Overview

Pre-orientation academic advising helps students understand their degree requirements, select appropriate first-semester courses and begin building a clear, personalized academic plan.

During orientation, you will meet with an HRSM academic advisor who will:

• Review your academic record
• Discuss your career interests
• Recommend first semester courses. Your advisor will help you create a balanced schedule that includes major courses, general education courses, UNIV 101 (HRSM sections when possible)
• Help students register for classes

The pre-orientation academic advising appointment will last about 45 minutes. All appointments in future appointments will last about 30 minutes.

Your final schedule will depend on:

• Placement test scores
• AP/IB/dual enrollment
• Major requirements

Advising Steps

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Step 1 – Review Your Major

Look over the description of your major and familiarize yourself with the types of courses offered.

• Hospitality Management
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Services Management
• Retailing
• Sport and Entertainment Management
• Tourism Management

Step 2 – Complete Placement Testing

Placement tests are used to help your academic advisor identify the correct courses for you to take during your first semester. Advisors use these placement results in collaboration with any transcripts, AP/IB credit, etc. to determine the best courses to start your academic journey. There are two main placement tests that you should take before your advising appointment:

1. Foreign Language Placement Test
2. ALEKS Math Placement Test

Step 3 – Complete Pre-Advising Worksheet

The Pre-Advising Worksheet is your chance to share important information with an academic advisor prior to your meeting and should be completed at least one week prior to your scheduled advising appointment. Access your Pre-Advising Worksheet through your Enrollment Checklist in the USC Admissions Portal.

When completing the worksheet, you will be asked to confirm your expected AP, IB or prior higher institution coursework (dual enrollment). Your advisor will recommend courses based on your reported credit, so it is critical that you review and report all anticipated credit within your USC Admissions Portal.

Students are encouraged to bring copies of unofficial transcripts/scores to the pre-orientation advising appointment if credits are still pending.

Step 4 – Watch the HRSM Advising Videos

Students must watch three HRSM advising videos, which provide an overview of DegreeWorks, the DegreeWorks plan and registration holds/time tickets.

• DegreeWorks Overview
• DegreeWorks Plan
• Registration Holds/Time tickets

Step 5 – Prepare Questions

Bring your questions and our advisors will be happy to answer them.

Academic Resources

The University of South Carolina offers many resources to support your academic success:

• University Advising Center
• Office of Exploratory Advising
• Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Office of the Bursar
• University Registrar
• Officed of Undergraduate Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I register for classes?
Students register for classes during the pre-orientation academic advising appointment with an advisor. Watch this helpful video to learn more.

What if I change my major?
Your advisor can discuss your current major only. To discuss alternative major options, students should schedule an appointment with exploratory advising.

What if my transfer credits are not posted yet?
Your advisor will help you choose courses that keep you on track regardless of pending credits.

What if I cannot attend my advising appointment?
Cancel your current appointment and reschedule for a later date/time, within two weeks of orientation session. If an appointment is not scheduled within this window, advisement will take place after orientation. There will be no space in programing for advisement during orientation.

Contact Us

If you have questions before orientation, please contact your summer advisor. Note that work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you haven't been assigned an academic advisor please contact the Office of Student Services at hrsmoss@mailbox.sc.edu.