University of South Carolina Parent Updates – August 1, 2008
Campus Link

Dear Carolina parents,

Move-in Day at the University of South Carolina is just two weeks away on Saturday, Aug. 16! As you and your student prepare for the transition of moving to campus, please let us know if you have questions by calling the Parents Assistance Line at 1-800-868-6752 or sending an e-mail to scparents@sc.edu. For more information about moving in and getting settled at the University, please visit www.sc.edu/uscwelcome.

Make plans to stop by the Parents Information Tent in front of the Russell House on Move-in Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to pick up some cold drinks and other information about programs for parents and student life at the University. Also, encourage your student to participate in the many Welcome Week activities that will be offered during the week leading up to the start of classes.

The 2008-2009 Parents Calendar and Handbook is available on our Web site! Please refer to the calendar throughout the year for important dates, monthly tips for parents and general information about the University. To download a copy, visit www.sa.sc.edu/parents/communication.htm.

*Parents Weekend
Parents Weekend registration continues until Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. online at www.sa.sc.edu/parents. Visit our Web site to view the tentative schedule of events and to register. Please note that events are being added throughout the summer, so check back periodically for schedule updates. A final schedule of events will be given to all registered Parents Weekend participants during check-in. All family members attending Parents Weekend activities must purchase a package. Tickets to the Alabama-Birmingham football game can be purchased in addition to your package (one per package) and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Your Carolina student is invited to attend all events with you! Student admission to the Welcome Reception and Beach Bash is included as part of your Parents Weekend package. However, if your student wishes to attend the Tailgate Party on Saturday, you must purchase a tailgate ticket for him/her. Carolina students are eligible for student football tickets through the online ticket distribution system. Your student should visit www.ticketreturn.com/sc for instructions on how to log into the system and request student football tickets. Information on the ticket distribution schedule, frequently asked questions and policy information is also available on the Web site.


Updates from the University:

*Harris Pastides marks first day as president of the University
Exactly 10 years after joining the University as dean of the Arnold School of Public Health, Dr. Harris Pastides became the University of South Carolina’s 28th president Friday (Aug. 1). After a ceremonial walk from the President’s House to his new office in Osborne Administration Building, Pastides attended a coffee in his honor and began a day of meetings with students, faculty, alumni and state and local officials. In a video shared with faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the University, Pastides said “Our Carolina values will guide everything that we do.” He pledged “to work every day to keep the University of South Carolina affordable and accessible and to increase the value of a Carolina education.” For more information and to view the video, visit http://uscnews.sc.edu/2008/08012008-ADMN_Web051.html.

*Student Success Center offers programs for out-of-state students
As your student begins a new semester of classes, encourage him or her to visit the Student Success Center, located in the Thomas Cooper Library. The Student Success Center coordinates comprehensive resources to enhance student learning and satisfaction. Several sessions will be offered during Welcome Week for out-of-state students to help them get accustomed to life in South Carolina. For more information, visit www.sa.sc.edu/ssc/outofstate.htm.

*Office of Academic Integrity offers resources to help students adjust to new academic workload
As students enter (or continue) in college, they often encounter a new world of people, activities and academics. They may find that adjusting to their new academic workload is not an easy pace. Many times, several papers or projects are due around the same date, and students may find themselves overwhelmed: how will they get everything turned in on time? The Office of Academic Integrity encourages you to talk with your student about plagiarism and its consequences. Help him or her be informed about the South Carolina Honor Code and the resources that are available on campus to assist with academic success. For more information, visit www.sc.edu/academicintegrity.

*August Commencement
August commencement will be held Saturday, Aug. 9. Congratulations to the University’s August graduates! For more information about the ceremony, visit http://registrar.sc.edu/html/graduation.


Finally, the August e-newsletter is attached. It includes articles on preparing for a successful move-in day, valuing active listening, staying safe on and around campus and discussing the challenges of a new semester.

Please continue to visit our Web site for information and resources at www.sa.sc.edu/parents. As always, we are only a phone call or e-mail away, and we encourage your feedback!