To learn more about making the most of your educational experiences
within and beyond the classroom contact:
Laura Carnes, Director, Student Engagement and Success - humphrlb@mailbox.sc.edu
PARTICIPATE: Community Service
Related Course(s)
UNIV 101
NURS 431
PHIL 211
PHIL 322
PSYC 510
SOCY 340
PALM 495
Sites/Experiences
For volunteer opportunities via campus think about joining The USCL Rotaract Club
and USCL Delta Links and Omega Scholars. These organizations offer several sponsored
community service activities throughout the academic year.
Why this is Important
Engaging in community service helps students grow both intellectually and personally.
Community service supports student development in areas such as: recognition of stereotyping
and appreciation of diverse cultures. Additionally, community service allows students
to give back to the community partners who have helped make USCL possible. Community
service builds lasting ties between universities and communities.
Getting Started
Visit the Office of Student Engagement and Success in Starr Hall.
PARTICIPATE: Global Learning
Related Courses:
ANTH 102
ARTH 105
ARTH 106
ENGL 270
ENGL 283
HIST 104
HIST 109
HIST 317
HIST 318
HIST 320
HIST 321
HIST 347
MGMT 406
POLI 341
Recommended Timing/Semester
A travel study destination is approved through the Office of Student Engagement and
Success every year. Normally, trips will depart during Spring Break or Maymester.
Scholarships are offered to help offset the cost of each trip.
Students may also participate in any of the Study Abroad or Maymester travel opportunities
through the USC Study Abroad Office in Columbia.
Campus or Local Opportunities
USC Lancaster travel study trips are approved in the Spring semester of each year.
Typically, trips rotate on a domestic then international basis. Students may earn
course credit for each travel study trip, and the course credit offered varies based
upon destination and instructor.
Why this is Important
Learning how to interact with people from other countries and cultures will help students
address urgent issues (curing diseases, fighting terrorism, finding energy solutions)
within a global society. Global study pushes students embrace cultural and societal
differences and experience diversity first hand.
Getting Started
Visit the Office of Student Engagement and Success or the Office of Academic and Student
Affairs in Starr Hall.
PARTICIPATE: Peer Leadership
Student Organization(s)
Black Awareness Group, Campus Crusade for Christ, Chemistry Club, College Democrats,
College Republicans, Delta Links, EQUAL at USCL, Kappa Pi Delta: Criminal Justice
Student Organization, Lancaster Players, Omega Scholars, Outdoor Recreation Club,
Peer Advisors at Lancaster (PAL), Psychology Club and Psi Beta, Research Club, Rotaract,
Student Government Association (SGA), UNIV101 Peer Mentoring, Veterans Group
Other Leadership Opportunities
The Office of Student Life encourages all students to consider chartering a student
organization, if we do not offer an organization to meet your interests. Please visit
the Office of Student Life to obtain the appropriate paperwork.
Why this is Important
Peer leadership allows students to demonstrate interpersonal relationship building,
take personal responsibility, practice real world critical thinking skills, and foster
the development of leadership skills within the context of social justice.
Getting Started
See any UNIV 101 professor, Director of Student Life, or visit the Office of Student
Engagement and Success
PARTICIPATE: Internships
Recommended Sites/Work Experiences
The Office of Career Services, Palmetto College Coordinator, Associate Degree in
Business Internship Site Coordinator, and Criminal Justice Internship Site Coordinator
maintain an active list of all local businesses seeking internships. USC Lancaster
students have been placed with Nutramax, Founders, the Lancaster Police Department,
Christian Services, Auto Plus Insurance Group LLC, County Solicitor’s Office. Students
are also encouraged to explore other internship opportunities related to their areas
of interest.
Program Internship Requirements
Associate Degree in Business Internship Program, Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
Internship Program, Associate Degree in Nursing Clinical Experience, Bachelor of Liberal
Studies and Bachelor of Organizational Leadership Program
Why this is Important
Gain valuable career related experience as a path for gaining employment upon graduation.
Establish relationships with mentors and engage in opportunities to network with individuals
in your field of study.
How Students can get Started
Visit the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the Office of Student Engagement
and Success, or Career Services
PARTICIPATE: Research
Related Courses
ARTS 104
ARTS 108
Any 399 Independent Study in the desired field
Magellan Scholars Grants
The American College of Sports Medicine Southeast Region Conference: IMPACT OF BIOLOGICAL
ATTRACTIVENESS ON BMI AND BODY FAT PERCENTAGE
The Association of Carolina Emerging Scholars Student Panelists and Presenters 2015
Conference
Sample Research Projects or Topics
The USCL Research Club engages in research in all disciplines and pairs students
with faculty mentors for research in their respective disciplines.
Why this is Important
Undergraduate research experience allows students hands on experience within their
field of study, gain a better understanding of published works, create new knowledge,
and determine an area of interest within their respective academic disciplines.
Getting Started
Attend a meeting of the research club; talk to a professor in your discipline about
engaging in an independent study; visit the Office of Student Engagement and Success
INTEGRATE
How to Integrate
Courses, projects, or other requirements that help students think through what they
have learned from beyond the classroom experiences and how that relates to their course
work, major, or future.
UNIV 101 courses continually integrate beyond the classroom experiences.
Many USCL Student Organizations, offer lecture based series, that allow students to
expand their knowledge base and application of skills learned in the classroom.
ARTS based courses offer students an opportunity to showcase their works in a “gallery”
based atmosphere.
The Research Club hosts a Celebration of Research at the end of each academic year,
allowing students to extend their learning from an academic setting to a real world
conversation.
Career Services helps student connect what they enjoy outside of the classroom with
a future career.
The Office of Student Engagement and Success will work with any student interested
in pursuing Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD) to build a personalized plan
for student engagement and completion of required GLD components.
A UNIV 401 section is offered for GLD students to assist with the reflective thinking
and writing process associated with the ePortfolio as part of the requirement for
GLD.
LEAD
Initial Career Opportunities
Associate degree students may wish to continue their coursework toward a Baccalaureate
degree. Integration of experiences (within and beyond the class room) is a benefit
to any career.
Related graduate Programs
AA/AS students may wish to continue coursework for BA/BS. BA/BS students may wish
to continue graduate work in their related field.
Future Career Opportunities
Associate Degree students can continue in desired field to earn BA/BS or enter the
workforce armed with the ability to make connections between experiences. Bachelor
Degree students can continue in desired field in graduate school or enter the workforce
in their field (or related field) armed with the ability to make connections between
experiences
To learn more about making the most of your educational experiences
within and beyond the classroom contact:
Sarah E. Miller, Associate Professor, semiller@mailbox.sc.edu
PARTICIPATE: Community Service
Related Courses
UNIV 101; any service learning course
Sites/Experiences
Local school districts, local churches, community events *opportunities vary from
semester to semester.
Below are some sites students have volunteered in the past:
Walterboro Campus: Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society, Friends of Colleton County
Animal Shelter, Colleton County Arts Council, Colleton Museum and Farmers Market,
Colleton Center
Allendale Campus: Boys and Girls Club, Partners for Pets of Allendale County, Bedford Stay and Play,
Town of Hilda, Morningstar Health Care, CIS Assisted Living
Why this is Important
Helps the community, offers valuable experience, make professional contacts
Getting Started
See any University 101 professor, Dr. Sarah Miller, Ms. Latoya Robinson (in OSP)
PARTICIPATE: Global Study
Related Course
Foreign Language courses
Middle Eastern History
HIST 104 or 347 East Asian History
HIST 105
Recommended Timing/Semesters
Study Abroad-see Columbia campus Study Abroad trips
International Mission trips
Campus or Local Opportunities
International Student Organization, see Dr. Bryan Lai
International Society (Walterboro)
Why this is Important
Understanding other cultures and backgrounds
Getting Started
See Dr. Bryan Lai
PARTICIPATE: Peer Leadership
Student Organization(s)
Student Government Association; Student Ambassadors; OSP Student Board; Student Nurses
Association; History Club; Education Club
Other Leadership Opportunities
Some work study opportunities; Community organizations; Church organizations
Why this is Important
Gain interpersonal skills; Organizational skills
Getting Started
See any UNIV 101 professor, SGA advisor; April Cone (Nursing), Buddy Phillips (Education),
Sarah Miller (History)
PARTICIPATE: Internships
Requirements
Bachelor of Liberal Studies; Bachelor of Organizational Leadership
Sites/Experiences
On campus internships; Community internships; Business internships
Why this is Important
Makes connections in business, organizations, and community
Getting Started
See BLS/BOL advisor; See any professor in your desired field
PARTICIPATE: Research
Related Courses
Any 399 Independent Study in desired field; Magellan Scholars Grant
Sample Research Projects or Topics
*Ask your professor for research ideas
Chemistry- “Synthesis of Carbohydrate Derivatives for Cancer Stem Cell Discrimination
and Interference” Biology-“Assessment of Reptile and Amphibian Habitat Components
at Red Bluff Lodge in Allendale County, South Carolina Math-”An Identity for Exradii”
English-A reflection on “Warm Bodies, by Isaac Marion” conference presentation History-”Pon
Pon Chapel of Ease: A reflection of local history
Why this is Important
Learn research skills transferable to any field
Getting Started
Discuss with professor in desired field
INTEGRATE
How to Integrate
Courses, projects, or other requirements that help students think through what they
have learned from beyond the classroom experiences and how that relates to their course
work, major, or future.
AA/AS
University 101 Projects integrates course requirements Graduation with Leadership
Distinction integrates learning in all courses into the ePortfolio
BA/BS
Graduation with Leadership Distinction integrates learning in all course into the
ePortfolio BLS and BLS require a capstone project integrating major and minor fields
LEAD
Initial Career Opportunities
AA/AS students may wish to continue coursework for a BA/BS
Integration of experiences (Within the Classroom and Beyond the Classroom) is a benefit
in any career.
BA/BS students can enter their major field or work related field with talents developed
though experiential and integrative learning
Related Advanced Academic Programs
AA/AS students may wish to continue coursework for BA/BS
(bachelor’s or graduate)
BA/BS students may wish to continue graduate work in their related field
Future Career Opportunities
Associates Degree students can continue in desired field to earn BA/BS or enter the
workforce armed with the ability to make connections between experiences. Bachelor
Degree students can continue in desired field in graduate school or enter the workforce
in their field (or related field) armed with the ability to make connections between
experiences.
To learn more about making the most of your educational experiences
within and beyond the classroom contact:
Anna Oswald-Hensley, Coordinator of Records - oswaldan@mailbox.sc.edu
PARTICIPATE: Community Service
Sites/Experiences
Multiple opportunities to partner with local community and civic organizations are
available.
Why is this important Students can contribute to the Sumter community, have valuable
real world experiences, and develop their leadership skills.
Getting Started
Contact Damien Picariello, picaried@uscsumter.edu or Anna Oswald-Hensley, oswaldan@uscsumter.edu
PARTICIPATE: Global Learning
Recommended Timing/Semester
Multiple opportunities are available depending on student interest.
Campus or local opportunities Multiple opportunities for global study are available
through the University of South Carolina
Why this is Important
Students can explore other countries and cultures, build connections and networks
across borders, and prepare for leadership on the global stage.
Getting Started
Contact Damien Picariello, picaried@uscsumter.edu or Anna Oswald-Hensley, oswaldan@uscsumter.edu
PARTICIPATE: Peer Leadership
Student Organization(s)
Many student clubs are available on the Sumter campus.
Other Leadership Opportunities
Students can serve as Peer Leaders or Peer Ambassadors, participate in athletic leadership
or work study, or pursue leadership experiences in a great number of other ways.
Why this is Important
Students can take advantage of the valuable opportunity to practice leadership in
their peer groups, and in so doing can prepare for future leadership roles.
Getting Started
Contact Damien Picariello, picaried@uscsumter.edu or Anna Oswald-Hensley, oswaldan@uscsumter.edu
PARTICIPATE: Internships
Recommended Sites/Work Experiences
Multiple opportunities to partner with local community and civic organizations are
available.
Professional Organizations
The City of Sumter; The Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments; many others.
Why this is Important
Students can gain valuable real world experiences, and develop their leadership skills.
How Students can get Started
Contact Damien Picariello, picaried@uscsumter.edu or Anna Oswald-Hensley, oswaldan@uscsumter.edu
PARTICIPATE: Research
Why this is Important
Pursuing research alongside a faculty member is a wonderful opportunity for students
to both delve deeper into an area of interest and develop leadership skills.
Getting Started
Contact Damien Picariello, picaried@uscsumter.edu or Anna Oswald-Hensley, oswaldan@uscsumter.edu
To learn more about making the most of your educational experiences
within and beyond the classroom contact:
Dr. Randy Lowell, Acting Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, lowell@mailbox.sc.edu
PARTICIPATE: Community Service
Related Courses
University 101, Sociology, Palmetto 494 (Required Internship for BOL and BLS), Palmetto
495 (Service Learning), Independent Study Courses (as coordinated via professor)
Sites/Experiences
Volunteer and Internship opportunities via campus direction/coordination
Union County History Museum, SC Dept of Juvenile Justice, Union County Historical
Society, Union County Dept of Social Services, Union County Dept of Mental Health,
Union County Council on Aging, Union County Adult Education, Union County Office of
Drug and Alcohol Assistance, Upstate Alzheimer’s Association, United Way of Piedmont
(Partnership with USC Union to operate an annual on campus Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Service (VITA))
Why is this Important
Students attending USC Union can supplement their academic learning experiences by
gaining rewarding real world service experiences while attending classes. Courses
such as University 101, Sociology 101, and Palm 494/495, can provide students with
the experience of serving others while learning potential career related and “beyond
the classroom” skills.
Getting Started
Contact Dr. Randy Lowell - Academic Dean, lowell@mailbox.sc.edu or Bill Moore - Student Academic Success Coordinator, moorebil@mailbox.sc.edu
PARTICIPATE: Global Study
Related Course
Foreign Language, Western Art, Custom designed Independent Study courses, Study Abroad
opportunities with other USC Campuses
Recommended Timing/Semester or Destination
Students may participate in any of the Study Abroad or MayMester travel opportunities
that are planned through the USC Study Abroad Office
Campus or Local Opportunities
USC Union, and the various academic disciplines supporting or encouraging foreign
travel or study, will assist students in participating in various opportunities as
they are developed.
International Society (Walterboro)
Why this is Important
USC Union realizes that global travel opportunities expose students to real world
experiences and concepts that they might otherwise only read about. Such travel can
help students become more socially and professionally successful and confident. Additionally,
such opportunities can play a key role in supporting the Graduation with Leadership
Distinction (GLD) component as well as helping students to appreciate the concept
of a “global economy.”
Getting Started
Contact Dr. Randy Lowell - Academic Dean, lowell@mailbox.sc.edu
PARTICIPATE: Peer Leadership
Related Courses
RCAM 205 (Leadership); University 101
Other Leadership Opportunities
On and off campus activities such as Student Government Association (SGA); Men and
Women on a Mission/African American Association (MWOM/AAA); Student Nursing Association
(SNA); Academic Student Success Center-Peer Mentor/Tutoring; Leadership Union (Community
Leadership Partnership with USC Union).
Why this is Important
Programs and organizations that encourage the development of leadership traits tend
to result in increased student confidence, social awareness, and career related opportunities.
Getting Started
Brad Greer, Director of Admissions and Student Organizations (greerm@mailbox.sc.edu)
PARTICIPATE: Internships
Requirements
Students enrolled in the Palmetto Degrees (BOL/BLS) are required to complete a formalized
semester long paid/unpaid internship at a location, business, government agency, or
service agency. Other students wanting to gain career or social service related internships
can do so independently or through coordination with faculty or the Internship/Career
Coordinator.
Professional Organizations
Student Nursing Association (SNA) and Union County Human Resource Association
Why this is Important
Students can gain real world experiences related to their future careers. Students
can also use these opportunities to support Graduation with Leadership Distinction
(GLD) and/or present their experiences at USC Discovery Day each year.
Getting Started
Bill Moore - Student Success Center/Continuing Education, moorebil@mailbox.sc.edu
PARTICIPATE: Research
Related Courses
Magellan Scholarships, Independent Study Course, and related for-credit courses are
available in various disciplines and with instructor guidance/ oversight, such as
Research Methods courses.
Sample research Practical and basic research projects have been conducted as part
of both student-driven research and faculty-driven research. This collaboration between
faculty and student has yielded Magellan Scholars in the areas of Psychology and English,
although such research projects are possible across numerous academic disciplines.
Why this is Important
Students become exposed to practical/real world research methods, data collection,
surveys, reporting methods, and analytical data presentations that prepare them for
future careers and advanced academic study. Additionally students can showcase their
research efforts to their peers via USC Discovery Day, and can also share their work
with scholars in the field via presentations at regional and national conferences,
providing them with invaluable networking opportunities along the way.
Getting Started
Dr. Randy Lowell, Academic Dean, or specific academic discipline professors
INTEGRATE
How to Integrate
Activities such as Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD) and related ePortfolios;
University 401 (Capstone Projects) for Palmetto Degree students, require students
to organize their cumulative experiences and document them through cognitive writing
and public presentations skills. These skill sets are directly preparatory to many
future career requirements and advanced academic study
LEAD
Initial career opportunities
Beyond the classroom experiences directly help students identify practical career
and life enhancing learning opportunities.
Related Anced Academic Programs
The two and four year degrees offered at USC Union, combined with the GLD, (bachelors
or graduate) and various travel and research opportunities, can be directly related
to/ enhance completing four year and graduate degrees in a wide range of academic
majors.
Future Career Opportunities
Today’s employers are looking for students who can combine academic knowledge with
real-world understanding and experiences. The available courses, research, study abroad,
and beyond the classroom opportunities directly help students to reach their maximum
potential during and after college.