Reservations for Orientation are made on a first-come, first-served basis, thus requests should be completed as early as possible. For fastest service, you are highly encouraged to take advantage of our online registration system. By registering through VIP, you will receive immediate online confirmation of your date request.

Please note: You should print the confirmation screens for your records as you will NOT be sent additional information. Once a date is filled to capacity it is closed; there will be NO exceptions. Please do not make travel arrangements before you have confirmation of your Orientation date.

You may also mail in the Orientation Date Request form.  Allow 10 business days for processing of mail-in requests; you will receive a confirmation notice by U. S. Mail. Again, please do not make travel arrangements before you receive a confirmation from the Office of Student Orientation and Testing Services. Reservations cannot be taken over the phone since full payment must accompany your request.

Summer Orientation - $60 for each student, $30 for each parent/guardian/spouse
August, January, Summer Session I - $30 for each student

This fee includes a continental breakfast (Summer only), lunch (Summer only), the services of the Student Orientation Leaders, and all program materials. Due to the content and design of this program, it is not appropriate for anyone other than students and their parent(s) and/or spouses to attend. Pre-registration for students and parents is strongly recommended. Walk-ins may be allowed ONLY in the case of available space; be aware that most days are booked full in advance. If late registration is permitted, an additional $10 fee (cash or check) will be incurred.

Orientation fees may be paid online using a credit card (Visa or MasterCard). If you choose to mail in your Date Request form, full payment (including overnight housing fees, if applicable) must be made by check or money order payable to "USC Orientation." Credit cards are not accepted by mail.

If you or your parent/guardian requires special physical arrangements to participate in orientation, please call the Office of Disability Services at 803-777-6742 or notify us in writing using the appropriate space on the Date Request Form.

Since most costs are incurred prior to the beginning of the Orientation program, all requests for refunds must be in writing and postmarked on or before Monday, June 2, 2008. Refunds are only made for Summer Orientation programs. Address written requests to USC Office of Student Orientation and Testing Services, 345 Russell House, Columbia, SC 29208, or via e-mail to saorien@mailbox.sc.edu. The maximum refund of orientation fees is $15 per person. However, all overnight accommodation fees will be fully refunded if a written request is received at least three days prior to the scheduled stay. Please allow six to eight weeks for the processing of refunds. Refunds cannot be charged back to credit cards; all refunds will be in the form of a check from the Office of the Bursar.