Parents Weekend 2013

Tentative Schedule of Events
Updated Thursday, May 23

Friday, October 4
Saturday, October 5
Sunday, October 6

Friday, October 4

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections
Ernest F. Hollings Library (enter through the main library entrance of Thomas Cooper Library)
Stop by the Ernest F. Hollings Library and take a look at the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections! The exhibit in the gallery is “Art in the Library: Original Artwork from the Collections of the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.” Sponsored by University Libraries

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
South Carolina Political Collections
Ernest F. Hollings Library (enter through the main library entrance of Thomas Cooper Library)
Visit the Ernest F. Hollings Library to view South Carolina Political Collections! The exhibits are “Integration of Higher Education in South Carolina” and “Wreaking Havoc: The Art of the Political Cartoonist.” Sponsored by University Libraries

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open House in the University Archives
South Caroliniana Library (located on the Horseshoe)
Visit the exhibit “Fiftieth Anniversary of USC” in the Lumpkin Foyer. Sponsored by University Libraries

9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Department of Art Open House
McMaster College
Stop by McMaster to see student artwork, which will be on display throughout the building and on the grounds. Students and prospective students can have their art and design portfolios reviewed by faculty.  There will be demonstrations and hands-on activities, as well as screenings of student films. Join professors for short, stimulating presentations in Room 214, 2-5 p.m. Presentation topics include: Alfred Hitchcock, Nano-Art, Modern Art, Manga Comics and Digital Game Design. A campus tour highlighting the architectural styles on the campus will be guided by an architectural historian. Sponsored by the Department of Art

10 a.m.-4 p.m.
My Carolina Alumni Association Ring Week
Russell House, First Floor
The Official University of South Carolina Ring will be on display and available for students and alumni with 60 credit hours or more. Students and parents are invited to stop by to speak with Balfour representatives and learn about the Official University of South Carolina Ring tradition. Sponsored by My Carolina Alumni Association

10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Parents Weekend Check-In
Russell House Ballroom
All registered Parents Weekend participants should check in to pick up their materials, including the Guide to Parents Weekend, schedule of events, nametags, tickets and other goodies!

10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Parent Resource Fair
Russell House Ballroom
While you’re checking in for Parents Weekend, visit with representatives from the Career Center, CarolinaCard, Carolina Dining Services, My Carolina Alumni Association, Parking Services, the Police Department, Student Health Services, Student Life, the University Bookstore at the Russell House and University Housing. Registered for the Parents Weekend 5K? Pick up your race packet! Sponsored by the Office of Parents Programs

11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Food for Thought
Bates Diner (located at Bates House)
Spend some quality time with your student by enjoying lunch at Bates Diner, which is located at Bates House. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great food and catch up with all that has happened so far during the fall semester. Students must have a current meal plan for their family to participate. Students pay with their meal plans and family members eat free when they show their Parents Weekend nametags! Sponsored by Carolina Dining Services and the Office of Parents Programs

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management Gourmet Family Lunch with the Dean
McCutchen House, Horseshoe
Families of students who are majors in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM) are invited to a special lunch with the dean and other faculty at the McCutchen House! You must have registered in advance to attend. The cost is $10 per person, and your HRSM student eats free when you register for the lunch. Sponsored by the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

1-3:30 p.m.
It’s Not the Library You Remember
Thomas Cooper Library
The Research, Instruction and Reference Departments will host a drop-in open house for parents and students. Stop by to find out what’s new, what’s changed, and what has stayed the same in helping students make the most of the libraries on campus. Sponsored by University Libraries

1-1:45 p.m.
Career Center: Helping Students Navigate Pathways to Success
Russell House
Learn how the Career Center is helping students decide on career goals, the importance of experience and how to succeed in this highly competitive job market. The director of the Career Center, Thomas Halasz, will lead the discussion on Carolina students competing in the global job market and answer questions about Career Center programs and services. Sponsored by the Career Center

1-1:45 p.m.
My Student is Greek – Now What?
Russell House
Did your son or daughter just join a fraternity or sorority? Come learn about the new member process and how you can help him or her make the most of the experience. You will get a chance to meet staff from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and student leaders from Fraternity and Sorority Council. Sponsored by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

2-2:45 p.m.
Preparing Your Sophomore Student for Success
Russell House
Ever heard of the sophomore slump? Families who have students who are in their second academic year at USC should attend this session to learn about opportunities and pitfalls that students may face in their second year. Attendees will learn about resources on campus that can help their sophomore students and what questions they can ask of their students to help them navigate their sophomore year successfully. Sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement

2-2:45 p.m.
Study Abroad Information Session
Russell House
This informal session will provide information about the study, intern, volunteer and research abroad opportunities available to USC students as well as answer questions about credit, financial aid, scholarships and study abroad. Families also are encouraged to stop by the Study Abroad Office, located in Legare College room 321, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.

2:30-4 p.m.
Pre-Professional Advising Parent Drop-In
Sumwalt College, Room 208
The Pre-Professional Advising Department will sponsor a parent drop-in for parents whose students are interested in attending any pre-med, pre-law or pre-dental programs. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Pre-Professional Advising

3-4 p.m.
Help, My Student is Stressed: Recognizing and Responding to Emotional Distress
Counseling and Human Development Center, Byrnes Building, 7th Floor
Having a child away at college can be very exciting and stressful. It can be even more stressful when the child is showing signs of emotional distress. We will review signs of depression, anxiety and suicide warning signs to help you know when it is more than “normal college stress”. We will review ways to help your student and discuss resources available to students on campus. Sponsored by the Counseling and Human Development Center

3-4 p.m.
Opportunities Abound in Public Health: A Drop-In
Public Health Research Center, Lower Lobby
Parents and students are invited to a reception to meet faculty and staff in the Arnold School of Public Health! Learn more about the undergraduate degrees in public health and exercise science. Sponsored by the Arnold School of Public Health

3-3:45 p.m.
Study Abroad Information Session
Russell House
This informal session will provide information about the study, intern, volunteer and research abroad opportunities available to USC students as well as answer questions about credit, financial aid, scholarships and study abroad. Families also are encouraged to stop by the Study Abroad Office, located in Legare College room 321, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.

3-3:45 p.m.
Air Force ROTC 101
ROTC Center, Drill Hall
Curious what life is like for an Air Force ROTC cadet?  Find out at this session! Activities will include a group leadership problem, an Air Force ROTC mission brief and ceremony demonstrations, as well as a Q&A session. Parents of current/prospective cadets are encouraged to attend. Sponsored by Air Force ROTC

3-3:45 p.m.
University 101: Parents Edition
Russell House
Over 80 percent of first-year students at USC participate in the nationally recognized first-year seminar, University 101. To provide insight into the University 101 experience, this parents-only session will engage you in a classroom experience similar to what your student experiences! You will participate in a lesson plan related to personal time management and balancing priorities. Come see how University 101 helps students successfully transition to the University and achieve personal and academic success in their first year of college. Sponsored by University 101 Programs

3-3:45 p.m.
What’s the Big Deal About Sweet Tea?
Russell House
Is your son or daughter an out-of-state student? This presentation will give parents of out-of-state students a primer on the South, Southern culture, USC traditions and all the tips, resources and information they need to help their children succeed socially and academically at the University of South Carolina. In addition to tasting Southern cuisine and learning about Southern culture and history, this interactive workshop provides students and parents the opportunity to interact with other out-of-state families and learn about the academic & student support resources available to out-of-state students. Sponsored by the Student Success Center

4-5 p.m.
School of Library and Information Science Drop-In Reception
Davis College
The School of Library and Information Science invites parents and guardians of students in the Information and Science degree program to this drop-in reception. Please join our staff and faculty for food and fellowship! Sponsored by the School of Library and Information Science

4-5:30 p.m.
School of Journalism and Mass Communications Dessert Reception
Carolina Coliseum, Blossom Street Lower Lobby
Students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and their parents are invited to this reception. Enjoy dessert and meet faculty and staff from the school. Sponsored by the School of Journalism and Mass Communications

5-6:30 p.m.
President’s Welcome Reception
President’s House, Horseshoe
Drop by the President’s House to meet Carolina’s “first family,” Dr. Harris Pastides and Ms. Patricia Moore-Pastides, as they officially welcome you to Parents Weekend 2013! Visit the beautiful President’s House and gardens while enjoying a few hors d’oeuvres. Make sure to wear your Parents Weekend nametag! Sponsored by the Office of Parents Programs

5-8 p.m.
Open Climb
Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center, Climbing Wall
The 52-foot climbing wall, one of Outdoor Recreation’s most popular programming areas, is something that the office would love to encourage parents and families to explore. Join the office for an “open climb”! (Available to all USC Family members age 12 and up). The climbing wall staff is also happy to share other opportunities students have to experience the outdoors while at Carolina.  Sponsored by Outdoor Recreation

6:30 -8 p.m.
Arcadia Reception and Longstreet Theatre Tour
Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St.
The Department of Theatre and Dance will host the play Arcadia by Tom Stoppard. The Department will host a pre-show reception and tour at the historic Longstreet Theatre at 6:30 p.m. The reception will begin on the Longstreet Theatre stage at 6:30 p.m. and the tour will begin at 7 p.m. To sign up for the tour (and make reservations for the Oct. showing of Arcadia), parents must contact Leigh Cowart in the LongStreet Theater office at 803-777-5208 or cowartl@mailbox.sc.edu. Sponsored by the Department of Theatre and Dance

8 p.m.
Arcadia
Drayton Hall Theatre, 1214 College St.
The Department of Theatre and Dance will host the play Arcadia by Tom Stoppard. The Department of Theatre and Dance will offer a discounted ticket ($10) to Parents Weekend participants to see the play. To receive the discount, parents must show their Parents Weekend name tag in person at the box office. The main box office is located at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St, and is open from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. Parents may also purchase tickets in person at the Drayton Hall box office the night of the performance. Drayton Hall is located at 1214 College St. The box office phone number is 803-777-2551. Sponsored by the Department of Theatre and Dance

8-11 p.m.
Carolina Beach Bash
Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center
Enjoy a true Southern beach party while enjoying great food and music! Bring your dancing shoes for one of South Carolina’s most enjoyable traditions– beach music. Make sure to wear your Parents Weekend nametag, and enter the party at the pool house gate located on Park Street. Sponsored by the Office of Parents Programs

Saturday, October 5

8 a.m. (rain or shine)
Parents Weekend 5K
Solomon Blatt PE Center, Wheat Street
Run or walk the 5K course for fun with your family! Pre-registration is highly encouraged, and more information about pre-registration will be available soon. Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a Parents Weekend 5K t-shirt. Dress for a hot, humid South Carolina day! Sponsored by Campus Recreation and the Office of Parents Programs

10 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Check-In time subject to change based on Football game)
Parents Weekend Check-In
Russell House, Ballroom
All registered Parents Weekend participants should check in to pick up their registration materials, including the Guide to Parents Weekend, schedule of events, nametags, tickets and other goodies!

10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections
Ernest F. Hollings Library (enter through the main library entrance of Thomas Cooper Library)
Stop by the Ernest F. Hollings Library and take a look at the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections! The exhibit in the gallery is “Art in the Library: Original Artwork from the Collections of the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.” Sponsored by University Libraries

10 a.m.-1 p.m.
South Carolina Political Collections
Ernest F. Hollings Library (enter through the main library entrance of Thomas Cooper Library)
Visit the Ernest F. Hollings Library to view South Carolina Political Collections! The exhibits are “Integration of Higher Education in South Carolina” and “Wreaking Havoc: The Art of the Political Cartoonist.” Sponsored by University Libraries

10 a.m.-4 p.m.
My Carolina Alumni Association Ring Week
Russell House, First Floor
The Official University of South Carolina Ring will be on display and available for students and alumni with 60 credit hours or more. Students and parents are invited to stop by to speak with Balfour representatives and learn about the Official University of South Carolina Ring tradition. Sponsored by My Carolina Alumni Association

11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Food for Thought
Bates Diner (located at Bates House)
Spend some quality time with your student by enjoying lunch at Bates Diner, which is located at Bates House. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great food and catch up with all that has happened so far during the fall semester. Students must have a current meal plan for their family to participate. Students pay with their meal plans and family members eat free when they show their Parents Weekend nametags! Sponsored by Carolina Dining Services and the Office of Parents Programs

Parents Weekend Tailgate Party
Time TBD, starts two and a half hours before football game kickoff
Get excited for the football game against University of Kentucky at this traditional, Southern tailgate party! Visit with Cocky, Cocky’s parents and the cheerleaders, and listen to live entertainment! Plenty of food and drinks will be available. Please refer to the Football Fan Guide for parking information, or take the shuttle to the game. Make sure to bring your Tailgate Party and football game tickets! All guests, including Carolina students, must have a ticket to enter the Tailgate Party. If you did not purchase your student a ticket with your registration, please purchase it at check-in on Friday or Saturday as student tickets will not be available for sale at the entrance to the Tailgate Party. Please note that individual tickets to this event for people other than your USC student are not available as this ticket is exclusive to the Parents Weekend package. Sponsored by the Office of Parents Programs

South Carolina vs. University of Kentucky
Time TBD
Williams-Brice Stadium
Enjoy Carolina football as the Gamecocks take on the University of Kentucky Wildcats! Make sure to take your tickets for the game, and enter the stadium at the correct gate. Be in your seats at least 20 minutes before kickoff to experience the best entrance in college football!

7 p.m.
Arcadia
Drayton Hall Theatre, 1214 College St.
The Department of Theatre and Dance will host the play Arcadia by Tom Stoppard. The Department of Theatre and Dance will offer a discounted ticket ($10) to Parents Weekend participants to see the play. To receive the discount, parents must show their Parents Weekend nametag in person at the box office. The main box office is located at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St, and is open from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. Parents may also purchase tickets in person at the Drayton Hall box office the night of the performance. Drayton Hall is located at 1214 College St. The box office phone number is 803-777-2551. Sponsored by the Department of Theatre and Dance

Sunday, October 6

11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Food for Thought
Bates Diner (located at Bates House)
Spend some quality time with your student by enjoying lunch at Bates Diner, which is located at Bates House. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great food and catch up with all that has happened so far during the fall semester. Students must have a current meal plan for their family to participate. Students pay with their meal plans and family members eat free when they show their Parents Weekend nametags! Sponsored by Carolina Dining Services and the Office of Parents Programs

Noon-1:30 p.m.
Capstone Scholars Program Reception
Capstone, Campus Room
Capstone Scholars and their families are invited to join the Capstone Scholars faculty and staff members for a drop-in reception. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres while meeting other Capstone Scholars families and learning more about the wonderful initiatives your students participate in on campus! Sponsored by the Capstone Scholars Program

12:30-2 p.m.
South Carolina Honors College Picnic
Horseshoe
The South Carolina Honors College invites the families of all current Honors College students to attend a picnic on the historic Horseshoe. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. For more information, call 803-777-6280. (The rain location is the Russell House Ballroom.) Sponsored by the South Carolina Honors College

1-4 p.m.
Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections
Ernest F. Hollings Library (enter through the main library entrance of Thomas Cooper Library)
Stop by the Ernest F. Hollings Library and take a look at the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections! The exhibit in the gallery is “Art in the Library: Original Artwork from the Collections of the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.” Sponsored by University Libraries

1-4 p.m.
South Carolina Political Collections
Ernest F. Hollings Library (enter through the main library entrance of Thomas Cooper Library)
Visit the Ernest F. Hollings Library to view South Carolina Political Collections! The exhibits are “Integration of Higher Education in South Carolina” and “Wreaking Havoc: The Art of the Political Cartoonist.” Sponsored by University Libraries