
" I live in Pacer Downs and I love it. I love how I can go back to my room during the day if I have a break between classes. I also feel that I have met more people by living on campus. I do not think that I would have had a good college experience if I would not have lived on-campus."
- Katie Gerth , Early Childhood Education major

Did You Know?
USC Aiken has some of the best professional schools in South Carolina. All three - business, nursing, and education - have received the highest level of accreditation possible. This means more opportunities for you to learn from the best and brightest the University has to offer.

"After coming to USC Aiken, I was really able to get involved in alot of great community service projects tha benefit both the local community and beyond."
- Marcus Allen, Business Marketing major

"In each of our housing facilities, you'll find RAs like me, as well as professional staff members, who have undergone special training to help students deal with some of the common issues that may arise when living away from home for the first time."
- Erin Smith, Elementary Education major

"The best part of being a nursing major and actually being in the nursing program is the reputation USC Aiken nursing students carry. Many students and professors know that to get into the program here is competitive, and to be in the program is an accomplishment."
- Shelby Williams, Nursing major

"During the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I was a resident in the Pacer Downs. When I first met my roommate my freshman year, we became the best of friends from the get-go. We found out that we were so much alike in many ways. We connected like brothers, and we are still roommates today during our junior year. "
- Anthony (T.J.) Langford, Communications major

"Being a communication major at USC Aiken has definitely prepared me for effective communicating in a real world setting. I've even been able to communicate in a different language for guests at Disney, thanks to the French courses I’ve taken at USC Aiken. I constantly find myself using concepts that I’ve learned in the classroom; some of which I wouldn’t have been able to use until later after college. "
- Paige Jeffcoat, Communications major
Intern for The Walt Disney Company

"USC Aiken was my very first choice because it wasn't too far from home, but I still got to leave home and experience something new. There were other colleges that I looked at, such as Emory, Winthrop, and USC Columbia, but I'm glad that I chose USCA. "
- Shantivia Boneparte, Exercise & Sports Science major

"I enjoy the small campus environment. My professors know me and speak to me even when I’m not in class. I enjoy walking around the quad and seeing people I know, and I am able to meet new people everyday."
- Lehe Drawdy, Political Science major

"I chose USC Aiken because you have more time one-on-one time with your professors, and the beauty and cleanliness of the campus and its surroundings are great. Also, I received a scholarship to play baseball."
- Houston Taylor, Secondary Education (History) major

"Our campus is just the right size to get involved. You can get connected through Greek life, community service, sports, theatre, music, academic clubs, or student government - just to name a few. At USC Aiken, you'll develop relationships with other students, making our campus your perfect home away from home."
- Brittany Leverette, Communications major

"At USC Aiken, everything we do is with you in mind. Come to our campus, and you'll witness our professors, our staff, our students - the entire USC Aiken community - working together toward one common goal: your success. Our small class sizes offer a setting for personal attention from faculty - so you're an individual, not a number."
- Annie Zhao, Business major

"For many of our students, getting involved in community service is an essential piece of their college mosaic. Making a difference in the lives of others is what USC Aiken is all about."
- Jon Boyles, Business major

"We want to provide you with the tools for a successful future. From the moment you set foot on our campus, you'll discover a multitude of programs to mold you into a more engaged citizen and prepare you for success. Through opportunities like the First Year Experience or organizations like Peer Educators, you'll learn what it takes to be a more well rounded individual."
- Ken Kennedy, Nursing major

Minority Achievement Program (M.A.P.)
Are you interested in academic success, cultural awareness, personal development and campus involvement?
If your answer is "yes", the MAP program may be exactly what you have been searching for!
What is MAP?
The Minority Achievement Program is a peer mentor program which pairs incoming minority freshmen and transfers with upperclassmen mentors.
The Minority Achievement Program (M.A.P.)is designed to aid in the retention of minority students at USCA by:
- providing student mentors to entering minority freshmen and transfer students
- promoting academics success, cultural awareness, personal development, and campus involvement
- giving minority upperclassmen opportunities to gain leadership skills through the various training programs necessary to become and remain MAP mentors
- encouraging students to take part in campus activities and preparing them for leadership roles in student organizations
- promoting school spirit and assisting students in benefiting from the warm and welcoming environment at USCA.
What are the program's benefits?
Specially designed workshops, social opportunities, added support network, and a great start to your college career.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, MAP is free.
What type of commitment is involved from participants?
Attendance at weekly meetings, a positive attitude, and a desire to be successful at USCA.
How do you join MAP?
Contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs or register on-line from the "Application" link.
How does the M.A.P. Program accomplish these goals?
Mentors maintain weekly contacts with the mentees through telephone calls, special workshops, visits, dinners, trips, and other activities mentors introduce freshmen students to student organizations, faculty/staff of the university, and departments that provide helpful services to students leadership skills are taught to prepare and encourage new students to participate in leadership programs and become leaders in student organizations students participate in local/regional retreats, conferences, and workshops that provide them the opportunity to refine their leadership skills and network with other student leaders.
