Student Activities

Alcohol and Drug Programs

The purpose of USC's Alcohol and Drug Program is to provide prevention and education services for students. The education program promotes highly visible and creative prevention programs in which the focus is interaction and fun rather than alcohol or drug use. The program also provides an environment that empowers students who desire drug- and alcohol-free learning and social environments. The overall goal of the alcohol and other drug education program is to actively promote low-risk health choices about the use of alcohol and other drugs. For additional information contact Alcohol and Drug Programs at 803-777-7130 or visit our Web site at www.sa.sc.edu/rhuu/a&d/a&dhome.htm.

Carolina Productions

Carolina Productions (CP) is the student-run programming organization for the University of South Carolina. Carolina Productions sponsors a variety of programs ranging from social to educational and cultural events for the USC community. The organization is composed of seven student commissions: Cinematic Arts, Cultural Awareness, Concert, Homecoming, Ideas and Issues, Special Programs, and Traditional Events. Any student can work with one or more of the commissions in a variety of roles and positions. Additionally, there are opportunities for students to gain valuable leadership skills by serving as an Executive Council member or Cabinet member. Carolina Productions is a great opportunity for all USC students to have a voice in the types of programs and entertainment they want on campus. Carolina Productions is located in the Russell House, Suite 235. Please do not hesitate to contact them at 803-777-7130 or visit their Web site at www.sa.sc.edu/cp for ways to get involved.

Community Service Programs

The Office of Community Service Programs provides opportunities for volunteering and learning through community involvement. The Office of Community Service Programs strives to create reciprocal partnerships with faculty, staff, and students and the community to address unmet needs and provide an environment for learning and development of all partnerships. The office exposes the Carolina community to individual and cultural differences while fostering a commitment to action. Through comprehensive service, reflection, and awareness programs, the Office of Community Service Programs strives to prepare students for lives as active citizens and lifelong learners. For more information on how you can volunteer, visit the office located in the West Wing, Lower Level of the Russell House. The Office of Community Service Programs can also be reached at 803-777-8402 or on the Web at www.sa.sc.edu/ocsp.

Fraternities and Sororities/Greek Life

There are 30 nationally affiliated fraternities and sororities at Carolina, allowing interested students the opportunity to belong to organizations with common goals of academic achievement, community service, leadership, and lifelong membership. The Office of Greek Life operates as a unit within the Department of Student Life, and it serves as a resource for over 2,200 Greek-affiliated students at the University of South Carolina. The key areas of focus include scholarship, leadership development, community service, and programming. Some of the services provided by the Office of Greek Life include advisement of Fraternity and Sorority Council, Alpha Omega, Alpha Series, Sigma Series, Greek Program Series, Greek Camp, and Greek Leadership Retreat. The office also recognizes Greek leaders at the annual Order of Omega awards night. The office supervises the Greek Housing Assistants, who provide leadership for the fraternities and sororities that live on McBryde Quadrangle and in South Tower and coordinate the operation of the Greek Villlage. For more information, call 803-777-3506; visit the Office of Greek Life in the Campus Activities Center, located in the Russell House University Union, West Wing, Lower Level; or visit the Greek life Web site at www.sa.sc.edu/greeklife.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The University sponsors an extensive program in intercollegiate sports for men and women--football, basketball, soccer, track, cross country, baseball, equestrian, golf, tennis, swimming, volleyball, and softball. The University of South Carolina is a member of the Southeastern Conference and its athletic teams regularly play teams of that conference as well as those of other institutions across the nation.

Among the facilities for athletics at the University are Williams-Brice Stadium, with a seating capacity of 80,250; Carolina Coliseum, which seats more than 12,400; and an all-weather track with seats for 2,500. The Carolina Center seats 18,000 and is the nation's 10th largest on-campus indoor basketball arena. The baseball stadium seats 5,000; stands with a capacity of 2,000 are located at the Sam Daniel Tennis Center. The University Club provides the USC golf team with an excellent course for matches as well as practice. The George Terry Spring Sports Center, an indoor facility including dressing rooms, and a weight room located at the Williams-Brice Stadium provide complete, modern facilities for varsity athletes. The Sol Blatt Physical Education Center provides extensive indoor space for student sports, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center features a 50-foot climbing wall, two pools, an indoor track, basketball and volleyball courts, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The basketball practice facility and volleyball competition site is adjacent to Carolina Coliseum.

Intramural Sports

The Intramural Sports Program offers a variety of sporting events with several skill levels offered to provide a positive experience for all participants. Men's, women's, and co-rec activities are available. Activities include but are not limited to flag football, soccer, tennis, softball, basketball, volleyball, golf, and swimming. For more information contact the coordinator of intramural sports at 803-777-4593.

Leadership Programs

The mission of Leadership Programs is to enhance the quality of student involvement, aid in the personal and leadership development of students, and encourage students to seek their full potential through training workshops, conferences, on-call organizational and leadership consultation, leadership recognition, special population programs, and leadership resources.

Programs and services offered include the Emerging Leader program, the Student Leadership Training Conference, Leadership Recognition programs, the LEAD (Leadership Enrichment and Development) Conference, and the Leadership Resource Center. For more information about these and other programs and services, contact Leadership Training programs at 803-777-7130, stop by the office, located in the Russell House, Suite 235, or visit the Leadership Programs Web site at www.sa.sc.edu/leaders.

In order to produce positive effects upon multicultural student retention and success, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs offers myriad cultural support services, diversity education initiatives, and multicultural programming. These programs, services, and initiatives contribute to the holistic student development of all students at the University of South Carolina, help promote an inclusive environment, and foster an appreciation for our differences.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs offers the following: programs that promote appreciation for cultural diversity and multicultural sensitivity such as Basic Theater, Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity (SEED); cultural celebrations such as Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Diversity Week; academic initiatives such as Minority Student Welcome, Minority Assistance Peer Program (MAP), and Honors Night; and advisement for student organizations such as the Association of African-American Students (AAAS), Students Associated for Latin America (SALA), Brothers of Nubian Descent (BOND), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Chosen Gospel Ensemble.

Sports Clubs

A variety of sports clubs are offered to meet the participative needs of students, faculty, and staff. Sports clubs are registered student organizations. Clubs must be registered in accordance with the University and student government regulations governing student organizations. Sports clubs are formed by students who share a common interest in a specific sport. All clubs provide a program of instruction, recreation, and/or competition in a specific sport or recreational/physical activity. The key to a successful sports club is student leadership, student input, and student responsibility. As a student-initiated activity, the members of each club play an important role in determining the scope and direction of the club. Sports clubs expose students to new activities, continue and enhance skills already acquired, develop student leadership skills, provide opportunities for students to develop positive interpersonal relationships and promote an appreciation for cultural diversity, and enhance holistic development through leisure and physical activities. The following is a list of the sports clubs at USC: Carolina Bodybuilding and Fitness, Carolina Crew, Carolina Cycling, Carolina Racquetball, Fencing, Gamecock Dance Sport, Ice Hockey, Judo, Karate and Self-Defense, Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s Rugby, Men’s Soccer, Mountaineering and Whitewater, Roller Hockey, Scuba, Seidokan Aikido, Ultimate Frisbee, Women’s Lacrosse, Women’s Rugby, Women’s Soccer, Wrestling, and World Tae Kwon Do. Contact the director of outdoor recreation and sports clubs at 803-777-4687 for more information.

Student Fitness Programs

The Campus Recreation Fitness Programs are dynamic, progressive, goal-oriented programs that focus on helping individuals balance their health and fitness. The goal is to provide quality services, facilities, and opportunities to assist individuals in obtaining total health and fitness.

The programs offer a variety of group fitness classes, which are designed to accommodate everyone. Classes include step, yoga, kickboxing, mat science, and water and weight workouts. Cardiovascular and weight training equipment are also available for those who want to plan their own workouts. There is time for fitness in every person's schedule and Campus Recreation Fitness Programs are a great way to stay healthy and fit.

Student Government

The University of South Carolina Student Government provides all students with the opportunity to participate in institutional governance. The executive branch (president, vice president, and treasurer) as well as the student senate (46 seats distributed by academic major) are elected in an annual election during the spring semester. Hundreds of appointed positions in the cabinet, special committees, and institutional committees are coordinated by Student Government. Student Government officials regularly meet with student organization leaders, Faculty Senate, University administrators, the Board of Trustees, and state and local government officials to represent interests. Contact Student Government at 803-777-2654 or visit the Student Government Web site at www.sg.sc.edu.

Student Media

The Office of Student Media consists of The Gamecock newspaper (www.dailygamecock.com), Garnet & Black magazine (www.sa.sc.edu/studentmedia/g&b.html), and WUSC-FM radio station (wusc.sc.edu). The Gamecock is published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the fall and spring semesters. Garnet & Black is published four times a year. WUSC-FM broadcasts nearly 365 days at year at 90.5 FM, with a broadcast radius of approximately 30 miles at 2,500 watts. Each medium is a student organization offering valuable experience to all interested students, regardless of major or experience. Located on the third floor of the Russell House, the Office of Student Media welcomes all students interested in broadcasting or any aspect of print journalism. For more information phone 803-777-3888, or visit the Student Media Web site at www.sa.sc.edu/studentmedia.

Student Organizations

There are more than 300 student organizations at the University of South Carolina which serve the various needs and interests of students. Registered student organizations include religious, professional, honor, interest, international, political, sport, residence hall, military, media, Greek, and service organizations. The Office of Student Government and Student Organizations in the Russell House has information on all registered groups and will assist with the formation of new groups at Carolina. For more information on any registered student organization, contact the Office of Student Government and Student Organizations at 803-777-2654 or visit the student organization Web site at http://db.sa.sc.edu/studorg/public.

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