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College of Information and Communications

2025 College News

College offers several new study away trips

The College of Information and Communications is excited to announce two new study away programs taking place in May and June, offering students fresh opportunities to explore the world while expanding their academic horizons.

From the gridiron to the lab: How College Sports Social Pulse is changing the game

The Social Media Insights Lab is creating a college football ranking system that tracks fan sentiment on social media using a complex computer model.

College creates Robotics Hub in new Emergent Technology Lab

Fan Yang, director of the Emergent Technology Lab, is leading a charge to expand the future of artificial intelligence and robotics at USC.

Speaker explores information integrity and resilience in the age of technology-enabled threats

The College of Information and Communications hosted professor Sonny S. Patel on Nov. 19 for the fall Information Integrity Initiative lecture, “Signals Under Siege: Information Integrity, Infrastructure and Community Resilience in the Age of Technology-Enabled Threats.”

Fellowship explores best practices in environmental reporting

For nearly 30 years, Sammy Fretwell has documented South Carolina’s most significant environmental issues. Now, he’s guiding 12 student fellows in transforming complex environmental topics into engaging, impactful stories.

Fox News Media executive headlines the Baldwin Lecture

The 2025 Baldwin Lecture will feature Suzanne Scott, CEO of FOX News Media.

Celebrating first-generation contributions in the CIC

The CIC is intentionally designing programs and opportunities that meet the needs of first generation students in order to continue to build an environment where every student can thrive.

The universities driving sports tech innovation at the college level

The CIC Social Media Insights Lab and College Sports Social Pulse were named to Sports Business Journal's list of top university innovations in collegiate sports.

Forever to thee with the CIC

CIC alumni gathered on campus for Homecoming 2025, reconnecting with old friends and celebrating their shared memories and Cocky’s Reading Express. View photos from the event.

USC Palmetto College and College of Information and Communications partner to expand AI education statewide

A formalized agreement was signed during a ceremony on Oct. 9 at the newly renamed USC Palmetto College AI Innovation Lab at USC Sumter, marking a major milestone in the statewide AI-4-SC initiative.

College and USC Press to offer children's books at State Fair

The college has announced a partnership with USC Press to support the reprinting of select Young Palmetto Books. The books will be available for purchase at the South Carolina State Fair, Oct. 8-19.

Looking forward: Welcoming new faces

We are excited to begin the new academic year by welcoming new faculty to our vibrant college community. From expanding the instructional capabilities in our fast-growing sports media major to enhancing our expertise in AI, they bring new depth and breadth to the college.

Tracking shifts in public trust, use and perceptions of AI

The third wave of the AI Global Public Opinion Tracker reinforces earlier findings, aligning with other U.S. surveys and highlighting clear trends for communication, journalism and workplace AI.

College to partner with The Post and Courier on unique student opportunity

Each semester, 10 students will be selected for the “The Post and Courier Experience” to prepare them for future work in the communications industry.

Charles Bierbauer obituary

Charles Johann Bierbauer, journalist and educator, died at age 83 on Aug. 29, 2025, at his home in North Carolina. His generous heart gave out after a good, long life.

College mourns death of founding dean

For his students and colleagues, Charles was not just a dean or professor — he was, in every sense, a teacher. The tributes reflect this deeply.

Grow with Google teaches AI skills to small businesses and nonprofits

Grow with Google collaboration brings AI training to local small businesses and nonprofits

College hosts Admitted Student Day event to welcome prospective students

Admitted Student Day in the CIC brings together faculty, staff and current students to give visiting families and potential students an understanding of the learning environment and sense of community the college provides.

New alumni relations manager committed to community building at CIC

Margaret Vess brings a dynamic blend of project management expertise and community-building passion to her role in the college. She has cultivated a career dedicated to creating meaningful connections and fostering engaging experiences.

Former Ford and eBay executive Suzy Deering named executive-in-residence at USC College of Information and Communications

The College of Information and Communications announced the appointment of Suzy Deering, a seasoned leader in global marketing and communications, as its new Executive-in-Residence.

AI-4-SC: CIC and USC Palmetto College partner to bring AI education to South Carolinians

This semester, the College of Information and Communications is offering a series of courses on artificial intelligence that are free to the public.

Delegation from USC visits Taiwan's National Chengchi University

Led by Dean Tom Reichert, the group visit aimed to strengthen existing collaborations with NCCU's College of Communication and explore new partnerships with the Global Communication and Innovation Technology program and the Graduate Institute of Library, Information, and Archival Studies.

College releases new AI Index study

See results of the survey which explores various aspects of AI, including its impact on news consumption, social media engagement, and professional tasks related to communication.

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