Orientation FAQ for Parents
The best way to discover where and how your son or daughter will spend the next few years of his or her life is to attend USC Upstate’s Parent Orientation, a program designed to help parents learn what to expect from the freshman year of college.
During orientation you will:
discover the variety of student services that will help your student be successful in college
meet faculty, staff and administrators
tour the campus and various support facilities
discuss the developmental transitions that occur during the freshman year
Schedule of events
Orientation begins for parents and students with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m. in the University Readiness Center. Parents and students will split up around 10:30 a.m. Parents will then meet with academic deans and hear presentations on financial aid/fee payment, housing, health services, student development, academic support and career services. Lunch will be served for students and parents together.
After lunch, parents and students are invited to attend the University Fair from 3 to 5 p.m., and proceed to check-in at the Palmetto House and Magnolia House (all freshman are required to stay on campus overnight). A list of local accommodations is provided below for parents planning to travel to USC Upstate for Orientation.
Although there is no program scheduled for parents on day two of Orientation, students are required to attend. Day two includes registration for fall classes and will wrap up around 1 p.m.
Note: Students are required to take Math advisement testing before attending orientation.
Hey parents, got plans?
Looking for something to do in the Upstate while the soon-to-be freshmen are getting acquainted with USC Upstate? With all the great things to do in and around Spartanburg, it might be hard to know where to start. Here’s just a sampling:
Shopping
Haywood Mall
I-385 at Haywood Rd., Greenville, SC
Prime Factory Outlet, 1-888-545-7194
I-85, Exit 90, Gaffney, SC
WestGate Mall
U.S. 29 @ I-26, Spartanburg
Morgan Square, Downtown Spartanburg
Various boutiques and shops
Sightseeing
Dining
Beacon Drive-In, 255 Reidville Road, (864) 585-9387
Fatz Cafe, 1925 Boiling Springs Road, (864) 599-7909
Olive Garden, 1498 W.O. Ezell Blvd, (864) 595-4885
Accommodations
Hampton Inn
121 Traveller Drive, (864) 577-9080
Courtyard Marriott
110 Mobile Drive, (864) 585-2400
Radisson
9027 Fairforest Road, (864) 574-2111
Renaissance Marriott
299 North Church Street, (864) 596-1211
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
161 Sha Lane, (864) 504-3333