The Office of Student Advocacy is the first stop for students and family members who need help navigating the university– and for faculty who have questions or concerns about students.
Contact the Office of Student Advocacy
- Chat: sc.edu/ask
- Call: 803-777-4872 (4USC)
- Email: studentadvocacy@sc.edu
- Visit: Russell House West Wing Suite 115
The office’s Ask USC Initiative which launched in March, ensures that students, family members, faculty and staff members can get help when, where, and how they want it. Knowledgeable staff are available in person, by phone, email, and online chat to answer questions and refer Carolina community members to resources, programs, and policies.
The office supports faculty members and instructors by:
- Answering questions regarding university policy
- Identifying options to manage and resolve conflict
- Providing recommendations to consider when supporting students
- Verifying student absences
While the Office of Student Advocacy provides a variety of services, the most frequently requested are related to excused absences.
- During the 2023-24 academic year, the office received 7,370 requests from students for excused absences and make-up work.
- After reviewing each request, in accordance with attendance policies and verifying documentation, the office sent 5,724 notifications last year.
Excused absences are defined in the undergraduate and graduate attendance policies, but faculty members can excuse any absence they deem appropriate.
- Students can request an excused absence by completing the Student Advocacy Report Form.
- Students are encouraged to request make-up work and complete it within one week of returning to class.
- Students must make their requests within 30 days of their absence and before the last day of regular class meetings or before grades post if the absence occurs during final exams.
The Office of Student Advocacy can get you connected to resources and programs that will help you make the most out of your college experience. Make informed choices. Ask USC.