USC boasts many special events, but one particular initiative, the day-long Imagine Carolina Presidential Retreat, offers a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with university leaders. Imagine Carolina is more than just a retreat — it’s an opportunity for students to share their perspectives, raise concerns and suggest improvements for the future of the university.

The second-ever Imagine Carolina event was held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 21 and featured two general sessions, a strengths-and-weaknesses exercise and four breakout discussions. Breakfast and lunch were provided, creating a collaborative atmosphere where students felt encouraged to speak freely.

Among the opening speakers were Student Body President Courtney Tkacs and University President Michael Amiridis, both of whom expressed appreciation for the students’ commitment to improving USC. The retreat welcomed students of all majors and class years, with many attendees participating as representatives of their clubs and student organizations.

The impact of Imagine Carolina

Suggestions shared at the inaugural 2022 retreat sparked tangible improvements in campus parking, advising and WiFi.

Some of the changes in effect include:

• A night shuttle service, free on-demand paratransit, Zipcar carsharing and upgraded technology on USC Comet buses 
• Undergraduate advising improvements, including the transition to a four-year comprehensive model
• Enhanced wifi at 32 campus buildings

Student feedback also inspired the creation of the Carolina Experience office, designed to help students thrive beyond their first year at USC. Launched in 2024, Carolina Experience works to support sophomores, juniors, seniors and transfer students to make the most of their time at USC and achieve their graduation goals. 

These efforts reflect how student input continues to shape the university’s priorities. At this year’s retreat, both undergraduate and graduate students voiced a wide range of concerns.

Housing availability and proximity

Housing has been a prominent issue in recent months, making it a natural point of discussion at the retreat. Students mentioned that some first-year residents have been placed in non-traditional living spaces, including study areas in Campus Village, as the university has grown. Others have been assigned to more distant housing such as Park Place and 650 Lincoln. In addition, for the first time since its establishment in 1955, McBryde Hall is accommodating female students as renovations continue at Thornwell.

Russell House capacity

Students raised concerns about Russell House, USC’s student union, noting that it is too small to adequately serve the entire student body. With each of the last four first-year classes breaking enrollment records, the demand for space has outpaced the union’s capacity. One student highlighted Chick-fil-A as an example, arguing that its limited kitchen space contributes to especially long wait times.

Meal plan costs

Meal plans were another topic of debate. Some students questioned the cost of campus dining, noting that the minimum 1,000 dining dollars do not roll over between school years. They suggested that making plans more affordable could foster greater campus unity by encouraging upperclassmen to eat on campus.

Graduate advising

Graduate students at the retreat emphasized the need to bridge the gap between undergraduate and graduate education. As it stands, the university offers 237 graduate degree programs but has only two graduate advisors: one for pre-med and health and another for pre-law and general graduate advising. This, the students said, makes the process stressful for undergraduates hoping to pursue advanced degrees at USC.

Speakers also shared positive developments

Administrators used Imagine Carolina to highlight recent progress, including rising undergraduate satisfaction with academic advising. Moreover, they shared that, in an anonymous on-site survey, students most often used the words “welcoming”, “community”, “exciting” and “fun” when asked to describe the university.

The Division of Information Technology presented on USC’s new partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT Edu to campus. This enterprise-grade license supports education-specific uses such as curriculum enhancement, research, data analysis, study support and career planning. They emphasized that conversations with ChatGPT remain completely private and noted that AI educators and developers are being recruited to train faculty and students.

Improvements on the horizon

To demonstrate the seriousness with which they take student feedback, university leaders previewed new plans to improve parking systems and reduce lot pass costs — both of which were issues previously brought to light by vocal students.

Though Imagine Carolina is a relatively new initiative, it has already proven to be an unprecedented channel for students to actively collaborate with the administration to inspire change on campus. By bringing together diverse perspectives, Imagine Carolina reinforces the message that meaningful improvements are possible when students are empowered to take the lead. If this year’s retreat is any indication, USC’s future will continue to be shaped by the thoughtful input of its students.

The event is expected to return in 2028. In the meantime, students can continue shaping campus life by engaging with student government and attending programs such as Donuts with the Dean.