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Parents and Families Gateway

The Office of Parent and Family Programs is your partner for student success.

The University of South Carolina's parents and families gateway is one of many ways we share information and resources with Gamecock families. The gateway, the Gamecock Family Hub, mobile app, assistance line and social media are useful resources that help you stay engaged and focused on what matters to you most — your student’s success .

 

Office of Parent & Family Programs

Phone: 803-777-3008
Email: scparents@sc.edu
Mobile App: https://guidebook.com/app/uofscparents/ 

We understand that parents and families need our office at various points in their student’s journey at South Carolina. We partner with you to support your student’s growth and success at the university. In moments where you can’t find an answer or just need guidance to find the right resource, make us your first call.

Join the Gamecock Family Hub
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Supporting Your Student

Every student's university experience is different, and each year can bring moments that call for new support and resources. Review the tabs below to match popular topics with trusted resources to see the services they can provide. Can't find what you're looking for? Email or call Parent and Family Programs for help.

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Academics

Every student deserves the opportunity to do great work in the classroom. USC designs and provides comprehensive resources to support students’ academic achievements.

 

Academic Advising & Coaching: Advisors help students define and achieve goals from freshman year to graduation, this includes individualized and ongoing learning support.

Changing Majors (Exploratory Advising): Advisors are available for in person or remote major change advising sessions to understand the next steps.

Student Success Center: Your student’s one-stop resource for academic support, including tutoring, peer writing, study skills and money management. Transfer and sophomore students can find tailored support here, too.

Student Disability Resources: Provides support and helps coordinate efforts to ensure registered students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations. 

Career Center: Supports students at all stages of career planning from identifying possibilities to making decisions on future direction to searching for hands-on experience.

Food and Housing 

Food security and a safe place to live are crucial to student success. These resources can help with matters related to food and housing.

 

Campus Dining: Carolina Food Co. is committed to serving the campus community through delicious food and excellent service.

Gamecock CommUnity Shop: Our campus food pantry, created for students by students, is free, confidential and provides assistance and resources. Donate today!

Meal Plans: Explore available meal plan options and where to use them on and around campus.

Move In Details: One of the most memorable days of your college career is the first time you move in to your residence hall.  Learn everything you need to know about packing, loading, unloading, unpacking and finally setting up your room.  

On-Campus Housing: Get to know on-campus residence options and opportunities available inside our vibrant Carolina community.

Off-Campus Student Services: Find resources and support for students living off campus and get to know local neighborhoods in Columbia.

Search Off-Campus Housing Options: View local listings and tips on finding housing that matches your needs. Check our message boards for roommates wanted.

Postal Services: The one-stop shop offers package pickup for on-campus resident students, postal retail and passport services. For details on mailing letters and sending packages, please review the website.

Health, Well-being and Safety

Navigating the college experience can challenge students from time to time. Our campus community is dedicated to a safe experience for everyone and offers these resources to help.

Emergency: USCPD at 803-777-4215 or 911
Thrive@Carolina 24/7/365 Mental Health Support
Student Care and Outreach Team (Care Team)

Get Involved

Help your student make the most out of their college experience. USC offers countless opportunities to connect with fellow students and pursue activities that align with their passions and goals.

 

Dates and Deadlines

When is the next holiday break? What days are finals? When is the last day to drop a class?
Don't miss an important date or deadline.

View the calendar

Future Gamecock Families

Ready to explore a future at South Carolina as a family? Check out admissions requirements and financial assistance opportunities, or learn about campus visit options to get a taste of Gamecock life!

Latest Announcements and News

Stay informed about what's happening at USC. Browse the latest headlines and articles.

Announcements

Make your summer count: Earn an interdisciplinary certificate or summer minor

This summer, don't just relax – level up your academic profile with an Interdisciplinary Certificate or Summer Minor offered by USC's Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET).

Apply by June 14 for summer internship incentives

The South Carolina Internship Program offers $3,000 awards to support students of all majors gaining work experience in high-demand industries in the Palmetto State.

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Stories for Parents

man and woman embrace while looking at flooded buildings

How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states

Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.

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The princess of Preston College

When she moved into Preston College residence hall as a freshman this semester, Maleah Anderson probably felt more at home than any other freshman on campus. That’s because Anderson had already lived in USC’s only residential college for six years while her mother was faculty principal there.

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