Letter from Anna Edwards, Associate Vice President for Student Life

WELCOME BACK, GAMECOCKS!

The fall semester is one of the most exciting times on a college campus – and we are glad you are here! Whether you are a new student, returning student, graduate student, parent or family member, alumni, or a community member who dropped by to see the excitement of campus – we are glad you are here!

The Gamecock experience is truly one of a kind! Students arrive to campus ready to engage, learn, lead, serve and grow. Students are challenged academically to think beyond the page, be curious about learning and ask questions that might present complicated answers. We know that learning happens all around us, and we are proud of the integration of beyond-the-classroom experiences that compliment your journey as a student. Here are a few tips as you plan your year back on campus.

1. Take advantage of at least one new opportunity this year. Join a student organization, attend a lecture or dialogue on a topic of which you know nothing (or very little). Attend a concert, a theater production or athletic event. Maybe you will explore study abroad experiences, work a campus job, join an intramural team. There are so many options for you! When you try something new, you learn something new – maybe a new concept, new perspective or skill.

Learning something new each day will set you on a path for success!

2. Find a way to serve others. Participate in Service Saturday, volunteer as a Pantry Pal or engage in regular service with a local nonpro t in Columbia. There are short-term and long-term service opportunities available. We make it easy for you, or a group of your friends, to get plugged into our community and give back.

3. Be curious. Curiosity plays out all around us in the questions we ask in class, in research labs and with each other. Understanding why systems work the way they do, how they can be improved and why it matters to others are all questions that can be applied to many di erent settings. Take advantage of the expertise around you, ask questions, research possibilities, and share your knowledge with those around you.

Be ready for a transformative experience as a Gamecock! We are excited to welcome all students back to campus and look forward to helping you create the experiences that will help you achieve your goals and make our community better through the process. Welcome (back) to Carolina and I look forward to seeing you this fall on campus!

Anna Edwards

Associate Vice President for Student Life

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