USC Student Success Center's Feb. 1 open house to offer a 'Smart Start to 2007'

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours, "Smart Start to 2007" academic success workshops, giveaways and refreshments will make the University of South Carolina's Student Success Center the place to be 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb.1. That's when the center, located on the mezzanine level of the Thomas Cooper Library, will host an open house to celebrate its grand opening.
    
USC students, faculty and staff are invited to stop by the open house to learn more about the center's offerings, which include Supplemental Instruction, academic skills coaching, tutoring, academic recovery programs and initiatives for the success of special student populations.  This array of services can benefit every USC student, said Dr. Dennis Pruitt, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for academic support.
    
"Even as we admit students each year with far more impressive credentials than the previous year," said Pruitt, "we are learning that every student, no matter their capabilities, needs help at some point during their college experience.  The goal for our new Student Success Center is that no student will fall between the cracks, no student will ever be 'invisible' and every student will learn to be receptive to the wide array of services and programs in this center that will ensure their success and satisfaction at Carolina."
    
Highlights of the open house will include the 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Mark Becker, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, and the "Smart Start to 2007" workshops at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.  These workshops, open to all USC students, will help students set goals and create plans for success with the assistance of study strategies, time management tips and campus resources.
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We are excited to have the opportunity to introduce faculty, staff and students to the new programs and resources offered through the Student Success Center," said Dr. Chrissy Coley, director of retention and planning.  "Our staff is here to help students develop a plan for academic success and to support them in fulfilling their potential and reaching their goals at Carolina."
    
For more information, call 777-0684, e-mail student.success@sc.edu or visit the Web site, www.sa.sc.edu/ssc.