With the 2024 Presidential election members of USC's community are taking the time to reflect on how much of an impact Generation Z could have with voting. Some student said that it's important stay informed, while others are focusing on motivating students to participate in the election.
The four executive candidates for the 2023-2024 Student Government election discussed their goals for their positions in a panel-format on Wednesday. The candidates were asked questions as a group and individually by USC's student media outlets.
The student senate passed three new pieces of legislation and referred three others to various committees at its weekly meeting on Wednesday. One piece of legislation, which aims to enhance environmental sustainability and accountability in laboratories across campus, merged three bills into one in an omnibus vote.
The University of South Carolina, alongside Clemson University, entered a credit-transfer agreement with the SC Technical College System in January. The agreement guarantees that 30 core credit hours will be granted to students who have transferred over from one of the 16 technical colleges in the state.
With over $6 million in grants from The National Parks Service, the Booker T. Washington auditorium is being renovated to make way for the Center for Civil Rights History and Research. New exhibits, classrooms and meeting spaces will display the civil rights history of the university and state.
Proposals for a new student union were presented to the board of trustees on Jan. 20. Administration said Russell House needs updates to accommodate USC's growing student population.
The Daily Gamecock and SGTV sat down with each of the candidates for Student Government executive positions to get a look into their campaigns. Some are looking to improve infrastructure and Wi-Fi, while others want to increase Student Government's communication with the student body. Students will have from 9 a.m. on Feb. 20 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 to cast their votes.
Third-year political science student Patton Byars is looking to address issues surrounding Wi-Fi, infrastructure, safety and student experience if he is elected studeny body president. Patton who has served at the chief of staff for Student Body Presidents Emmie Thompson and Reedy Newton, is the only person running for the position.
Student republican groups support different candidates in the South Carolina GOP primary.
Student body vice president candidate Courtney Tkacs looks to address student concerns with infrastructure, safety and Wi-Fi as well as improve communication with students about Student Government initiatives. She said she wants to ensure that all students feel represented by their Student Government.
Speaker of the student senate candidate Maura Hamilton aspires to serve all of the student body if she is elected.
Jacob Vaught, the only candidate for treasurer, is hoping to make the process of requesting funds more transparent if relected. He said that his experience will help him adjust Student Government to its new finance codes that deal with allowcating money to student organizations.
USC announced the launch of its autonomous food delivery robots in a press release on Feb. 1. The new service, which became available on Monday, is centered around enhancing the student experience and making on-campus dining locations more accessible.
The student senate passed four pieces of legislation and confirmed two new constitutional council members at its weekly meeting on Wednesday. One of the legislations merged two bills into one through an omnibus vote, and the two pieces passed as one by a unanimous voice vote.
Four students from USC's Gamecock Consulting Club won an international case competition in Bergen, Norway, in October. The students said that having a team where everyone could trust and rely on each other's strengths was a key factor in their success.
Student Government election season will look a little different in 2024. Most executive candidates are running uncontested, and this is the first year there will be spending limits on campaigns.
USC's board of trustees recently approved new academic initiatives. The new Department of Biomedical Engineering and its B.A. program alongside two new degrees within the CEC and CIC are pending final approval.
