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

On the docket:

• Exciting Wins Boost Gamecock Athletics Across the Board

• Big Plans for Williams-Brice Stadium: USC's $350M Upgrades and Future Vision

• Ready, Set, Register! Tips to Help Your Student Tackle Class Registration Stress-Free

Exciting Wins Boost Gamecock Athletics Across the Board

South Carolina Gamecocks football has surged into the AP Top 25 for the first time this season, now sitting at No. 23. Their entry follows an impressive 24-14 road victory over Vanderbilt, marking their first Top 25 appearance since the end of the 2022 season. The recent ranking caps off a thrilling three-game win streak, with key wins over Oklahoma, then-10th-ranked Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt.

The excitement doesn’t end with football. Gamecock women’s sports are also making headlines. The women’s basketball team, currently ranked No. 1, took down No. 9 N.C. State in an impressive road game in Charlotte, reinforcing their top status. Meanwhile, the women’s soccer team wrapped up an incredible season by finishing as the runner-up in the SEC tournament. On Monday, November 11, they’ll learn their placement in the NCAA tournament.

With such strong performances from Gamecock teams across multiple sports, it’s an exciting time to rally behind South Carolina athletics as they compete at the highest levels. Go Gamecocks!

Big Plans for Williams-Brice Stadium: USC's $350M Upgrades and Future Vision

As a Gamecock, I’m thrilled to share that USC’s Board of Trustees has approved the first phase of upgrades to Williams-Brice Stadium. This renovation is part of a larger effort to revamp the campus and surrounding areas. The biggest change? The addition of 36 new premium suites, brings the total to 54, which will make USC more competitive with other SEC schools. While the seating capacity may slightly decrease, these upgrades will enhance the fan experience and generate significant revenue through suite sales. The construction is set to be completed by the 2027 football season, so no need to worry about game relocations.

And it’s not just the stadium getting an upgrade—USC has also announced plans for a new $350 million neurology hospital, which will be a major asset for the state. Big things are happening at USC, and I’m excited to see how these changes will shape the future of Gamecock athletics and our campus!

Ready, Set, Register! Tips to Help Your Student Tackle Class Registration Stress-Free

As registration approaches, I remember the stress and surprises that can come with planning a new semester. As a senior, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way to help your student stay on top of things and make the process a little easier! First, it’s essential that they log in to their my.sc.edu account to check their Registration Notices, where they’ll find their time ticket, academic standing, and other registration details. Next, they should review their degree progress in DegreeWorks to see how they’re tracking toward graduation. Meeting with an advisor is a great step here too—they’ll not only confirm which classes are needed but also help with registration times and any course requirements.

Once they’re clear on which classes to take, I recommend experimenting with Schedule Planner in the Advisement Planning section of my.sc.edu. This tool is perfect for testing out different schedule options and can store their ideal setup in a Shopping Cart until registration opens. For those hard-to-get classes, the Coursicle app has been a game-changer for me! It tracks class availability and sends alerts if a spot opens up, allowing students to hop online and claim the class quickly. These tips can help your students start the semester with a schedule that works for them and the peace of mind that comes with good planning.

If you’re interested, here is the link to download the Coursicle app https://www.coursicle.com/