MAY 2008
Campus Link

University of South Carolina Parent Updates – April 29, 2008

Carolina parents,

Today is reading day at the University of South Carolina, and final exams begin tomorrow. Congratulations on another successful semester! Many students will be returning home in the next few weeks, so we encourage you to talk with your student ahead of time about your expectations while he or she is living at home. Allow your student to state his or her expectations as well. Open communication will help resolve future conflicts. Whether your student is taking classes, completing an internship or studying abroad this summer, we are here as a resource for you. Please continue to contact us by e-mail (scparents@sc.edu) or by calling the Parents Assistance Line at 1-800-868-6752 if you have questions or feedback.

Mark your calendars! Parents Weekend 2008 will be held September 26-28. Registration will begin on June 3 and end on Sept. 5. All parents of current students will receive a postcard with more information in late May, but continue to check our Web site for updates at www.sa.sc.edu/parents.

Here are a few updates from the University:

*Commencement exercises will take place on May 9 and 10. To accommodate the growing number of graduates attending the ceremonies, the University has added a third ceremony for bachelor’s and master’s graduates which will take place on Saturday afternoon. For complete information about the ceremonies, visit http://registrar.sc.edu/html/graduation.

*All residence halls will officially close at noon on Friday, May 9. Graduating seniors may remain until noon on Sunday, May 11. Residents who are not participating in commencement exercises or Maymester classes are required to vacate their rooms within 24 hours after their last exam. (This allows staff members to start preparing for May and summer housing.) For more information on procedures for moving out of the residence halls, visit www.housing.sc.edu.

*University of South Carolina students gathered April 22 to thank outgoing President Andrew Sorensen and his wife, Donna, for their leadership during the past six years at the University. For more information about Dr. Sorensen’s farewell reception, visit http://uscnews.sc.edu/2008/04222008-ADMN_Web017.html.

*The University presented its top awards for undergraduate achievement -- the Algernon Sydney Sullivan and the Steven N. Swanger awards -- to three seniors at its annual Honors and Awards Day ceremony on April 17. Chris Gainey of Bonneau, S.C., and Sierra Carter of Britton's Neck, S.C., received the Sullivan awards, the University's highest honor for undergraduates. Amanda Kay Seals of Clinton, Tenn., received the Swanger award, the University's second-highest undergraduate honor. For more information, visit http://uscnews.sc.edu/2008/04172008-FELL158.html.

Our monthly e-newsletters will continue during the summer months, and our office will remain open during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.). If you are planning a visit to campus this summer, stop by and see us! The Office of Parents Programs is located in the Russell House, Suite 115. Also, make plans to visit the McCutchen House on the Horseshoe for lunch. For more information, visit www.hrsm.sc.edu/mccutchen-house.

Finally, the May e-newsletter is attached. It includes articles on transitioning to the next school year, encouraging your student during final exams, taking a look at ethics, preparing for job interviews and helping your student stay healthy during the summer sports season.

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!

Office of Parents Programs
University of South Carolina
Web site: www.sa.sc.edu/parents
Parents Assistance Line: 1-800-868-6752
E-mail: scparents@sc.edu