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Student Affairs and Academic Support

  • Students gather at a spiritual life fair on Greene Street

Spiritual and Religious Life

USC is committed to supporting all students in their personal development, including a diversity of identities related to faith, spirituality, and religion. Religious and spiritual life at USC comes in a variety of options — from Religious Affiliates supporting students' spiritual needs, to religious centers near campus, to faith-based student organizations. 

Find a Faith-Based or Spiritual Organization

If you don't see a group you would like to join, consider starting your own organization.

 

Interfaith Calendar

Learn about the religious holy days and observances at USC

 

Nominations are LIVE for Carolina Faith Community Awards!

The Carolina Faith Communities will be accepting nominations for the Lauren E. Brubaker Carolinian Award and the Paul Fidler Volunteer Service Award from January 30 - February 18, 2024. Nomination forms are in the drop down icons below.

Recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student who best exemplifies one or more qualities of the Carolinian Creed. It is given in memory of Dr. Lauren E. Brubaker, former Chair for the Department of Religious Studies and University Chaplain from 1949-1994, who embodied these qualities in his work on campus for many years.

Eligibility: Candidates Must:

  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in good standing
  • Exemplify one or more qualities of the Carolinian Creed:
    Practice personal and academic integrity;
    Respect the dignity of all persons;
    Respect the rights and property of others;
    Discourage bigotry while striving to learn differences in people, ideas, and opinions;
    Demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions that support their work and development

Questions? Contact the Registered Religious Affiliate liaison, Matt Hinds at mhinds@mailbox.sc.edu 

The Lauren E. Brubaker Award will be presented at the USC Awards Day Ceremony on April 17, 2025.

Lauren E. Brubaker Carolinian Award nominations accepted in the spring semester.

Recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student for outstanding volunteer service to those in need. It is given in memory of Dr. Paul Fidler, the former Director of Research, Grants, and Planning, and Student Affairs liaison to the Carolina Chaplain, whose career at USC and his teaching at the College of Education provided service to others for 34 years.

Eligibility - Candidates Must:

  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in good standing
  • Actively participate in volunteer service both on the USC campus and in the community

Questions? Contact the Registered Religious Affiliate liaison, Matt Hinds at mhinds@mailbox.sc.edu 

The Paul Fidler Volunteer Service Award will be presented at the USC Awards Day Ceremony on April 17, 2025.

Paul Fidler Volunteer Service Award nominations accepted in the spring semester.

Prayer and Meditation Spaces on or near campus:

  • 300 Main Street Prayer Space, Room B104, open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Carolina Faith Center (off-campus), 728 Pickens St., open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Center for Health and Wellbeing, 1409 Devine St., C.A.L.M Oasis - Room 215, open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Carolina Card is required to enter; Open meditation is closed during scheduled events. Please check schedule placed outside of door). 
  • Close Hipp Building, 1705 College St., located on the 4th floor in front of the International Student Services Office - Suite 470, open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
  • Hamilton College 1512 Pendleton St., Room 116, open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Russell House University Union, 1400 Greene St., Room 309, open every day within Russell House building hours

Connect with the Religious Affairs Committee:

The Religious Affairs Committee oversees the religious life programs on campus and makes such recommendations to the President as may be appropriate. Please email Matt Hinds to connect: mhinds@mailbox.sc.edu 

Meet the campus registered religious affiliates:

The registered religious affiliates support the university community and serve student organizations by offering spiritual guidance and assistance to students, as outlined in STAF 1.01. Please feel free to contact the registered religious affiliates directly, or reach out to the Department of Student Life to be connected to an affiliate.  

Contact: Dominic Camerino

  • Garnet Gate: Alpha Omega

  • Email: domcamerino@gmail.com

Contact: Rev. Adam Venters

Contact: Daniel Hill

Contact: Merrill Eng

Contact: Ben Burchardi

Contact: Fr. Rhett Williams

 Contact: Ryan Jordan

 Contact: Randy Gore, Minister

Contact: Christi Farley

 Contact: Fr. Paul Sterne

Contact: Rev. Rob Nicholes

Contact: Nate Cesky

Contact: Evan Lowsky

Contact: Lizzie Keegan

Contact: Rev. Jesse Canniff-Khun

Contact: Rev. James "Jad" Taylor

Contact: Rev. Fr. Michael A. Platanis

Contact: Rev. Sammy Rhodes

Contact: Pastor Jim Whitten

Contact: Rev. Kevin Huston

Contact: Rev. John R. Cook

Contact: Matt Bryant

Religious centers for students near campus:

  • Baptist Collegiate Ministry, 819 Main St.
  • St. Thomas More Catholic Center, 1610 Greene St.
  • C.S. Lewis Center, 1730 College St.
  • UKirk Presbyterian Student Center, 1702 Greene St.
  • Campus Ministry Center, 728 Pickens St.

Apply for faith-based service funding:

Dobson Volunteer Service Program: Students, faculty, staff and affiliates can receive partial funding for service that encourage spiritual development while helping those in need. For more information visit: Dobson Volunteer Service Program - Leadership and Service Center

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