Student Success Center

All too often, students get to college and realize that they weren’t as prepared as they thought they were. Good grades in high school don’t always indicate how well a student will perform academically in college.

Academic Support offers a course for incoming freshmen, entitled University 101 (UNIV101: The Student in the University). This three hour elective course, which focuses solely on freshman success, will provide you with the tools and resources you need to make a smooth transition into college. It will address topics such as time management, study skills, career exploration, library skills, self awareness, and service learning as well as educating students about USC Upstate and our campus resources. Readings, assignments, and discussions for this course will focus on general freshman transition issues. Fun and engaging activities are also planned to provide a hands-on learning environment for students. (Please note: although almost all majors accept this course as elective credit, please check with your intended major departmental office if you have any questions.)

University 101 is an important introduction to your college experience. It will familiarize you with some of the necessary skills needed to accomplish your goal of matriculation and graduation from USC Upstate. University 101 provides both an introduction to the nature of college education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the college. Thus, it helps first year students adjust to college, develop a better understanding of the learning process and acquire basic academic survival skills. The course provides a support group for students in the critical first year by examining common issues in a less formal atmosphere than traditional courses.

Take advantage of the opportunity to get the guidance and support you need to help make this adjustment as smooth as possible. Students who complete University 101 their first semester of their freshman year achieve higher GPA’s on average than those who don’t.  Recent data also shows that students who complete University 101 that first semester persist into their sophomore year and maintain their academic scholarships at higher rates on average than their counterparts. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – your success is important and this course will afford you the head start you need on your path to college success!

For questions about the University 101 course or about securing a spot, please contact Susannah Waldrop, director of the Student Success Center, at (864) 503-5414.

Mission

The mission of the USC Upstate Peer Leadership Program is to engage, inspire, and serve as an academic and campus resource for first-year students. Peer leaders assist in the University 101 classroom by serving as mentors and role models, connecting students to resources, and facilitating learning.

Peer leaders:

• Assist new students in adjusting to the academic and social transition from high school to college.
• Help first year students understand their purpose for being in college.
• Orient first year students to university resources, expectations, and campus life.
• Deliver presentations on topics such as time management, community service, and other student success topics.

 While serving as a Peer Leader, students develop skills sets in the following areas:

• team building and collaboration
• leadership
• proven time-management
• diversity awareness
• critical thinking
• career management

Peer Leader Minimum Requirements

• Interest in helping fellow students be successful at USC Upstate
• Sensitivity to and interest in issues of diversity and community service
• Academic success at USC Upstate measured by a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Enthusiasm for the University, its students, staff, faculty, academic and co-curricular life
• Willingness and ability to model appropriate behavior, demonstrate goal setting, and mentoring for new students
• Excellent time management skills 

Students interested in becoming a peer leader can email Susannah Waldrop for more information.

Earning an undergraduate degree can seem overwhelming, but the TRIO Student Support Services program at the University of South Carolina Upstate eases the transition from high school to college by providing the support students often need.

The program offers a wide variety of free services and programs to help students achieve their academic, career and personal goals, while confronting the challenges of completing a college degree.

What is TRIO Student Support Services?
The TRIO SSS program at USC Upstate is made possible by a TRIO grant funded by the U. S. Department of Education. Our mission is to assist eligible students in staying in college until they successfully complete a baccalaureate degree. This program provides students with education, skills, resources, and support that allow traditionally underrepresented students the opportunity to become successful members of the USC Upstate community and after graduation, to become contributing members of society.

How do I join TRIO Student Support Services?
Think TRIO SSS might be right for you? We make it easy to find out and join:

Check your eligibility…
To be eligible, you must meet at least one of these guidelines:

• Must be a first-generation college student
• Must meet income guidelines
• Must have a documented disability
• Complete an application…

1. If you are an incoming freshman, please complete the Freshmen Application. All incoming freshmen accepted into the program must attend the mandatory Freshmen Focus.
2. If you are a returning USC Upstate student or a transfer student, complete the Program Application.

If you don’t have access to a computer, please contact TRIO SSS at 864-503-5966 to request a paper copy.  Once all application materials are received, candidates will be contacted for an interview.