College students may not need the day-to-day support that they had in high school, but they still need engagement and support from family.  From making sure that students have appropriate professional clothing for classroom presentations, Career Day, and interviews, to remembering a special occasion with a care package or note, parents can – and should – remain engaged. 

Message from Vice Chancellor Driscoll

As Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Affairs, and as a mom who celebrated three children who graduated from college, I am excited to see so many of our Pacer parents and families involved with their students at UofSC Aiken. 

In fact, I know that Mr. Kevin Nolan, Coordinator of Parent and Family Relations, takes great pride to ensure that you receive information and resources to help you support your students and that your students receive the best Pacer experience possible as they transition from high school to college and from college to career. How do I know this is happening? 

Let me share a few initiatives:  

• Family Day participation nearly doubled from last year with around 200 guests attending.
• Staff provide relevant Pacer Parent and Family Orientation programs each spring and fall.
• The digital Pacer Family Calendar is provided every year.
• Parent and Family Relations is working with Police Chief, Mr. Jason Zikes, to keep you updated on the safety and security of our students and residents.
• This office keeps families informed about Inter-Curricular Enrichment (ICE) programs which engage our students with a series of diverse activities such as speaker series, planetarium shows, musical recitals and other academic interests.
• Parent and Family Relations introduced “Dinner Discussions,” an opportunity for students of distinct disciplines to meet with the dean of their academic area, and have an informal conversation with faculty and other students, while engaging in everyday social graces.

One of my roles at the university is to assist Mr. Nolan with ideas and challenges that face families as students begin, transition, and graduate from UofSC Aiken. 

We have a Pacer Family Advisory Board who serve as advocates for UofSC Aiken. The board supports student success by fostering communication and relationships between our university and families of current and prospective students. It also helps raise funds for those initiatives that are important to students and their families. 

Please send Sandy or me an email for further information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I look forward to working with you. Take care and GO PACERS!

Mary Driscoll