The Black Graduate Student Association at USC is a student organization dedicated to fostering an academic, professional and social environment for black graduate students. The organization also serves as an aid in advocating the needs and concerns of black graduate students at USC.

Email: sobgsa@mailbox.sc.edu 

In partnership with Midlands Technical College, UofSC offers this “bridge” program to students who do not meet the entrance criteria for freshman enrollment.  After the first year students transfer to UofSC. The Gamecock Gateway Program is designed to promote access for underrepresented students.  Facts:

• 35% minority students
• 72% of students in the program transferred from Midlands Tech to UofSC
• 70% graduation rate among minority student who matriculate through the program

Since 2008, the Gamecock Guarantee has offered an affordable, high quality education to academically talented first-generation students from low-income South Carolina families.  The scholarship covers tuition and technology fees for four years (as long as the student continues to meet the program criteria).

The Grace Jordan McFadden Professors Program is an initiative that recruits and prepares under represented minorities to become college and university professors. The initiative aims to promote and increase diversity in the professoriate.

Phone: 803-777-5553
Email: GJMPP@mailbox.sc.edu 

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is dedicated to the advancement and development of graduate and professional students at UofSC. It serves to advocate on behalf of the interests of nearly 7,000 graduate and professional students at the University of South Carolina. The GSA works closely with administrators, faculty and staff to achieve its goals.

Email: sogsa@mailbox.sc.edu

Interfaith A to Z is a student organization and safe space where all religious, spiritual and nonreligious students can: 

• Develop respect for people who orient around religion differently,
• Build mutually inspiring relationships, and
• Engage in common action around issues of shared concern. 

Interfaith A to Z is an organization where students of any religious, spiritual or nonreligious identity (or no identity) will feel welcome and wanted. Interfaith A to Z believes religious diversity is a foundational strength of our society and can be mobilized to benefit the common good. Rather than working separately on issues that are important to many people of diverse identities, they believe our community are better when we act cooperatively across lines of religious difference for the common good.

The Opportunity Scholars Program encourages student success by creating a “small college” atmosphere that includes tutoring assistance, academic advising, guidance on undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities, mentoring, workshops and cultural enrichment opportunities.  Low income, first generation students take freshman year courses as a cohort. Facts:

50% minority students 
72% five-year graduation rate (2008 cohort)
95% freshman to sophomore retention rate for the past five years