AGOGE Schedule

Joining the Spartan Nation is not as easy as finding the coolest Upstate T-Shirt at the Bookstore. Spartans must undergo
rigorous intentional training to fully acclimate to the academic goal at hand. Agoge is the USC Upstate way of helping you
become a Spartan, not just through enrollment, but through activities that give you a head start as classes begin. Review
the Top Ten List below and look through the calendar on page 4 to help fill your Agoge training schedule.
Please note: All designated activities are required for all freshmen. Some activities will be at the same time for everyone and a few
list optional sessions you may choose from.
Spartan Head designates required activities
1. NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION AND THE CHANCELLOR’S DINNER for New Students: Wednesday, August
17, 5 p.m., Hodge Arena for convocation and dinner on the quad. Welcomes, interactive, free stuff, dinner with
your classmates, live music with faculty/staff band, and multiple drawings for Bookstore gift cards! Come at
4:30 p.m. to be included in your Class of 2020 photo in the Hodge Arena. Please wear business casual attire.
2. Don’t miss the BIG GREEN WELCOME, an extreme socializing event that uses high energy and fun to
introduce you to everyone! Sunday, August 14 at 8:30 p.m., Wellness Center.
3. GREATER GREEN: COMPLICATED CONVERSATIONS: Training guaranteed to inform, inspire and connect
you to our community. Tuesday, August 16 at 1 p.m., Hodge Arena. Be sure to arrive early to get a good seat.
4. Attend the FACULTY LUNCH & LEARNS on August 17 at 12 p.m. (Pg 2). These sessions are a good way to
understand faculty expectations in the classroom and learn more about different academic subjects. Choose
one that interests you and have lunch during the session.
5. Participate in BOOKS & BUBBLES (Pg 2). Pick a session on either August 15 or August 17.
6. Go to a STUDENT SUCCESS & ACADEMIC SUPPORT SESSION on Tuesday, August 16 at 2:30 p.m. (Pg 2 & 3).
7. Learn Where You Live. If you are commuting to Upstate, don’t miss the mandatory COMMUTER
CONNECTIONS BRUNCH on Wednesday, August 17 at 10 a.m. If you live on campus, attend your
MANDATORY COMMUNITY MEETING on Sunday, August 14 at 7 p.m. and get to know your neighbors.
8. Go to BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD) TRAINING. This is especially for new students to understand how
to utilize Spartan Green Sky, Blackboard and other technology needed in your classes (Pg 3). This is offered
August 17 in the URC Readiness Center.
9. Meet your Spartan Teams at the annual STADIUM PARTY, Tuesday, August 16 at 5 p.m. Come for dinner and
entertainment as we kick off the academic and athletic year.
10. Attend the PREMIERE FAIR: Wednesday, August 24 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sansbury CLC Patio. Student
Organizations, local businesses, free food and lots of swag to take home. Learn all the ways to get involved in
your community. Also, check out other campus events designed to show you all the ways you can engage with
USC Upstate in both volunteer opportunities and through Student organization activities (Pg 3).
LAST THING! We have great giveaways and drawings for this week. Every time you attend an Agoge event, your name
goes in a drawing at the Convocation dinner that’s good for multiple $500 and $100 gift cards to the Bookstore. We will
also award prizes at individual sessions. If you complete all 10 tasks on this list, come by the Premiere Fair on Wednesday,
August 24 and you will receive your free Agoge T-shirt.
Visit www.uscupstate.edu/agoge for additional information.
1
New Student Convocation
Chancellor’s Dinner for New Students
Wednesday, August 17 • 5 p.m., Hodge Arena
This mandatory event requires business
casual attire. All new freshman and transfer
students are invited to a welcome from Interim
Chancellor Mary Anne Fitzpatrick as you begin
your new academic career at Upstate. You will
hear an address from Jimm Cox about your
college experience. Following the convocation
in the Hodge, join your classmates under the tent for dinner,
music, prizes and more.
2
Big Green
Welcome
3
The Greater Green: Complicated Conversations
Sunday, August 14 • 9:00 p.m., Wellness Center
This extreme socializing event uses high energy and is a fun
way to introduce you to everyone. Join us near the concessions
stand following this event for a popcorn and lemonade bar.
Tuesday, August 16 • 1 p.m., Hodge Arena
Part of being a Spartan is the ability to act with civility towards
everyone in our community while respecting differences. Dr.
Consuela Ward has touched thousands of lives by creating
opportunities for complicated conversations in safe spaces
around diversity, inclusion, equity, and privilege. As our keynote
this year she will educate, empower, and excite our incoming
freshman class. She is passionate about helping others
negotiate the diverse world in which we live.
4
Faculty
Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, August 17 • 12-1 p.m.
Health Education Complex (HEC)
These sessions are the best way to
understand faculty expectations in the
classroom and learn more about different
academic subjects. Choose one that interests you and have
lunch during the session.
CLC Dining Hall is closed during sessions, as we are providing
lunch in HEC.
Andrew Beer (PSY): 10 Things I Hate About You: A Brief Introduction to the
Study of Personality, HEC2001
Chris Bender (NSE): How do you know if you can’t see it? Atomic Structure explained HEC2023
Gary Bradley (SOE): NO More Boring Classes! HEC 2031
June Carter and Cassandra Jones (LLC) : How to Study Culture: Homeland, Migration, Language and Race HEC2005
Dave Damrel (HPPA): Rethinking Religion - What the World Believes, HEC2030
Bridget Kirkland (FACS): Manipulating youir memory to enhance your Visual Vocabulary@KirklandDesign, HEC2002
Marilyn Knight (LLC): Top Ten Ways to Ace First Year English HEC 2028
Celena Kusch (LLC): Global Thinking:Exploring World Literature HEC2035
Lee Niebert (FACS): Inside The Actor’s Craft:The Secret to Realistic Acting, HEC2006
Jeff Smith (JCBE): Your ROEd; Return on Education, HEC2024
Jon Storm (NSE): Got Milk? The Evolution of Lactose Tolerance in Humans, HEC 2008
Suzanne Sutton (SON): Thinking Like a Nurse, HEC2086
5
Books & Bubbles:
A Photo Challenge
6
Student Academic Success Sessions
Tuesday August 16 • 2:30 p.m.
Monday, August 15 • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19 • 1- 3 p.m.
Join your friends at the Library! Work in groups as you search
throughout the stacks for bubble icons. Each bubble icon will
provide photo challenge instructions so be sure to bring a phone
or photo taking device to complete this task. If you find all
the bubbles, you’ll be entered into a grand prize drawing for a
bicycle. You will also get an instant prize once you finish!
Understanding and Anticipating Degree Requirements
- Jane Addison
Each semester, USC Upstate students are required to be
advised by a faculty or staff member when planning for the
subsequent semester. However, it is extremely important that
you understand what courses are required for your particular
major. This workshop will give you a basic overview of where
you can find your student worksheet and will address college
terminology such as “general education,” “major course,”
“support course,” “prerequisite,” “minor,” “cognate,” and “priority
registration,” to name a few. Library 226
Top Ten Tips for Surviving the First Semester - Myles Alexander
Advice for making it through the first semester. Library 227
Nursing Student Panel Discussion - Elizabeth Culbertson
In this session we will discuss what nursing school is really like.
Listen to helpful advice from current nursing students about
how to be successful in the program. Library 002(Tukey Theater)
Keep Calm and Get a Tutor (or SI)! - Jana Gordon
Introduction into USC Upstate tutoring services, how to ask
for a tutor, how to make a tutor appointment using TutorTrac.
Instruction to SI sessions: Benefits of attending SI, GPA
improvement, acquired knowledge reinforcement. Introduction
how to become a tutor or SI leader to help other students.
Benefits of being a tutor or SI leader. Library 234
You Expect Me To Learn All Of That? - Wanda Cromer
Tips for preparing to attack the quantity and depth of material
expected in college courses. Suggestions to effectively &
actively read texts, take notes, and prepare for tests. Library 240
Nutrition & Fitness: Establishing a Healthy College Lifestyle
- Sydney Heath
This session will focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle throughout
college and the long term benefits, as well as the advantages of
proper nutrition and fitness for academic success. Library 246
Organizing my Mess - Susan Kolb
Where did I put that? What day is that due? How many pages
does it have to be? (Sound familiar?) This session will provide
you with strategies and techniques to help you stay organized in
and out of the classroom. Library 248
Working, Not Twerking - Sherry McAdams & Jessie Sahms
This session will include information about resources that you
should be aware of like finding a job off campus, how to create
a resume, how to look for an internship and more. Library 249
The Global Classroom - Patrick McCleary
Hear from USC Upstate students who recently had a lifechanging international experience. They will share about what
it’s like inside the classroom of another country: the pros, the
cons, and what you need to know to prepare to go on your own
adventure! Library 250
2
Speed Bumps, Pot Holes, and Detours - Susannah Waldrop
Let’s talk about ways to handle some of the road blocks along
the way of your college journey. Library 238
It’s Not What You Know… - Hannah Terpack
Did you know that, according to The New York Times, 33%
of first-year college students reported never talking to their
professors outside of class last year? For many students,
breaking the ice to meet others can be intimidating to say the
least, especially if you feel like you’re in the hot seat. However,
not connecting with your greatest resources--your professors-is all too often a missed opportunity to establish a productive
working relationship and master the material! Join this session
to learn how to best approach your professors and apply
these professional communication skills to further build your
reputation of being a classy and top-of-the-class student!
Library 252
Student organizations, Services on campus, Local Businesses,
free food and novelties, lots of giveaways to take home. Learn all
the ways to get involved in your community.
Make Your Mark Your First Year and Beyond! - Heather Rossi
Do you want to make your mark and have an impact on the
Upstate community that will be your home for the next few
years? Volunteering and participating in community projects is
a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and can help
build your resume to land you your dream job! Join us as we
talk about the many different ways you can engage with your
community while you are at Upstate. Library 247
Bubble Soccer: Tuesday August 16 • 10:30 a.m. Wellness Center
Hilarious to play or watch, it’s good exercise, and it’s one of the
safest sports there is. Take one part soccer, one part pillowfight
and one part vaudeville slapstick comedy. Bubble soccer is played
on an indoor gym of usual dimensions, with a referee, and two
goals. Sometimes time is kept according to regulations, or games
are often shortened by design, by exhaustion, or by the inability of
people convulsed with laughter to run after a ball anymore. Be the
first to play this new intramural sport.
7
Learn Where
You Live.
If you commute, don’t miss the luncheon.
If you live on campus, attend a residential
event and get to know your neighbors.
Community Meetings: Sunday, August 14 • 7 p.m.
Spend some time getting to know the folks on your hall! Meet
your Resident Advisor and hear about ways to get involved in
campus housing! Your RA will lead this meeting and help you
learn how to meet the Spartan Standard.
Events you do not want to miss! Student Life Events,
Organization Volunteer Opportunity Activities, and
Spartan Home Games
Navigation Station: August 15 and August 17 • 1-3 p.m.
Bring your class schedule and meet some of the RAs under the
Treehouse Arch. They ‘ll take you around campus and help you
locate where your classes will be held. Avoid some of the first day
jitters by taking part in this event.
Men’s Soccer vs Spartanburg Methodist: Monday, August 15
7:00 p.m., County University Soccer Stadium
Movie on the Lawn: August 16 • 9 p.m.
After the Stadium Party, Grab your favorite blanket, your
roommates, and head to the Treehouse Plaza. Join HRL as we
show a current release. Relax and enjoy the show!
Men’s Soccer vs Bluefield College: Wednesday, August 17
7:30 p.m., County University Soccer Stadium
CLASSES BEGIN: THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
Welcome Back Tables: Thursday, August 18 & Friday, August 19
Greek Info Night: Thursday, August 18 • 5&6 p.m., Tukey Theater
Grab dinner at the Plaza and enjoy an evening of music, games and Experience the Greek Community and explore your options.
Learn which chapters exist at Upstate and how Greek Life can
novelties with all your new neighbors.
connect you to our community.
Mandatory Commuter Connections Brunch: Wednesday,
CAB Upstate @ Nite Paint Party: Friday, August 19
August 17• 10 a.m., Readiness Center. If you are commuting
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
to Upstate, don’t miss this event specifically for freshmen
Who said paint is solely for canvases and walls? Watch
commuters. A student panel, doorprizes and invaluable
how paint and music blend to make an unforgettable
information are all included in this session.
experience! Wear your all white and join the Campus
Activities Board on the intramural field for the best
Bring Your Own Device
paint party of the year!
Rock the Block: Monday, August 15 • 5 p.m., Treehouse Plaza
8
(BYOD) Training
August 17 • 11 a.m., Readiness Center. Introduction to and
hands on experience with many of the tools, services and
resources to ensure academic success using your device of
choice. If you do not have a device, contact the ITS Help Desk
for information on our FREE loaner devices.
9
Stadium
Party
Tuesday, August 16 • 5 p.m. Dinner, 5:30 p.m.
Show, County Soccer Stadium. Kick off the
year with this annual campus event. Meet the
fall Spartan sports teams and enjoy free food,
giveaways and great entertainment.
10
Premiere
Fair
Wednesday, August 24• 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., CLC Patio
3
Spartan Day of Service: Saturday August 20 • 9a.m. -12 p.m.,
Rampey Parking Lot
Meet the Greeks: Monday August 23 • 6p.m. CLC Ballroom
Women’s Soccer vs Winthop: Tuesday, August 23 • 5 p.m.,
County University Soccer Stadium
Multicultural Mix & Mingle: Thursday, August 25 • 4 - 6 p.m.,
CLC 2nd floor lobby Come meet the newest members of our
community and celebrate the diversity that USC Upstate has to
offer. Mix and mingle with some of our cultural and advocacy
organizations.
CAB Wet and Wild: Saturday, August 27 • 2 p.m., Treehouse
Plaza
Cool yourself down with at the Campus Activities Board and
the Greeks for Wet-n-Wild, a water day extravaganza! This event
will include water everywhere: inflatable water slides and more!
Events continued ...
Women’s Soccer vs Gardner-Webb: Sunday, August 28 • 7 p.m.,
County University Soccer Stadium
AGOGE SCHEDULE
Volleyball vs Gardner-Webb: Tuesday, August 30 • 7 p.m.,
G.B. Hodge Arena
Faithfest: Wednesday, August 31 • 11a.m.-1p.m., Lower Quad
Explore faith organizations at USC Upstate. Meet new friends and
discover your options through these organizations.
Dr. Lori Hart: REQUIRED FOR UNIV 101 CLASSES Wednesday
August 31 • 5 & 7p.m. HPAC Theater
Spartan Challenge: Friday September 9 1-4p.m.,
The George, Downtown Spartanburg
Join your University 101 Team on a wild race across downtown
Spartanburg for giveaways, fun and more. Individual and class
prizes will be given to winners.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
8AM - 5PM
Move-in Day Residence Life
7 PM
Housing Community Meetings
9 PM
Big Green Welcome - Wellness Center
MONDAY, AUGUST 15
9AM - 10AM
10AM - 12 PM
1 - 3 PM
5 PM
Breakfast on the Porch - Library Front Patio
Books & Bubbles - Library Lobby
Navigation Station - Treehouse Arch
Rock the Block - Treehouse Plaza
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
10:30 AM
Review the
SPARTAN
READY LIST
Here’s the list…Have you taken care of these items?
You may not have to do everything on the list, but we
want to remind you of some SPARTAN READY items
you may need to take care of and contact phone
numbers if you need any assistance:
Class Schedule – Academic Department Offices
(see Student Handbook for number)
Email Account – 503-5257
Fraternity & Sorority Recruitment sign-up – 503-5122
Sign up for Intramural Leagues online
1 PM
2:30 PM
5 PM
Parking Permits – 503-7777
Spart Alert – 503-5257
(Emergency Alert - signup in the SCC System)
Student ID – 503-7777
Get white clothes for paint party
SSC Login – 503-5257
Movie Night - Treehouse Plaza
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
10 AM
Commuter Connection Brunch - Readiness Center
11 AM
BYOD Training - CLC Ballroom
12NOON
Go to Premiere Fair to pick up AGOGE shirt
Visit uscupstate.edu/Upstate48 to view all events
happening the first 48 days of class.
Faculty Lunch & Learns - HEC
1-3 PM
Library Scavenger Hunt - Library Lobby
1-3 PM
Navigation Station - Treehouse Arch
4:30 PM
Be the U - Convocation Class Photo - Hodge Lawn
5 PM
Convocation and Dinner - Hodge Arena
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
CLASSES BEGIN
8:30AM - 3:30PM
5 OR 6PM
Welcome Tables
Greek Info Night - Tukey Theater
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
8:30AM - 3:30PM
9 PM -1AM
2 - 4 PM
Welcome Tables
CAB Upstate@Nite Paint Party - Treehouse Plaza
International Student Mixer - CLC 2nd Floor Lobby
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
9 AM -12 PM
Spartan Day of Service - Rampey Parking Lot by the
Magnolia House
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
11 AM - 2 :30 PM
Premiere Fair - CLC Patio
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25
Register for Intramural League – 503-5080
Jobs – 503-5323
Stadium Party Dinner - Readiness Center
9 PM
Blackboard Initial Log In – 503-5257
Books – 503-5167
Student Success Sessions
Stadium Party-Soccer Stadium
Immunizations – 503-5191
Internet Connection – 503-5257
The Greater Green - Hodge Arena
5:30 PM
Housing – 503-5422
Register for Disability Services – 503-5199
Bubble Soccer
4 - 6 PM
Multicultural Welcome - CLC 2nd floor lobby
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
12 PM
CAB Wet and Wild