Capstone Scholars Program New Student GuideYour go-to guide for all Capstone infomation, expectations and more!

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Welcome home to

Capstone!

By Dr. Patrick Hickey, Faculty Principal

Welcome to Capstone!

Welcome from Dr. Hickey............................................................2About the Capstone Scholars Program.......................................3Staff..................................................................................................4Capstone Student Leaders............................................................5Fall 2014 Capstone Events............................................................6How to be a Successful Capstone Scholar...................................7Track Your Capstone Experiences...............................................9Capstone Partner Offices..............................................................10

Table of Contents

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Dear Students:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Capstone Scholars Program at the University of South Carolina. I have had the privilege to be the Faculty Principal for this program for the past 5 years and have to admit that this has been one of the most joyful experiences I have had in academia. Through our program students are challenged, both inside and outside the classroom, to become the best that they can be as they increase their self-esteem and confidence, develop life-long relationships with both students and faculty, and have FUN!

One of our life-changing initiatives is aptly named the Capstone Personal Challenge Program. This program allows students the opportunity to better themselves by stepping out of their comfort zone to take on a self-selected personal challenge each semester for the 2 years that they are in the program. The challenge is proposed as one that will create lifelong positive habits and increase self-confidence. This challenge is created by confronting an opportunity for improvement in their lives, such as a weakness or fear, or by making a positive change, or developing a new skill or habit.

In Capstone we provide many opportunities to meet and greet fellow students such as our famous Hot Cookie Fridays, community service, study abroad, undergraduate research, and our speaker/lecture series. In addition to getting to know each other, these opportunities help you to learn more about our resources and support, but more importantly you will learn more about yourself and in doing so will find direction in life. My staff and I make it a priority to provide support while having as much “face time” with the students as possible. We strive to make the Capstone Scholars Program a place where students feel like they are connected to the University of South Carolina and the local community.

As a Capstone Scholar you will learn to live our motto, “Dream Big. Impact the Community. Leave a Legacy.”

Sincerely,Dr. Patrick Hickey

About the Capstone Scholars Program

Our Motto

Dream big, impact the community, leave a legacy!These are the words that guide the Capstone Scholars Program. Capstone

Scholars go above and beyond as students and leaders during their time at Carolina. Each of our pillars is an important part of our program. Capstone Scholars leave behind excellent examples of their work and

dedication to our program and to the University of South Carolina. Whether Capstone Scholars have created new student organizations or coordinated a group of students to participate in a service activity, our Scholars find ways to leave their mark on our community.

Our PillarsAcademic: Capstone Scholars are among the best and brightest students at Carolina, arriving with highly competitive high school GPAs and standardized test scores. The Capstone Scholars Program builds on this academic strength by providing a conversation series, biweekly current event discussions, a handful of specialized courses and peer mentoring focused on each student’s academic discipline.

Social: While studying comes first, a good work/life balance is vital, too! It’s important to make time for socializing outside the classroom. Our program provides several socials a semester, including our famous Hot Cookie Fridays and Gibbes Wednesday lunches, plus our new Mug Mondays.

Leadership: An important part of being a Capstone Scholar is getting involved on campus. Whether it’s within the residence hall, as a Capstone student leader, in Greek life or other student organizations, Scholars find ways to gain leadership skills through participation in extra-curricular activities and trainings.

Service: As Capstone Scholars, we see the benefit and the importance of engaging students in the Columbia community. We have coordinated monthly events, as well as partnerships on campus, that allow Scholars to serve organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Harvest Hope Food Bank and Pets Inc., to name a few.

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Introduction to Our Staff Dr. Patrick Hickey serves as our Faculty Principal for the Capstone Scholars Program and

is also a Clinical Assistant Professor for the College of Nursing at USC. Dr. Hickey oversees the program as a whole and enjoys the opportunity to mentor, provide opportunities for undergraduate research and enjoys leading medical mission trips to Latin America.

David DeWeil is the Associate Principal of Capstone. David pursued both his bachelor and master’s degrees from USC and now organizes many details for Capstone, including many grant opportunities, admissions, an employability course, News & Views, the budget and much more.

Theresa Harrison is one of two Assistant Principals. She primarily works to develop Capstone programming and builds partnerships with offices across USC’s campus as well as off campus agencies. Theresa serves as the advisor for Capstone Ambassadors.

Erin Wilson is one of two Assistant Principals. Erin performs much of Capstone’s data assessment and also works with students who study abroad through Capstone’s spring break and Maymester trips. Erin serves as the advisor for Capstone Coordinators.

Natalie Rooney is the current Graduate Assistant. She writes the weekly newsletter, posts on all Capstone social media outlets, leads service events, facilitates the Capstone Student Leaders Retreat and assists with other Capstone duties.

Our Capstone staff at the End of Year social celebration in April 2014. From L to R: David DeWeil, Theresa Harrison, Natalie Rooney, Erin Wilson, Dr. Patrick Hickey

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Introduction to our Capstone Student LeadersThe Capstone Scholars Program has two groups of student leaders: Capstone Coordinators and

Capstone Ambassadors. The Capstone Coordinators assist the Capstone staff with the planning and promotion of our events to ensure our students have a positive Capstone experience. Capstone Ambassadors are fall semester peer mentors to first-year students with majors in the same academic school/college and provide helpful knowledge of their program, classes and any other advice first-year students may need.

2014-2015 Capstone Coordinators:

Administrative Coordinators: Ashley Payne, Damien MaglichEvent Coordinators: Samantha Adams, Ginnie Horne, Cassie Coleman, Patrick ClearyMarketing Coordinator: Tom Munns

Fall 2014 Capstone Ambassadors:

Arts & Sciences (Hard Sciences): Ruchi Desai & Jerry FriedmanCollege of Social Work, Arts & Sciences: Carolyn Chalfant & Mariah HumphreyArts & Sciences (Pre-Med): Calli Fletcher & Jenny CoDarla Moore School of Business: Erik Brown & Danielle MarekInternational Business: Claire Maeda & Erik SingletonCollege of Nursing: Bradley Vincent & Lauren YarberoughCollege of Journalism & Mass Communication: Katie Oldham & Calli WassermanSC College of Pharmacy & Pre-Pharm: Katherine Wilbur & Nicole GriffithSchool of Public Health: Megan LaTorre & Katherine KrapfelCollege of Engineering & Computing: Felicia Canipe & Jared O’QuinnCollege of HTRM: Mary Tighe & Caroline RocheSchool of Music: Claire BogdanCollege of Education: Keri Foss5

Capstone students abroad in Ecuador.

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Fall 2014 Capstone Events CalendarService opportunities:St. Lawrence Place- Tuesday, Sept. 9th, 3:00-5:00 pmHabitat Restore- Wednesday, Oct. 1st, 10:00-noonProject Hope- TBDHannah House- Nov. (TBD)Carolina Cares Stocking Stuffers-Oct. 27th-Nov. 25th

Capstone Conversations (all held in Campus Room): 5:30 pm Wednesday, September 3- President Pastides 4:30 pm Tuesday, September 9- Student Body Executive Board 6:00 pm Mondaty, September 15- Dr. Hickey5:30 pm Thursday, September 18- Dennis Pruitt 4:30 pm Wednesday, September 24- Capstone Spring Break and Maymester5:00 pm Tuesday, September 30- Student Success Center, Engagement Speed Circuit6:00 pm Thursday, October 2- Anissa Floyd, Columbia Opportunity Resource6:00 pm Tuesday, October 7- USC Connect Orientation 7:00 pm Monday, October 13- Seth Gadsden, Nickelodeon Theatre- Indie Grits Festival 6:00 pm Wednesday, October 29- Celia Galens, Historic Columbia5:30 pm Thursday, November 6- Office of Fellowships & Scholar Programs4:30 pm Tuesday, November 11- On/ Off-Campus Information 4:30 pm Wednesday, November 12- Creed and Diversity Day5:30 pm Monday, November 17- Career Center, Resume Workshop4:30 pm Wednesday, November 19- Washington Semester4:30 pm Tuesday, December 2- Capstone Internship Program

Social:Welcome Back Sophomore Cookout - Tuesday, Aug. 19th 4:00-6:00 pm, Capstone OfficeMilkshakes and Matisse- Tuesday, Sept. 24th, 4:30 pm, Study ShackApple Picking- TBDHi Wire Trampoline Park- Wednesday, Oct. 15, 4:30-6:30 pmMug Mondays- Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 24, 8:00-10:00 am, Study ShackHot Cookie Friday- Sept. 5, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, 2:00-4:00 pm, Study ShackEnd of Semester Social- Friday, Dec. 5th 2:00-4:00 pm, Campus Room

Other Capstone Opportunities:Skydiving: Sunday, Nov. 9, 9:00 am - 4 pmChallenge Course: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 4:00-6:00 pm and Wednesday, Oct. 15, 4:00-6:00 pm

Note: Dates/times subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the weekly newsletter sent to your USC email address on Mondays at 10 a.m. for updates.

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How to be a Successful Capstone ScholarInvolved balance is crucial for success! Choose and complete 1 experience

in EACH of the Pillars below per semester. Signature Capstone experiences are REQUIRED only where highlighted in garnet. We encourage you to come to as many events as possible and Leave a Legacy on Capstone and

Carolina by becoming a Fellow! Links to report your experiences will be in the Capstone Connections newsletter sent every Monday at 10 a.m.

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-Capstone Conversation -News & Views-Ambassador Events -ACE Session-Academic Department Lecture*-Capstone U290 Course

-Hot Cookie Friday/Mug Monday-Capstone Socials/Excursions-OMSA Diversity Dialogue -Out to Lunch-Eat Like A Pro Etiquette Dinner-Gibbes Wednesday

-Capstone Conversation -News & Views-ACE Session-Mutual Expectations-Academic Department Lecture*-Capstone U290 Course

-Hot Cookie Friday/Mug Monday-Select Sophomore Sept. Events-Capstone Socials/Excursions -Out to Lunch-Eat Like A Pro Etiquette Dinner-GibbesWednesday

Complete ALL the following:

-Pass UNIV 101 (or equivalent) with a B or better-Be in good standing with the Capstone Scholars Program-Meet with Capstone Scholar staff-Complete Graduation with Leadership Distinction Orientation-Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA-Fulfill 16 additional experiences from the Pillars above (be balanced!)-Complete the Capstone Scholars Fellows application

* denotes prior approval required: contact Erin at erin.wilson@sc.edu at least 2 weeks in advance

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Leadership Service

-Personal Challenge (1/sem.) -Challenge Course-Emerging Leaders Program -Leadership Conference*-PD Certification Program-Skill Builder Workshops

-Capstone Service Events-Service Saturdays-Student Org. philanthropy-Alternative Break-USC Service Days-Independent Service

-Personal Challenge (1/sem.) -Challenge Course-Emerging Leaders Program -Leadership Conference*-PD Certification Program-Skill Builder Workshops

-Capstone Service Events-Service Saturdays-Student Org. philanthropy-Alternative Break-USC Service Days-Independent Service

Complete ALL the following:

-Pass UNIV 101 (or equivalent) with a B or better-Be in good standing with the Capstone Scholars Program-Meet with Capstone Scholar staff-Complete Graduation with Leadership Distinction Orientation-Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA-Fulfill 16 additional experiences from the Pillars above (be balanced!)-Complete the Capstone Scholars Fellows application

AND complete 1 from the list below:

-Be a University Peer Leader for 1+ semesters-Study Abroad (for a Maymester or longer)-Conduct Undergraduate Research for 1+ semesters-Complete an Internship or Co-op for 1+ semesters-Serve as an elected organization leader for 1+ semesters-Complete a GLD leadership or service-learning class-Present at Discovery Day or another professional conference

* denotes prior approval required: contact Erin at erin.wilson@sc.edu at least 2 weeks in advance

Capstone students go skydiving with the Capstone Scholars Program.

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Track Your Capstone ExperiencesAs you complete different experiences each semester, jot down what you did and the date for

your records. This does not replace needing to electronically submit your experiences.

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Capstone students at the Emerging Leaders Program graduation.

Name of experience Date of experience Type of experience (academic, social, etc.)

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Capstone’s Campus Partnerships

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)

Many of our Capstone Scholars engage in undergraduate research in different fields across campus. We had 23 Magellan Scholars during the 2013-2014 school year alone! For any Capstone Scholars interested in engaging in research while at USC, we highly recommend they get in touch with OUR. Visit their website at sc.edu/OUR for more information.

Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs (OFSP)

Capstone Scholars are often eligible to compete for very prestigious fellowships or scholarships. The Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs is a resource on campus for students who are interested in learning about their opportunities to earn grant money. OFSP will assist students in the application process to ensure you are the most competitive applicant for the award. Visit their website at sc.edu/OFSP for more information.

Career Center

Capstone offers the Capstone Internship Program through the Career Center. Students have the opportunity to apply for internships in our Columbia community to gain experience in their field of study or interest area. Additionally, the Career Center provides resume critiques, job fairs, etiquette dinners and many more services. Visit their website at sc.edu/career/cip for more information.

Study Abroad

Capstone Scholars are encouraged to study abroad at USC, especially through our Capstone-led spring break and Maymester study abroad trips! Capstone Scholars traveled to Nicaragua, Peru and Ghana during the 2013-2014 school year. The Study Abroad Office is also a great resource for any Capstone Scholar looking for a program over a more extended period of time. Visit their website at studyabroad.sc.edu for more information.

President Pastides speakswith Capstone Scholars athis annual Capstone Conversation in the fall.

Capstone Scholars Program

13 Gibbes CourtColumbia, SC 29208

803-777-4430 (David DeWeil)803-777-4412 (Fax)

www.sc.edu/capstonescholarscapstonescholars@sc.edu

Facebook: Capstone Scholars: University of South CarolinaTwitter: @capstonescholarInstagram: @capstonescholars

USC Campus Resources

USC Police Department

Emergency Assistance: 911Police Dispatch: 803-777-4215

Student Health Services

To make an appointment: 803-777-3175For counseling: 803-777-5223For Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention and Prevention: 803-777-8248 or walk inVisit sc.edu/shs for more information about these health services and more.

Student Success Center

Call 803-777-1000 or visit sc.edu/ssc for all the SSC services or to make an appointment online.