Family Weekend Check-in
All registered Family Weekend participants should check in to pick up their materials, including the Guide to Family Weekend, nametags, drink tickets (those 21 and older) and other fun items.
Also taking place inside the Ballroom is the Family Weekend Resource Fair. Representatives from key university offices will be at Family Weekend Check-In to answer questions and share their expertise. This includes:
University Police
, Health Services
, Carolina Card
, UofSC Press
, Parking Services
, MyCarolina Alumni Association
, Carolina Food Company.
Thursday, September 23, 2021, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
Family Weekend Check-in
All registered Family Weekend participants should check in to pick up their materials, including the Guide to Family Weekend, nametags, drink tickets (those 21 and older) and other fun items. Please know Athletics will be onsite to assist families with any questions regarding their football tickets.
Also taking place inside the Ballroom is the Family Weekend Resource Fair. Representatives from key university offices will be at Family Weekend Check-In to answer questions and share their expertise. This includes:
University Police
, Health Services
, Carolina Card
, UofSC Press
, Parking Services
, MyCarolina Alumni Association
, Carolina Food Company.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Connecting with UofSC Police
Join the University of South Carolina's Crime Prevention Unit to learn about the variety of services and resources your student can use to stay connected and safe around campus.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM.
Russell House Theater.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Education Abroad
In this Family Weekend Featured Session, staff from the Education Abroad Office will discuss the services and resources they provide to UofSC students interested in studying abroad. They will also discuss how families can help their student through the search, application and transition process into study abroad programs.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM.
Russell House University Union 303.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Internships & the Importance of Immersive Experiences
In this Family Weekend Featured Session, Career Center staff will discuss the benefits of immersive experiences, including student employment, internships, co-ops, micro-internships, and other extracurricular activities, and what families can do to support their student’s involvement. They will share best practices and resources available for students navigating the internship search process.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM.
Russell House University Union 305.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Maintaining Your Finances in College
Did you know UofSC has resources for money management that your student can take advantage of? Come to this session to learn from our Student Success Center staff about budgeting, credit cards, student loans and much more!
Friday, September 24, 2021, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM.
ODK/Mortar Board Room.
At Home in the Heart of the Horseshoe, with author and First Lady, Patricia Moore-Pastides
What is it like to live in the heart of the University of South Carolina’s campus of 35,000 students? Join the First Lady of the University as she entertains with tales of what it was like to live in the President’s House on the historic Horseshoe for over 11 years. Through interviews with wives, children and a grandchild of former university presidents, Moore-Pastides gathered stories and vivid memories of campus life since the 1950’s. Meet and greet with Ms. Moore-Pastides as she shares poignant stories and entertainment ideas. Book sales and signing to follow.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
Russell House University Union 205.
Family Weekend Featured Session: A Family's Guide to Off-Campus and On-Campus Living
It may seem like you just moved your student into their freshman residence hall, but it’s time to start considering options for the next few years! Join University Housing and Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations and to discuss what steps your student should take to learn about living on and off campus as an upperclassman. Topics covered in this presentation include the housing search, lease review tips and general commuter information.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM.
Russell House Theater.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Preparing your Sophomore Student for Success
Ever heard of the sophomore slump? Families who have students in their second academic year at UofSC should attend this session to learn about opportunities and pitfalls that students may face in their second year. Attendees will learn about campus resources that can help sophomore students and what questions they can ask to help their students navigate the sophomore year successfully. Sponsored by the Student Success Center.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM.
Russell House University Union 303.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Office of Pre-Professional & Graduate School Advising
In this Family Weekend Featured Session, the Office of Pre-Professional & Graduate School Advising staff will give information on how students can best prepare for continuing their education in medicine, health professions, law, and other graduate programs. They will explain the importance of starting early, working with the OPPA staff, and the resources available for students hoping to continue their education.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM.
Russell House University Union 305.
College of Arts and Sciences Drop-In
Join us for a drop-in ice cream social on the front porch of the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Undergraduate Studies at Flinn Hall--featuring complimentary treats from Baskin-Robbins. Our amazing advisors, faculty and student ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions about our degree programs and promote the 15+ Family Weekend activities that our programs are offering across campus. .
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Family Weekend: Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Explore the rarely seen treasures in McKissick Museum’s massive collection. With more than 100,000 gem and mineral specimens, sweetgrass baskets, Edgefield pottery, quilts, political memorabilia, and even the first Cocky uniform, McKissick has something for everyone! This tour is free and open to the public. No registration required. The group will meet at McKissick Museum in the 2nd-floor lobby to begin the tour.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
McKissick Museum.
Off-Campus Housing Fair
The GMG Housing Fair is back! Family in town for Family Weekend? Bring them along, we can’t wait to see you there!
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
Family Weekend Featured Session: A Family's Guide to Off-Campus and On-Campus Living
It may seem like you just moved your student into their freshman residence hall, but it’s time to start considering options for the next few years! Join University Housing and Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations and to discuss what steps your student should take to learn about living on and off campus as an upperclassman. Topics covered in this presentation include the housing search, lease review tips and general commuter information.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Fraternity & Sorority Life
In this Family Weekend Featured Session, Fraternity & Sorority Life staff will discuss what families can expect from their student’s involvement in a fraternity or sorority. They will also discuss the leadership opportunities and the initiatives they coordinate for students to gain more experience in Fraternity & Sorority Life.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.
Russell House University Union 303.
Family Weekend Featured Session: What You Need to Know About Your Student's Mental Health Needs
This session is designed to help parents and families better understand the challenges their students may face and how to encourage their student to take care of their mental and emotional needs. Parents and families will come away with practical advice regarding how to support their student toward success and wellbeing using the supports and challenges of the college environment.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.
ODK/Mortar Board Room.
HRSM Family Weekend Bistro Lunch
Families of students who are majors in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM) are invited to a special bistro lunch with the HRSM Deans at the historic McCutchen House! You must register in advance. The cost is $13.10 for family members and $6 for your HRSM student. Seating is available at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm.
Seating is limited so register early! Register here,
McCutchen House is operated by the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management where students prepare and serve a gourmet lunch under the close supervision of the director and professional chefs.
Admission Cost: $13.10.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Advising Center Open House for Families
Drop by the University Advising Center in Close-Hipp 301 to learn more about academic advising at UofSC. Every undergraduate student is assigned to an academic advisor and they are required to meet together every semester. Advisors provide holistic student support, connecting academic & career goals through academic planning & coaching, experiential & career planning, early interventions, and referrals. Advising staff will be available to provide information and answer questions you may have.
Admission Cost: none.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Greek Revival, with author and First Lady, Patricia Moore-Pastides
Join First Lady, Ms. Patricia Moore-Pastides as she shares insights and recipes from her two cookbooks, Greek Revival: Cooking for Life and Greek Revival from the Garden. Ms. Moore-Pastides, an accomplished cookbook author and public-health professional, will discuss how to make a healthful lifestyle possible. Her recipes focus on the time-tested Mediterranean diet—recommended for great taste, good health, and long life—and on learning simple, delicious cooking methods that foster a happy and healthy relationship with good food. Book sales and signing included.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM.
Russell House University Union 205.
Family Weekend Spotlight Presentation: MyUofSC Experience Transcript
In this Family Weekend Information Session, Division of Student Affairs & Academic Support staff will discuss the new UofSC co-curricular transcript. The University of South Carolina is focused on identifying and making visible how immersive beyond the classroom programs and experiences, often referred to as "extracurricular" activities, contribute to student learning and success both in college and beyond. Come explore how UofSC is making visible a more comprehensive record of what students experience and learn in college and what families can do to support their involvement in these important learning experiences.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Davis 216.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Gamecocks Stand Up and the Carolinian Creed
This session is designed to help parents and families better know how to be active bystanders when it comes to their students, and how they can play a part in promoting a caring Carolinian community. Parents and families learn about signs to look out for when their student might be struggling with an issue, how to intervene, tips on how to start conversations about creating a safe community, as well as knowledge of the Carolinian Creed.
Admission Cost: n/a.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
School of Journalism & Mass Communications 320.
CIC Family Weekend Drop-In
Join the College of Information and Communications for Family Weekend! Drop by to meet CIC faculty and staff and enjoy light refreshments. Don't forget to take a family photo in our photo studio! Open to all CIC students and families.
Drop-in held at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at 800 Sumter St. Columbia, SC 29208.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See Description for Event Location.
CIEL Open House (Family Weekend)
Drop by Legare College on the Historic Horseshoe to learn more about the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning (CIEL). In our office, learning in the classroom is just the beginning. We help students make meaning of their within and beyond the classroom learning. Students can use significant experiences, including Undergraduate Research, towards the requirements of Graduation with Leadership Distinction. Check us out to learn more and get involved!
Admission Cost: free.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Family Weekend: Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Explore the rarely seen treasures in McKissick Museum’s massive collection. With more than 100,000 gem and mineral specimens, sweetgrass baskets, Edgefield pottery, quilts, political memorabilia, and even the first Cocky uniform, McKissick has something for everyone! This tour is free and open to the public. No registration required. The group will meet at McKissick Museum in the 2nd-floor lobby to begin the tour.
Admission Cost: Free.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
McKissick Museum.
Recovery Month Student Panel
Gamecock Recovery ends our celebration of National Recovery Month with a panel of students in recovery sharing their experiences on campus. Join us in person or on Zoom. More information at sc.edu/sape/recovery.
Admission Cost: free.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Russell House University Union 305.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Empower Your Student to Take the Lead in Their UofSC Experience
If you are looking for ways to connect with your student and help them through the common struggle’s college students face, this session is for you! The ombuds for undergraduate students will discuss common issues students experience and how parents and family members can help guide their student to appropriate resources to resolve the concern.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM.
Russell House Theater.
Family Weekend Featured Session: Supporting Your Student’s Resilience
If you are looking for ways to connect with your student and help them through the common struggle’s college students face, this session is for you! The ombuds for undergraduate students will discuss common issues students experience and how parents and family members can help guide their student to appropriate resources to resolve the concern.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM.
Russell House University Union 303.
Admissions Information Session
Calling all siblings of UofSC students! The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is hosting a special 20-minute Information Session about applying to the university at 3:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center (McKissicK Museum). See how the University of South Carolina might be a good fit for you just like it was for your older sibling. Family members also welcome!
Register ahead to attend: https://apply.sc.edu/register/2021familyweekend
You are also encouraged to sign-up for a campus tour or academic department visit on September 24. Schedule your day here: www.sc.edu/visit.
Admission Cost: None.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Moore School Student Success & Job Marketability
Family Weekend
Friday, Sept. 24, 3-4 p.m. Level 1, Moore School, Register to attend, Face coverings will be required at all times inside all campus buildings.
Darla Moore School of Business parents and students are invited to join Dean Peter Brews, Jan Bass, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, and Georgia Doran, Office of Career Management Senior Director, for an informative discussion of what your Moore School student can do in and out of the classroom to enhance academic success and job marketability. Learn about the Moore School’s curriculum, major choices, and the array of opportunities available to our students and how it all relates to career paths.
Admission Cost: 0.00.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Darla Moore School of Business 123 - BlueCross Blue Shield of SC Lecture Hall.
President Meet and Greet
Stop by the President’s Meet and Greet to see Carolina’s “first family,” Dr. Harris Pastides and Ms. Patricia Moore-Pastides, as they officially welcome you to Family Weekend 2021! Visit the beautiful historic Horseshoe while enjoying a few hors d’oeuvres at this drop-in event. Make sure to wear your Family Weekend wristband as it is required to enter the event.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Family Weekend: Rock the Roost
Join us for food and drinks featuring Cocky’s favorite comforts while we dance to the rockin’ sounds of the Reggie Sullivan Band. Get ready for a fun Friday night Family Weekend tradition! All guests, including Carolina students, must have their Family Weekend wristband to enter Rock the Roost. This event is subject to change based on weather conditions.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Stargazing at the Melton Memorial Observatory (Weather Permitting)
The Department of Physics and Astronomy welcomes students and families to join us for an evening of stargazing (*weather permitting*) at the Melton Memorial Observatory, which is located off the Horseshoe. The event will be held on Friday, September 24 from 8:00-10:00 pm.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 protocols, our capacities will be restricted to four (4) people in the dome at a time and eight (8) people on the rooftop at a time.
For weather updates, please monitor our website (uof.sc/melton).
This event will be part of UofSC's Family Weekend programming. Come drop in and check out the night sky with our observatory team!
Admission Cost: Free and Open to the Public.
Friday, September 24, 2021, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Melton Observatory 201.
Sunrise Yoga Outdoors - Family Weekend
Join us for a challenging, yet relaxing sunrise yoga outside on the STWFC recreation field. Click here to register. This event is open to all students and their families. Mats will be provided.
Additionally, families are invited to enjoy all the wellness and fitness centers amenities throughout the weekend including free Group X classes. Check out IMLeagues.com for our current schedule of classes.
Admission Cost: 0.
Saturday, September 25, 2021, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
Strom Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Ctr Field 2.
Body Pump - Family Weekend
Join mother and daughter instructor combo of Jan and Carsyn Kincaid for a fun and challenging full-body workout focusing on strength and endurance. Please register each family member attending. Participants must be 18 years or older to enter the facility. Register HERE,
Additionally, families are invited to enjoy all the wellness and fitness centers amenities throughout the weekend including free Group X classes. Check out IMLeagues.com for our current schedule of classes.
Admission Cost: 0.
Saturday, September 25, 2021, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM.
Strom Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Ctr Studio 125.
Family Weekend: Curator’s Choice Tour
Enjoy a tour of the galleries in McKissick Museum led by our Faculty Curator, Dr. Lana Burgess. Visitors will explore Carolina Knives: The Roots of a Revival, Hyphenated, The Shell Game Unravelling Molluscan Mysteries, and Natural Curiosity: The University of South Carolina and the Evolution of Scientific Inquiry in the Natural World. This tour is free and open to the public. No registration required. The group will meet at McKissick Museum in the 2nd-floor lobby to begin the tour.
Admission Cost: Free.
Saturday, September 25, 2021, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
McKissick Museum.
Family Weekend Tailgate Party
Get excited for the football game against Kentucky at this traditional, Southern tailgate party! Visit with Cocky, Cocky’s parents and the cheerleaders, and listen to live music from the Carolina Marching Band. Enjoy tailgate food like barbecue, hot dogs, chicken fingers and more! Plenty of food and drinks will be available. Please refer to the Football Fan Guide for game day and parking information, or take the shuttle to the game. (Walking directions from the shuttle drop-off point to the Tailgate Party will be provided in the Guide to Family Weekend. Please keep in mind that the walk from the shuttle drop-off to the Tailgate Party is approximately 1.1 miles.) Make sure to wear your Family Weekend wristband (and drink tickets, if applicable) and bring your football game tickets (electronic). All guests, including Carolina students, must have their Family Weekend wristband to enter the Tailgate Party. This event is subject to change based on weather conditions.
Saturday, September 25, 2021, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
See event description for more details.
Honors College Family Weekend Picnic
Join the South Carolina Honors College for a picnic on the Horseshoe as we celebrate during UofSC's Family Weekend! It's an afternoon full of family and friends, good food, casual fun and great music. This event is open to Honors College students and families only. RSVPs are required.
Admission Cost: Free.
Sunday, September 26, 2021, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.