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Student Affairs and Academic Support

Calendar

Meetings, workshops and other events offer you chances throughout the year to learn more about trends and issues, enhance your skills and develop relationships with your colleagues across the division. 

 Check the calendar regularly for registration links and updates. 

August

The conference theme, "Aspire and Advance," offers something for everyone, and all division staff members and graduate students are encouraged to attend. 

When: 8 a.m. - 4p.m.
Where:
University Conference Center, Close-Hipp Building

Registration has closed.

All new graduate assistants and interns within the division, regardless of program of study, are invited to orientation each August. The program helps new graduate assistants and interns create connections across the division and learn about professional development opportunities available to them through the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support.

When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (breakfast will be provided)
Where: Thomas Cooper Library Hollings Program Room

Register Here

 

All Student Affairs and Academic Support employees are welcome to stop by the Russell House Patio for a sweet treat to celebrate a new academic year!

When: 2 - 4 p.m.
Where: Russell House Patio

Student Affairs and Academic Support staff, on an invite basis, have the opportunity to converse and network with VP Tolliver. Lunch will be provided.

When: noon - 1 p.m.
Where: TBD

All Student Affairs and Academic Support employees are encouraged to take part in our division meetings, held once each semester. 

When: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Russell House Ballroom

September

At the beginning of each semester, New Employee Orientation helps new employees create connections across the division, chat with the division’s associate vice presidents and learn about professional development opportunities available to them through the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support.

When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (breakfast will be provided)
Where: Thomas Cooper Library Hollings Program Room

Register Here

When you sign up for the Division Duos program, you can choose to serve as a mentor, mentee or both. You can also share your interests, experiences and goals to help organizers choose your mentoring match.

Apply Here

Student Affairs and Academic Support staff, on an invite basis, have the opportunity to converse and network with VP Tolliver. Lunch will be provided.

When: noon - 1 p.m.
Where: TBD

Learn about free speech on college campuses as well as resources and skills on de-escalation, who to contact, and how to help educate our students. We'll look at who the Safely Engaging in Expression Delegate (SEED) team is, their role, and the importance of having a group dedicated to educating the community of free speech. 

 

Presenters: Dean Mark Shook & Kim McMahon                                   When: Thursday, September 26th from 1 - 2 p.m.
Where: RHUU 305

Register Here

October

Learn best practices and review the process for hiring student employees in Student Affairs and Academic Support. 

Presenter: Jeni Terrapin

When: Thursday, October 10th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Where: Russell House University Union Room 205

Register Here

Student Affairs and Academic Support staff, on an invite basis, have the opportunity to converse and network with VP Tolliver. Lunch will be provided.

When: noon - 1 p.m.
Where: TBD

Learn best practices and review the process for hiring student employees in Student Affairs and Academic Support. 

Presenter: Jeni Terrapin

When: Wednesday, October 16th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Where: Russell House University Union Room 315

Register Here

What does your unit aim to “produce” in the students it serves (e.g., sense of belonging, well-being, leadership skills)?  Every SAAS Unit has a unique role in contributing to student persistence, graduation, and career entry. In this session, we’ll discuss how SAAS Assessment staff are engaging with each unit to name each unit’s intended outcomes, identify metrics that best indicate students’ achievement of the unit’s intended outcomes, and consider how this work aligns with the mission of the division.

Presenter: Pam Bowers & Emily Mathias

When: Thursday, October 17th from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Where: Career Center Classroom

Register Here

Learn about a free resource to send newsletters and emails. Are you paying for mail chimp or constant contact? Learn about Axios, a tool the university pays for that will allow you to send newletters (like Stay Informed) with university branding. This virtual training led by the university communications team will teach you about Axios, how to sign up for access, and how to utilize all the resources it offers. 

Presenter: Melissa Spring, University Communications

When: Tuesday, October 29th from 3:00 - 4:00pm

Where: Virtual

Register Here

This is an opportunity to hear from credit union experts on financial literacy tips and strategies for your own personal life. 

Presenter: Founders Federal Credit Union

When: Wednesday, October 30th from 2:30 - 3:30pm

Where: Virtual

Register Here

 

The 2024 State of Student Affairs event features NASPA President Dr. Amelia Parnell and NASPA Board Chair Dr. Anna Gonzalez who will have a discussion to provide their insight on the current state of the field as well as its future from their unique and informed perspectives. The Student Affairs and Academic Supports Professional Development Team will be casting the address live for any staff that would like to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: Wednesday, October 30th at 4:00pm

Where: Russell House University Union Room 201 (SEC Room)

Register Here

 

November

We're excited to welcome our newest team members and invite you to a fun and casual social event! This is a great opportunity for everyone to meet, connect, and build community. Anyone who is new to the Division since July 2024 is invited to join for this event. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: Wednesday, November 20th from 2:00 - 3:30pm

Where: Center for Health and Well-Being 5th Floor Lobby & Patio

Register Here (Deadline to Register is Tuesday, November 12th)

Student Affairs and Academic Support staff, on an invite basis, have the opportunity to converse and network with VP Tolliver. Lunch will be provided.

When: noon - 1 p.m.
Where:
TBD

December

All Student Affairs and Academic Support employees are invited to Segra Park to celebrate and recognize our 2024 accomplishments with music, food, games and more!

When: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Segra Park (1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201)

Register Here

All offices and departments affiliated with Student Affairs and Academic Support are invited to partake in the divisions annual Gingerbread House Competition. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: 2:00 - 3:30pm
Where: 
Russell House University Union room 322

If your office/department would like to enter a gingerbread house into the competition, please register by Friday, November 22nd. 

If you would like to pop by the event but are not planning to enter the competition, no RSVP necessary, but there will be an opportunity to cast your vote for this years "Audience Choice" award! 

In collaboration with the Office of Access and Opportunity, there will be a dedicated Student Affairs and Academic Support 'Pathways toward Inclusive Excellence' cohort. The Pathways toward Inclusive Excellence cohort participates in 5 educational workshops that are designed to help individuals and teams deepen their knowledge and understanding of leveraging equity, inclusion, and belonging through education, lived experiences, and applying those skills to action. In order to be part of the experience, each cohort member must be available to attend all 5 trainings that have been scheduled below: 

  • What's Your Story?  on Thursday, January 23rd from 1 - 2:30pm @ RHUU 322
  • Bias & Microaggressions (R.A.V.E.N.)  on Thursday, February 6th from 1 - 2:30pm @ RHUU 322
  • Three Drivers of Engagement: Psychological Safety, Availability, and Meaningfulness on Thursday, February 20th from 1 - 2:30pm @ RHUU 322
  • The Radical Candor Playbook on Thursday, March 20th from 1 - 2:30pm @ RHUU 322
  • Inclusive Leadership on Thursday, April 3rd from 1 - 2:30pm @ RHUU 322

Complete the interest form by Friday, December 13th. 

January

At the beginning of each semester, New Employee Orientation helps new employees create connections across the division, chat with the division’s associate vice presidents and learn about professional development opportunities available to them through the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support.

When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (breakfast will be provided)
Where: TBD

Register Here

In this workshop, we will lay out the impact of our annual giving day, Give4Garnet, and the success the Division saw last March. Join us to learn how your office can participate, or to expand on your efforts from last year!

When: 2:00 - 3:00pm
Where: 
TBD

Register Here


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