As the state’s flagship university, the University of South Carolina is a national leader in providing innovative and supportive programs designed to guide students successfully through their first year of college. For instance, USC was recently chosen as one of 13 “Institutions of Excellence in the First College Year” by the Policy Center on the First College Year (funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Atlantic Philanthropies) and was recognized by The Templeton Guide's series: "Colleges that Encourage Character Development." There are a number of reasons why.

10 good reasons
why our first year is first class.

1. University 101 was ranked last year by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 nationally among “Programs that Really Work,” and in the latest rankings as one of the country’s top “Programs to Look For.” Created 30 years ago, University 101 serves as a model for colleges across the country in developing outstanding first-year seminars.
University 101 introduces students to academic resources and campus facilities while addressing areas such as time management, communication, research skills, and critical thinking. Studies show that students who take University 101 tend to graduate and exceed their predicted GPAs at higher levels than students who do not take the course. (MORE)

2. The Carolinian Creed is a written code of ethics that first-year students traditionally sign on the first day of University 101 classes as their pledge to appreciate diversity, respect the viewpoints of others, and practice personal and academic integrity. During Creed Week each October, activities and observances are dedicated to the tenants of the creed. The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators recognized the creed as an exemplary program. (MORE)

3. The First-Year Reading Experience brings first-year USC students together in the fall for round-table discussions with University faculty and staff about their first reading assignment completed over the summer. The experience introduces first-year students to stimulating literary discussion and analysis. (MORE)

4. New Student Orientation is offered during the summer to quickly immerse new students in campus life and to facilitate course registration. Students and their parents who attend consistently sing the praises of our orientation programs. (MORE)

5. First-Year Living and Learning Communities are located in eight residence halls on campus to help meet the academic and personal needs of first-year students. There is a resident advisor (RA) for every 20 students (national norms are 1:40). Academic Centers for Excellence (ACE) in these halls offer tutoring services and computer labs, in-house classrooms, and full-time professional staff. (MORE)

6. The Student Success Initiative (SSI) earned national attention for its training program that helps residence life staff be “intentional and intrusive” in the lives of first-year students. SSI enhances student success and retention through building interpersonal relationships between RAs and students. Proactive discussion and a strong academic intervention initiative are two key features of the program. RAs refer students with less than a 2.00 GPA in the fall semester to academic and support services on campus. (MORE)

7. Sex and the College Student and Alcohol and Drug Awareness Programs use both large and small group presentations to educate first-year students about sexual responsibility and the dangers of drug use and abuse. (MORE)

8. The Minority Assistance Peer Program (MAPP) pairs first-year minority students with successful junior- and senior-level students for mentoring during their first year. MAPP counselors and students are matched according to similar majors and/or interests and meet weekly for workshops, tutoring, and social activities. (MORE)

9. First-Year English Programs provide every English 101 and 102 student with a comprehensive guide to help them understand the course expectations. Topics such as attendance, academic resources, plagiarism, and grading are covered. Emphasis is placed on improving students’ writing skills and challenging them intellectually. (MORE)

10. The First-Year Scholars Program builds community among the first-year Carolina and McNair Scholars and finalists. An orientation, a leadership retreat, and a mentoring program are some of the special activities designed for these young scholars. Coordinated by the Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs. (MORE)

And More …
Beginning with their first year and following them through graduation and beyond, additional first-class USC support for students includes:

• USC Career Center
• Computer Services
• Counseling and Human Development Center
• Fellowships and Scholar Programs
• Law Enforcement and Safety
• Libraries’ Research Assistance
• Pre-Professional Advising
• Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center
• Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Student Judicial Programs
• Thomson Student Health Center