Civic programming empowers students to become informed, engaged, and responsible members of their communities. Through opportunities to learn about government, advocacy, voting, and public service, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make their voices heard and contribute to positive change.
Check out Civility Week!
Go to 6 events to win a branded t-shirt, go up to 10 events to enter the giveaway for a USC Branded Tumbler!
At the kickoff, students can participate in fun, interactive activities designed to introduce the week's events, connect with campus organizations, and celebrate the value of active citizenship. Start the week energized, make new connections, and discover how you can make a positive impact both on campus and in your community.
Date: Monday September 14th
Time: 10:00AM - 1:00PM (Drop-in is welcomed!)
Location: Leadership & Service Center
You're invited to a seat at the table — literally. Join fellow student for an evening with Mary Martha Greene, who'll pull back the curtain on what really happens at White House dinners and other high-level civic events, and show you how to walk into a room like that with confidence, no matter where you're starting from
Free dinner is provided and RSVP Required!
Date: Monday, September 14th
Time: 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Location: Anne Frank Center
Get civically engaged at Voterpalooza—your one-stop destination for everything voting, advocacy, and civic involvement! Meet representatives from student political organizations and civic-minded groups, learn about the issues and causes they support, and discover ways to get involved on campus. Whether you're registering to vote for the first time, updating your registration, or simply looking to learn more about the electoral process, you'll find the resources you need to become an informed and engaged voter.
Stop by to connect with fellow students, explore different perspectives, and learn how your voice can make an impact both on campus and in your community. Voter Palooza is open to all students, regardless of political affiliation or experience. Everyone is welcome!
Date: Tuesday, Semptember 15th
Time: 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Location: Russell House Patio
The Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse will host a 2026 Constitution Day event featuring Professor Lucas Morel of Washington & Lee. This event will explore how the principles of the American founding have been understood, interpreted and affirmed within the African American intellectual and political tradition, with a focus on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the civil rights movement.
This event will deepen participants’ understanding of the enduring significance of America’s founding ideals and encourage them to engage thoughtfully with how core constitutional principles, such as equality, liberty and natural rights, have evolved over time.
This event is sponsored by the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse, the Department of Political Science, the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, and the Joseph F. Rice School of Law with support from the Jack Miller Center.
Date:
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Location: Karen J. Williams Courtroom in the Joseph F. Rice School of Law
Every Tuesday from 7:00–9:00 PM in the Russell House Underground, teams will battle through a variety of trivia categories for the chance to be crowned that week's champions. Weekly winners will earn prizes and continue building momentum toward the ultimate cash prize, awarded to the overall champion at the end of the semester.
Date: Tuesday, September 15th
Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Location: Russell House Underground
Have a question, idea, or concern about student life? Speak Up with Senate is your chance to connect directly with your Student Government Senators on Greene Street. Stop by to meet the senators who represent your college, share your thoughts on campus issues, ask questions about Student Government, and learn how your feedback helps shape the student experience.
Whether you have a specific concern or simply want to get to know your representatives, this is an opportunity to make your voice heard, learn more about student advocacy, and see how Student Government works to represent the needs of the Carolina community. Every conversation helps build a stronger campus, and every student is encouraged to participate.
Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Time: 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Location: Greene Street
Experience Student Senate in action and hear from Camden Mayor Vincent Sheheen as he shares insights on leadership, public service, and civic engagement. All students are welcome to attend, learn, and see how student voices help shape campus.
Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00PM (Drop in is Welcomed!)
Location: Russell House Theater
Join us for Coffee & Constitutions on Constitution Day! Stop by for a cup of coffee, pick up your own pocket Constitution, and celebrate the document that shapes our democracy.
Date: Thursday, September 17th
Time: 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Location: TBD
Our September Mutual Expectations discussion will examine free speech on the college campus- both outside and inside the classroom. How can we disagree with one another but still engage in respectful dialogue? In this workshop, students, faculty and staff will explore expectations on classroom discussion, especially when the topic may be one where there are many opposing viewpoints. We hope to help find common ground on how we converse and engage with one another respectfully. Join this fun discussion with fellow students and faculty!
Free lunch is provided and RSVP required!
This is FREE and lunch is included! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience, the Center for Teaching Excellence, and the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning.
Date: Thursday, September 17th
Time: 11:45AM - 1:00PM
Location: Russell House 322
Put your constitutional knowledge to the test at our Constitution Day Trivia Table! Stop by, answer fun questions about the U.S. Constitution, and learn more about the rights, freedoms, and civic responsibilities that shape our democracy.
Date: Thursday, September 17th
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: Davis Field
Grab your team and get ready to race across campus in this high-energy scavenger hunt!
Solve clues, complete challenges, and explore iconic spots as you compete for prizes
and bragging rights.
Whether you’re in it to win it or just looking for a fun way to see campus, Cocky’s
Quest is the ultimate way to spend your Thursday night!
Date: Thursday, September 17th
Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Location: Russell House Patio
Step inside the South Carolina State House and experience where state government comes to life. During this guided tour, students will explore the historic Capitol building, learn about South Carolina's legislative process, and gain a deeper understanding of how state laws are created and the role citizens play in shaping public policy.
Whether you're interested in government, history, public service, or simply want to learn more about your state, this tour offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at South Carolina's political and historical center. Join us to connect classroom learning with real-world civic engagement and discover how you can make your voice heard in the democratic process.
Students will be walked over to the Statehouse from the Russell House Ballroom.
RSVP is Required! This event is fully booked!
Date: Friday, September 18th
Time: 9:30AM - 3:30PM (Tours start at the top of ever hour with a break between 12:30PM - 1:30PM)
Location: Russell House Ballroom (We will walk over to the State House)
Vote in the Student Body Elections for the next Student Government Executive team and your College Senator!
If you are a Graduate Student you will also get to vote for the Graduate Student Association Executive Board!
The Student Body Elections Debate, moderated by SGTV, is where students running for Student Government Executive positions are able to debate their respective opponents by answers questions provided by the moderators.
University of South Carolina students will gather at the S.C. State House for Carolina Day to advocate for the university and highlight its role in empowering students to build a more prosperous and healthier South Carolina.
This is an opportunity to celebrate our democracy and provide opportunities for students to register to vote.
Our Programming for Tuesday, September 15th, 2026:
11:00 AM - Voterpalooza on Greene Street
6:00 PM - "I, Too, Sing America': The Black Affirmation of American Independence" hosted by the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse at the Karen J. Williams Courtroom in the Joseph F. Rice School of Law
7:00 PM- Tuesday Night Trivia, Location TBD
Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787.
Our Programming for Thursday, September 17th, 2026:
9:30 AM - Coffee and Constitutions, Location TBD
11:00 AM - Mutual Expectations: 1st Amendment, Location TBD
7:00 PM - Cocky's Quest
This week aims to bridge the gap between registering to vote and actually casting a ballot by providing tools, resources, and community engagement opportunities
This is a nonpartisan national celebration honoring the election officials, staff, and poll workers who ensure a safe, secure, and accessible voting process for all Americans.
This is an annual event aimed at promoting media literacy education and its essential role in society.
The event aims to unite students, faculty, and community members to advocate for a system of higher education that serves the public good.