Honors Orientation

Honors Orientation brings together everything you’ve learned so far about joining the Gamecock and Honors communities this fall. At Honors Orientation, you will hear from upper-level Honors students, find out more about the Honors experience and learn how to get involved within the Honors community. This is also an opportunity to ask questions after completing Honors advising and taking part in USC’s New Student Orientation.

Honors Orientation

Registration for New Student Orientation will open on March 20^th at noon. Honors students will attend one of nine pre-selected New Student Orientation sessions, which will offer a unique and tailored Honors experience with information for students and family. Please plan to register for and attend one of the following sessions:

June 10 - 11
June 17 - 18
June 24 - 25
June 26 - 27
July 8 – 9
July 10 - 11
July 15 - 16
July 24 - 25
July 31 - Aug. 1

These are in-person, two-day overnight sessions during which you will need to be available beginning at 8:00 a.m. on day one and 7:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on day two. Honors students and their families will be invited to join Honors College advisors and staff on the morning of day one for a meet and greet event – we recommend planning your arrival on campus and check-in accordingly. Attendance at the Honors Orientation presentation on the afternoon of day two of New Student Orientation is required for all incoming first-year Honors students. Further details related to orientation schedules will be provided by the Office of New Student Orientation in advance of your selected session.

Join the Honors Conversation!

Follow us on social media and check out our Instagram page this summer to hear more from our Honors Summer Ambassadors about life on campus and what to expect as an Honors student!

Summer 2024 Honors Ambassadors

Armaan Verma

Civil Engineering | Hometown: Irmo, S.C.

Hi! My name is Armaan Verma (he/him), and I am a rising sophomore from Irmo, S.C. I am majoring in civil engineering with a minor in environmental and sustainable engineering. I’m currently involved in undergraduate research involving waste management through hydrothermal carbonization. In my free time, I love to cook, hang out with my two cats and play badminton! I also love to meet new people from many different backgrounds, and I’m so excited to meet y’all this summer!

Fun Facts:
I am learning to crochet.
I love to collect shells, feathers, really anything cool I see on the ground.
I am a huge fan of Nintendo games.

Sophia Conner

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Hometown: Lexington, S.C.

Hi! My name is Sophia Conner (she/her) and I am a rising sophomore originally from Asheville, N.C. but I currently live in Lexington, S.C. I am majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology on the pre-dental track. I am a member of club swim, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Delta Delta Sigma. In my free time, I love to hang out with friends, read literally any type of book and go for runs. The Honors College has been the best decision of my life so I can’t wait to meet all of its new students and help guide them into having the best year ever!

Fun Facts:
I have lived in six different places, including Las Vegas for 4 years.
I am a 5x state champion swimmer and runner.
I hiked El Camino de Santiago in the middle of a monsoon.
I’m originally named after a character in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Hannah Keen

Chemistry and Environmental Science | Hometown: Spartanburg, S.C.

Hi! My name is Hannah Keen (she/her), and I am a rising sophomore from Spartanburg, S.C.! I am double majoring in chemistry and environmental science, and minoring in neuroscience. I am part of USC’s radio station as a DJ, the Astronomy club and the Top Scholars community. I am also involved in research focusing on discovering and analyzing forever chemicals in rivers and drinking water. I spend a lot of my time on campus studying in the Honors Residence Hall study rooms and crocheting in the common rooms. I am excited to welcome the Honors College’s next incoming class and share all the amazing experiences that can be found at USC!

Fun Facts:
I’ve been stargazing at Congaree twice.
I have over 20 Squishmallows.
I love pottery painting.
My favorite video games are Stardew Valley and Spiritfarer.

Courtney Tkacs

Political Science and Public Health | Hometown: Lexington, S.C.

Hi! My name is Courtney Tkacs (she/her), and I am a rising junior from Lexington, S.C. I am a dual degree majoring in political science and public health on the pre-law track. I currently serve as Student Body Vice President, and am a member of Alpha Delta Pi and Phi Delta Phi pre-law fraternity. This summer I will be continuing my position as a Law Clerk Intern for the South Carolina Legislative Council and serving as a Student Life Ambassador for Student Government. I absolutely love getting to serve the Carolina community and I can’t wait to share all of the amazing opportunities the Honors College has to offer!

Fun Facts:
I lived in Alaska from 6th to 9th grade.
Pink is my favorite color.
Top Gun is my favorite movie.

Questions about Honors Orientation?

If you have any questions about Honors Orientation, please contact Ali Mathwig, Director of Advising.

My Honors College