Eligibility

The contest is open to all University of South Carolina first-generation students, currently enrolled at the Columbia campus for  Summer or Fall 2026 coursework, and in good academic standing.  The definition of first-generation used by the University of South Carolina is, "neither parent has completed a four year degree." Contest entries must be accepted by 11:59 p.m. on June 1, 2026. Artwork must be submitted electronically with the completed entry form. 

The winner receives a $100 gift card and their name will appear in the First-Generation newsletter and on social media. The winning artwork will be shared digitally and on First-Generation Celebration Week 2026 t-shirts. Winners will be notified by email on or before July 15, 2026.

 

Contest Details

Contest Theme

Original artwork should reference "First-Gen Celebration Week 2026" or "First-Generation" and one or more of the following themes:

• University of South Carolina life.
• College life in general.
• First-generation student pride.
• First-generation community.

 

Who May Enter

Any first-generation University of South Carolina student from any major or discipline from USC Columbia, enrolled in Summer or Fall 2026 classes can enter the contest. Multiple entries from the same artist are acceptable, but please see the FAQ section, below, for details. Submissions without the entry form will not be considered. Submitted entries must be the original work of the student who is submitting the work.

 

How to Enter

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on June 1, 2026. Artwork must be submitted electronically with the completed entry form.

 

Design Specifications

1. The size and orientation should be appropriate for printing on the back of a t-shirt with an imprint size of 12x 14 inches. The file size limit is 14 MB, and a resolution of 300 dpi is preferred.
2. Acceptable file types are JPG, PNG, and PDF.
3. If creating digital art using the university’s garnet, the official color is CMYK: 9,100,64,48.
4. No photography or religious themes will be considered. Also, no AI artwork or stock images may be submitted.

 

Reproduction Rights

Artwork files may be edited by the USC graphic design team to reflect final language, messaging and university brand standards. The university also reserves the right to alter the submitted artwork to ensure it meets accessibility standards and other parameters. The university will retain all reproduction rights to submitted artwork, with credit given to the artist. The University of South Carolina agrees not to sell any of the artwork or any reproduction of the artwork. Artists warrant that they are the sole proprietor of the artwork and agree to assign all copyright and other intellectual property rights in the artwork to the university. Entries must be original work and must not infringe on the protected rights of other artists or violate any copyright laws.

 

Judging

All entries will be reviewed and selected by the 2026-2027 First-Generation Celebrations Working Group, with final approval by the First-Generation Center staff. Artwork will be judged on creativity, artistic expression and merit, and how it applies the contest theme(s). The winner will be notified by email on or before July 15, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact firstgen@sc.edu.

 

FAQ

Do the dimensions of my art matter? Does it have to be in a horizontal or vertical format?
The size and orientation of your artwork should be appropriate for an imprint size of 12x14. The image will be reproduced on t-shirts. Please see "Design Specifications," above, for technical guidelines.

Can I create a design without any words, or should I include any specific messaging?
You should incorporate the words "First-Generation" or "First-Generation Celebration Week 2026". Make sure the words are readable. The artwork will be featured on the back of a t-shirt and possibly on a button. 

I am supposed to ensure that the work I submit is my own, but can I use university logos and/or symbols in my design?
Yes, you are welcome to use any of the university's marks and logos in your personal design. You are not required to do so, however. 

Are online USC students eligible to participate?
Yes! As our criteria above state, the contest is open to all first-generation University of South Carolina students, regardless of how you attend the university.

May I submit artwork on behalf of someone else?
No. Submitted entries must be the original work of the student who is submitting the work. Any design that is created by an artist other than the student who is submitting it will be disqualified. All designs submitted must be the work of current USC students.

Am I allowed to submit more than one design?
Yes, we will accept multiple submissions from the same artist. However, we request that each submission be substantively different. If you have multiple versions of the same artwork that vary only marginally (e.g., changes in color choice, font, minor details), please submit only your favorite version.

 

FGC Graphic Design Contest Entry Form

Forms and artwork must be submitted by the 11:59pm June 1, 2026 deadline.