Weather related announcements and updates

As a state agency, the university follows the decisions made by Richland County government offices for potential closures. Check this page for the latest information during weather events.

The University is operating under normal conditions.

All students and employees are urged to register for Carolina Alert and update personal contact information at my.sc.edu/emergency. For up-to-date weather alerts and other emergency notifications, follow Carolina Alert on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Hurricane Helene: USC Campus Update (9/30/24)

With the resumption of classes today, USC is here to assist students, faculty and staff who may still be impacted by Hurricane Helene. While we know the vast majority of residents in Richland and Lexington counties have had power restored, some are still dealing with localized issues.

 

For members of the Columbia campus community, we will make the following available immediately: 

  • The Thomas Cooper Library will stay open 24 hours a day for students who need a place to study and access Wi-Fi. Note: a  CarolinaCard is required for entry. Normal hours will resume Wednesday.
  • Because we have received reports that fresh water is not available to those who utilize well water, locker rooms at the STWFC will be open to any student, faculty or staff member who needs a place to shower. Please be prepared to show your CarolinaCard for entry.
  • The Russell House 2nd floor will remain open 24 hours a day for dining and study space. This means that there will be no gap in food availability in Russell House, and Chick-Fil-A and other brands will operate until 11 p.m. (open for faculty/staff/students and families). Students can use CarolinaCa$h, debit, credit, meal plan dollars, and meal swipes. However, CASH will not be accepted.
  • Dining has extended the hours of operation for Feathers and Flames (Grille) located in Gamecock Park for the next 48 hours.  Gamecock Park will close at 9 p.m. and reopen Feathers and Flames at 11p.m., serving until 7 a.m.
  • As previously announced, no class attendance will be taken today or tomorrow and all scheduled assignments and exams for these days will be postponed. Students are reminded to reach out directly to their instructors if they have special circumstances. 
     

Ways to Help

For those who wish to contribute to members of the USC community who have been adversely impacted, an emergency relief fund will soon be established with more information to come.

Other ways to help this week include

  • “Stuff the Bus: on Greene Street Friday, Oct. 4 sponsored by Student Government.
  • The Gamecock CommUNITY Shop is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. to assist faculty, staff and students. Current donation needs include peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, beans, fruit, pasta, toilet paper and menstrual products. 

 

To help us better assess overall needs of students living off-campus, students experiencing storm-related problems are encouraged to participate in a brief survey. 

 

Many also are asking how they can assist other campuses in the Carolinas that are suffering major storm damage. Please know that our Emergency Management team is coordinating with our USC system campuses and state officials to determine how we can best assist other institutions in the coming days and weeks.