UofSC WELCOME
Each year, we roll out the garnet carpet for new and returning students. For the fall of 2020, students will be treated to three weeks of virtual, hybrid or safety-minded in-person activities to celebrate their arrival on campus.
During UofSC Welcome 2020, students will rejoin our campus community over a three-day period. Once the unpacking stops and families head home, students have time to explore campus, see the changes we've made to protect campus health, and safely meet fellow classmates before and after classes begin on Thurs., Aug. 20.
Beginning with Move-In Days and continuing into September, students can join in on a range of fun, campus events
such as Carolina Welcome, First Night Carolina, Convocation, the start of classes and more. All events have been adapted or modified to allow
for safer in-person attendance or virtual to make popular events accessible for more
students. Look for events and details in coming weeks, but please remember campus
health and safety precautions may require changes to event scheduling, times and locations.
Welcome Events
We are excited to welcome our new and returning Gamecocks this fall! While campus may look and feel a little different, there is still so much to look forward to as we kick off a new year of memories at UofSC. The days before and after classes begin are a busy but fun time for both new and returning students.
All events are subject to change. Please check back daily for additional events and
modifications.
Last updated: Wednesday, August 12, 2020
August 16 – 22, 2020
When: Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, times vary
Where: Horseshoe
Check with your Resident Mentor to learn when you'll take part in this Carolina tradition.
Student Participation Expectations:
- Wear your face covering throughout the event
- Stay in your small group of 45 people (or less) at all times
- Keep physical distance and follow the instructions of your group leader and event staff
- Don’t touch other people or surfaces
- Use provided hand sanitizer during the event
- Bring a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated
Please note, while this event celebrates a big Carolina milestone and university traditions, participation at this event is voluntary.
When: Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, times vary
Where: Horseshoe
Check with your Resident Mentor to learn when you'll take part in this Carolina tradition.
Student Participation Expectations:
- Wear your face covering throughout the event
- Stay in your small group of 45 people (or less) at all times
- Keep physical distance and follow the instructions of your group leader and event staff
- Don’t touch other people or surfaces
- Use provided hand sanitizer during the event
- Bring a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated
Please note, while this event celebrates a big Carolina milestone and university traditions, participation at this event is voluntary.
When: Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, 8–9 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Sponsor: Gamecock Entertainment
Join a one-of-a-kind gameshow experience by playing along with fun games like trivia, guess the picture, fill in the blank and more. All you need is a computer!
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, times vary
Where: Horseshoe
Check with your Resident Mentor to learn when you'll take part in this Carolina tradition.
Student Participation Expectations:
- Wear your face covering throughout the event
- Stay in your small group of 45 people (or less) at all times
- Keep physical distance and follow the instructions of your group leader and event staff
- Don’t touch other people or surfaces
- Use provided hand sanitizer during the event
- Bring a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated
Please note, while this event celebrates a big Carolina milestone and university traditions, participation at this event is voluntary.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, 8–9:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Sponsor: Carolina Productions
Whose brain will reign?! Come show off your trivia knowledge and see if you have what it takes to win. Go to Carolina Production's Garnet Gate page for details and the link to join virtually!
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, 11 a.m.
Where: Virtual | sc.edu
Sponsor: Provost
New students can log in virtually for the official welcome for incoming members of the Carolina family.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, 1–4 p.m.
Where: Russell House Ballroom
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Learn about the cultural norms and historical relevance of the eight historically African-American fraternities and sororities within the National Pan-Hellenic Council in a low stress environment. Attendees will be able to learn about the cultural norms of NPHC organizations and meet some members to clarify early concerns regarding joining organizations.
When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Gamecock Greeting Crew will be on-hand the first two days of classes to welcome students back to campus and help them find their way to their classroom buildings. Be on the lookout for Student Success Center staff in teal Aloha Carolina shirts if you need help.
When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, 9–10 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Do you believe in mind reading? Even virtually? Come be convinced and amazed by Spidey the Mentalist by using the link on Garnet Gate.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Gamecock Greeting Crew will be on-hand the first two days of classes to welcome students back to campus and help them find their way to their classroom buildings. Be on the lookout for Student Success Center staff in teal Aloha Carolina shirts if you need help.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Russell House, multiple locations
The AAAS Welcome Back Cookout welcomes students — both undergrad and graduate — to mix and mingle and learn about on-campus organizations such as the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Enjoy food, drinks and friendly conversation with new friends.
When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020
Where: Virtual | Community Partners
Service Saturday is a monthly service day where volunteers can choose from a range of service sites. Take this opportunity to engage with the Columbia community.
August 23-29, 2020
When: Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, 5–8 p.m. (tentative)
Where: Russell House, multiple locations
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
The OMSA CommUNITY Welcome is a time for new and returning students to celebrate diversity on the UofSC campus. Learn about student organizations and campus partners that work with Multicultural Student Affairs. This year’s CommUNITY Welcome will take place in two parts. One part will be in Russell House from 5-8 p.m. and will feature a virtual scavenger hunt and prizes. Can’t make the in-person program? We'll share a video on the OMSA website to help you get to know the student organizations that make up our Leadership Council.
When: Monday, Aug. 24, 2020
Where: Russell Underground
Sponsor: Carolina Productions
Mondays are the worst, but they don't have to be! Come join Carolina Productions in Russell Underground for good vibes and great music. Go to our Garnet Gate page to check your vibe!
When: Monday, Aug. 24 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Community Partners
Sponsor: name
Find your volunteer fit with the Community Service Fair. Tune in Monday through Friday this week for daily videos featuring local community partners who will be discussing Columbia volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups. Watch on YouTube or check out our Community Partner Map to find an organization that matches your interests.
When: Monday, Aug. 24 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Scavenger Hunt Form
Sponsor: University Libraries
Learn more about the services and collections of University Libraries by completing our online scavenger hunt for a chance to win some prizes and swag.
When: Monday, Aug. 24 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Russell House Ballroom/Carolina Coliseum
When: Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Find your volunteer fit with the Community Service Fair. Tune in Monday through Friday this week for daily videos featuring local community partners who will be discussing Columbia volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups. Watch on YouTube or check out our Community Partner Map to find an organization that matches your interests.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Scavenger Hunt Form
Sponsor: University Libraries
Learn more about the services and collections of University Libraries by completing our online scavenger hunt for a chance to win some prizes and swag.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Russell House Ballroom/Carolina Coliseum
When: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, 8–9:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Sponsor: Carolina Productions
Everyone loves free stuff, but what's better than free money? Join Carolina Productions for a virtual free money gameshow and a chance to win some cash. Go to Carolina Production's Garnet Gate page for more info and the link to join virtually.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Find your volunteer fit with the Community Service Fair. Tune in Monday through Friday this week for daily videos featuring local community partners who will be discussing Columbia volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups. Watch on YouTube or check out our Community Partner Map to find an organization that matches your interests.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Scavenger Hunt Form
Sponsor: University Libraries
Learn more about the services and collections of University Libraries by completing our online scavenger hunt for a chance to win some prizes and swag.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Russell House Ballroom/Carolina Coliseum
When: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Russell House
This informal program is designed for candidates to learn more about the national and local history and traditions of the eight historically African-American fraternities and sororities within the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Attendees will also be able to see traditional steps and strolls linked to each organization.
When: Thursday, Aug. 27 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Find your volunteer fit with the Community Service Fair. Tune in Monday through Friday this week for daily videos featuring local community partners who will be discussing Columbia volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups. Watch on YouTube or check out our Community Partner Map to find an organization that matches your interests.
When: Thursday, Aug. 27 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Scavenger Hunt Form
Sponsor: University Libraries
Learn more about the services and collections of University Libraries by completing our online scavenger hunt for a chance to win some prizes and swag.
When: Thursday, Aug. 27 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Russell House Ballroom/Carolina Coliseum
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Handshake
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, noon–5 p.m.
Where: Hybrid | Russell Underground
Join Dance Marathon for our Opening Day Scavenger Hunt. Have fun while exploring campus and while getting to know the largest student-run organization on campus. Get involved, win prizes and get registered for the best dance party in the world. Get the latest on Instagram at @uscdancemarathon.
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Intake Orientation is the formal program designed for candidates to learn more about the membership intake process, core principles, policies, and how to report hazing about organizations within the Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council. Attendance at this program is required for any candidate interested in pursuing membership with MGC or NPHC for this academic year. Attendees only need to attend one session to receive credit.
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, 8-10 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Do you have what it takes to escape? Join us through the link on Garnet Gate for a virtual escape room adventure.
When: Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Find your volunteer fit with the Community Service Fair. Tune in Monday through Friday this week for daily videos featuring local community partners who will be discussing Columbia volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups. Watch on YouTube or check out our Community Partner Map to find an organization that matches your interests.
When: Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Virtual | Scavenger Hunt Form
Sponsor: University Libraries
Learn more about the services and collections of University Libraries by completing our online scavenger hunt for a chance to win some prizes and swag.
When: Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
Where: Russell House Ballroom/Carolina Coliseum
When: Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, 2–4 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Sponsor: Gamecock Entertainment
NEW THIS SEMESTER! Join us every Friday as Greene Street turns into your canvas. Gamecock Entertainment provides the chalk so you can create a mural of your choice.
When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, 8–9 p.m.
Where: Hybrid | Garnet Gate + Russell Underground
Sponsor: Gamecock Entertainment
Come enjoy a live show from stand-up comedian Mandal in Russell Underground or enjoy our livestream from the comfort of your home! Free laughs starting at 8pm.
August 30 – September 4, 2020
When: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, 6 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
MGC Showcase is the informal program designed for candidates to learn more about the national and local history and traditions of the six fraternities and sororities within the Multicultural Greek Council. Attendees will also be able to see traditional steps and strolls linked to each organization.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Intake Orientation is the formal program designed for candidates to learn more about the membership intake process, core principles, policies, and how to report hazing about organizations within the Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council. Attendance at this program is required for any candidate interested in pursuing membership with MGC or NPHC for this academic year. Attendees only need to attend one session to receive credit.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Russell Underground
Want to add some flair to your face covering? Come design a custom face mask with us in the Russell House Ballroom. Go to Carolina Production's Garnet Gate page for details.
When: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, 8–9 p.m.
Where: Virtual | Garnet Gate
Paint your heart out through a guided virtual painting class. Pick up your supplies at the Russell House.
When: Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, 2–4 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Sponsor: Gamecock Entertainment
NEW THIS SEMESTER! Join us every Friday as Greene Street turns into your canvas. Gamecock Entertainment provides the chalk so you can create a mural of your choice.