First-year Reading and Writing Program
Preface is a first-year reading program that introduces students to the joy of reading critically and using academic disciplines and methods to approach the complex issues in our communities, nation, and world. Preface combines guided reading of a common book with special events and discussions, in which students engage questions raised by the book with university, community and national experts. We read, think and talk together in order to see how concentrated, research-based attention to any subject can bring new solutions to light.
First-year students read the Preface text in English 101 and attend related events throughout the fall semester.
While Preface is geared primarily toward first-year students, it offers a calendar of events that are relevant to a wide range of university courses as well as the community. Events are planned in close cooperation with USC Upstate departments and organizations and are free and open to the public.
Preface Goals
The intent of this series of programs is to help USC Upstate first-year students make connections to each other and to the university and community, practice skills and explore ideas that contribute to success in college, and discuss how a deeper understanding of a shared reading can inform the way we make personal decisions and influence public policy today.
Schedule of Events
Open the Schedule of Events
Preface Events Fall 2026
Wednesday, September 16, 5-6PM
Building Your Upstate Pod: Mapping a Support Network for Greater Success
Preface kickoff designed to introduce key players in our campus support network. You don’t want to miss this interactive session complete with snacks and door prizes!
Location: CLC Ballroom
Tuesday, September 22, 2-3PM
Native Beach Dwellers: Marine Invertebrates of South Carolina
The beaches of South Carolina provide habitats to a variety of cool and unique marine invertebrates. Join us for an interactive program with the South Carolina Aquarium.
Location: CASB 117
Thursday, September 24, 5-6PM
Sharks! Fins, Fear, and Facts with Dr. Peter Caster
Professor, English; - Languages, Literature and Composition
Location: TLC 289B
Wednesday, September 30, 5-7PM
Tuesday, October 6, 5-6PM
Navigating the Currents: Advocacy, Access, and Marine Conservation
Nuclear Sharks Film Screening and Discussion of Ocearch efforts
Location: HPAC 120
Monday, October 12, 2-3PM
Upstate Expedition: Fact vs Fin: Research Scavenger Hunt
Sharks get a bad rap, and we’re here to clear some things up. Join us for an activity that will debunk some myths about sharks and other sensationalized animals. In the process, you’ll learn about evaluating media and looking for the truth in the ocean of information. Prizes awarded.
Registration Required, Limited to 25 students
Location: USC Upstate Library Lobby
Tuesday, October 20, 5-6PM
The Architecture of Inclusion: Gatekeeping in Academic Spaces
Faculty Panel Discussion
- Dr. Kenneth Barideaux Jr., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Psychology
- Dr. Araceli Hernández-Laroche, Director of South Carolina Centro Latino & Professor of Modern Languages
- Dr Calvin Odhiambo, Professor, Sociology – Sociology, Criminal Justice and Women’s Studies
- María Francisco-Montesó, Principal Instructor, Spanish Translation and Interpreting Studies
Location: CLC Ballroom
Thursday, October 22, 2-3PM
Snakes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly with John Schmid
Operations Director, Spartanburg Science Center
Location: CASB 117
Wednesday, October 28, 2-3PM
Upstate Invertebrates: Monitoring Water Quality by Studying Native Species
Beth Button, Director & John Ratterree, Operations Coordinator, Watershed Ecology Center
Come explore native species in Persimmon Creek. Participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for getting wet.
Registration Required. Limited to 20 students.
Rain Date: Thursday, October 29, 2-3PM
Location: Roel Pavillion
Wednesday, November 4, 2-3PM
Screening & Discussion: PBS Docuseries: Sharks Unknown hosted by Jasmin Graham
In her role as a shark scientist, Jasmine Graham has also become something of a media personality. Come see her on screen and discuss how this work impacts her mission.
Location: HPAC 120
Thursday, November 5, 5-6PM
Making Waves, Breaking Barriers: Black Women in Science with Dr. Astrid Rosario
Associate Professor, Chemistry, Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering
Location: Tukey Theater
Thursday, November 12, 11AM-12PM
Expect the Unexpected: Notes on a Career in Marine Biology with Dr. Tamara McGovern
– Instructor, Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering
Location: Tukey Theater
Wednesday, November 18, 6-8PM
Dialogue in the Deep: An Evening of Great Conversations
Preface Capstone Dinner
Students and faculty will enjoy a hearty meal and engage in meaningful conversations to close out the 2026 Preface program.
Location: CLC Ballroom
The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. This not-for-profit organization presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state.