Registration for Spring Orientation is now open!
Visit the Spring Orientation page to learn more or Find Your Orientation for all other programs.
Welcome to the Family!
New Student Orientation is the first step in helping your student successfully join our Gamecock community. But Orientation isn’t just for students — families and supporters play a critical role in their success. That’s where we come in! The Office of New Student Orientation offers various resources to help you support your student’s transition to the University of South Carolina.
Whether this is your first college student or your fifth, we invite you to participate in our Family and Supporter Orientation program and become familiar with all the resources available to both you and your student. The program runs concurrently with your student’s session, whether they are a freshman or transfer student.
Our Family and Supporter Orientation focuses on a wide variety of topics and subjects that families and guests should find helpful during their student’s first year.
Families and supporters will have the opportunity to connect with administration, faculty and staff to discuss their student’s needs and upcoming experiences. They will also have an opportunity to learn more about their student’s academic college and their chosen college and major. As a part of the program, families and supporters will:
- Be introduced to academic policies and support resources including financial aid, tuition payments, student health and well-being and more.
- Ask questions of current students, staff and administrators.
- Learn about the Office of Parent and Family Programs.
- Meet other families and supporters during evening socials.
Spring, Summer Term and August Orientation: $50 per family member/supporter.
Fall Freshman Orientation: $115 per family member/supporter. Please note: If you are staying overnight in one of our designated residence halls during your student's Freshman Orientation, there will be an additional charge.
Fall Transfer Orientation: $50 per family member/supporter
The New Student Orientation registration fee covers all supplies and resources used during your session. It also covers your meals, parking, facility rentals, equipment, printing and staff salaries.
Participation in our programs involves frequent migrations to and from various campus buildings. If you or your family member/supporter have mobility restrictions at the time of your session, please be sure to indicate this in your Orientation Portal under the ‘Special Accommodations’ section. Golf carts will be made available for those needing assistance.
Additionally, please make note of any other special accommodation related to sight, hearing, dietary restrictions, etc. in your Orientation Portal so that our staff can plan for your arrival accordingly.
We recommend having your Orientation Portal updated with any special accommodation no later than a week prior to your session. Otherwise, feel free to contact the Office of New Student Orientation for any updates or changes.
Your student will need to add you as their supporter(s) through the Orientation Portal at my.sc.edu. Please ensure they provide the correct email address, so you receive all our communication. Students can add a supporter at any time.
We highly encourage families and supporters to join the New Student Orientation Community in the Gamecock Family Hub. The Gamecock Family Hub is the best way to stay in-the-know. When you make an account, you will receive access to important campus news and deadlines, personalized newsletters and email announcements. You are also able to easily share updates with friends and family. As you navigate your transition to South Carolina, we encourage you to search for the “2024 New Student Orientation Community” to connect with other families of incoming Gamecocks!