UofSC University Ambassadors BSAT *UPDATED 26/27*

General VC/1311

When is the VC open?

- Regular Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30-5pm

General VC/1311

When do we offer campus tours?

- Summer Tours: 9am (and 10am when available)

- Tours happen M-F at 9am, 12pm, and 2pm. We offer an additional tour on Mondays and Fridays at 10am

General VC/1311 *NEW*

In case of an emergency in the Visitor Center or at 1311, which feature could you use in the CarolinaSAFE app, and what happens? When is it appropriate to use?

- Mobile BlueLight feature: USCPD is alerted and will make a wellness check

- Whenever there's an emergency and/or during any situation that makes you uncomfortable or feels off

General VC/1311

How do you ensure that you're able to accept queue calls in Ring Central?

- In the RingCentral app, click the circle in the top left corner

- Turn on "accept queue calls

General VC/1311 *NEW*

What do you do if a visitor wants to speak with an admissions counselor?

Have them scan the QR code to make an appointment and give them directions to Lieber College

General VC/1311

What do you do if a Visitor wants to speak to an FTS member?

- Ask for the visitor's name

- Let them know you'll see if the FTS member is available & send a Teams message to FTS

- If FTS is not available - share their email address with the visitor

General VC/1311

What's inside of the QUICC?

- VC & Admissions phone numbers

- VC Log-in information

- USC department & frequently used phone number

General VC/1311

Explain the Campus Tour waitlist process.

- Once all tours for a selected date are full, the option to join the waitlist should appear. Visitors can register online through the campus visit portal.

- If the waitlist is not open, let an FTS member know so they can open it.

General VC/1311

Where should visitors go to be placed on the in-person waitlist?

They should be directed to 1311. There is no guarantee that they will get on a tour, but the team at 1311 will try their best to accommodate.

General VC/1311 *NEW*

What is the maximum number of guests that we aim to get on a campus tour? Why?

30 guests - to ensure a safe, meaningful, and personalized experience

Horseshoe

In what year was USC founded and what was it originally named?

1801; South Carolina College

Horseshoe

In what year was the first building completed on the campus of South Carolina College and what is its name?

1805; Rutledge College

Horseshoe

Who was the first president of USC? Name the two structures that bear his name on the Horseshoe.

- Jonathan Maxcy

- Maxcy College and the Maxcy Monument

Horseshoe

Who is the architect of the monument in the center of the Horseshoe, and why is it significant?

- Robert Mills

- He is the nation's first federal architect and designer of the Washington Monument and Maxcy Monument

Horseshoe

What is the origin of the Gamecock mascot?

- The name honors Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter, who was described by British leaders as fighting like a "gamecock"

- In 1902, The State newspaper reported on us as the "Gamecocks", when talking about the student standoff with a rival team after Big Thursday

Horseshoe

What is the history of the smokestack located behind the President's House?

It was part of the original heating plant. It now serves as a university landmark.

Horseshoe

What do the white brick letters on the Horseshoe mean?

They represent the student organization who helped lay the bricks on the horseshoe in the early 1930s

Horseshoe

What year did USC begin to enroll women?

1895

Horseshoe

When did the University desegregate and enroll African American students (after Reconstruction)?

September 11th, 1963

Horseshoe *NEW*

What were the names of the 3 African Americans that were the first to enroll? What are 2 ways they are commemorated on campus?

- Henrie Monteith, Robert Anderson, and James Solomon

- Monument in front of McKissick Museum (unveiled on April 9, 2024) & Desegregation Garden adjacent to Osborne Building

Horseshoe

Name the University's president and first lady.

President Michael Amiridis and First Lady Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis

Horseshoe

What year did President Amiridis become president of the University? What role did he previously hold at USC?

- July 2022

- Faculty Member & Executive VP for Academic Affairs & Provost

Horseshoe

What has First Lady Aggelopoulou-Amiridis earned her Master's Degree and Ph.D. in from USC?

- Master's Degree in Art History

- Ph.D. in Philosophy

Horseshoe

How many students are in the Honors College?

Approximately 2,300 (around 8%)

Horseshoe

Share the opportunities the Honors College provides students. Name 5.

a. 4-year program

b. 550-600 Honors classes offered each year

c. Average class size of 16 to 18

d. Unique courses

e. Honors version of standard & required courses

f. Service-learning experiences

g. Honors Residence Hall

h. Study abroad trips

i. Undergraduate research opportunities

j. Senior Thesis

k. BARSC (Bachelor of Arts and Sciences) - create your own curriculum

Horseshoe

How many advisors do Honors College students have?

Only 1 - the advisor is an expert in Honors & major requirements

Horseshoe

What years were USC top ranked in the biennial assessment for Inside Honors? List at least 3 things the ranking is based on.

- 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020

- The comprehensive evaluation is based on 13 key metrics, including curriculum requirements, number of honors classes offered, average class size, graduation rate and ratio of staff to students.

Admissions/General

The University motto: Emollit Mores Nec Sinit Esse Feros translates to:

Learning humanizes character and does not permit it to be cruel

Admissions/General

Approximately how many students are enrolled on USC's main campus (Columbia, SC)? How many of those are undergraduate students? How many of them are freshmen?

- Total: 41,000 +

- Undergraduates: 31,800 +

- Freshmen: 7,800 +

Admissions/General

What percent of undergraduate students are from out of state? In state?

- 44% out of state

- 56% in state

Admissions/General

List the 10 states in order, other than South Carolina, from which the majority of fall 2021 freshman out-of-state students are from.

1. New York

2. North Carolina

3. New Jersey

4. Virginia

5. Pennsylvania

6. Georgia

7. Maryland

8. Massachusetts

9. Illinois

10. Ohio

Admissions/General

What is the gender breakdown on campus?

37% male and 63% female

Admissions/General

How many undergraduate majors/graduate programs does USC offer?

Undergraduate degree granting programs: more than 350

Admissions/General

What percentage of undergraduate students belong to a underrepresented population? First Generation?

- Underrepresented population: 27%

- First Generation: 21%

Admissions/General

What is the freshman retention rate? What does it mean?

91% of freshman continue to sophomore year at USC

Admissions/General

Where can you find USC's annual cost to attend (tuition estimate) & merit-based

scholarships?

USC's Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid websites

Admissions/General

What percentage of freshmen receive some form of financial aid at USC?

98% of freshmen

Admissions/General

Who can speak with visitors about scholarships, tuition, and financial aid?

- Admissions Counselors: Tuition and merit-based scholarships

- Financial Aid and Scholarships: Tuition, federal & state aid, and non-merit scholarships

Admissions/General

What is the USC Commitment Grant? What are the eligibility requirements for the USC Commitment Grant and when was it launched?

- A grant that helps eligible SC residents cover tuition and fees after all other aid is applied

i. South Carolina resident

ii. Top 10% of graduating high school class

iii. Family income must be below $80,000 annually,

iv. Must maintain full-time enrollment

- Launched with the Fall 2024 freshman class

Housing

Do only freshmen live on campus? How many undergrad residence halls do we have?

- No. A small percentage of continuing students can live on campus as well.

- 28 residence halls

Housing

Are freshmen required to live on campus? What percentage of freshmen students are guaranteed on-campus housing?

Yes. 100%. All first-year students are guaranteed on-campus housing, but the housing app should be submitted by the deadline to have access to all of the room selection options

Housing

How is housing priority assigned?

Housing Priority is based on the date you submit your housing application and pay the $100 housing application fee. The earlier you pay your USC enrollment deposit, the sooner you can submit your housing application, generally offering a better chance for your preferred housing

Housing

What are Living Learning Communities (LLC) & what is the purpose?

- Residence halls for students with shared academic and/or personal interests

- The purpose is to engage in common activities and form an inclusive, often family-like community

Housing

Name 3 Living Learning Communities, their theme, and where the LLC location:

a. Capstone Scholars: Leadership - Capstone & Columbia Hall

b. Engineering & Computing: Majors - Campus Village, Building 3

c. First-Generation: Maxcy

d. Galen Health Fellows: Health Sciences - Patterson Hall

e. Global Fellows: World cultures & languages - South Quad

f. Honors Community: SCHC Students - Honors Residence

g. Music Community: 1st year School of Music students - 650 Lincoln

h. Preston Residential College for Leadership: Leadership & Service - Preston

Residential College

i. ROTC Community: Bates West

j. Green Quad Community: Sustainability Group - Green Quad

Housing *NEW*

Name 2 ways to roommate match:

- Select to create a roommate group with people you know (2 or 4 people)

- Match with someone based on their roommate-matching profile

Housing

Describe the benefits of living on campus as a first-year student.

a. Community-building

b. Convenient location

c. Academic Support (living learning communities, resources)

d. Vibrant student life

Housing

What percentage of students move off campus after freshman year? How do students find off-campus housing?

- Around 70% of students move off campus

- Housing Expos hosted by the Off-Campus Living & Neighborhood Relations Office and Apartment Community Property Showcases on Greene St

Russell House

What is the Tree of Knowledge & who planted it? Where is it located?

- In 1995, the Association of African American Students (AAAS), planted the Tree of Knowledge, burying a time capsule for future students. It is one of the first campus spaces dedicated to Black students.

- It is located on Greene Street in front of Russell House

Russell House

What is the African American Presence Wall and where is it located?

Located on the wall right outside of the Russell House Ballroom, the African American Presence Wall includes 8 panels of words & pictures filled with Black History and leadership at the university from 1801 to the present

Russell House

How many dining venues are on campus? Name 3 dining options and describe each

one. *Examples are below but you do not have to use these!*

- Over 35

- Garnet Station (Russell 1st floor): More traditional, all-you-care-to-eat dining option

- Global Cafe (Darla Moore School of Business): Retail option that offers around-the-world dining or classics with an international twist

- Colloquium Cafe (Humanities): Retail option that is well known for its chicken tenders. Also has options such as sushi, salads, and wraps

Russell House

All freshmen must purchase a meal plan. What are the meal plan options?

a. All Access with $250 Meal Plan Dollars (MPD) PLUS Plan

i. Default for first year residents and automatically added to your account when the Self-Service Carolina portal opens in mid-July.

ii. Unlimited access to the six dining halls across campus

iii. $250 meal plan dollars to use at any on-campus dining location

iV. 7 retail swipes per week in non-dining halls (Starbucks and Gamecock Generals not included)

V. Retail swipes are only included in the PLUS plan options

b. All Access with $250 Meal Plan Dollars (MPD)

i. Unlimited access to the six dining halls across campus

ii. $250 meal plan dollars to use at any on campus dining location

iii. No retail swipes included in this plan

c. All Access with $400 Meal Plan Dollars (MPD) PLUS Plan

i. Unlimited access to the six dining halls across campus

ii. $400 meal plan dollars to use at any campus dining location

iii. 7 retail swipes per week in non-dining halls (Starbucks and convenience stores excluded)

iV. Retail swipes only included in the PLUS Plan options

d. All Access with $400 Meal Plan Dollars (MPD)

i. Unlimited access to the six dining halls across campus

ii. $400 meal plan dollars to use at any campus dining location

iii. No retail swipes included with this plan

Russell House

What are True Balance Stations? Name the 4 locations where these stations are

housed.

- True Balance stations prepare and serve meals without the top 9 allergens (*You do not have to list these allergens*: Egg, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat/gluten, sesame)

- Garnet Station, Honeycomb Cafe, The Pavilion at Campus Village, and Gibbes Court Bistro)

Russell House

Name & describe at least 3 options or resources available for students with specific

dietary needs/ meal planning:

a. Cooking Workshops: Hosted in the demonstration kitchen in the Center for Health & Well Being. Teaches students how to cook well-balanced meals

b. Nutrition Consultations: Free 1:1 with a registered dietician to discuss medical nutrition

c. Counseling & Eating Disorder Care: Health providers to help with eating habits or your relationship with food

d. Nutrislice App: Students can view dining hall menus and dining resources

e. OrderAlly App: Specialized ordering system for students with documented food allergies through the Student Disability Resource Center

f. Campus Dish: Website where students can view allergen and ingredient information for campus dining halls

g. Reusable to-go Containers: To-go containers that can be used at all-you-care-to-eat dining halls for on-the-go meals. Could also be great for if you're fastin

Russell House

What are the hours of Russell House?

- Monday-Friday: 7am-11pm

- Saturday-Sunday: 8:30-11pm

Russell House

How many clubs and organizations does USC have? Name 5 examples. They do not have to be specifically from this list.

- Over 650 clubs and organizations

i. Pre-professional organizations

ii. Interfaith organizations

iii. Scuba diving club

iv. Association of Transfer Students

v. Taylor Swift Society

vi. WUSC-FM Columbia

vii. Pollinator Conservation Club

viii. American Sign Language Club

ix. Carolina Melanin & Movement Club

x. Carolina Pickleball Club

xi. Cocky's Sundae School

xii. A.Bevy Collegiate Group

Russell House

What are 3 things you need to start your own club or organization on campus?

a. Minimum of 7 students (2 officers)

b. Completed intent form

c. Organization application

Russell House

What is the Center for Student Engagement (CSE)? List and describe 3 programs

and/or initiatives that they offer:

The Center for Student Engagement offers programs, events, and intentional support to help students connect with one another - creating a campus where every student feels a true sense of community

i. Drop-Ins at the Intersection Lounge: Opportunity for students with shared interest to meet up and build community

ii. Hip Hop Wednesday: Hip-Hop Wednesday is a monthly celebration of music, dance, and community. You'll experience everything from a live DJ to line dancing to org tabling to seeing the Divine 9 Stroll.

iii. Lunes Latino: Monthly celebration coordinated by the Latin American Student Org - An opportunity to highlight, celebrate, and embraces the Latin community at USC. You can always look forward to a live DJ and organizations tabling.

iv. Multicultural Assistance Peer Program (M.A.P.P.): Program that connects first-year and transfer students with trained peers who provide guidance during their first year at USC

v. EmpowerMENt: Campus initiative dedicated to helping men at USC thrive in all areas of life

vi. Carolina Conversations: Collaboration with Leadership & Service Center that creates space for students to engage in meaningful dialogue around leadership, values, and personal growth

Russell House

What are 3 ways students can practice religion on campus?

- Prayer & Meditation Spaces (there are 6 on or near campus)

- Campus Ministry

- Faith-Based or Spiritual student organizations

Russell House

What percentage of USC undergrads are involved in Greek Life?

30%

Russell House

What are the 4 Greek Life councils?

1. College Panhellenic Association (CPA)

2. Interfraternity Council (IFC)

3. Cultural Greek Council (CGC)

4. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC

Russell House

What is the timeline for recruitment into Greek organizations?

- It depends!

i. The Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils host recruitment in the

Summer (before the Fall semester starts) and occasionally in the spring semester. Registration begins in the summer.

ii. National Pan-Hellenic Council (traditionally, Black Greek Letter

Organizations) has intake during various times. Some organizations require at least one semester of college credit

iii. Cultural Greek Council (multicultural, academic and religious Greek organizations) recruit at different times throughout the year depending on the organization. Some organizations require at least one semester of college credit

Russell House

How many houses are in Greek Village?

20 houses (11 CPA and 9 IFC)

Russell House

Can a freshman live in a Greek house the spring of their freshman year?

No. All first-year students must live in residence halls & can have the option to move into Greek Village after their first year

Academics

What is the student to faculty ratio?

19:1

Academics

Which three-degree programs do not directly admit freshmen? When do you apply for each of these programs?

- International business (after prerequisites are completed)

- Pharmacy (after prerequisites are completed)

- Nursing (fall of sophomore year)

Academics

Name at least 2 benefits of enrolling in University 101.

- Helps new students become familiar with campus

- Connects students to campus resources and opportunities

- Fosters a sense of community

- Help form connections with a faculty/full-time staff member and a peer mentor

Academics

What percent of USC classes have less than 50 students?

87% of classes have 50 students or less

Humanities

What is the purpose of the National Advocacy Center?

A federal training institution where trainings are conducted for the US Department of Justice, federal legal personnel, and some state employees

Humanities

Name at least 3 services provided by the Student Disability Resource Center. *This list is not exhaustive*

a. Academic accommodations

b. Alternative testing

c. Meal plan modifications

d. Housing accommodations

e. Temporary accommodations due to injury or temporary condition

Humanities

Share the opportunities the Capstone Scholars program provides students. Name 5.

a. Shared Capstone courses

b. Capstone Scholars Leadership Program

c. Community Service & Service-learning opportunities

d. Capstone Living Learning Community

e. Study abroad programs

f. Undergraduate research programs

g. Exclusive Capstone social events

h. Structured focus on personal growth and leadership development

i. Opportunities to engage with faculty partners around campus

Humanities

How many USC students studied abroad? How many countries were visited?

- In 2024-2025, 2,051 undergrad students and 179 graduate students studied abroad

- Graduate students: 25 countries, Undergraduate: 49 countries

Health, Safety & Transportation

What are the services offered in the Center for Health and Wellbeing? Name 5.

a. Primary Care

b. Women's Health

c. Allergy & Immunization Clinic

d. On-Campus Pharmacy

e. Physical Therapy

f. Lab Services

g. Pharmacy

h. Counseling and Psychology Services

i. Nutrition Services

j. C.A.L.M Oasis (2nd Floor)

Health, Safety & Transportation

What are 3 Mental Health resources provided by the Center for Health & Well-Being?

a. 24/7 crisis support

b. Peer support

c. Health & Wellness presentations

d. Group counseling

e. Individual counseling

f. Couples counseling

g. TAObyUplift online program

Health, Safety & Transportation

What are the hours of the Center for Health and Wellbeing?

- Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Holidays & Weekends: Closed

- 24-Hour Mental Health Support

- 24-Hour Interpersonal Violence Support

Health, Safety & Transportation

The University of South Carolina is under the jurisdiction of which three police departments?

1. University of South Carolina Police Department

2. City of Columbia Police Department

3. Richland County Sheriff's Department

Health, Safety & Transportation

What are the typical costs for the following parking options at USC: a guaranteed

garage space (per semester), an undergrad resident parking pass (per year), and a

commuter pass (annual)?

- Garage: $440/semester

- Undergrad Resident: $150/year

- Commuter: $125/year

- Founders Park: $25

Health, Safety & Transportation

Name and describe 3 resources designed to help ensure campus safety:

1. Emergency Call Boxes: Look for the bright blue lights. Press the button to be connected directly to a USCPD dispatcher

2. CarolinaSafe App: Campus safety app. Students can use Mobile BlueLight to send their location to USC PD, set safety timers, Live Chat with USCPD Dispatcher, submit anonymous crime tips, and get tips/procedures for handling different emergencies on campus

3. Carolina Alert: Messaging system used for students and families to receive urgent notification from USCPD about weather and safet

Library

Who is Richard T. Greener and why is he significant to USC? How is he memorialized on campus?

- Greener was the first African American graduate of Harvard and the first African American faculty member at USC

- 9-foot-tall statue of Richard T Greener is between Thomas Cooper Library and the Center for Health & Well-Being

Library

How many floors are in Thomas Cooper Library? What floor is the Student Success

Center on? What floor is the Career Center on?

- 7 Floors

- Mezzanine - Student Success Center

- 5th floor - Career Center

Library

What are Tech Coops and what floor are they found on?

Enclosed pods with monitors and whiteboards that must be reserved, found on the 4th floor

Library *NEW*

Name at least 2 other facts and/or services related to T Coop.

a. Tech Zone (tech support) is located on the 5th floor

b. Production Studios (video & audio)

i. Must complete training to be able to use them

c. Self-Checkout: Use the University Libraries App or use the kiosk near the exit

d. Book scanners on the main floor

e. Most SI sessions are hosted on the 4th floor in the group study rooms

Library

Where can you access computers in Thomas Cooper Library?

- Tech Lounge - computer lab on the 5th floor and has desktop computers available for use

- Use Carolina Card to borrow a laptop via the self-service kiosk - must be returned within 4 hours but there is no limit on the number of loans per day

Library

Where are 2 areas that T Coop staff currently recommend for your library stop?

1. Seating area to the right, as you enter the library

2. Scholars Lounge, the glass room to the far left when you enter the library

*Please don't stop at circulation desk!*

Athletics

What was Williams-Brice Stadium originally named and when was it first constructed?

Carolina Stadium, Built in 1934

Athletics

Who is WIlliams-Brice Stadium named after? Why?

- Named after Mrs. Martha Williams-Brice - Only 1 of 2 FBS

- She made renovations possible by giving a donation in 1970, in honor of her husband, Thomas Brice who was a Gamecock football player in the 1920s

Athletics

In what years did USC win a National Championship in Women's Basketball?

2017, 2022, 2024

Athletics

Who is the Women's Basketball Coach and what are 4 of her achievements?

- Dawn Staley

i. 3 National Championship

ii. 3x Olympic gold medalist

iii. Elected to the American Academy of Arts 7 Sciences (one of the rare sports figures to do so)

iv. US Women's National Team head coach (2017-2021)

v. NCAA's all-time steals leader

vi. 2x NCAA player of the year

vii. 2x USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year

viii. 5x WNBA all star

ix. Inducted into 5 different Halls of Fame

x. Published author (NY Times Best Seller)

Athletics

What's the difference between a club and intramural sport? Where can you find listings of both?

- Club sports have scheduled tryouts, have fees, and travel and play other college club teams

- Intramural teams play other USC teams

- More information on the Campus Recreation website

Athletics

How does the athletic ticketing system work for football?

Students who pay their tuition and fees can request a ticket for home games through Ticketmaster. Tickets are awarded by game based on loyalty points accrued by attending any varsity athletic event. We are one of the last SEC schools to still offer this (Vanderbilt's student tickets are also included in their tuition and fees)

Athletics

How many seats are there in Williams-Brice Stadium?

77,559 seats

Athletics

If a student does not want to drive, how could they get to football and baseball games? Where would they go?

- A shuttle (no extra charge) to and from the stadium is available before, during, and after games

- Leave from Russell House on Greene Street, 650 Lincoln, and Bates/Campus Village

City of Columbia

What days of the week are USC and City of Columbia meters enforced?

- City of Columbia: 9am-7pm, Monday-Friday & 9am-7pm on Saturdays in Five Points & Bull St District

- USC meters: 24/7 (located in several lots and campus garages

City of Columbia

Name 4 things to do and/or places to visit in the City of Columbia.

a. Columbia Museum of Art

b. SC State Museum

c. Gather COLA

d. Finlay Park

e. The State House

f. Riverfront Park

g. Lucky Strike Cayce

h. SODA City

i. Frankie's Fun Park

j. Mast General Store

k. Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens

l. Tubing/kayaking on the river

m. Columbia Fireflies Baseball

City of Columbia *NEW*

Name the 4 districts that make up the City of Columbia.

- The Vista

- Main Street

- Five Points

- Bull Street - behind Main Street, not within walking distance

City of Columbia

Name 3 reasons why USC's undergraduate International Business Program has been ranked #1 in the US for 15 consecutive years (US News and World Report):

a. Highly selective admissions process

b. Capped annual enrollment

c. Rigorous curriculum

d. Study abroad requirement

e. Faculty expertise

Miscellaneous

Name at least 5 things included in tuition and fees

a. Technology Fee

b. Athletics Fee (Tickets)

c. Wellness and Fitness Center

d. Counseling services

e. Campus maintenance (FIXX)

f. Advising services

g. Library access

h. Career Center

i. Academic assistance (SI, writing center, etc.)

j. Shuttle services

k. Thursday After Dark

l. USC PD

m. Student organizations

Miscellaneous

What is Gamecock iHub? Where is it located?

- USC's Apple Authorized Campus Store where you can buy a variety of Apple products and accessories at a discounted rate. They also offer in-house product repair

- Located on 1st floor of Close-Hipp

Miscellaneous

What is the employment rate for USC graduates?

The Career Center reported that 90% of graduates were employed, enrolled in graduate school, serving in the military, or in service organizations

Graduate Students

Where is the Graduate school located?

Close Hipp Suite 552

Graduate Students

What resources do graduate students receive with their tuition?

a. Library Access (including a dedicated study space for graduate students on the 5th floor)

b. Wellness and Fitness Center Access

c. Campus Rec access

d. Student Health & Well-Being

e. Gamecock Entertainment

f. Graduate School Association