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MCAS Under the Stars
McCausland College of Arts and Sciences Family Weekend: Under the Stars Event, September 18, 2026 | 8 to 11 p.m. | Greene Street near the Melton Observatory,
Join the McCausland College of Arts & Sciences for a fun evening on Friday, September 18th! Gather with friends and family on Greene Street near the Melton Observatory for free ice cream, shopping at the Night Market, and stargazing.
Melton Observatory Open for Stargazing at 9:00–11:00 PM. Student Ambassadors will be at an Info Table to share details about upcoming MCAS events & activities.
Bring your family and friends and your sweet tooth for this Family Weekend tradition. It is the perfect way to connect and celebrate under the stars.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street, Greene Street Middle, RHUU Greene Street - Stage, Greene Street Petigru Side.
Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Third Sunday of every month from 1 - 4 p.m. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29206,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. The open house is the third Sunday of every month with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. ,
Nature walks every month. Meet at 1:30 in the Outdoor Classroom.
Find all our events and Book Club dates here.
Open Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12 pm, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (Winter 3 - 5 p.m.).
Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, September 21, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Gilman Drop-In
This drop-in review event is for students applying for the Gilman Scholarship. Join national fellowships advisors and recent Gilman recipients to receive application feedback. Bring your application and your questions! We’re here to help you feel confident about hitting submit.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Goldwater Workshop
Learn how to apply for the Goldwater Scholarship – THE award for sophomores and juniors who plan to pursue a research career in a STEM field. Get your questions answered and spend time working on your application materials with the national fellowship team.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
Russell House University Union 302.
WordPress for Your Research
This will be a short introduction to getting started with WordPress, using the Libraries' hosting service CreateDigital.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17054737.
Admission Cost: 0.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:15 PM.
See event description for more details.
Undivided - A Book Talk with Hahrie Han
Hahrie Han will be discussing her 2024 book Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church. The event is Thursday, September 24, from 5:00-6:30pm, in Lumpkin Auditorium (8th floor of Close-Hipp), to be followed by a reception and book signing.
Hahrie Han is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Professor in Political Science at Johns Hopkins, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences. She is a 2025 recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship. Dr. Han is the author of 5 books and is a leading scholar of civic engagement. She served as the inaugural director of Johns Hopkins’ SNF Agora Institute from 2019-2026. She currently leads the P3 Research Lab at Johns Hopkins.
Admission Cost: 0.00.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Novel Nook: Book Hangouts
The last Friday of every month, folks are invited to join Women's and Gender Studies for Novel Nook: Book Hangouts held at All Good Books. The events are free and open to the public. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited.
At the gathering, you can either bring the book you are already reading, or we will have books available from the WGST Lending Library. We will split the gathering into three half-hour parts: silent reading, full group conversation, and social time. Treats provided!
Location: All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
Email rdobson@mailbox.sc.edu to be added to the listserv and/or GroupMe.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, September 25, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Friday, September 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Sunday, September 27, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Benson 214.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, September 28, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Storymaps and Storytelling with ESRI
ESRI GIS software comes with a simple storytelling tool called Storymaps. Let me show you how easy it is to create a scrolling story using simple maps.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17054800.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Tuesday series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Gilman Drop-In
This drop-in review event is for students applying for the Gilman Scholarship. Join national fellowships advisors and recent Gilman recipients to receive application feedback. Bring your application and your questions! We’re here to help you feel confident about hitting submit. Located in DeSaussure 128.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Friday, October 2, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Witch
,
September 25 - October 4, 2026,
Witch, By Jen Silverman, Directed by David Britt, Benson Theatre, ,
A roguish Devil has come to the town of Edmonton and he’s looking to bargain, granting secret longings in exchange for an eternal price. But Elizabeth Sawyer, an outcast branded a witch by her neighbors, turns the tables on her tempter, sparking a dangerous game of wit and desire that threatens to upend the entire town. Jen Silverman’s wickedly funny, contemporary retelling of the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton asks what we will sacrifice for our deepest desires when we’ve got nothing left to lose. ,
“Darkly humorous… thematically current… a spell worth casting.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
*Contains adult language and themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.
, .
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Benson 214.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, October 5, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
WordPress for Your Research
This will be a short introduction to getting started with WordPress, using the Libraries' hosting service CreateDigital.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17055064.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Tuesday series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Storymaps and Storytelling with ESRI
ESRI GIS software comes with a simple storytelling tool called Storymaps. Let me show you how easy it is to create a scrolling story using simple maps.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17055069.
Admission Cost: 0.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Hollings and Udall Joint Workshop
Learn how to apply for the Hollings and Udall Scholarships—for students interested in the environment, stewardship, and public service. Sophomores are eligible for both, and juniors are eligible for Udall. Get your questions answered and spend time working on your application materials with the national fellowship team.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
Russell House University Union 302.
In Conversation with Jim “Soni” Sonefeld: The 2026 Townsend-Neuffer Lecture
2026 Townsend-Neuffer Lecture,
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina is pleased to welcome Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, author, songwriter and drummer of Hootie and Blowfish as the featured speaker for the 2026 Townsend-Neuffer Lecture Series hosted on October 7th in the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is suggested.
The conversation will be hosted by Dr. Mark Smith, a Carolina Distinguished Professor of History and the Director of the Institute of Southern Studies, from 6 -7:30 p.m.
REGISTER HERE.
Admission Cost: N/A.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Joseph F. Rice School of Law 103 - Judge Karen J. Williams Courtroom, Joseph F. Rice School of Law 101 Perrin Family Event Space.
Student Success Lab Report Writing Workshop
This interactive workshop is for Biology undergraduate students and will cover lab report writing skills and strategies. At the end of the workshop, there will be additional time to work on lab reports with Peer Writing Tutors and Biology Teaching Assistants. Free pizza and drinks will be served.
This event is hosted by the Student Success Center, in partnership with the Biology department.
Admission Cost: free.
Monday, October 12, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom BC.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, October 12, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Tuesday series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Student Success Lab Report Writing Workshop
This interactive workshop is for Biology undergraduate students and will cover lab report writing skills and strategies. At the end of the workshop, there will be additional time to work on lab reports with Peer Writing Tutors and Biology Teaching Assistants. Free pizza and drinks will be served.
This event is hosted by the Student Success Center, in partnership with the Biology department.
Admission Cost: free.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom BC.
Journey Grant for Early Researchers Workshop (Wednesday Series)
This workshop is for students interested in the Journey Grant for Early Researchers. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_research/funding_opportunities/our_funding/early-researchers/index.php.
Admission Cost: $0.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM.
Russell House University Union 304.
Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Third Sunday of every month from 1 - 4 p.m. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29206,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. The open house is the third Sunday of every month with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. ,
Nature walks every month. Meet at 1:30 in the Outdoor Classroom.
Find all our events and Book Club dates here.
Open Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12 pm, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (Winter 3 - 5 p.m.).
Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, October 19, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Explore Creating a Website for Your Research
Its a great idea to create a website to tell people about your research, but where to start? In this workshop, I will share some options for web hosting and best practices for getting started. This will be an overview of different platforms, such as WordPress, ESRI's Storymaps, and Manifold. Follow up workshops will focus on the individual platforms, so you can get started.
Register for this online event at: https://libcal.library.sc.edu/event/17055378.
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 10:05 AM – 11:20 AM.
See event description for more details.
Botany Walk on the Historic Horseshoe
Join the A.C. Moore Herbarium staff on a 1-hour walk to explore the plant life of the historic Horseshoe. The group meets on the steps of McKissick Museum on the third Wednesday of each month. Plants featured or discussed will vary with group interest and by season.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
PPIA Junior Summer Institute Drop-In
This drop-in review event is for students applying for the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. Join national fellowships advisors to receive application feedback. Bring your application and your questions! We’re here to help you feel confident about hitting submit. Located in DeSaussure 228.
Friday, October 23, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Abraham Lincoln's American Revolution: How the 16th President Would Celebrate the 250th
The Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse is pleased to present “Abraham Lincoln's American Revolution: How the 16th President Would Celebrate the 250th” featuring Professor Allen Guelzo, a leading scholar of American political thought and professor of humanities at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Professor Guelzo will deliver a lecture exploring how President Lincoln understood the American Revolution as the great event of American history from which he drew conclusions about equality, the consent of the governed, and the nature of the revolution itself. The lecture will discuss how Lincoln drew inspiration from the nation’s Founders, which strengthened his resolve that the terrible costs of the Civil War would bring the nation "a new birth of freedom."
The lecture is part of the Center’s yearlong speaker series, “America 250 and Its Promises: The American Founding and the Abiding…
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, October 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Joseph F. Rice School of Law 103 - Judge Karen J. Williams Courtroom.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, October 26, 2026, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
10 Minute Play Festival
,
October 29 – November 1, 2026
10 Minute Play Festival, Written and Directed by USC Students, Benson Theatre,
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything in between as we present a collection of short plays, each written and directed by USC students. Included are the plays: • The Shores of Memory by Meagan AuBuchon / Directed by Emma Griffin, • The Bad Canary by Asher Thompson / Directed by Adam Martin, • Lamb Play, written and directed by Emily Lackey, • Dreamers and (Un)Doers by Mark Garvin / Directed by Jonathan Monk, • It's Just a Kiss by Luke Shelton / Directed by Asher Thompson, • Planet Fart by Morgan Passley / Directed by Bradley Gittens.
Admission Cost: $10.
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Benson 214.
Critical Language Scholarship Workshop
Learn how to apply for the Critical Language Scholarship – an intensive summer program of critical-need language study abroad. Get your questions answered and spend time working on your application materials with the national fellowship team and experienced CLS selection panelist, Dr. Nancy Linthicum. Located in DeSaussure 228.
Friday, October 30, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Novel Nook: Book Hangouts
The last Friday of every month, folks are invited to join Women's and Gender Studies for Novel Nook: Book Hangouts held at All Good Books. The events are free and open to the public. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited.
At the gathering, you can either bring the book you are already reading, or we will have books available from the WGST Lending Library. We will split the gathering into three half-hour parts: silent reading, full group conversation, and social time. Treats provided!
Location: All Good Books, 734 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
Email rdobson@mailbox.sc.edu to be added to the listserv and/or GroupMe.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, October 30, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
10 Minute Play Festival
,
October 29 – November 1, 2026
10 Minute Play Festival, Written and Directed by USC Students, Benson Theatre,
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything in between as we present a collection of short plays, each written and directed by USC students. Included are the plays: • The Shores of Memory by Meagan AuBuchon / Directed by Emma Griffin, • The Bad Canary by Asher Thompson / Directed by Adam Martin, • Lamb Play, written and directed by Emily Lackey, • Dreamers and (Un)Doers by Mark Garvin / Directed by Jonathan Monk, • It's Just a Kiss by Luke Shelton / Directed by Asher Thompson, • Planet Fart by Morgan Passley / Directed by Bradley Gittens.
Admission Cost: $10.
Friday, October 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Benson 214.
10 Minute Play Festival
,
October 29 – November 1, 2026
10 Minute Play Festival, Written and Directed by USC Students, Benson Theatre,
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything in between as we present a collection of short plays, each written and directed by USC students. Included are the plays: • The Shores of Memory by Meagan AuBuchon / Directed by Emma Griffin, • The Bad Canary by Asher Thompson / Directed by Adam Martin, • Lamb Play, written and directed by Emily Lackey, • Dreamers and (Un)Doers by Mark Garvin / Directed by Jonathan Monk, • It's Just a Kiss by Luke Shelton / Directed by Asher Thompson, • Planet Fart by Morgan Passley / Directed by Bradley Gittens.
Admission Cost: $10.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Benson 214.
10 Minute Play Festival
,
October 29 – November 1, 2026
10 Minute Play Festival, Written and Directed by USC Students, Benson Theatre,
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything in between as we present a collection of short plays, each written and directed by USC students. Included are the plays: • The Shores of Memory by Meagan AuBuchon / Directed by Emma Griffin, • The Bad Canary by Asher Thompson / Directed by Adam Martin, • Lamb Play, written and directed by Emily Lackey, • Dreamers and (Un)Doers by Mark Garvin / Directed by Jonathan Monk, • It's Just a Kiss by Luke Shelton / Directed by Asher Thompson, • Planet Fart by Morgan Passley / Directed by Bradley Gittens.
Admission Cost: $10.
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Benson 214.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, November 2, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Charles Clary: Rewind Be Kind! Reception
Rewind Be Kind!
A McMaster Gallery Visiting Artist Exhibition Charles Clary, November 2-December 11, 2026, McMaster Gallery
Reception: November 5, 2026,
Artist Bio: Charles Clary, he/him, was born in 1980 in Morristown, Tennessee. He received his BFA in painting with honors from Middle Tennessee State University and his MFA in painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has shown in exhibitions at Galerie EvolutionPierre Cardin in Paris, France, The Netherlands’ CODA Museum Paper Biennial in 2021, The Shanghai Paper Biennial in 2021, Art of Paper Fair in New York City, and many other international, national, and regional juried, group, solo, and museum exhibitions. Clary won Top Prize at the 2016 ArtFields Competition in Lake City, SC, and in 2019 he won both People’s Choice Award for 2D and the Merit Prize at ArtFields. He has also been named the South Arts 2024 South Carolina State Fellow and the South Carolina Arts Commission Fellow in Visual Arts for 2026. He recently sold three…
Admission Cost: Free and open to the public!
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
McMaster College.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Program Info Session
Learn how you could earn your master’s degree in two or more European countries with the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's program. Attend this session to get your questions answered and spend time working on your application materials with the national fellowship team.
<b> <a href="https://sc-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/xoeEnt8xTCKqd__6VzQQog"> Zoom. Registration Required. </a> </b>.
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Fall Concert
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November 5-6, 2026, Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Fall Concert, Koger Center for the Arts,
Join us as we kick off the 50th Season of Dance at USC with a special performance of the classic ballet Pas de Quatre, a work performed at the very first USC dance concert in 1976 being restaged by Professor Stephanie Milling. Also scheduled is original choreography by Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Kathryn Morgan (New York City Ballet), a reprise of José Limón's A Choreographic Offering (a work set on the Betsy Blackmon Dance Company by Limón Dance Company artist Savannah Spratt in April 2026), plus more choreographic surprises!
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Fall Concert
,
November 5-6, 2026, Betsy Blackmon Dance Company Fall Concert, Koger Center for the Arts,
Join us as we kick off the 50th Season of Dance at USC with a special performance of the classic ballet Pas de Quatre, a work performed at the very first USC dance concert in 1976 being restaged by Professor Stephanie Milling. Also scheduled is original choreography by Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Kathryn Morgan (New York City Ballet), a reprise of José Limón's A Choreographic Offering (a work set on the Betsy Blackmon Dance Company by Limón Dance Company artist Savannah Spratt in April 2026), plus more choreographic surprises!
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, November 6, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, November 9, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, November 13, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House
W. Gordon Belser Arboretum Monthly Open House,
Third Sunday of every month from 1 - 4 p.m. 4080 Bloomwood Rd. Columbia, SC 29206,
Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC's wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia. The open house is the third Sunday of every month with ecology-themed presentations from faculty and regional experts twice each semester. ,
Nature walks every month. Meet at 1:30 in the Outdoor Classroom.
Find all our events and Book Club dates here.
Open Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12 pm, Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. (Winter 3 - 5 p.m.).
Volunteers welcome! Contact us at arboretum@sc.edu to let us know you're coming. ---, Visit the botanic garden horseshoe, pollinator display gardens, and walk through 10 biomes of South Carolina along a 1/3 mile trail. Special stops are at the longleaf pines atop a bluff of fossilized sand dunes, the boardwalk overlooking a bald cypress swamp, a grove of Atlantic white cypress in the central wetland, and the allee of ancient…
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, November 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Sunday, November 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, November 16, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
Botany Walk on the Historic Horseshoe
Join the A.C. Moore Herbarium staff on a 1-hour walk to explore the plant life of the historic Horseshoe. The group meets on the steps of McKissick Museum on the third Wednesday of each month. Plants featured or discussed will vary with group interest and by season.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Boren Workshop
Learn how to apply for Boren Awards – which offer funding for undergraduate and graduate students to study less-commonly taught languages abroad for up to a year. Get your questions answered and spend time working on your application materials with the national fellowships team. Located in DeSaussure 128.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs
,
November 13-20, 2026,
The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, By Ana Caro, Translated by Diversifying the Classics, Directed by Jesse Jou, Longstreet Theatre,
One of only two surviving plays from one of Spain’s most revered female playwrights, The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs is a subversive 17th century comedy whose sharp social critiques still resonate today. When Doña Leonor is suddenly cast aside after being seduced by the faithless Don Juan, she concocts a daring plan to disguise herself as a cunning swordsman (Leonardo), restore her honor, and bring her former lover to justice. Filled with wit, romance and intrigue, this modern translation of Ana Caro’s pioneering masterpiece is a fast-paced theatrical romp about a woman reclaiming her agency in a world designed to deny it.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, November 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Longstreet Theatre 219.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, November 23, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, November 30, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Student Choreography Showcase
,
December 2-4, 2026 ,
Student Choreography Showcase, Drayton Hall Theatre,
Prepare to be amazed as our student choreographers take the stage with a dynamic program of bold, original works they have imagined, created, and directed from start to finish. This biannual showcase celebrates the creativity, vision, and innovation of our emerging dance artists and offers a thrilling opportunity to witness the future of dance in action.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Student Choreography Showcase
,
December 2-4, 2026 ,
Student Choreography Showcase, Drayton Hall Theatre,
Prepare to be amazed as our student choreographers take the stage with a dynamic program of bold, original works they have imagined, created, and directed from start to finish. This biannual showcase celebrates the creativity, vision, and innovation of our emerging dance artists and offers a thrilling opportunity to witness the future of dance in action.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Student Choreography Showcase
,
December 2-4, 2026 ,
Student Choreography Showcase, Drayton Hall Theatre,
Prepare to be amazed as our student choreographers take the stage with a dynamic program of bold, original works they have imagined, created, and directed from start to finish. This biannual showcase celebrates the creativity, vision, and innovation of our emerging dance artists and offers a thrilling opportunity to witness the future of dance in action.
Admission Cost: $15 - $22.
Friday, December 4, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Drayton Hall 141.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, December 7, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Stargazing at the Melton Observatory
This historic observatory adjacent to the Horseshoe of the USC Columbia campus (1429 Greene Street) is currently open to the public on clear Monday nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm during EDT), weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope in the dome and other small telescopes on the observatory deck. See the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and more through our telescopes free of charge! To find out if the observatory is going to be open on a particular Monday night, please see its Facebook page or call 803-777-8105 or 803-777-8104.
Admission Cost: Free.
Monday, December 14, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Botany Walk on the Historic Horseshoe
Join the A.C. Moore Herbarium staff on a 1-hour walk to explore the plant life of the historic Horseshoe. The group meets on the steps of McKissick Museum on the third Wednesday of each month. Plants featured or discussed will vary with group interest and by season.
Admission Cost: Free.
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
See event description for more details.