University of South Carolina Office of Parents Programs

University of South Carolina Parent Updates - February 2010
In This Issue
Jump in Kiplinger's rankings
Haiti relief efforts
News from around the University
Official Ring
Carolina Day at the Statehouse
Important dates
Quick Links

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Dance Marathon
Dear Carolina parent,    
 
The spring semester is in full swing at the University of South Carolina! This is a busy time of year for most college students as they prepare for summer plans, think about housing for next school year, and look ahead to opportunities for the fall semester.

Encourage your students to plan ahead for application deadlines and studying for mid-terms while making time to take care of themselves (eat healthy, get plenty of sleep, and exercise).

As always, please call the Parents Assistance Line at 1-800-868-6752 or send an e-mail to us at [email protected] if you have questions.


{The photo above shows students participating in Dance Marathon. This annual fundraiser benefiting Palmetto Health Children's Hospital will be held Feb. 19-20.}
University makes significant jump in Kiplinger's rankings
The University of South Carolina jumped 28 spots to rank No. 32 among the nation's public universities that "deliver strong academics at affordable prices" for in-state students, according to Kiplinger's 2009-10 "Best Values in Public Colleges."

The ranking appears in the February issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. In 2008-09, the University was No. 60 among 500 public universities that the magazine measures annually for academic quality and affordability.
Kiplinger's ranks Carolina No. 58 for out-of-state student value - a jump from No. 73 among public universities in 2008-09.  Read more>>
Haiti Relief Concert to be held on Friday
Carolina students, faculty, and staff and the Columbia community have joined together to raise money for the people of Haiti. On Friday, Feb. 5, six Columbia-area bands will perform at the Haiti Relief Concert at the Carolina Coliseum. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the concert runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are general admission and cost $5, with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross Haiti relief efforts. Read more>>

In addition, you can donate online via credit card, and all money will go to the American Red Cross. Students can make donations using their Carolina Cash by visiting the CarolinaCard office in the Russell House.
News from around the University
The University is celebrating Black History Month during February. Read more>>

Students can apply for Student Government scholarships by Feb. 17. Read more>>

The Carolina men's basketball team defeated then No. 1 Kentucky last week. Read more>>

Has your student expressed an interest in making a difference in the community? Encourage him/her to attend the Community Service Opportunity Fair to meet representatives from more than 25 area non-profits on Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Russell House second floor lobby. Read more>>

Is your student looking for a job? Encourage him/her to attend Career Fest and the Science, Engineering & Technology (S.E.T.) career fairs. The events will be held concurrently on Monday, Feb. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.  Read more>>
The Official University of South Carolina Ring
Attention parents of students with 60 or more hours of credit! Your student can purchase the Official University of South Carolina Ring during the Official Carolina Ring Week this week (Feb. 1-5) and Feb. 15-20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Russell House second floor lobby.

All students who reserve rings during the Official Ring Weeks are invited to participate in the Spring Ring Ceremony on Tuesday, April 20, on the Horseshoe. Each ring will be presented by President Pastides, and family and friends are encouraged to attend. More information>>
Carolina Day at the Statehouse returns March 24
Alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters of the University of South Carolina will march to the Statehouse once again on Wednesday, March 24 for the annual Carolina Day at the Statehouse. Participants in the event, which is sponsored by the Carolina Alumni Association's Carolina Action Network (CAN), attend each year to meet with legislators to advocate for support of public education.

CAN advocates are a network of volunteers who work together to increase awareness of legislative issues affecting the state colleges and universities. Advocates communicate with their elected officials in various ways throughout the year, including the annual event in March.

Anyone with an interest in the University of South Carolina can become an advocate. The network includes parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University. For more information, click here.
Important upcoming dates
Feb. 1: Last day to apply for May 2010 graduation, Last day to apply for housing in a Living and Learning Community
Feb. 14: Valentine's Day
Feb. 15-16: Student Government elections
Feb. 22: Last day to drop a course or withdraw without a grade of "WF" being recorded
March 5: Priority deadline to apply for on-campus housing for 2010-2011
March 6-14: Spring break -- no classes
March 6: Residence halls close at 10 a.m. for spring break
March 14: Residence halls re-open at noon, Daylight saving time begins
March 22-26: Carolinian Creed Week
April 15: University Awards Day
April 20: Ring Ceremony
April 26: Last day of classes
April 27: Reading day -- no classes
April 28-May 5: Final exams
May 6: Residence halls close
May 7-8: Commencement
Please continue to visit our Web site for information and resources at www.sa.sc.edu/parents. As always, we are only a phone call or e-mail away, and we encourage your feedback!


Office of Parents Programs
University of South Carolina
Web site:
www.sa.sc.edu/parents
Parents Assistance Line: 1-800-868-6752
E-mail:
[email protected]