Orientation

Student, Orientation, Advisement, and Registration

Welcome to USC Upstate, New Spartans!

Orientation is for admitted students.

As you begin or continue your college journey at USC Upstate, our Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) programs will help you every step of the way.

  • Get academic information and learn about USC Upstate resources and services before beginning classes.
  • Meet with an advisor to determine the best courses for you to take.
  • Student Orientation Leaders will help you register for classes.
  • Transfer student? A faculty advisor in your major will be ready to discuss your transcript evaluation with you.

How to register for orientation

If you need help with any of the below please go to “Getting Started” with Upstate Technology.

Make sure you have:

Click on the applicable student tab below. Select Register Now, choose your major, select the date you would like to attend and complete the form.

If you need to reset your USC Upstate password you will need to know your USC Upstate username and have set up your phone or email as a recovery option. Find more information about to reset your password.


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  • To ensure you are placed into the appropriate courses, Upstate requires new students in certain majors to complete a set of online placement tests through the Blackboard account. 

    Math Placement Testing

    If you are majoring in one of the majors below and you have not successfully completed a college level Algebra or Calculus course with a C or better or scored 3 or higher on a Calculus AP course, you must take the math placement test before attending orientation.

    Accounting, Advanced Manufacturing Management, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Child Development & Family Studies, Community Health, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Early Childhood Education, Economics/Finance, Elementary Education, Engineering Technology, Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Exercise Science, Health Informatics, Health Information Management, Information Management & Systems, Learning Disabilities, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Math, Psychology, Secondary Ed -Biology, -Chemistry, and -Math

    Anatomy-Physiology Placement Test

    If you are majoring in Exercise Science, Nursing, or Pre-Physical Therapy and you have not successfully completed a college level anatomy-physiology course, you must complete the anatomy-physiology placement test before you attend orientation.

    World Language Placement Test

    Students can also be permitted, upon request, to take the World Language Placement Test to determine appropriate course levels in French, German, and Spanish. Native speakers, legacy speakers or students with advanced language skills in these languages, may place out of the introductory language requirement by completing the placement test. For more information on taking language placement tests please contact Languages, Literature, and Composition at evanswd3@uscupstate.edu.

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  • If you believe you are a South Carolina resident, you must complete the SC Residency Certification Form in Self Service Carolina in order to qualify for in-state tuition and fees. For more information visit the Next Steps page.

    Important Orientation Forms

    Please print, complete and bring these forms with you to Orientation.

    Immunization Form (PDF)

    Citizenship Verification Form (PDF)

    Orientation Resources

    Feel free to review these resources before and after orientation.

    Next Steps Guide (PDF)


Register

To register, select the student type tab below that applies to you.

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  • All new freshman students under the age of 20 are required to attend one of our student orientation, advisement, and registration (SOAR) events. Register now for one of our Summer 2024 SOAR dates.

    Students will receive confirmation of registration, along with instructions on how to pay the $35 orientation fee (freshman only) before attending orientation. Visit the Spartan Hub for additional information.

    Colleges of Business, Education, Nursing

    June 10-11
    June 24-25

    Colleges of Science & Technology/Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences/University College

    June 13-14
    June 27-28

    All Majors

    July 25-26
    August 19 (Late Applicants and Internal Students)

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  • Transfer student orientation, advisement, and registration (SOAR) is designed specifically for students transferring to USC Upstate from other institutions. SOAR is an opportunity to learn everything you will need to prepare yourself for your first semester at USC Upstate, including information about campus services and organizations, financial aid, and fee payment. For more information, visit the Spartan Hub

    Join us! Registration for Summer 2024 SOAR is open.

    On Campus Orientations

    July 17
    August 14

    Online Orientations

    June 12
    July 24

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  • As an international student at USC Upstate, you are also required to attend student orientation, advisement, and registration (SOAR). If you are a freshman student, you will register for and attend freshman orientation. Otherwise, you will register for and attend transfer orientation. Within these orientation programs, a special session is held for international students to help you get better situated at USC Upstate. For more information about SOAR, visit the Spartan Hub.

    International students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa must register for International Student Orientation date below. This does not take the place of your First Time in College (SOAR), Transfer, or Graduate Student Orientation.

    January 5, 2024
    9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 
    College of Arts and Sciences Building (CASB) 117

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  • Orientation for high school dual enrollment students is coming up so stay connected! 


Parents or Guardians

We did not forget about you. We will provide information on our website and through email to help your student get off to a good start. Call 864-503-5246 or email admissions@uscupstate.edu if you have questions or concerns.