Built in 1911, McMaster College has a long history with the university and is the current home of the School of Visual Arts and Design. As the building has grown older, many students said facility issues are a inconvenience and make them feel overlooked compared to other schools.
Students voiced their concerns to Student Government officials in exchange for Chick-Fil-A chicken minis at the Food for Thought event at the end of October. Data from the event shows students are concerned most with parking, Wi-Fi, study space limits and facility management.
Student senate introduced five new pieces of legislation and passed two pieces of legislation at its most recent session on Nov. 8. The new pieces of legislation dealt with a variety of internal and external issues, including game day traditions and parking.
In its third year on campus, the Rural Interest Group is working to provide USC students opportunities to assist and seek awareness towards rural communities in South Carolina through meetings, events and competitions.
Student senate had a longer meeting on Wednesday, in which it passed four pieces of legislation and referred two newly introduced pieces of legislation to committee. Newly-passed bills include the addition of a an ad-hoc committee to review financial codes and a change to the senate's attendance policy.
USC is investing $10 million in five new research institutes over the next four years. These institutes will address large-scale issues in the state, such as clean water and STEM education in rural areas.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley came to the Statehouse on Monday to officially sign onto the ballot for the Republican primary in February. She is currently polling second, trailing former President Donald Trump.
The United Campus Workers union at the University of South Carolina is calling for the university to raise its minimum wage for all workers, including contract workers and salaried workers. The union held a speak-out event on the Russell House patio Thursday to bring more attention to its mission. A variety of employees spoke at the event.
New staff senate president Tyson Lusk said he will spend his first year in office aiming to retain USC's quality employees through recognition and representation. The staff senate, in its third year, aims to be a resource to connect staff members with administration, according to Lusk.
Student senate voted unanimously Wednesday to pass a recommendation for university administration to extend the Thomas Cooper Library's hours during final exam season. The recommendation would allow the library to stay open for 24 hours during the week leading up to final exams.
Columbia citizens, including homeless citizens and aid groups, are concerned that renovations to Finlay Park in downtown Columbia are causing harm to the homeless community. The park will be closed for two years amid growing disagreements on how to help the homeless population that live in the area.
USC and the Columbia Jewish community came together on Oct. 17 to hold a vigil to remember lives lost and to reflect on the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Students, faculty and community members spoke on how the conflict has affected them personally and echoed calls for unity.
More than 200 people came to the Statehouse Tuesday evening for a demonstration for Palestinian freedom. Representatives for the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Students for Justice in Palestine and the Arab Student Association spoke as a smaller counter protest supporting Israel grew across the street.
USC faculty and students said they have felt a lack of support from the university amid ongoing attacks between Israel and Hamas. University President Michael Amiridis and board of trustees Chair Thad Westbrook put out a statement Friday, showing support for Israeli students. But some said they don't feel that was enough.
The annual James L. Solomon Jr. lecture advocates for more diversity in the department of mathematics. In this year's lecture, Edray Goins spoke about how more Black students should enter the field of mathematics.
One of USC's recipients of the digital studies certificate is graduating this semester, making her the first to graduate with the certificate after its introduction in fall 2023. Following the launch of the digital studies certificate, USC's Graduation and Retention Network is planning to make three more interdisciplinary certificates available to students in spring 2024.
With a shared passion for inclusivity and visibility, the board members of SC LGBTQIA+ bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. From experienced activists to young advocates, board members said it is crucial to work every day on visibility and planning for the community.
