Each year, approximately 500 instructors, peer leaders, and graduate leaders teach more than 300 sections of our courses and help over 5,500 students in their transition to, through, and out of college. Each of these students, instructors, peer leaders, and graduate leaders has their own story. Our Impact Stories showcase the individuals who benefit from and contribute to our work, and aim to bring these numbers to life.
When Alyssa Lassen walked into her first University 101 class, she was immediately put at ease by a familiar and trusted face: her instructor, Amy Maier. Read about how their relationship grew from prospective student and undergraduate admissions staff memeber, to University 101 Instructor and student, and eventually to co-instructors.
Sydney inspired Cooper to be a peer leader and Cooper inspired Megan to be a peer leader. While Sydney and Megan have never met, their lives and legacies at the University of South Carolina are interconnected.
Emily Baumann made her University 101 class a home away from home for her students. In 2023, she was recognized as the recipient of the M. Stuart Hunter Award for Outstanding Teaching in University 101.
Father and son, Jason and Tyler Heath enrolled in U101 in 1988 and 2018, respectivley. Although they were University 101 students thirty years apart, they both credit U101 with contributing to their success at the University of South Carolina.
As a student in University 101, Emma and her classmates were given two options for their midterm assignment - conduct an informational interview with an industry professional or participate in the out-to-lunch program with a faculty member. Emma hoped the assignment would help her explore a potential career field, but had no idea it would kick start a passion for research.
Through UNIV 290: International Healthcare, taught by Dr. Patrick Hickey, Taylor Faherty and Zach Travis were able to positively impact the communities they served while gaining confidence, motivation, and a passion for service.
University 101 Instructors find that teaching University 101 helps them to network with colleagues across USC, build stronger connections with the university, and impact students beyond their primary roles.
The students in Dr. Hilary Lichterman's UNIV 401: GLD class found that the act of deep and meaningful reflection paired with integrating their inside and beyond the classroom experiences led to significant professional and personal growth.
Issy Rushton, the University of South Carolina's Student Body President, credits University 101 as the first step on her path to success at Carolina.
As a first-year student, Kate was painfully shy and struggled with homesickness. Thanks to her University 101 Instructor and classmates, Kate was able to develop a community where she felt comfortable and safe.
During the first few weeks of college, Marvin considered transferring to a smaller school. By the end of the semester, the community created in Marvin's University 101 class, made Carolina feel like home.
Graduate Leaders have the opportunity to impact first-year students while also gaining valuable skills and the mentorship of a seasoned higher education professional.
Whether they're working with patients at a clinic or leading a team of communications professionals, University 101 Peer Leaders are able to utilize the skills they learned to make a difference after they graduate.
Caroline inspired Abby to be a peer leader and Abby inspired DeAsia to be a peer leader. While Caroline and DeAsia have never met, their lives and legacies at the University of South Carolina are connected through a ripple effect.
The small class size and nature of University 101 puts instructors in a prime position to develop meaningful mentor relationships with their students. For Scott Kaplan, teaching University 101 gives him the opportunity to mentor his students during their first semester at South Carolina and beyond.
As University 101 Instructors, Tawana Johnson and Dr. Kara Montgomery positively impact first-year students. Teaching the course has also helped them develop skills that enhance their work in their primary roles.
Although they come to the University of South Carolina with previous college experience, USC's transfer students can still benefit from taking University 101. A transfer section of the first-year seminar offers the support and community transfers need to thrive and find their place in their new environment.
Students who struggled academically during their first semester at USC are invited to enroll in a spring section of University 101 aimed at helping them get back on track and achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
Each year, Eileen Korpita teaches two special sections of University 401 designed to help students apply and make the transition to medical school.
Former University 101 students Gabby Brewer and Mac Meyer made significant personal contributions to the learning environment within their University 101 classroom, enhancing the classroom experience for others.
Each fall, students in Tom Syfert's University 101 class participate in a class service project, leading to personal growth, social awareness, and a greater sense of community.
Elizabeth Jennings, a senior at the University of South Carolina, shares how her peer leader experience led to personal growth.
Faculty members Joe Jones, Alan Spies, and Julie Rotholz use strategies learned in their University 101 training to improve their teaching in discipline-specific courses.
Chloe Holowczenko, a sophomore at Carolina, tackled her freshman-year struggles with the help of her University 101 instructor, Hayley Ross.