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Student Affairs and Academic Support

2025 News

From Tie-Dye to Transfer Support: Inside the Carolina Experience

The University of South Carolina has built a national reputation on its #1 First-Year Experience among public universities. But what happens after that first year? This question inspired the creation of the Carolina Experience, a coordinated effort designed to support sophomores, juniors, seniors and transfer students throughout their college career.

Student Success Center honored as top collegiate learning center

The University of South Carolina's Student Success Center is continuing to lead the way as an outstanding learning center under the direction of Director Dana Talbert. That excellence has been recognized by the International College Learning Center Association (ICLCA) during its annual conference in October.

USC welcomes inaugural class of Evans Scholars with McCausland Scholarship House opening

Founded in 1930, the Evans Scholars Foundation currently supports scholars at over two dozen American colleges and universities, and for the first time, the scholarship has a cohort in the southeast here at USC.

Dozens tee off for a cause at inaugural FORE Carolina Golf Tournament

The Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support is celebrating the success of the inaugural FORE Carolina Golf Tournament, held at the Wildewood Club on Oct. 23, benefitting the Carolina Cares Fund.

Leveling the Playing Field: The Carolina Experience partnering with Gamecock Athletics to support transfer student-athletes

The Carolina Experience, a cross-coordinating department launched in 2024 to support sophomores, juniors, seniors and transfer students, is reaching across campus. Partnering with another department supporting student success — Gamecock Athletics — the two teams joined together to bring Adulting 101 to transfer student-athletes.

Spur of the Moment: A Podcast for the Curious ep. 4

Welcome to Spur of the Moment, a podcast for the curious! Celebrating Russell House's 70th birthday this week, host Shonta Sellers sat down with Director Kim McMahon to preview the party and talk about the vital role the building has played over the last seven decades.

Russell House celebrates 70 years as USC's 'Grand Central Station'

Marking a major milestone in campus history, the Russell House University Union will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Oct. 16. Known as USC’s “Grand Central Station,” the Russell House is a hub for student life and a cornerstone of community, connection and culture.

32nd National Conference on Students in Transition marks global reach, innovation

The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition hosted it's 32nd annual National Conference on Students in Transition virtually on Oct. 1-3, 2025. This year's 374 attendees marked the highest in the event's recent history, with 263 participants joining for the first time.

Q&A with Resident Assistant Daphne Franklin

Daphne Franklin is a fourth-year Pharm.D. and Honors student at the University of South Carolina. The Virginia native has been a resident assistant in the Honors Residence Hall since 2024 while serving as a teaching assistant at the College of Pharmacy and a DJ for WUSC-FM.

Imagining Carolina: Students and faculty reflect on the future of USC

The second-ever Imagine Carolina event was held on Sept. 21, offering students a unique opportunity to engage directly with university leaders and suggest improvements for the future of USC. More than 100 attended, offering feedback on housing, advising and more.

Marc Shook named a 2026 NASPA Foundation Pillar of the Profession

Dean of Students Marc Shook has been named a 2026 Pillar of the Profession by the NASPA Foundation Board of Directors. Shook recently completed his term as NPI Director for NASPA Region III and the Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA).

NASPA — Curiosity: A Powerful Tool to Navigate Change and Inspire Innovation

Courtesy of NASPA: Curiosity has become a common word online and in everyday conversation. What does it mean to be curious or to remain curious?

By the Numbers: SAAS serves thousands of students during Carolina Welcome 2025

The 2025-26 school year started off strong with more than two dozen Carolina Welcome events. From First Night Carolina to the Student Organization Fair and beyond, our people made August memorable.

Spur of the Moment: A Podcast for the Curious ep. 3

Welcome to Spur of the Moment, a podcast for the curious! This month, host Shonta Sellers sits down with Deonne Yeager, Director of Parent & Family Programs, to preview all things Family Weekend ahead of the festivities Sept. 11-13.

Meet the inaugural Student Affairs Faculty Research Fellows

For the first time, the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support is sponsoring three research projects during the 2025-26 academic year aimed at furthering how the division can best support and enhance the Gamecock student experience.

Spur of the Moment: A Podcast for the Curious ep. 2

Welcome to Spur of the Moment, a podcast for the curious! This month, host Shonta Sellers sits down with VP J. Rex Tolliver to prepare for the semester ahead and explore the theme of curiosity in our work.

New Associate Vice President promises a student-centered experience during first semester leading Student Life

In her eight years leading USC's Leadership and Service Center, Ambra Hiott says one of the keys to creating a strong student experience has been letting students lead the way. Now entering her first semester as the Associate Vice President for Student Life, Hiott is focused on bringing the student perspective to programming across the department.

USC Career Center looks into future of hiring with collaborative AI summit

The University of South Carolina Career Center hosted the two-day summit, Redefining Career Readiness: How AI & Innovation are Shaping the Future of Higher Education, at the University Conference Center in the Close-Hipp Building on July 14 and July 15.

Spur of the Moment: A Podcast for the Curious Ep.1

Welcome to Spur of the Moment, a podcast for the curious! For our first episode, host Shonta Sellers sits down with Dan Colascione, Director of Residence Life for USC, to talk all things move-in and surviving the school year.

'This is our busy time': Housing Facility Operations spending the summer keeping Carolina a home away from home

While most students are away from campus for the summer, the work continues in Housing, especially as campus prepares to welcome roughly 9,000 on-campus residents in the next month. This season is a key time for upkeep, updates and upgrades in the residence halls.

U101 Instructor of the Year coaches students from first-day jitters to community leadership: 'That's the moment when you know you've made a difference'

University of South Carolina students have been taking U101 for over 50 years, but less than 200 have had Bo Hart as their instructor over the past nine years. Many highlighted his commitment to future, past and present students at the Darla Moore School of Business and his overall commitment to building community. According to Hart, that's what makes his role so special.

Paying it forward: 2025 Outstanding First-Year Advocate using her undergraduate experience to position first-year students for success

Simoska, recently named the 2025 Dennis A. Pruitt Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students, says finding her place in a research lab early on in college inspired how she works to provide opportunities to her own first-year students. Now an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in USC's McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Simoska founded the Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI).

SAAS celebrating strong professional development during 2024-2025 year

In 2024, the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support hosted 15 professional development events spread over the campus footprint and generated more than 900 engagements. That number is expected to grow for 2025, thanks in part to the Coffee and Collaborations series that visits different areas of the division each week and the upcoming 2nd Aspire & Advance conference.

USC welcomes record-breaking 93 participants from around the southeast for NASPA Region III/SACSA New Professionals Institute

For the second year in a row, the University of South Carolina's Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support played host to the New Professionals Institute (NPI) for NASPA Region III and the Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA). And for the second year in a row, USC set a new attendance record for the conference.

USC Career Center boosting current students, recent grads as they gain experience this summer

Headquartered on the fifth floor of the Thomas Cooper Library -- the University of South Carolina Career Center serves as a key tool for current student and alumni alike to build and further their professional careers.

2025 USC graduate parlays internship into helping South Carolinians in need

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, one student from right here at the University of South Carolina was among the outpouring of help to rebuild damaged Midlands communities.

VP Tolliver names new Associate VP for Student Life, Assistant VP for Career Readiness

The Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support is excited to announce the appointment of Ambra Hiott to the role of Associate Vice President for Student Life and the addition of Justin Lawhead as Assistant Vice President for Career Readiness and Post-Graduate Success at the University of South Carolina, effective June 1, 2025.

Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support celebrates 2025 award winners

Employees from across the Division of Student Affairs & Academic Support and supporters joined together on April 29 at Williams-Brice Stadium to celebrate the 2024-2025 academic year with the division's annual awards.

USC's Office of Sustainability helps students leave their community better than they found it

Sustainable practices have grown across campus from the founding of the university's Environmental Advisory Committee in 1999 to now. Director Larry Cook and his team work out of Green Quad and advise offices around campus on how they can introduce, promote and support a university-wide commitment to sustainability.

Helping USC Students Move Out Sustainably

Moving out doesn't have to mean sending everything to the dumpster. From donating and swapping to recycling and composting, there are plenty of ways to lighten your load without creating waste.

Executive Director of Housing April Barnes named 2025 Outstanding Senior Housing Officer of the Year

Executive Director of Housing April Barnes has been elected as the next president of the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO) and named the organization's Outstanding Senior Housing Officer of the Year.

A team united in student success

We sat down with Dr. Silvia Patricia Rios Husain and her leadership team to explore what student success means to them, and here are their unique perspectives on how they support students' growth, achievement, and future readiness.

Associate Vice President for Student Success reflects on five years in the job, USC's 'culture of care'

Silvia Patricia Rios Husain, Associate Vice President for Student Success at USC, brings a wealth of experience from her diverse roles in higher education, where she now helps guide students through challenges and opportunities with a multi-faceted approach to support.

Office of Sustainability welcomes more than 60 for inaugural Student Sustainability Summit

The University of South Carolina's first Student Sustainability Summit on February 21, 2025, engaged 66 students in sustainability workshops, service projects, and discussions on environmental justice, highlighting a shift in leadership values toward empowerment and advocacy for sustainability.

Residence Hall Association honored by South Atlantic Affiliate of College & University Residence Halls

The University of South Carolina's Residence Hall Association continues its award-winning streak, bringing home multiple regional and national honors for leadership, advocacy, and programming excellence.

Dr. Will Sheppard uses his wide-ranging student affairs experience to foster sense of belonging at USC

Dr. Will Sheppard, the Director of USC's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, has dedicated nearly two decades to supporting students in their transition through college.

Staff Snapshot: Nora Williams pursues photography passion, invests in art future while at USC

Nora Williams, a Midlands native and USC graduate student, has built an impressive career in photography, transitioning from digital to darkroom techniques and earning credits in major publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone Magazine. Now serving as the Assistant Director of Marketing for the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support.

Cockstock 2025 Brings Quavo and Mariah the Scientist to Colonial Life Arena

Cockstock 2025 drew over 4,000 students to Colonial Life Arena for a high-energy concert featuring Quavo and Mariah the Scientist, marking the event's first spring semester appearance and continuing its tradition of showcasing top artists across genres.

Gamecock Polar Plunge makes a splash for Special Olympics

Gamecocks braved the cold at the 2025 Gamecock Polar Plunge, coming together to raise over $12,000 in support of Special Olympics South Carolina and its athletes.

Honoring MLK Day with Breakfast and Service Across the Midlands

Nearly 200 students and community members honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of service across the Midlands, creating over 2,000 sandwiches for those in need, supporting sustainable gardening, and assisting local organizations.

New AVP of Student Health and Well-Being focused on student experience, increasing quality care

Dr. Stacy Fritz, USC's new Chief Health Officer and Associate Vice President of Student Health and Well-Being, is focused on enhancing student resources, improving outreach, and creating innovative health initiatives to better serve the campus community.

Brian Lusk selected as new Executive Director of Mental Health

Brian Lusk has been named the new Executive Director of Mental Health for USC's Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support, bringing nearly 20 years of experience to lead mental health initiatives and Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), effective Feb. 3.

USC hosted the annual Carolina Clemson Blood Battle and Tiger Burn ahead of rivalry week at the end of November

The University of South Carolina celebrated rivalry week with impressive performances on and off the field, highlighted by a 17-14 victory over Clemson in the Palmetto Bowl and a 9-3 season record. USC also hosted its largest-ever Tiger Burn and contributed to saving 18,684 lives during the annual Carolina Clemson Blood Battle.

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