Hi Everyone -  here's what we got this week at the University of South Carolina:

On the docket:

• Exciting News: USC’s New STEM Innovation and Research Center

• Get Ready, Gamecocks—Quavo is Coming to Cockstock 2025

• Lights, Camera, Gamecocks: Netflix is Coming to the SEC

Exciting News: USC’s New STEM Innovation and Research Center

Big things are happening here at USC—like literally big things. The Board of Trustees just approved the first phase of a brand-new STEM Innovation and Research Center. This future campus hotspot will feature three floors of research space (where the next big discoveries might happen) and two floors dedicated to innovation space (translation: where the magic gets created).

The center is part of the USC Next Masterplan and will be located on the corner of Greene and Main Streets, so yes, it’s going to be right in the heart of everything. It’s exciting to see USC growing and investing in the future—and let’s be real, maybe this will inspire your student to actually show up to a study session in the shiny new building.

Get Ready, Gamecocks—Quavo is Coming to Cockstock 2025!

Parents, heads up—if your student hasn’t mentioned it yet (classic), Quavo is headlining Cockstock 2025 on Wednesday, January 29th, at the Colonial Life Arena, with Mariah the Scientist kicking things off. It’s a big event, and it’s happening right here on campus. If your kid is looking for something fun to break up the week, this is the perfect chance. Plus, the floor is reserved for students only, so they’ll have the best spot in the house if they show up early.

Tickets are just $5 for students, which is kind of ridiculous for a concert like this. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8. They’ll need to grab their ticket online themselves since they’re non-transferable (no borrowing tickets for this one). If they want to bring someone along, guest tickets are $40. Honestly, this sounds like way more fun than whatever they’re usually up to on a Wednesday night. You might want to nudge them about it—it’s a night they’ll probably talk about for weeks!

Lights, Camera, Gamecocks: Netflix is Coming to the SEC!

Ever wish you could be a fly on the wall during those intense locker room pep talks or see what goes on behind the scenes with Gamecock football? Well, you’re in for a treat — and no, it’s not just another tailgate spread. Netflix has announced a brand-new sports documentary series that will follow the SEC’s most iconic teams (including our South Carolina Gamecocks) during the 2024 football season!

From locker room huddles to post-game fire pits, this series promises to give fans an all-access pass to the passion and drama of college football’s most competitive conference. Coach Beamer is already hyping it up, saying 2024 was a season to remember. Your student might just catch themselves on camera if they were cheering loud enough at Williams-Brice! The series is set to premiere in Summer 2025, so mark your calendars (and maybe start brushing up on your “Go Cocks!” chants). Netflix and cheer, anyone?