Media Advisory

USC Aiken Kicks Off New Year

AIKEN, SC (08/21/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken welcomes Pacers back to campus. Classes officially start Thursday, Aug. 23.

Media outlets are invited to cover key events, which are part of the back-to-school activities on campus.

Those outlets interested in covering any of these events are asked to e-mail: news@usca.edu

Aug. 22, 9:30 a.m., Class of 2022 Bridge Crossing, USC Aiken Fountain, in the Quad

As part of a newly installed tradition, freshmen will gather at the fountain in the middle of campus and walk together across the USC Aiken Bridge from the main campus to the convocation center for their first official academic ceremony. The chancellor, provost, and student government president will lead the Class of 2022 to the USC Aiken Convocation Center.

Aug. 22, 10 a.m., Freshmen Convocation, USC Aiken Convocation Ceremony, with guest speaker, Dan-el Padilla Peralta, author

As part of the university's Critical Inquiry course, required of all freshmen, the issue of immigration will be part of an ongoing discussion throughout the semester. To facilitate the dialogue, author of Undocumented: A Dominican Boy's Odyssey from a Homeless Shelter to the Ivy League, will address the Class of 2022 during Freshmen Convocation.

In his thought-provoking autobiography, Padilla Peralta chronicles the struggles, challenges and opportunities he faced growing up in New York City after his family's visas expired. Immigration, with its multi-faceted considerations, varied perspectives, and complex nuances is an issue that meets the criteria of the USC Aiken Critical Inquiry Program. Undocumented is a jumping off point for the class, providing themes students will explore throughout the year.

Click here to learn more.

Aug. 23, USC Aiken classes start

For more information on these or other USC Aiken events, e-mail: news@usca.edu .