Abstract: The University Advising Center’s “Advisement Tools Workshop” presentation provides students with an introduction to the advising tools and resources that will help them navigate their academic and experiential journey at USC. Students will build an understanding of curricular and co-curricular technologies utilized through advising at USC. Students will learn about additional advising resources and will have the opportunity to begin academic planning and preparation for advisement. This presentation is only offered during the first 5 weeks of the semester.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Navigate the DegreeWorks audit and identify course options to meet degree requirements.
2. Navigate the My USC Experience Engagement database and identify engagement options related to academic program of study.
3. Identify advising resources and begin academic planning and preparation for advisement.

Abstract: The Anne Frank Center Tour brings to life the story of the young Jewish girl who – in the pages of her world-renowned diary – documented two years of hiding in German-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. By sharing Anne’s legacy with U101 students in a guided-tour, the Anne Frank Center seeks to inspire our students to never be bystanders but instead to stand up together against antisemitism, bigotry, and inequality wherever they may exist today. The Anne Frank Center at USC is the official North American partner of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...

1. Understand the role of antisemitism in the life of Anne Frank, the rise of Nazism, and the Holocaust. 

2.  Consider their own values and identity, and, to articulate how these can shape perspectives and relationships with people who are like, or different from, themselves.

3.  Recognize the importance of being an upstander, and understand the choices facing everyday people when confronted with antisemitism and bigotry during the Holocaust and WWII period. The tour delves into the decisions Anne Frank and her family made in difficult circumstances, and the role of the people that helped keep them safe while in hiding, as well as the Nazi perpetrators and their accomplices.

Abstract: This campus partner presentation will be a unique opportunity that will bring together several U101 sections that occur during the same time frame for a trivia contest in the hub of Student Life & community at USC, the Russell House University Union. Gamecock Entertainment students will facilitate several rounds of trivia that will let U101 students have fun, get creative, meet their fellow students from different sections, and learn more about USC traditions.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of the presentation, students will be able to...
1. Actively build community as a class and a cohort of U101 students.
2. Learn about traditions (some of which may be unknown to the student) that take place here at USC.
3. Learn the importance of experiencing traditions as a college students and what it means for life after college.

 
Abstract: This presentation will provide a quick overview of services that the Career Center offers, an activity based upon Holland’s Code, and Handshake, a career services platform. Handshake is where students can search for jobs, internships, career events, and schedule a career coaching appointment. Students will set up their profile, learn how to schedule appointments with the Career Center, and run job and internship searches using Handshake.The Holland’s Code Party Game engages students in exploring career paths by interacting with peer groups representing the six Holland Code personality types.This helps students identify which career areas and majors align best with their interests and personality traits.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1.  Set up their Handshake profile, have a better understanding of how to utilize Handshake to search for on-campus, work-study, or part-time jobs, search for career events, and schedule an appointment with the Career Center.
2.  Have an introduction to the South Carolina Collectives and how this feature in Handshake helps in an efficient internship search. Students must activate Handshake prior to attending presentation.
3.  Explore different career paths through the Holland’s Code Party Game that will allow them to identify which career areas and majors resonate most with their interests and personality traits.

Abstract: This presentation discusses the importance of academic integrity at USC. It addresses Honor Code policies, ways to avoid academic dishonesty (i.e. using campus resources, building relationships with faculty members, etc.), how cheating impacts the USC community, as well as an individual student's reputation and value of degree. "Cocky Never Cheats" is an interactive educational program that uses discussion, activities, and online quizzes to provide students the opportunity to think critically about decision making skills, discuss why students should not violate the honor code, and how to avoid potential violations.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Articulate the philosophy of the University’s Honor Code, as well as its policies, procedures, and possible outcomes of violations.
2. Identify and locate resources related to academic integrity.
3. Evaluate the importance of academic integrity on the value of their USC degree.

Abstract: This presentation helps students understand anxiety and how to manage it effectively. We’ll explore what anxiety is, why it’s natural, and when it becomes a problem. We’ll discuss common stressors like academic pressures, financial concerns, and social challenges. Students will learn and practice coping strategies, including mindfulness, breathing techniques, and cognitive exercises. Discussion of real-life scenarios will help them apply these strategies in the moment. Finally, we’ll introduce campus resources like CAPS and how to support peers. By the end, students will have tools to manage anxiety and flourish at the University of South Carolina.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Identify the signs of anxiety and prolonged stress and recognize the impact stress has on academic, social, and physical functioning.
2. Practice effective coping strategies for managing anxiety in a college setting.
3. Identify on-campus mental health services provided by Counseling and Psychiatric Services, including outreach engagements, and how to access them.

Abstract: "Cultivating Civil Rights & a Community of Care" is an interactive presentation that educates students on their rights at the University related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. This presentation will also apprise students of the supports and options available to them through the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. Additionally this presentation will allow students to explore strategies to intervene in situations where harm is happening and will encourage open, honest dialogue to empower students to treat members of our community with dignity and respect.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Identify intervention techniques and inclusive practices.
2. Recognize their rights and responsibilities as Carolinians.
3. Evaluate appropriate responses to possible incidents of discrimination or harassment.

Abstract: “Gamecocks Stand Up” is an interactive presentation that educates students on how to recognize signs of distress, the decision-making process in becoming an active bystander, and specific strategies to help others in various situations. By participating in discussions and activities, students can reflect on their own experiences, explore possibilities for Standing Up, and practice new and innovative ways to Stand Up for fellow Gamecocks. Detailed information about on campus and community resources will be shared.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of the presentation, students will be able to...
1. Recognize potentially harmful situations.
2. Decide to be an active bystander.
3. Identify helpful resources and strategies to Stand Up for fellow Gamecocks

Abstract: This educational and interactive presentation introduces three different dimensions of physical wellness: Eating, moving, and sleeping. Through a combination of lecture, small group activities, and individual reflection, students will learn strategies for balancing their time, attention, and energy to care for themselves at USC and beyond. This presentation is facilitated by the Changing Carolina Peer Leaders and heavily emphasizes the free support resources available on campus that can support students in building sustainable and healthy habits.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Identify strategies for eating balanced meals on campus.
2. Identify examples of joyful movement.
3. Recognize the importance of sleep in the different dimensions of wellness.

Abstract: “Healthy Relationships, Communication, and Consent” is an interactive presentation that educates students on healthy relationships, interpersonal violence, and the importance of consent. This presentation will help students identify differences between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships. Through discussion and activities, students will reflect on their personal values, explore the parameters of consent, learn how to use communication skills, set and respect healthy relationship boundaries, and learn about the resources for support on campus and in the community.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Understand consent and how communication fosters our relationships and interactions with others.
2. Describe what constitutes a healthy relationship, an unhealthy relationship, and  an abusive relationship.
3. Identify appropriate resources for on-campus and community support

Abstract: Resilience is defined as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and to persevere in the face of adversity. The "How to Fail: A Building Resilience Workshop" is an interactive presentation that will teach students about building resilience and how resilient behaviors can lead to a successful college experience. This presentation is perfect for students who would like to learn how to set and manage expectations, practice self-compassion, and develop effective tools to manage their stress.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Identify three resilience-building behaviors that they can adopt.
2. Name three strategies to use in the face of adversity and difficult circumstances.
3. Learn how resilience can enhance their emotional well-being, coping skills, positive help-seeking behavior and improve their chances of academic success.

Abstract: Feel like your brain has too many tabs open? Mindfulness can help quiet the chatter. It teaches us to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing. It allows us to not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us, as well as, improve sleep habits, and increase focus. Research also suggests that mindfulness can be an effective tool that leads to academic success. This presentation will give students a chance to learn about mindfulness and how they can adopt and customize the practice to fit into their lives.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Describe the difference between mindfulness and meditation.
2. Practice at least two mindfulness techniques, including ideas to complete daily tasks more mindfully.
3. Identify thinking traps they may fall into and how to get themselves out using mindfulness.

Abstract: Students come to the University with differing levels of familiarity using their high school and public libraries, neither of which is set up like a college or university library. While some students may have done college-level research before, many may be unaware of what their university library has to offer them. This tour provides students with a tour of both the website and the physical space of the library.

Learning Outcomes: 
As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Know how to navigate the physical space of the library. 
2. Know how and who to ask for help at the library. 
3. Know some of what the libraries have to offer. 

Abstract: Media Literacy is increasingly a concern as we educate our future leaders to navigate the world around them. We all consume media every day, needing to discern between reality and misinformation, a challenge made more difficult with the daily changes in AI and the growing scope of available media. Media Literacy 101 teaches our students how to think critically about the information they consume. We will discuss Authorship and Audiences, Messages and Meanings, and Personal Evaluation, connecting civic engagement and cognitive theory to real-world media literacy skills.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Define media literacy and media bias.
2. Identify appeals to cognitive bias and persuasion in a piece of media.
3. Apply mental media literacy checklist to critically inspect a new piece of media.

 

Abstract: The Education Abroad Office’s “See the World” presentation is designed to give students the tools necessary to start thinking about the many international education opportunities available at USC. Peer ambassadors and graduate assistants highlight their own international experiences and facilitate a discussion on opportunities for overseas study, internship, research and service. With this highly interactive environment, no two presentations are exactly alike. “See the World” presenters will discuss the benefits of international education, an introduction to the available programs, and the steps needed to begin the study abroad process.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Understand the importance of international education to personal, academic and professional development, and learn reasons to get excited about studying abroad.
2. Understand the basics of the study abroad process, including general information about the range of overseas programs available, scholarships and financial aid, and the academic approval process.
3. Identify first steps in the study abroad process, and how the Education Abroad Office can help.

Abstract: First-Year students have several challenges to navigate as they transition to college life. Specifically, when it comes to academic and money management skills, students have diverse backgrounds and levels of preparedness in their approach to learning and studying. This presentation will utilize interactive and collaborative activities as well as providing tools to help students identify Student Success Center resources. Students will leave with a tangible game plan for how to access and use these resources.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Understand how to use Covey's Quadrants as a time management technique.
2.  Be able to identify and access Student Success Center resources.

Abstract: When most people hear “sustainability,” they only think of recycling. While we want to have each new gamecock learn the recycling rules of campus, we aim have them think broader. Sustainability is a holistic, interdisciplinary concept composed of environmental, economic, and social issues that impact every aspect of our lives. Participants will develop a better understanding of sustainability, and how they can incorporate sustainability into their personal, academic, and professional lives. This interactive session teaches students about the state of sustainability at USC, how to get involved, and and helps students assess their personal sustainability to set sustainability related goals.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Sort their waste correctly into trash vs recycling.
2. Apply sustainability principles in their personal, academic, and professional life.
3. Understand the opportunities to get involved in sustainability on campus and in the community.

Abstract: The Sustainable Carolina Garden is an urban organic farm on campus, near Green Quad. Founded in 2007 by students, for students, it has continued with that mindset ever since. We invite U101 classes to tour our garden, learn farming techniques, lend a hand, and maybe even sample some of the produce! A portion of the produce is donated to the Gamecock CommUnity Shop and the rest is sold at the Healthy Carolina Farmer’s market on Greene Street. We hope that by touring and volunteering in the garden, students feel more connected to the campus community and more rooted to USC.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Define and describe permaculture, hydroponics, and compost.
2. Be exposed to nature, fresh air, and mindfulness through gardening.
3. Understand the opportunities to get involved in sustainability on campus and in the community via Sustainable Carolina Garden, Gamecock CommUnity Shop & Healthy Carolina Farmers Market.

Abstract: "Take the Risky Out of Frisky" is an interactive presentation facilitated by Changing Carolina Peer Leaders and Healthy Campus Initiatives. Through group dialogue and self-reflection, we provide students with medically-accurate information on sexual health, including methods of protection and contraception, STIs and HIV, getting tested, and tips for relationship communication and risk reduction. Students will leave with knowledge of campus and surrounding community resources and information to set the stage for capacity building. A laptop, projector and dry erase board will be required.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Identify medically accurate facts associated with oral, anal, vaginal, manual, and non-penetrative sexual activities.
2. Describe techniques for safer sex and healthier relationships, including, but not limited to the importance of communication, testing, protection and contraception.
3. Identify available campus/community resources for sexual health and relationship communication.

Abstract: Discover how you can get involved in entrepreneurship at the University of South Carolina! This presentation, hosted by the McNair Institute, will cover what, when, where, why, and who of USC’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Learn about courses, events, student clubs, internships, and fellowships designed to spark innovation and support your startup journey. Whether you’re a beginner or ready to launch, find out how you can take part in exciting opportunities offered through McNair and its campus partners—all in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Don’t miss your chance to connect, create, and grow your ideas at USC!

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Recognize the various centers and institutes on campus, such as the McNair Institute, that support entrepreneurial development.
2. Understand the value and mindset of being an entrepreneur and reflect on what entrepreneurship personally means to them. 
3. Evaluate how entrepreneurship can complement their current field of study and support their career goals, including pursuing the Entrepreneurship Minor.

Abstract: Thinking Globally offers your students an exciting first-hand experience focused on expanding their cultural perspectives and global citizenship. Students will learn about different countries of the world through engaging presentations and conversations with USC international students, known as Thinking Globally Ambassadors. The Ambassadors bring to life various aspects of their cultures through the use of visual aids and interactive discussions, often comparing their culture with American culture. Students will also learn how to further their newfound cross-cultural interest by participating in USC programming opportunities, foreign language study, and study abroad.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Interact with international students and recognize the rich perspectives that exists within USC's student community.
2. Address cultural differences in engaged dialogue in order to develop richer and more informed perspectives.
3. Be introduced to opportunities for future international and cross-cultural experiences.

Abstract: “Top Five Ways to Get Kicked Out” begins by discussing what issues students may face in their first-year of college. The goal is to prevent students from ending up in the conduct office for avoidable errors in judgment. We set a mantra, “What could go wrong?” as a decision making model. The interactive presentation is focused on commonly occurring incidents. For each of the violations the group walks through scenarios and decision making turning points. Students and facilitators enjoy laughter while addressing some foibles of student mentality and the predictability of how their environment affects their decisions.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Identify the most commonly violated laws and policies.
2. Identify decision making pitfalls, the repercussions they carry, and the benefits of legal and safe decisions
3. Connect their decision making to adult accountability and responsibility.

Abstract: The Office of Undergraduate Research wants students to get excited about participating in research. Students should come away with an idea as to what research looks like, the benefits of participating in research, how to get started, and the resources available to them through the Office of Undergraduate Research. This presentation will introduce University 101 students to examples of research projects, how to find a mentor, funding opportunities, and direct them to get started in the advisement process.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Define research and dispel common myths about the research process.
2. Recognize the benefits of participating in undergraduate research and understand that any student can engage in it.
3. Understand how to get started in research and begin exploring their own research interests.

 
Abstract:  Participants will dive into what well-being means at individual and community levels. This interactive presentation introduces the eight dimensions of well-being and facilitates dialogue about prioritizing health & well-being as a college student at USC. Students will engage in guided reflection about their current level(s) of well-being and what steps they might take to improve specific dimensions. Students will leave this presentation with practical strategies for incorporating well-being into their busy schedules, as well as knowledge of how to access campus resources for each dimension.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1. Indicate at least 3 of the 8 dimensions of well-being that they want to work on in the next month.
2. Identify one campus resource that applies to each dimension of well-being.
3. Describe the concept of community well-being and how it builds upon individual well-being.

 

 

Abstract:  Your story matters! Writing and sharing your experiences takes courage, and true self-discovery requires vulnerability and honesty. As you explore your values, history, celebrations, and traditions, you gain deeper insight into who you are. Owning and telling your story empowers you with greater self-awareness, growth, confidence, and connection. In this workshop, you’ll reflect on your lived experiences, craft and share your 60-second truth, and walk away with key concepts to help you focus on the lessons and moments that shape your life.

Learning Outcomes: 

As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...
1.  Understand the importance of personal narratives and self-discovery.
2.  Reflect on lived experiences with courage, vulnerability, and honesty.
3.  Recognize the empowering nature of storytelling.