This 6-week long program is dedicated to helping second-year students adjust to their second year at the university and feel welcomed and connected. SophoMORE September will consist of more than 40 events that are designed for second-year students at USC but are open to all USC students.
Sophomore students can get a SophoMORE September punch card at nearly every SophoMORE September event that is hosted by the Carolina Experience or pick one up at the Carolina Experience office! Complete the punch card to win prizes! Go to 10 events and win a free t-shirt! Go to 13 events and win another great prize, such as a prize pack or a gift card to an area business or restaurant!
Don't worry if you lose your punch card! You can always get another one from the Carolina Experience office and the team can check your name on an attendance roster for MOST events. You'll fill out an attendance form at all in-person or virtual workshops. Carolina Card ID card scanners will be used at most outside events!
SophoMORE September punch cards are due on Friday, October 9, 2026 to the Carolina Experience office. The Carolina Experience office is located in Russell House room 034. This can be found behind Panera and down one level.
Questions? Drop The SophoMORE Success team an email at satsi@mailbox.sc.edu
SophoMORE September 2026 Schedule
Participate in a 1-on-1 SSC Service or Carolina Experience Service
Anytime from August 20 - September 30
Participate in the Coffee Convo program, have a SophoMORE Success Consultation, a Discuss the My USC Record consultation, a Money Management Consultation, attend a 1-on-1 tutoring session, or have a general SSC Success Consultation with the Student Success Center or Carolina Experience office!
SophoMORE Welcome Back Carnival
FREE FOOD, fun, carnival games, music, and resources to help kick off your second year! This is YOUR official welcome back event! Rain Date: Sept 10. Hosted by the Carolina Experience. Get your Sophomore September punch card at the Carolina Experience table on Greene Street. A part of SophoMORE September but open to all USC students.
- Thursday, August 20
- 12 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Greene Street
Part-Time Job Fair
Thinking about a part-time job in your second year of college? There are tons of opportunities both on and off campus and the Part Time Job Fair can help you learn about your options! Hosted by the Career Center.
- Thursday, August 20
- 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- RHHU Ballroom
Meet the Carolina Experience Peer Leaders Table
The Carolina Experience Peer Leaders are here to help sophomore students transition into their second year at USC. Stop by and meet some of them, make a button or grab a sticker! Hosted by the Carolina Experience
- Monday, August 24
- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Thomas Cooper Library Patio
Welcome to Healthy Carolina at the Farmers Market
Stop by the check-in table at “Welcome to Healthy Carolina Day” at the first Farmer’s Market to get some great resources for your campus wellness experience during your 2nd year! Hosted by Student Health and Well-Being.
- Tuesday, August 25
- 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Greene Street
Navigating Parking and Commuting Workshop
Living off campus? Trying to figure out where to park and how to get to campus every day? We may not have all the answers, but we do have some tips for making a plan on how to navigate campus! Hosted by the Carolina Experience office.
- Tuesday, August 25
- 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
- Russell House 205
Start with Success
Want to get organized and ready for all of your classes for your fall semester? Pop into this drop in event from the Student Success Center to work on planning out your semester, making a study plans, academic tips, and more. Free food too! Hosted by the Student Success Center.
- Tuesday, August 25
- 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.
- Student Success Center, mezzanine level of Thomas Cooper Library
Second Year Success Workshop #1
Want to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? We've got a plan for that! Join us for this entertaining workshop about steps you can take to thrive in your second year at Carolina. You'll walk away with your own personal sophomore action plan! Hosted by the Carolina Experience Office.
- Thursday, August 27
- 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
- Russell House 205
Service Saturday
Volunteer with fellow Gamecocks in the Columbia community. A great opportunity to meet other sophomores and give back to the community! Hosted by the Leadership and Service Center.
- Saturday, August 29
- 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
- Locations vary around Columbia
Meet the Carolina Experience Peer Leaders Table
The Carolina Experience Peer Leaders are here to help sophomore students transition into their second year at USC. Stop by and meet some of them, make a button or grab a sticker! Hosted by the Carolina Experience
- Tuesday, September 1
- 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Davis Circle
App Smart Workshop
This workshop aims to help students understand what apps exist for students to organize, manage their time, study, and also manage their money, budgets, and debt. Join us to learn how technology can help make these tasks easier! Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience.
- Tuesday, September 1
- 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Online workshop
SophoMORE Tie Dye
Bring your own t-shirt or grab one of the 200 FREE sophomore shirts available and learn to tie-dye while hanging out with other sophomore students. Tie-Dye is from 12-3:30 or until we run out of shirts and dye. Hosted by the Carolina Experience. Rain date is September 10th.
- Thursday, September 3
- 12 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
- Davis Field I
Farmers Market
Stop by the Sophomore September table at the Healthy Carolina Farmer’s Market to get some great resources for your 2nd year! Look for the Carolina Experience’s SophoMORE September table while you shop for local produce and other goodies! Hosted by Student Health and Well-Being.
- Tuesday, September 8
- 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Greene Street
Career Internship Fair- STEM Fields- Day 1
Now is the time to lock in that internship! Interested in a STEM field? Be sure to register for this Career Center fair! Hosted by the Career Center. Dress to impress! First time tours available at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 9
- 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
- Carolina Coliseum
Fellowships Fair
Come one, come all to the Fall Fellowships Fair! Step right up and meet USC students
who have applied for and won national fellowships to make a difference in their communities,
protect the environment, fund graduate studies and build global connections.
In addition to enjoying food, games and music, students will learn more about how
they can get money to do cool things, like study abroad, research and language learning.
Hosted by USC National Fellowships team
- Wednesday, September 9
- 3 p.m.- 5 p.m.
- Davis Field I
Education Abroad Fair
Meet with representatives from various travel providers and learn about how you can study, intern, and volunteer around the globe! Hosted by the Education Abroad Office.
- Thursday, September 10
- m.- 3 p.m.
- Russell House Ballroom
Career Internship Fair- STEM Fields- Day 2
Now is the time to lock in that internship! Interested in a STEM field? Be sure to register for this Career Center fair! Hosted by the Career Center. Dress to impress! First time tours available at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, September 10
- 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
- Carolina Coliseum
Time Management Workshop
There are 168 hours in a single week and so much to do! Sophomore year gets really busy with more course work, involvement on campus and more. It can be hard to keep it all straight. Join us for this practical workshop on how to balance it all. Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience Office.
- Thursday, September 10
- 5 p.m.- 6 p.m.
- Russell House room 303
Don’t Be Scared, Get to Know Your Professors Workshop
Talking with your instructors doesn't have to be intimidating. Learn how to start authentic conversations, make the most of office hours, and build relationships that can lead to mentorship, research opportunities, internships, career advice, and recommendation letters. Hosted by the Carolina Experience.
- Friday, September 11
- 1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
- Russell House 205
Civility Week Kick-Off Event
Stop by and get ready to celebrate civility week on campus! Grab a SophoMORE September punch card at the table! Hosted by the Leadership and Service Center and Student Government.
- Monday, September 14
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location TBA
Meet the Carolina Experience Peer Leaders Table
The Carolina Experience Peer Leaders are here to help sophomore students transition into their second year at USC. Stop by and meet some of them, make a button or grab a sticker! Hosted by the Carolina Experience
- Monday, September 14
- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Greene Street
Thriving in Off Campus Housing Workshop
Living off campus? Concerned about how to manage the commute, stay safe, get along with your neighbors and more? Hear from staff and upperclassmen on how to thrive while living off campus! Hosted by the Carolina Experience. RSVP to reserve your spot!
- Monday, September 14
- 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Russell House 205
Voterpalooza
Are you registered to vote? Ready for the elections this fall? Stop by and learn how to register to vote! Check-in at the main table for have your SophoMORE September punch card signed off.
- Tuesday, September 15
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Russell House Patio
Career Internship Fair- Health Professions
Now is the time to lock in that internship! Interested in a health related field? Be sure to register for this Career Center fair! Hosted by the Career Center. Dress to impress! First time tours available at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 15
- 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
- Carolina Coliseum
Study Smart Workshop
Need help preparing for classes and sharpening your study skills as we return to campus after a summer off? Join us for this session full of tips and advice for a successful academic semester. Hosted by the Carolina Experience and the Student Success Center.
- Tuesday, September 15
- 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Student Success Center, Mezzanine level of Thomas Cooper Library
Etiquette Dinner
You are applying for a job and lunch with the hiring team is a part of the interview. What do you talk about? What are the courses in a meal? What is all the extra silverware? This will be a real practice meal where you will be guided through this and more! Hosted by the Career Center. Dress to impress. An RSVP is required, and space is limited!
- Tuesday, September 15
- 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m.
- RHUU Ballroom
SophoMORE Mug Painting
Bring your artistic skills and decorate a coffee mug and chat with other sophomore students. Mug is yours to keep, good artistic skills not required. Hosted by the Carolina Experience. Rain date is September 28.
- Wednesday, September 16
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Davis Field I
Speak Up with Senate
Chat with representatives from USC’s Student Government as a part of Civility Week. Stop at the table to have your SophoMORE September punch card signed. Hosted by Student Government.
- Wednesday, September 16
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Greene Street
Second Year Success Workshop #2
Want to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? We've got a plan for that! Join us for this entertaining workshop about steps you can take to thrive in your second year at Carolina. You'll walk away with your own personal sophomore action plan! Hosted by the Carolina Experience Office.
- Wednesday, September 16
- 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
- Online workshop
Feels Like Home Workshop
Join us for this interactive workshop designed to foster and increase the sense of belongingness on campus. Participants will partake in meaningful activities, enjoy light refreshments, and have the opportunity to meet a special guest! All students are welcome to come and experience this sense of home and community. Hosted by Student Health and Well-Being.
- Wednesday, September 16
- 6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
- TBA
- RSVP to secure your spot (link coming soon)
Mutual Expectations Workshop and Luncheon
Join fellow students and faculty for lunch and conversation around important topics on the college campus. By opening the lines of communication, we are better equipped to develop a more collaborative learning environment which can help prepare you for life after college. Lunch is free, but an RSVP is required. Hosted by the Carolina Experience office.
- Thursday, September 17
- 1:45 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- RHUU 322
RSVP on the Mutual Expectations website to secure your spot.
How to Land an Internship Workshop
Internships can be a really important and valuable part of the college experience. It is a great way to explore a career field! How do you get one? Join us to hear from experts in the Career Center about the internship process. Hosted by the Career Center and the Carolina Experience.
- Thursday, September 17
- 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Online workshop
Budgeting for Off-Campus Living
Living off campus this semester? Join in for this helpful workshop about how to budget and make money smart decisions in this new environment. Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience Office.
- Monday, September 21
- 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Student Success Center, Mezzanine level of Thomas Cooper Library
Meet the Carolina Experience Peer Leaders Table
The Carolina Experience Peer Leaders are here to help sophomore students transition into their second year at USC. Stop by and meet some of them, make a button or grab a sticker! Hosted by the Carolina Experience
- Tuesday, September 22
- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Davis Circle
Defining Success Workshop
Success in college and beyond is often measured by grades, awards, or resumes—but is that the full story? In this interactive workshop, students will explore how values, self-compassion, and growth mindset can help create a healthier, more sustainable definition of success. Through guided reflection and peer connection, students will leave with practical strategies to support both their academic goals and personal well-being. Hosted by Student Health and Well-Being
- Tuesday, September 22
- 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
- Center for Health and Well-Being 219
- RSVP to secure your spot (link coming soon)
Your USC Story: Understanding YOUR My USC Record Workshop
Ever wonder why when you go to an event the host office swipes your Carolina Card or asks you to sign in? All these experiences show up your personalized My USC Record. This workshop will help you learn how to access your personalized record of your outside the classroom experiences at USC and walk through all the different ways you can use it! Hosted by the Carolina Experience office.
- Tuesday, September 22
- 5 p.m.- 6 p.m.
- Carolina Experience office, Russell House 034
SophoMORE Tailgate
Celebrate wrapping up the first several weeks of the semester with games, food, and connecting with campus partners! Hosted by the Carolina Experience office. Rain date is September 28
- Wednesday, September 23
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Greene Street
SophoMORE Speedy Snacks
You have moved off campus and you are trying to not live out of the vending machine or pay a lot to eat when on campus and away from your apartment. Join us for this informative workshop to talk tips and tricks about easy snacks. We will also have free snacks! Hosted by the Caolina Experience and Healthy Carolina!
- Wednesday, September 23
- 4 p.m.- 5:15 p.m.
- Center for Health and Well-Being 219
Meet the Carolina Experience Peer Leaders Table
The Carolina Experience Peer Leaders are here to help sophomore students transition into their second year at USC. Stop by and meet some of them, make a button or grab a sticker! Hosted by the Carolina Experience
- Thursday, September 24
- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Davis Field II, Longstreet side
Question, Persuade and Refer: Suicide Gatekeeper Training
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a nationally recognized suicide prevention program designed to teach participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and connect individuals to appropriate resources. This concise and evidence-based training empowers participants to act as gatekeepers who can identify and support individuals in distress. Hosted by Student Health and Well-Being.
- Thursday, September 24
- 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Online via Zoom
Exploring Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD) Workshop
Sophomore year is the perfect time to connect with opportunities related to your academic, personal, and professional goals. Engaging in meaningful experiences can help you earn Graduation with Leadership Distinction. Join the CIEL team to learn more about exploring opportunities, pursuing GLD, and making the most of your sophomore year and beyond! Hosted by the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning and the Carolina Experience office.
- Thursday, September 24
- 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Russell House 205
Stack Your Skills: Turning a Certificate into a Career-Ready Game Plan
Your major is just the beginning—now’s the time to make it work harder for you. Join us to learn how USC’s Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Certificates can help you explore your interests, build standout skills, and connect your classes to your future career. Whether you’re already in a certificate or just curious, you’ll leave with simple next steps to boost your resume, LinkedIn, and career confidence. Hosted by the Carolina Experience, the Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET) and the Career Center.
- Friday, September 25
- 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Carolina Experience office, Russell House 034
Service Saturday
Volunteer with fellow Gamecocks in the Columbia community. A great opportunity to meet other sophomores and give back to the community! Hosted by the Leadership and Service Center.
- Saturday, September 26
- 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
- Locations vary around Columbia
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based public education program designed to teach participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. The course provides practical skills to assist individuals who may be developing a mental health concern or experiencing a crisis until appropriate professional support can be obtained. Hosted by Student Health and Well-Being
- Saturday, September 26 AND Sunday, September 27
- 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. on BOTH days
- CHWB 219
- Please note that this is a training, attending both days is required for this specific program.
RSVP to secure your spot (link coming soon)
Get Fed, Give Back Workshop
Join in for this workshop to learn about several programs on campus that provide free food and support!
- Monday, September 28
- 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Location TBA
- RSVP to secure your spot. Link coming soon.
Meet the Carolina Experience Peer Leaders Table
The Carolina Experience Peer Leaders are here to help sophomore students transition into their second year at USC. Stop by and meet some of them, make a button or grab a sticker! Hosted by the Carolina Experience
- Tuesday, September 29
- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Pickens Bridge
Stress Management Workshop
College is stressful– how do you manage your stress? Join us for an engaging, skills-based presentation that helps participants understand how stress impacts the body and mind, and how to complete the body’s natural stress cycle. Through practical techniques and discussion, attendees will identify personalized coping strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout. Hosted by Student Health and Well-Being and the Carolina Experience.
- Tuesday, September 29
- 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Online workshop
Millionaire Mindset Game night
A gamified way to learn about finances post-graduation with real life situations. You will play as a character with an assigned salary, job, and responsibilities on a gameboard similar to Monopoly and Life. Join us for the fun and win prizes! Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience.
- Tuesday, September 29
- 5 p.m. –7 p.m.
- RHUU 322
Meet the Carolina Experience Peer Leaders Table
The Carolina Experience Peer Leaders are here to help sophomore students transition into their second year at USC. Stop by and meet some of them, make a button or grab a sticker! Hosted by the Carolina Experience
- Wednesday, September 30
- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Davis Circle
How to Change Your Major Workshop
Thinking about changing your major? Not sure what is involved or where to start? The University Advising Center will go over all your options in this informative workshop! Hosted by the University Advising Center and the Carolina Experience.
- Wednesday, September 30
- 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Carolina Experience office, Russell House 034
- RSVP to secure your spot. Link coming soon.
Preparing for Midterms Workshop
Build a practical study plan for your midterm exams by exploring personal study strategies and practicing how to break exam materials down into smaller study units. Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience.
- Wednesday, September 30
- 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- RHUU 207A