Success Toolbox

Look at how they refer to themselves on the course syllabus
Ask them how they want to be addressed (i.e., Dr. Smith, Professor Smith, or Mr./Mrs. Smith)
Look at the names they use in their e-mail signature. If it contains Ph.D. or Ed.D., you should call them Dr. unless they tell you otherwise.

Best Practices for E-mailing your Professors

Write from your college or university email account
Include your course number and section in the subject line
Choose an appropriate greeting using either "Dr." or "Professor"
Be polite yet concise
Sign with your full name, course number, and section
Proofread for spelling errors/punctuation

Sample E-mail

Hello Dr. / Professor [Instructor Last Name],

This is [Your Name] and I'm in your BIOL101 course (section 001). I have a question about when the animal cell project is due. According to the syllabus, the project is due next Monday, October 15th. However, you mentioned today that it wasn't due until Wednesday, October 17th. Could you clarify this?

Thank you,
[Your Name]

BIOL101 (section 001)

Office hours are designated times when you can meet with your professors and teaching assistants outside of class to discuss the material being presented in class or other related topics.

Clarify and ask questions about course content
Work through practice problems
Learn about new study strategies for a particular course
Ask questions about the syllabus, upcoming assignments, and due dates
Prepare for an upcoming assignment
Review an assignment or exam after grading
Talk about grades

Study your textbook, notes from lecture, and attempt your homework before going to office hours so you can identify specific concepts and/or questions you need addressed
Try not to wait until the day before an assignment or test is due

Blackboard is a learning management system (LMS) used at USC.

Visit blackboard.sc.edu and login with your USC credentials.

View course content such as all the folders, documents, and assessments, as well as other items within a specific course
Take tests and submit assignments
Interact with your classmates and instructors directly by using tools like discussions, journals, and course messages
Stay up-to-date on course activity including new content and announcements
View your overall grades for all courses. The grade display of letter, percentage, or points depends on the instructor's settings for the course

For additional help and more information, visit the Blackboard Help Center.

South Carolina Bookstore

Textbooks can be purchased at the South Carolina Bookstore. There is a rental option along with new and used options.

Thomas Cooper Library

Textbooks can be checked out on a first-come, first-served basis at the Circulation Desk on the Main Level of the Thomas Cooper Library.

Center for Health & Wellbeing
College of Nursing
- Student Study Rooms available exclusively for Nursing Students in rooms 129, 131, 304, 305, 423, 502C, and 518
Darla Moore School of Business
- Global Cafe
- Study Rooms available exclusively for Moore School Students available on Level 2 via reservation.
Gamecock Recovery Lounge (Carolina Coliseum Room 4001)
Jones Physical Science Center
Russell House 2nd and 3rd floor lobby
Starbucks Cafe at Russell House University Union
Science and Technology Building
- Enhanced study areas and an open lounge area available for students
Thomas Cooper Library
- Level 1: Quiet study areas are available. No talking is permitted in these areas. Silent study carrels are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Small and large group study rooms are also available via reservation.
  - Note for Fall 2023 semester: This area is currently unavailable, but Level 3 carrels are open for business!
- Level 2: Quiet study areas are available. No talking is permitted in these areas. Small and large group study rooms are also available via reservation.
- Level 3: Quiet study areas are available. No talking is permitted in these areas. Silent study carrels are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Small and large group study rooms are also available via reservation.
- Level 4: Open study areas are available. Tech Coops as well as small and large group study rooms are also available via reservation.
- Level 5: Open study areas available either in the Technology Lounge or the open space near the Career Center.
- Main Level: Open study areas are available, including Scholars Corner and the Library Skywalk. Large group study rooms that typically fit 6-8 people are also available via reservation.
- Mezzanine: Open study areas are available, including the front of the Mezzanine. The back of the Mezzanine (i.e. Student Success Center) is available for open study when the Student Success Center is closed.
University Advising Center (Close-Hipp Suite 301)

Arnold School of Public Health Patio
Davis Field
Horseshoe
Gambrell Rooftop Patio
Barringer House Gardens
School of Journalism & Mass Communications Rooftop Garden
Russell House Patio
Darla Moore School of Business Patio
Thomas Cooper Library Fountain

Looking for a change of scenery? There are many local coffee shops near campus that make great study spots!

Drip (Five Points)
Starbucks (Five Points)
Immaculate Consumption - 933 Main St (behind the State House)
Cool Beans Coffee Co - 1217 College St

The Student Success Center offers one-on-one Money Management Consultations for students looking to maximize their understanding of fiscal matters that affect them during their college years and beyond. But if you're looking for a more independent way to learn how to manage your money, the Student Success Center has just the resource for you!

CashCourse: An Online Money Management Module

CashCourse is an online module that gives students the confidence to handle financial decisions and challenges, which allows them the freedom to focus on achieving their goals.

Navigate Student

Create to-do lists, partner with study buddies, view your course schedule, make appointments with SSC staff and other campus offices, view key campus events, and connect with campus resources.