Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked the most often.

Courses

You can search for distributed learning courses using our website or through the Self Services Carolina (SSC) Program. Some courses may have restrictions (i.e., enrollment capacity, field of study, campus, etc.) placed on them by the departments, colleges/schools and/or campuses.

Current students: Log in to https://my.sc.edu and sign in to the Self Services Carolina (SSC) Program to register.

Non-USC students: Apply for admission depending on your circumstances (e.g., degree-seeking or non-degree seeking) and the level of the course or program of study in which you are interested. For additional information about admission requirements, visit the Undergraduate Admissions Office or the Graduate School websites.

You may contact the department offering the course to request an override to enroll in the course. Override requests are handled by the departments within the college/school offering the course and require their approval.

Tuition and fees vary depending on total course hours, college/school or department offering the course, your residency status, and college campus. Tuition and fee information is available on the Bursar’s Office website.

Instructors who use Blackboard may post the course syllabus prior to the start of the semester. If you require a syllabus prior to registering for the course, you may want to contact the instructor.

If your course is taught using Blackboard, you will be able to access the course online through that Learning Management System. Instructors using other course delivery formats will send you instructions to access the course. Make sure you check your USC email account.

Required textbook information is provided in the syllabus which may be posted in the course information in Blackboard prior to the start of the course.

Course formats vary. Some instructors choose to have a structured schedule with deadlines to be met along with required online course sessions or in-person events (such as an orientation, seminars, etc.). Other instructors choose not to have specific deadlines and allow students to access course materials and complete assignments at their discretion. It is important for you to read the syllabus carefully for this information and check your USC email account regularly. Courses must begin and end on the course dates as assigned according to the term in which the course is offered. These dates will be posted in the Self Services Carolina Program.

Immunization Requirements

Online students must provide immunization records or complete the Distant Learner Waiver. Visit sc.edu/myhealthspace to complete any immunization requirements or complete the Distant Learner Waiver. To complete the waiver:

Log into https://sc.edu/myhealthspace
Select Downloadable Forms (left side of the screen)
Click on the Download button for your applicable form
Fill out the form and save to your device
Click on Upload
Upload the document
Click Save at the bottom of the page

Note that this waiver must be submitted each semester of enrollment. If you do not provide immunization records or submit the waiver each semester, you will receive an immunization hold and will be unable to register for courses. For help with an immunization hold, please contact Student Health Services at 803-777-3175.

Library

Students can start at the library’s homepage to access subscription databases, online journals and ebooks away from campus using their network username and password. Learn more about Off-Campus Access to library resources, including book delivery and scans of print materials. Check out this online guide to accessing and discovering online resources for help getting started.

Online help is available through live chat, virtual Book a Librarian research appointments, email, and online guides and tutorials. See all the ways you can get research help from the library.

Your CarolinaCard is your library card, but you can still use the library if you have never been to campus to get a CarolinaCard. All enrolled students are set up with an online library account that you can use to request and renew materials, see due dates and pin favorite materials to personal lists. Your login is your network username and password. This is also the login to access library databases, online journals, and ebooks.

Billing/Fees

Tuition deadlines are set by the Bursar’s Office. You are responsible for monitoring important dates and paying your tuition bill on time. Failure to pay your bill on time may result in being dropped from your classes.

Questions about your bill should be submitted to the Bursar’s Office prior to the fee payment deadline through their contact form, or in person during normal business hours at 1244 Blossom Street Columbia, SC 29208; or via phone at 803-777-4233.

If you are within the registration dates of the term for your course, you may register and pay the tuition and fees for the course using the Self Services Carolina (SSC) Program.

If you have been dropped for non-payment of tuition fees and the registration dates have passed, you may contact the Instructor for approval to continue in the course. If your request is approved, you will then need to complete the Registrar’s Registration Exception Form. Please be sure to follow the instructions on the form and obtain all required signatures.

If you are enrolled in an online degree program and the Health Center Fee is not waived, contact the Health Center to request the waiver and then work with your department to provide the required information for a waiver for the fee.

Technology Services

Information about accessing Blackboard may be found here. Students can receive 24/7 Blackboard support by calling the IT Service Desk at 803-777-1800 or submitting a service ticket at sc.edu/ithelp.

Submit a request online through the Self-Service Portal
Search the online Knowledge Base
Chat online with a Service Desk technician. Available Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m..

Testing

The course instructor determines how exams are administered and you should consult the course syllabus for information about exams.

No, not all online tests are proctored.

Yes, if your exam is protected by ProctorU. You will be required to pay an $8-14 fee for online proctoring, depending on the length of the exam, directly to ProctorU.

Online Courses