists low-income students
The program guarantees free tuition and fees for four years for South Carolina students from very low-income families who meet all of the university's entrance requirements. It also provides support services to students, many of whom are among the first generation in their families to attend college. -- The (Charleston) Post and Courier, November 9, 2009
Midlands Area Companies Recognized for Employee Wellness Program
s Local companies designated as Start! Fit-Friendly at the Gold level are Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Colonial Life, Lexington Medical Center, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative, Inc., Nexsen Pruet, Providence Hospitals, Richardson Plowden & Robinson, PA, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Electric & Gas, University of South Carolina, UPS - Columbia, and Westinghouse Electric Company. -- Midlands Biz, October 29, 2009
USC and S-E-X: School gets love in national survey
The University of South Carolina is not No. 1 in the SEC. But, according to a national survey set to be released today, [University of South Carolina] is tops when it comes to S-E-X...Sexual health, that is. -- The State, October 27, 2009
USC to begin renovation of Patterson Hall in May
"Students are more concerned about their privacy,"said USC's director of housing, Kirsten Kennedy. "This provides them that ... and is more in line with what students expect from their college living experience." --The State, October 16, 2009
College perks escalate to draw students
These amenities aren't "fluff," said USC spokeswoman Margaret Lamb. They enrich "the entire educational experience at the University of South Carolina." --The Greenville News, October 16,2009
Applying for college a long, costly, confusing journey
"Applying to college is like looking for a job," Loveday said. "It takes a lot, but it's worth it." --The State, October 19, 2009
[University of South Carolina] earns a B for its green initiatives
The University of South Carolina earned a B on the College Sustainability Report Card 2010, a rating that puts [University of South Carolina] among the greenest universities in the Southeast. -- SC Biz, October 21, 2009
Homecoming at [University of South Carolina], Benedict
Benedict College and the University of South Carolina are celebrating homecoming week this year with a series of events welcoming graduates back to campus and raising some money in the process. -- The (Columbia) State, October 22, 2009
Pastafarianism: A religious parody: USC group welcomes atheist icon; local member discusses being an 'agnostic deist'
USC junior anthropology major Ryan Jennings of Cope began his college career at Claflin University. He is a member of the Pastafarians, a campus organization for atheists, agnostics, skeptics and non-religious students. --The Times and Democrat, October 9, 2009
Doctors try to put parents at ease about flu
"The more we educate them, the better off we are," said Dr. Deborah Beck, director of student health services at the University of South Carolina. "We've had over 150 cases that have tested positive (for the virus), and every one of those has done very well. We haven't had a single hospitalization." -- The (Columbia) State, October 5, 2009
Report: In-state universities seeking out-of-state students
Scott Verzyl, USC's assistant vice provost for enrollment management, said that of the out-of-state freshmen who got tuition discounts, 61 percent of them paid in-state tuition rates, while 39 percent paid a rate about halfway between the in-state and out-of-state rates. -- The (Rock Hill) Herald, October 5, 2009
Many wary of plan to bypass S.C. company
. . . Ed Miller, director of student financial aid and scholarships at the University of South Carolina, said an expansion of the Pell Grant program - which provides grants for higher education that do not have to be repaid - would be greatly welcomed. -- The (Columbia) State, September 28, 2009
SC college celebrates new 'green' dorm
The University of South Carolina in Columbia is showcasing its new $48 million dorm that was built to be environmentally friendly. --The State, September 25, 2009
With Skyrocketing Tuition, Is Degree Worth the Debt?
At USC, vice president for student affairs Dennis Pruitt is well aware of the additional burden higher tuition rates and a dour economy have on college affordability..."So what we're doing is designing special programs to make sure they have the same exposure as on-campus students, access to the same services and opportunities. We don't want them to be invisible."]" --Free Times, September 30, 2009
Y'ALL campaign picks Ackermann
She entered the Y'ALL competition, sponsored by the university's Office of Annual Giving, because she misses the university and her Carolina roots. -- The (Spartanburg) Herald-Journal
College Honors for Sept. 21
Robert DeRose of Hilton Head Island recently was recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, national leadership and honors organization at the University of South Carolina. -- The (Hilton Head) Island Packet
Rosh Hashana: For a sweet new year
"People are either afraid to ask anything or they ask everything," Amanda Osofsky, a junior from Philadelphia, said. As president of Hillel at USC, the Jewish student organization, she is used to fielding a lot of questions, including inquiries from parents who are hoping their son or daughter can find a Jewish mate on campus. -- The (Columbia) State
Students take their shots - give some, too
. . . The shots also are offered inside the Thomson Student Health Center most days. The outdoor clinics made it easier to get the shots with only a short wait, and they served as another public salvo in the school's anti-flu effort. -- The (Columbia) State, September 10,2009
Target Atlanta's gangs with lessons learned in Baghdad [opinion by Kyle Mallinak, McNair scholar]
. . . While admitting the problem is an important first step to a successful gang control policy, the Atlanta Police Department now risks repeating the same policy mistakes that have led to failure throughout the country. -- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 9, 2009
[University of South Carolina] gears up for stressful flu season
. . . With students back on campus for the fall semester, The University of South Carolina is taking steps to stop an outbreak. -- WACH-TV (Columbia), September 9, 2009
USC welcomes 'Ace of Cakes' star
. . . She looked up and saw the Food Network's Ace of Cakes -- Chef Duff Goldman -- standing in front of her table Wednesday afternoon in USC's Russell House. -- The (Columbia) State, September 3, 2009, Additional coverage from WIS-TV
Clemson, USC see uptick in flu cases
USC has responded to the swine flu threat by putting flu kits in every dorm room. "We've got posters everywhere," Beck said. Students living in a dorm room with a sick roommate are given the option of moving out until the roommate is well. Control measures include wearing masks and treatment with Tamiflu, she said. -- The State, September 3, 2009
Early Pomp and Circumstance
. . . Jennifer R. Keup, director of the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, at the University of South Carolina, said she has seen a number of institutions dust off their convocation ceremonies with an eye toward improving retention. -- Inside Higher Ed, September 3, 2009
University to Host Second Annual Community Partner Breakfast Sept. 29
The University of South Carolina community and Columbia service agencies will come together for the second annual Community Partner Breakfast Tuesday, Sept. 29. -- Midlands Biz, September 1, 2009
School's open, so is USC Healthy Farmers Market
It's back to school time, which means it's also time for the University of South Carolina's Health Carolina Farmers Market to crank back up. --The State, September 1, 2009
"Ace of Cakes" to visit [University of South Carolina]
Stop by Russell House on the [University of South Carolina] campus from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday when student teams will compete in a cake decorating contest. Cakes will be judged by Duff Goldman, the Food Network's "Ace of Cakes." -- The (Columbia) State, August 28, 2009
Freshman rolls, SAT scores surge at South Carolina colleges
. . . The University of South Carolina's freshman class of 3,930 students has a record average SAT score of 1194, according to the university. -- The Greenville News, August 25, 2009 Additional coverage from Newsday, and elsewhere, via AP, Columbia Regional Business Report
Colleges try to protect quality of classes on leaner budget
"The university is committed to maintaining the best educational experience possible and preserving students' progress toward their degrees," Lamb said. She said other academic support programs are being protected. - The Greenville News, August 22, 2009
Community College To Four-Year School Transfer Can Save Money
…"Transferring between schools can be a great way to save money, but you have to do some investigation and preparation to make it work," said Susan Weir, an assistant vice-provost at the University of South Carolina and author of Transitions: A Guide For the Transfer Student. Switching from one college to another has always been fairly common. About one-third of all college students do so at some point in their college careers, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. And a tough economy has given students even more financial incentive to make the leap. - Wall Street Journal, April 8, 2009
Riverside High alum named [University of South Carolina's Woman of the Year
. . . Now [Victoria] Alvarez, a 2006 Riverside High School graduate, has become a role model herself after being named [University of South Carolina]’s Outstanding Woman of the Year in a March 16 ceremony. - The Greenville News, April 1, 2009
Heart and soul food: You can have healthy fried chicken, and eat it, too.
Southern favorites like fried chicken, collard greens and banana pudding don’t have to be all about salt and fat and calories. They can be healthier and still have plenty of flavor. That’s the message USC’s campus dietitian, Deborah Zippel, preached last week at a soul food cooking session sponsored by Campus Wellness and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. - The State, February 25, 2009
University of South Carolina senior receives award
Derek DeBruin, a senior at the University of South Carolina, has won the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association’s William N. Wasson Student Leadership and Academic Award. The award recognizes top undergraduate and graduate students who participate or are employed by campus recreational sports programs. - The State, February 26, 2009
[University of South Carolina]'s Green Quad Earns Environmental Distinction
...Thankfully, one of those progressive pockets is downtown Columbia, and a big reason for that is the University of South Carolina. -The Free Times, February 12, 2009
A First-Generation Residence
. . . “I think there’s always a trade-off when you do a themed housing situation because what you’re doing is bringing people together that have common interests. In a way, that really engages them. But on the other hand, it does reduce the amount of diversity, diversity of thought, diversity of situation, diversity of ethnic and socioeconomic background…there’s going to be a trade-off. It’s just a choice that people make as to which is more important,” says Mary Stuart Hunter, assistant vice provost and executive director of the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, at the University of South Carolina. -- Inside Higher Ed, January 21, 2009, http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2009/01/21/firstgen
University of South Carolina program recognized
The National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina has received the 2008 Special Merit Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education, according to a university press release.
-- The Greenville News, November 29, 2008
University of South Carolina student solves musical mystery
. . . Elizabeth Nyikos’ work to reconstitute a 14th-century musical manuscript isn’t The Da Vinci Code, but it did help her unlock a path to Oxford University when Nyikos, a 21-year-old [University of South Carolina] music student from Columbia, accepted a Marshall Scholarship on Monday.
-- The (Columbia) State, November 25, 2008
Clemson, [University of South Carolina] to compete in 24th annual blood drive
The 24th annual Clemson-University of South Carolina (USC) Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday to Nov. 21. The AnMed Health Blood Center, the Blood Connection and the Piedmont Blood Center will take donations at various locations around the Clemson campus. Locations include the Hendrix Student Center ballroom, Tillman Hall auditorium, Littlejohn Coliseum and the Holmes Hall lounge. -- The (Anderson) Independent-Mail, November 14, 2008
Credit crunch impacting private student loans
. . . Bob Godfrey from University of South Carolina’s Financial Aid office says most students receiving federally subsidized loans won’t be affected by the freezing credit markets. Those loans are backed by the federal government and will likely be there. Godfrey says students getting private student loans are feeling the pinch. -- WACH-TV (Columbia), November 13, 2008
Getting accepted to school takes time
. . . At [University of South Carolina], admission director Connie Scrivens said the number of applicants has increased by more than 3,000 in two years, and the quality of the applicants is increasing as well. -- The (Greenwood) Index-Journal, November 14, 2008
Pick that car
[University of South Carolina] President Harris Pastides today is expected to unveil the car chosen for him by students and one student will get to have the first ride. Students voted on three vehicles for the president. Pastides, on his first day as university president on Aug. 1, announced the contest to convey his commitment to listen to students, to involve them in decision-making and to promote campus sustainability.
-- The State, October 30, 2008
[University of South Carolina] Debuts Farmers Market
Set up at vendor stations in front of the Russell House Tuesday morning, a new sight greeted University of South Carolina students going to and from classes: a bona fide, home-spun farmers market, the new Healthy Carolina Farmers Market. -- The Free Times, September 17, 2008
3 things about the new farmers market at the University of South Carolina
Tuesday was the first day farmers from across the Midlands sold fresh local produce on the USC campus, part of an effort to provide students more healthful food choices. -- The State, September 17, 2008
New [University of South Carolina] president outlines academic vision
The 28th president of the University of South Carolina has a vision he hopes will transform the institution into a world-class university recognizable beyond its prized athletic program. -- The Times and Democrat, September 16, 2008
[University of South Carolina] to launch farmers market
Local farmers will sell fresh local produce at a new cash-only market starting next week.
University of South Carolina will launch its monthly Healthy Carolina Farmers Market on Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Russell House University Union on Green Street. Other market dates are Oct. 22 and Nov. 13. -- The State, September 9, 2008
[University of South Carolina], Clemson open doors to students with intellectual disabilities
One of the USC students, a talented musician, is taking classes to prepare for a career in music. Another works part time as a page in the state House of Representatives and will continue to work through college.
While students graduate with certificates rather than diplomas, research shows they will be more employable and find jobs "that pay a little more money," [Karen] Pettus, [director of USC's student disability services office] said. "The opportunity to participate in programs like this has opened a lot of doors." -- The Greenville News, September 9, 2008
Tobacco-Free [University of South Carolina]
Buoyed by Richland County, the City of Columbia and other municipalities across South Carolina going smoke free, the University of South Carolina has begun enforcing its smoking ban with citations and fines this semester. -- The Free Times, September 3, 2008
3 things about the annual Greek Showcase at [University of South Carolina]
University of South Carolina students interested in joining the school’s eight historically black Greek organizations got the chance Wednesday night to learn more about them. -- The State, September 4, 2008
University of South Carolina ranked in Top 10 ‘Most Promising and Innovative Schools' in the nation
The University of South Carolina is among the Top 10 “Most Promising and Innovative Schools” in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 “America’s Best Colleges” guide.
The Moore School of Business’ undergraduate program in international business is ranked No. 1 in the country for the 12th consecutive year, and the university’s pioneering University 101 program, including its programs for first-year students, is featured again among the best in nation for first-year experience programs in the guide’s “Programs to Look For” section. The university is home to the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience. -- Independent-Mail, August 22, 2008
Book Review of Learning Initiatives in the Residential Setting
This month’s book is Learning Initiatives in the Residential Setting, edited by Gene Luna and Jimmie Gahagan. This 2008 publication is part of The First-Year Experience Monograph Series published by the University of South Carolina, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. …As the editors [Gene Luna and Jimmie Gahagan] of this monograph discuss, this interest in purposefully embedding learning experiences within the residential environment has grown as a result of many factors, among them: the realization that learning occurs outside the classroom; a broadened conception of student learning beyond strictly academic or intellectual domains to include personal development; and increased competition for students. -- E-AIR newsletter, http://www.airweb.org/, August 2008
Colleges work to keep students in school until they earn degree
A new welcome-back event Monday at the University of South Carolina will point sophomores toward options such as study abroad. The campus loses 9%-10% of students in or just after their second year. -- USA Today, August 25, 2008
Campus safety: reporting the ‘creepy dude’
Boston—The tragedies at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University have led colleges around the country to try harder to identify and help troubled students. The University of South Carolina’s Behavioral Intervention Team is one viable model, its chairman, W. Scott Lewis, told 100 campus officials at the NASPA conference here. -- The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 10, 2008
Adesso changes Columbia skyline
Now is the time to see 601 Main St., Atlanta developer John Holder’s new condominium home project, and one of Columbia’s unique residential addresses…Holder named his signature Columbia building at Main and Blossom streets Adesso, which means “now” in Italian…Holder said the need for upscale student housing is driving the condominium and apartment market in downtown Columbia. The University of South Carolina has 18,000 undergraduate students and just 7,000 beds in university-owned housing. And while that is a large percentage…according to Dennis Pruitt, USC vice president for student affairs, it still leaves thousands of students looking for housing in the downtown area each year. -- The State, March 3, 2008
Targeting ˜The Lost Year'
Colleges across the country are looking at what's often called the lost year and developing programs intended to help with academic and social transitions. Roughly a third of institutions that responded to a survey from the University of South Carolina's National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students In Transition indicated having initiatives specifically designed for sophomores. Barbara F. Tobolowsky, associate director of the South Carolina center, said many colleges had the services available to students before starting these second-year initiatives, but wanted a better way to package the offerings to sophomores. College officials say it's also a way to help with retention efforts. -- Inside Higher Ed, January 31, 2008
Safe Zone Allies: USC Project Works to Combat Homophobia, Heterosexism on Campus
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) community at USC is making headway in providing a safe college atmosphere for its students. The USC Safe Zone Ally Project, which trains members of the university community to fight homophobia and heterosexism, just welcomed its 400th member Jan. 14.I think it is fitting that our 400th ally was trained during a special session tailored for housing staff, Ryan Wilson, coordinator of the project, says. The program began through the collaboration of housing and my office. The Safe Zone Ally Project is a program of the Department of Sexual Health and Violence Prevention and Research at USC. Wilson, a graduate student in the higher education and student affairs program, trains members of the university community in two parts. -- Free Times, January 31, 2008
University of South Carolina student newspaper turns 100
The University of South Carolina's student newspaper, which has chronicled tragedy, good and bad football seasons and even survived a threat from a state legislator to shut it down, turned 100 years old Wednesday. -- Charlotte Observer, January 30, 2008
Students with special needs get chance to attend USC
People with intellectual disabilities will have a chance to attend the University of South Carolina under the Carolina Life program, to be created with $155,000 from the General Assembly. Carolina Life will focus on academic, social and independent living skills and vocational experiences that will lead to employment and self-sufficiency. Dennis Pruitt, university vice president for student affairs, said the program would help these students reach their highest potential. -- The State, January 17, 2008
Surveys of Students' Views Complicate Spin on ˜Helicopter Parents'
...Several longtime student-affairs officials agree that while helicopter parents are real, their numbers and behaviors have been exaggerated. Parental involvement on campus, they say, is usually more of a help than a headache, for students and colleges alike. Jerry T. Brewer was a first-generation college student. Now the associate vice president for student affairs at the University of South Carolina, he believes students are more committed when they experience higher education as a family affair. -- The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 24, 2007