Students for Socialism, along with the Arab Student Association, Dawah on Campus, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, held a walkout protest on the Russell House Patio beginning at 1 p.m. on Nov. 9 to show their support for Palestine in the wake of the current Gaza Strip conflict.
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.
Attending USC's Columbia campus can cost in-state students more than $12,000 for one semester. The university is going to cut that tuition price down for the state's brightest students from more rural counties.
USC's Brain Health Initiative promises a positive shift in South Carolina's neurological care. Launching this fall, with some of the best technology in the southeast, the initiative aims to provide better health care and education for Alzheimer's and dementia.
