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.
Preface Events Fall 2025
All events will take place at Campus Life Center (CLC) in the CLC Ballroom, and the Humanities and Performing Arts Center (HPAC), unless otherwise noted. Admission is free and open to the public.
September 2, 5 p.m.
Meet and Greet for Campus Strolls
Location: HPAC Lobby
September 4, 5 p.m.
Meet and Greet for Campus Strolls
Location: HPAC Lobby
September 11, 5 p.m.
Meet and Greet for Campus Strolls
Location: HPAC Lobby
September 18, 7 p.m.
Mr. Brian Brady
Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Senior Instructor
George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics
“Networking, Empathy & Respect: Key Foundations of Entrepreneurial Success”
September 24, 7 p.m.
Mr. Eric Ireland
Director in Office of Field Resources (OFO), Co-Chair Palmetto Alliance
Mr. Chris Knox
Lowcountry Ambassador
Mr. Danny Morales
Co-Chair (Red), Office of Field Operations (OFO)
Ambassador | Soda City Alliance Co-Chair | SC State Co-Coordinator
Keynote Panel Discussion
Location: CLC Ballroom
September 30, 5 p.m.
USC-Upstate Student Leaders, Past and Present
“A Braver Campus: Building Bridges at USC-Upstate”
Location: CLC Ballroom
October 30, 6 p.m.
Dr. Rebecca Mueller, Education and Alumna Ms. Meredith Burroughs
Can we talk about . . .
“The Nature and Necessity of Political Discussion in High Schools”
Location: CLC Ballroom
November 5, 5 p.m.
Dr. Carmen Harris, History
“Hidden Tribes: The History Wars in Divided Times”
Location: CLC Ballroom
November 11, 11 a.m.
Preface Film and History Discussion: Sinners
Location: CLC 310
November 12, 6 p.m.
Existence Isn’t a Debate: Preparing for the Break as Your Whole Self
Mr. Buck Cooke, Student Affairs and Ms. Tiffany Ashwood, Counseling Services
Workshop
Location: CLC 310
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.