Skip to Content
Families walking down the horsehshoe.

Parents and Families Gateway

The Office of Parent and Family Programs is your partner for student success.

The University of South Carolina's parents and families gateway is one of many ways we share information and resources with Gamecock families. The gateway, the Gamecock Family Hub, mobile app, assistance line and social media are useful resources that help you stay engaged and focused on what matters to you most — your student’s success .

 

Office of Parent & Family Programs

Phone: 803-777-3008
Email: scparents@sc.edu
Mobile App: https://guidebook.com/app/uofscparents/ 

We understand that parents and families need our office at various points in their student’s journey at South Carolina. We partner with you to support your student’s growth and success at the university. In moments where you can’t find an answer or just need guidance to find the right resource, make us your first call.

Join the Gamecock Family Hub
four students workers sit together on a brick wall

Commencement

The university’s May and December Commencement exercises are presided over by the university president and include South Carolina’s longstanding tradition of honoring degree candidates by name.

Spring 2025 Ceremonies
a group of student in caps and gowns are smiling and showing the spurs up gesture

Supporting Your Student

Every student's university experience is different, and each year can bring moments that call for new support and resources. Review the tabs below to match popular topics with trusted resources to see the services they can provide. Can't find what you're looking for? Email or call Parent and Family Programs for help.

A mom looking at her son smiling.

Academics

Every student deserves the opportunity to do great work in the classroom. USC designs and provides comprehensive resources to support students’ academic achievements.

 

Academic Advising & Coaching: Advisors help students define and achieve goals from freshman year to graduation, this includes individualized and ongoing learning support.

Changing Majors (Exploratory Advising): Advisors are available for in person or remote major change advising sessions to understand the next steps.

Student Success Center: Your student’s one-stop resource for academic support, including tutoring, peer writing, study skills and money management. Transfer and sophomore students can find tailored support here, too.

Student Disability Resources: Provides support and helps coordinate efforts to ensure registered students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations. 

Career Center: Supports students at all stages of career planning from identifying possibilities to making decisions on future direction to searching for hands-on experience.

Dates and Deadlines

When is the next holiday break? What days are finals? When is the last day to drop a class?
Don't miss an important date or deadline.

View the calendar

Family Weekend

Get excited for an unforgettable weekend, Sept. 11-13, 2025!

Learn about Family Weekend
a mother and daughter embraced and smiling at the Rock the Roost event outdoors during Family Weekend

Future Gamecock Families

Ready to explore a future at South Carolina as a family? Check out admissions requirements and financial assistance opportunities, or learn about campus visit options to get a taste of Gamecock life!

Latest Announcements and News

Stay informed about what's happening at USC. Browse the latest headlines and articles.

Announcements

Make your summer count: Earn an interdisciplinary certificate or summer minor

This summer, don't just relax – level up your academic profile with an Interdisciplinary Certificate or Summer Minor offered by USC's Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET).

Apply by June 14 for summer internship incentives

The South Carolina Internship Program offers $3,000 awards to support students of all majors gaining work experience in high-demand industries in the Palmetto State.

View More Announcements

 

Stories for Parents

Natasha Brison, associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management

HRSM professor melds law and marketing expertise to prepare students

Natasha Brison has practiced law and worked in the entertainment industry, starting a business as a marketing consultant for professional athletes. She also conducts research and came to South Carolina despite already earning tenure at another top institution. Now Brison brings her experience to USC's classrooms as an associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Her diverse background is proving to be a great resource for her students as she prepares them to pursue their dreams after graduation.

man stands outside a building holding a violin on his shoulder with the bow on the strings

Honors student builds career path in engineering, while nurturing his passion for music

Aidan Billings followed his head and his heart when he came to the University of South Carolina. Billings, who also is in the South Carolina Honors College, didn’t think a career as a musician would provide the income he wanted for his life, so he chose engineering for that aspect. But the second violinist in USC’s Symphony Orchestra says he loves playing classical music and does it professionally with several orchestras in the state.

View More Stories