2016 Announcements Archive

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Several sports science programs win top ranking

December 21, 2016, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina claimed the No. 1 spot in the U.S. and No. 3 in the world in the 2016 ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments. The rankings, published Dec. 8, credit the Arnold School of Public Health’s exercise science and athletic training programs, the College of Education’s physical education program and the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management’s sport and entertainment management program

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UofSC announces community events to commemorate legacy of MLK

December 16, 2016, Peggy Binette

The University of South Carolina will host a series of public events in commemoration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 12 – 15. This year marks the 34th year for the university’s annual celebration to honor the civil rights leader. The 2017 commemoration will include a panel discussion, a community breakfast and gospel music performance.

Study finds new pathway for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

December 08, 2016, Erin Bluvas

Researchers from the University of South Carolina, Duke University, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Metabolon Inc. Research Triangle Park have discovered a new way to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—a condition that affects up to 25 percent of the population and may lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer or failure.

UofSC to host on the relationship of the humanities and happiness Dec. 14

November 18, 2016, Peggy Binette

How do the humanities matter in a chaotic 21st century? That’s the question one of the nation’s top philosophers and ethics experts will tackle in a public talk Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the University of South Carolina. Talbot Brewer, a professor from the University of Virginia, will speak at 5:30 p.m. in the School of Law auditorium. His talk, titled “What Good are the Humanities?,” is part of a research project that is led in part by the University of South Carolina and brings together scholars from around the world to study the facts that lead to happiness and meaning of life.

Stand Up Carolina needs students for campaign

November 10, 2016, Adena Rice

Stand Up Carolina is launching a campaign this spring to encourage students to intervene in negative situations even if they’re uncomfortable or worried about what their peers will think. Student Health Services is looking for students to share stories for its campaign.

Collection of acclaimed author and children's book illustrator comes to UofSC

November 02, 2016, Megan Sexton

Anita Lobel, the acclaimed author and illustrator of children’s books, will be honored by the Ex Libris Society at the University of South Carolina Nov. 17 where she will be presented with the Thomas Cooper Society medal in recognition of her contribution to the arts. The dinner is open to the public, with reservations required by Nov. 11. Lobel's has donated her archive, which includes illustrations, artwork, manuscripts and papers to the University of South Carolina Libraries. Pieces from the collection, will be on display in the university’s Hollings Special Collection Library, starting Nov. 7.

Final Reminder: Open Enrollment

October 27, 2016, Megan Joyner

While the open enrollment period has been extended until November 15, time is quickly running out to make changes to your benefits. Any changes made will be effective January 1, 2017.

Michelin unites UofSC and Clemson through sustainability course

October 23, 2016

Michelin North America invites students from UofSC and Clemson to apply for Civil and Environmental Engineering 490, an introductory course to industrial sustainability. Up to 12 students from each school will be chosen to join the project starting this spring.

UofSC organizes Hurricane Matthew relief effort

October 19, 2016, Peggy Binette

With help from the Midlands community, the University of South Carolina will collect items Thursday and Friday, sending a truck of donated items Monday to Marion County, where post-hurricane flooding of the Little Pee Dee and Lumber rivers has caused widespread damage and displaced residents in the communities of Nichols and Mullins.

David Levering Lewis

Pulitzer Prize winner to commemorate W.E.B. Du Bois' historic SC address

October 13, 2016, Peggy Binette

David Levering Lewis, the two-time Pulitzer Prize winning Du Bois biographer, will commemorate civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois’ historic address “Behold the Land” Oct. 20, at Antisdel Chapel at Benedict College. Lewis’ talk marks the 70th anniversary of Du Bois address to 700 black and white youth who attended the Southern Negro Youth Congress (SNYC) as part of the larger Southern Youth Legislature held at the Township Auditorium.

Student services and activities

October 05, 2016

Though UofSC's Columbia campus is closed while the state prepares for Hurricane Matthew, we're still providing essential services, academic support and a number of events and activities for students.

Pastides honored with Fulbright award

September 27, 2016, Jeff Stensland

University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides is one of seven Fulbright alumni who will receive the inaugural IIE Global Changemaker Award in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program. The awards recognize the achievements of the individuals throughout their careers and highlight the impact the Fulbright program has had throughout its history.

Mindful Workshop offers meditation classes for students

September 27, 2016, Adena Rice

Mindful Workshop is offering “KORU Introduction to Mindfulness: It’s your life don’t miss it” to students. The course meetings are Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The course is designed to help you learn mindfulness through the practice of specific skills that calm and focus your mind; and through the practice of meditation. All skill levels are accepted.

New students helping the Carolina community

September 19, 2016, Adena Rice

For the second year, the Office of New Student Orientation hosted the Community Service Project. Students and guests were asked to bring food and school supplies during their summer orientation sessions to help the Columbia community. The Community Service Project was started last year as a way of introducing the incoming students to the value of community service.

UofSC launches bold health sciences initiative

September 16, 2016, Wes Hickman

As the Southeast’s most comprehensive health sciences teaching and research institution, the University of South Carolina will build on its nationally recognized programs in medicine, nursing, social work, public health, pharmacy, biochemistry, business, computing and others, as well as its unique partnerships with health care providers throughout the state, to create the premier health sciences experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.

UofSC excels in latest U.S. News college rankings

September 13, 2016, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina achieved its highest ranking ever in the new U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges” list. The school moved up three slots from last year and is now ranked 49th among all public universities. Among state flagship universities, USC ranks 27th nationwide.

Benefits Fair kicks off 2016 open enrollment

August 30, 2016, Megan Joyner

Highlighting this year's Benefits Fair on Tuesday, September 20, is a FREE preventive workplace screening provided by Carolina Occupational Health. Learn more about these screenings ($350 value) and pre-register online before September 13 for your screening appointment.

TIAA-CREF offers free financial counseling

August 30, 2016, Megan Joyner

Are you confident that you are properly investing your savings? Get help meeting your financial goals by scheduling a free appointment with a TIAA-CREF consultant! Call 800-732-8353 to schedule your appointment during their next visit on September 6, 7 and 8.

The community's new Intersection

August 25, 2016, Adena Rice

Located in the basement of the Russell House’s west wing, multicultural student organizations and programs have a new place to call home. The former Off-Campus Student Lounge has been transformed into the Intersection: Multicultural Student Lounge.

New overtime rules

August 22, 2016, Megan Joyner

Approximately 1,000 USC employees will transition from an exempt status to a non-exempt status due to new regulations released by The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), increasing the minimum salary requirement for employees to be considered exempt. The University of South Carolina will implement the changes system wide effective October 16, 2016.

Collaborative caregiving for aging adults

August 04, 2016, Megan Joyner

Caring for an aging adult can bring with it a great deal of stress, and it's essential that family members and service providers collaborate. Learn how to access care options and communicate productively with aging adults through an online seminar that can be accessed anytime starting August 16.

Abandoned bikes will be collected

July 25, 2016, Yolanda Jones

USC Vehicle Management in collaboration with the campus Police Department will begin collecting abandoned bicycles around campus. The collection will begin Wednesday (July 27) and run through Aug. 1.

Addy named vice provost, graduate school dean

July 14, 2016

Cheryl Addy, the Arnold School of Public Health’s senior associate dean for academic affairs, has been named vice provost and dean of the graduate school at the University of South Carolina.

Offices to check out during the summer

June 17, 2016, Adena Rice

Many on-campus offices are open during the summer and offer the same services as during fall and spring semesters. Without having to worry as much about assignments, projects or tests, students can take advantage of the slower pace to learn something new, change their major or find a job.

Summer days in Columbia

June 17, 2016, Adena Rice

With fewer classes during the summer, there is more time to enjoy what the University of South Carolina and the surrounding areas have to offer. And because of the summer weather, it is a great time to be outdoors and experience Columbia.

Leadership Development Programs

June 14, 2016, Megan Joyner

Each year, faculty and staff members are selected to participate in either the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) or the Pipeline for Academy Leaders (PAL). Nomination deadlines for the 2016-2017 academic year are quickly approaching! Nominations must be submitted by June 30 for ELP and July 15 for PAL.

New visiting Fulbright scholar

June 14, 2016, Megan Joyner

Dr. Mohamed H. Rashwan, Business Program Director in the Faculty of Business Administration, Economics and Political Science at The British University in Egypt has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Award to conduct research at the Darla Moore School of Business from May - August 2016.

Support for state ORP participants

May 18, 2016, Megan Joyner

Since State Optional Retirement Plan (State ORP) participants are responsible for investing and managing their own retirement account, it is important that you understand your investment options. Stay on track by scheduling an appointment with MassMutual's retirement education specialist.

2016 faculty award winners

May 17, 2016

University of South Carolina faculty members are internationally recognized for their teaching and research, but sometimes it’s the accolades that come from those who know you best that mean the most. Twenty five faculty members were honored this year with awards.

Dealing with depression

May 17, 2016, Megan Joyner

When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. UofSC faculty and staff can get help with information and resources about depression through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

New faculty, staff parking information

May 09, 2016

The university is preparing to make major improvements to the condition of existing surface parking lots, including repaving deteriorated asphalt, repainting parking lanes, and installing additional lighting and emergency call boxes. At the same time, the university’s parking garages are also slated for improvements. Those include structural upgrades to stairwells and other areas, better lighting and repainting.

UofSC sweeps governor's science awards

April 25, 2016, Jeff Stensland

University of South Carolina researchers took home four prizes at Monday’s 2016 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Science, a clean sweep for Carolina in all categories. The prizes, presented by Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster at a Statehouse ceremony, have been awarded to top South Carolina researchers since 1989 and are designed to celebrate achievement in an array of scientific fields.

UofSC to introduce new career management tool

April 21, 2016, Staff Editor

Handshake is a state-of-the-art career management platform allows you to search for jobs and internships, register for events, schedule career coaching appointments and more. It will replace the current tool, JobMate.

Get ready for finals

April 21, 2016, Student Editor

With finals week approaching, it’s time to start hitting the books. UofSC has resources to help you ace those exams.

You're always a Gamecock; stay connected after graduation

April 19, 2016, Whitney Smith

With graduation around the corner, seniors will start their post-graduate lives across the nation. UofSC offers students such incredible experiences, often making it difficult to say goodbye. Here are just a few ways to stay connected to UofSC even if you’re hundreds of miles away:

All disciplines on display at Discovery Day

April 15, 2016, Student Editor

When you think research, you think lab coats and beakers. But much more -- including arts, humanities, community service, study abroad, leadership, internships and more -- will be on display at the annual event April 22.

Give It Up for Good this spring

April 13, 2016, Staff Editor

At the end of each semester, University Housing collects donations from students to keep thousands of pounds of reusable items out of the landfill, give back to local charities and help you clean out your residence hall room.

Fulfilling needs

March 31, 2016, Peggy Binette

At 8 a.m. today, online registration will open for one of the university’s most popular events. By noon, it is expected to be filled. No. it’s not an athletic event, a lecture by a visiting scholar or a popular concert. It’s the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), a daylong conference of professional and personal development offerings that will take place April 27.

A greener side of campus

March 31, 2016, Ore Oluwole

The University of South Carolina has been named a Tree Campus USA for the seventh consecutive year. The designation by the Arbor Day Foundation recognizes the university's commitment to the care of its trees -- some 7,000 trees representing some 90 different species -- and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

Things to do before graduation

March 28, 2016, Student Editor

So you’ve applied to graduate, what’s next? With graduation around the corner, you have just a few weeks to get things in order before walking across the stage in May.

Take the pulse survey, win prizes

March 10, 2016, Jeff Stensland

Everyone knows college is about much more than attending classes. That’s why all University of South Carolina undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in the new Pulse survey, an opportunity to have your voices heard about your experiences as a Gamecock.

Final State ORP open enrollment reminder

February 25, 2016, Megan Joyner

The last day for State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) open enrollment is Tuesday, March 1. During this period, State ORP participants may change vendors or, if eligible, may choose to irrevocably switch to the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS). Any changes made during this time will be effective as of April 1, 2016.

IRS form 1095-C to be distributed

February 04, 2016, Megan Joyner

One of the new requirements under the Affordable Care Act is to provide proof of health insurance. While the IRS will receive a record of your 2015 health care coverage status, the Division of Human Resources will also send each eligible USC employee a copy of form 1095-C, indicating health care coverage status for eligible employees in 2015. The forms will be sent by March 31, 2016.

New prescription benefits

January 22, 2016, Megan Joyner

Now that Express Scripts is the new prescription vendor for the State Health Plan, members should be aware of changes that may have been made to the list of covered drugs, and the preauthorization process for medications. Learn more about changes that may impact your prescription needs, and how you can work with your physicians and pharmacists to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Be ready for winter weather

January 21, 2016, Staff Editor

Winter months occasionally bring freezing rain, ice and snow to the Columbia area, and it’s important for students to be prepared and stay informed. We've put together some tips to keep in mind in case of winter weather.

Open enrollment for State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

January 08, 2016, Megan Joyner

The annual open enrollment period for the State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) is January 1 to March 1. All employees who are currently enrolled in the State ORP will receive an email from the Benefits Office regarding their open enrollment options. These include the opportunity for State ORP participants to change vendors or to switch to the SCRS program.