USC: Division of Student Affairs

University of South Carolina Parent Updates – October 3, 2008

Dear Carolina parents,

Thursday is the official midpoint of the fall semester and the start of fall break. Many students will be planning a trip home or to visit with friends from another University. If you have any questions about the break, please call the Parents Assistance Line at 1-800-868-6752.

The University’s Vehicle Management and Parking Services, in conjunction with Student Government, will run an extended airport shuttle to and from the Russell House and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport for all major breaks during the 2008-2009 school year, including Oct. 8-9 for fall break. For more information and to sign-up for the shuttle, visit www.sg.sc.edu/colaMetroAirportFallBreak.htm.

Updates from the University:

*University launches monthly “Healthy Carolina Farmers Market”
Hundreds of faculty, staff and students bought fresh fruits and vegetables and sampled spanakopita made from First Lady Patricia Moore-Pastides’ recipe on Sept. 16 at the University’s inaugural farmers market. The Healthy Carolina Farmers Market is part of a national collegiate trend to promote nutrition education and sustainable agriculture (buying fresh produce from local farmers) to students, faculty and staff. Dates for upcoming markets are Wednesday, Oct. 22, and Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information, visit http://uscnews.sc.edu/2008/09162008-STUD276B.html.

*New probation and suspension policy
The University has adopted a new probation and suspension policy effective fall 2008 for new students and fall 2010 for all enrolled students. First-year students who earn less than a 2.0 this fall will be required to schedule an academic coaching session with the Student Success Center during the first six weeks of the spring semester. The minimum grade point average required during the second semester for students on probation to avoid suspension varies according to cumulative hours earned. For more information, visit www.sc.edu/bulletin/ugrad/acadregs.html#acad%20standing.

*University offers shuttle to football games
During the 2008 Carolina football season, the University is offering a shuttle service from campus to the stadium area for all home football games. The shuttle is free to Carolina students with a valid ID card and $5 per person for other riders. Service begins five hours prior to kickoff and runs until two hours after the game with limited service throughout the game. For more information about pick-up and drop-off locations, visit www.sc.edu/vmps/gameday.html.

Finally, the October e-newsletter is also attached. It features articles on depression, study-abroad opportunities, the importance of sleep and helping students market their skills.

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