The University of South Carolina’s Inclusive Excellence Institute is designed to help USC-system staff and faculty deepen their knowledge and understanding through a leadership development curriculum grounded in participants’ lived experiences. By taking personal and collective responsibility to ensure all experiences are valued and welcomed, participants will develop and apply an intentional growth mindset that promotes effective practices in their everyday lives. Throughout the Institute, participants will engage in interactive conversations, exercises, and learning experiences focused on access and opportunity. 

A non-refundable fee of $300 is charged to the department if the applicant is selected to participate. This fee is used solely to cover the Inclusive Excellence Institute expenses including speaker fees, training materials, assessments, and other costs.

To ensure a productive and cohesive learning experience, we have established the following attendance expectations for all participants:

• Commitment to Participation: The Inclusive Education Institute consists of 16 carefully curated, in-person sessions designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills in inclusive excellence education. Your consistent participation is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this program.
• Attendance Requirement: Participants are expected to attend all 16 sessions in-person. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. Therefore, each participant can miss a maximum of 2 sessions throughout the program.
• Notification of Absences: If you anticipate missing a session, please email the Office of Access and Opportunity team at ooaoeducation@mailbox.sc.edu. Timely communication helps us manage session dynamics and ensures that you receive any necessary materials or information from the missed session.
• Impact of Excessive Absences: Missing more than two sessions may impact your ability to complete the program successfully. Participants with more than two absences will be deferred to the next cohort experience to continue their learning.
• Active Participation: Attendance goes beyond physical presence. Participants must actively engage in discussions, activities, and assignments to contribute to the collective learning experience. 

All sessions will be held in-person on the USC-Columbia campus.

• Session 1: August 28 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 2: September 11 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 3: September 25 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 4: October 2 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 5: October 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 6: October 30 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 7: November 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 8: December 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 9: January 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 10: February 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 11: February 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 12: March 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 13: March 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 14: April 2 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 15: April 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Session 16: April 30 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Presentations and Awards)

* Current schedule is tentative and subject to change. 

* A scheduled date may coincide with a religious or cultural observance. This does not imply any lack of care or respect. We deeply honor and respect all traditions and observances.

Lunch will be provided on each session day.

Contact the Office of Access and Opportunity at ooaoeducation@mailbox.sc.edu for additional information regarding the Inclusive Excellence Institute.