freshman orientation

current students

Getting Started: You@USC

Freshman orientation is an important part of a new student's entry into the Honors College. In addition to learning some of the basic policies and procedures of the College, students start working with an Honors College advisor to get their fall class schedules set. Honors College Orientation is part of the University's Freshman Orientation program. Questions about University Orientation can be directed to the Office of Orientation and Testing (803-777-2780).

Orientation takes a full and busy day. These are the steps:

  • All placement testing should be completed prior to scheduled Orientation Day.
  • Students report in the morning to the Koger Center, where they receive information from several USC offices about entry into college life.
  • After this initial information session, parents and students are separated. Parents have the opportunity to meet with the Dean of the Honors College, where they can have their questions and concerns about their son's or daughter's time in the Honors College answered. Students go with other future USC students to participate in several small group orientation sessions.
  • Parents and students rejoin for lunch.
  • After lunch, parents and students again separate. Parents have a variety of orientation activities including going to the bookstore, seeing a freshmen residence, etc. Students come to the Honors College for College orientation and class advising. We begin with some general information about being a member of the College, and we conclude with one-on-one sessions for each incoming student with an Honors College advisor. By the end of this session all students' fall schedules will be finalized. 
  • After advising, students go to the Russell House to have their student IDs made and to rejoin their parents, now ready to depart.