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Orientation

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Summer Term Orientation

Anyone who is beginning classes at the university in the summer is expected to attend New Student Orientation, whether you are a freshman or transfer student. 

Registration opens March 19 at Noon ET!

Registration for New Student Orientation opens March 19 at Noon ET. Read below to learn more about Summer Term Orientation.

 

Overview

If you are beginning classes in May or June (Summer Term), you are required to attend a Summer Term Orientation session in May. These are in-person, one-day sessions during which you will need to be available beginning from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. During your session you will hear from university faculty and staff, meet with an Orientation Leader and peers, attend an academic college visit, learn about university resources and take care of several campus business items. In addition, this is when you will meet with an advisor and get registered for fall courses. Lunch will be provided during your session. Students must participate in all components of their Orientation session in order to successfully complete advising and registration.  

Attendance is mandatory for the entire New Student Orientation program. You must attend all components of your Orientation to be advised and register for classes.

If for any reason (e.g., flight delays, traffic, weather, etc.) you are late to your session and arrive past 8:30 a.m., you will need to contact the Office of New Student Orientation to reschedule. 

 We cannot guarantee any schedule adjustments, even for travel-related plans. It is essential that you are available for the entirety of the Orientation program.

While attending New Student Orientation, you will:

  • Connect with South Carolina faculty and staff and get to know some of your peers. 
  • Learn about living at the University of South Carolina. 
  • Get acquainted with our campus policies and procedures. 
  • Receive a list of resources to help you succeed during your first semester and beyond. 
  • Learn about your academic program’s curriculum and degree requirements.
  • Attend an academic advising appointment and register for classes. 

In order to have a successful New Student Orientation experience, complete the following tasks prior to attending:

  1. Complete the Enrollment Checklist in your USC Admissions Portal. This includes completing your immunization forms, placement tests and citizenship and residency verifications
  2. Register for New Student Orientation. Registration opens March 19 at Noon ET .
  3. Register your guests for Family and Supporter Orientation. Families, supporters and guests are encouraged to attend with their student.
  4. Complete your Cocky Transitions Modules. Let's get cocky about becoming a Gamecock! Our comprehensive Pre-Orientation Modules will set the tone for your Orientation and deliver important information about your specific USC experience.
  5. Submit your CarolinaCard photo. You will pick-up your CarolinaCard during your session. This is your official USC ID.
  6. Gather donations for the Gamecock Pantry. Non-perishable food items are collected during each session to support the Gamecock Pantry within the Gamecock CommUnity Shop.

Participation in our programs involves frequent migrations to and from various campus buildings. If you or your family member/supporter have mobility restrictions at the time of your session, please be sure to indicate this in your Orientation Portal under the ‘Special Accommodations’ section. Golf carts will be made available for those needing assistance. 

Additionally, please make note of any other special accommodation related to sight, hearing, dietary restrictions, etc. in your Orientation Portal so that our staff can plan for your arrival accordingly.  

We recommend having your Orientation Portal updated with any special accommodation no later than a week prior to your session. Otherwise, feel free to contact the Office of New Student Orientation for any updates or changes. 

Specialized Academic Programs

Our team offers a variety of Orientation programs for specialized academic programs at the university. Find your program below to determine if there is anything you need to prepare for prior to your session.

Incoming fall student-athletes will be required to attend Orientation on May 23.

Closer to the start of the semester, the Dodie Anderson Academic Center will host an additional Orientation program for student-athletes only. 

Dates and Fees

Summer Term Orientation is a one-day program. Students should plan to be available from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

  • May 8
  • May 23

If you are planning your attendance around a standing commitment (e.g. graduations, work, vacation, etc.), please do so after you have formally registered and paid for New Student Orientation.

Students: $130 per student 

Families and supporters: $50 per family member/supporter. Click here to learn more about the Family and Supporter Orientation program. 

The New Student Orientation registration fee covers all supplies and resources used during your session. It also covers your lunch, parking, facility rentals, equipment, printing and staff salaries.

Changing or Cancelling Your Session

Sessions remain open until filled. If the session does not fill, it will close two business days prior to its start. You are able to change your New Student Orientation reservation at anytime, as long as the new desired date is still open. If you need to cancel your reservation, you will need to do so at least two weeks prior to your session in order to request a refund. To request a refund, please email our office at orientation@sc.edu. In your email, please include the following student information:

  • First and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Contact information
  • Reason for refund

There is a $35 administration fee associated with all refunds. You will receive an email confirmation upon your request being approved.


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