Pillars for Carolina program added to aid transition of incoming freshmen
The transition from high school senior to college freshman can be one of the most challenging parts of adulthood. To aid with this transition, USC has created a new summer program to help incoming students develop friendships and learn about the university’s history.
Pillars for Carolina is an extended orientation program running from June 20 to 24. USC officials got the idea from the University of Georgia’s “Dawg Camp,” a program to help first-year students ease their fears of being at the university and to make new friends.
USC’s program is an extension of the normal first-year orientation. After orientation, students will stay an extra four days for the Pillars program, participating in one of three focuses for the program: the Pillars of Traditions, Foundations or Adventure.
The Traditions focus, run by Carolina Service Council, emphasizes community service.Incoming students will participate in various acts of service in the greater Columbia area. The Foundations focus is geared toward developing leadership potential, which is perfect for students who plan to join Student
Government. The Adventure focus is recommended for the thrill seeker, and, headed by Campus Recreation, it engages students in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
“The program is to help students feel more comfortable with being on campus,” said Ashley Crisp, an SG graduate assistant.
Current USC students will act as peer counselors for the program and will aid new students in the activities.
Emily Supil, the program’s executive director and a fourth-year accounting student, said she believes the program will “promote Gamecock pride, help [new students] make friends and make them excited to get involved.”