UnIvERsIty 101 UnIvERsIty 101

By Francesca Cumello

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“It was truly an experience I will never forget,” Lukowiak said. “This, in turn, brought our class very close together. It is so nice to run into my classmates on campus and have a friendly face with this unique experience bonding us

These positive peer relationships foster a sense of belonging, which is integral to a young adult in an unfamiliar — yet exciting — environment. Growing relationships with faculty, staff and fellow peers offers the opportunity to form a great connection to USC and each other. These bonds will grow and function as a primary support network throughout each student’s college career. During the class, students learn essential strategies to navigate the academic atmosphere of college. The program reinstates many best practices in freshman, concerning study skills, time management and prioritization. These skills can also be applied outside of USC in the real world as they begin participating in internships and, later, careers. Freshmen also get to know the University of South Carolina and gain a connection to its history and traditions.

Cami Reid, a staff member in the Honors College who teaches the class, said the U101 program is designed with every student in mind, promoting the idea that college can feel like home.

“The small class size, the incorporation of a peer leader, and the curriculum make it possible for U101 classes to meet students where they are and support them as individuals, not just students,” she said.

Reid truly believes in the program’s efficacy and has seen its results. She said the class cultivates “a safe space to learn, grow and feel seen and heard to kick off the transition to college and young adulthood,” in particular.

“I have seen students develop confidence in themselves, make friends, become leaders, explore their interests and find their place at USC,” Reid said. “Even better, I have seen this after the semester concludes.”

Incoming first-year students can enroll in University 101 while registering for classes before the start of the academic year, usually at orientation. Many sections suit students’ interests and fields of study, such as Business U101, Capstone U101, and Honors U101.