Orientation

To ensure you are placed into the appropriate courses, Upstate requires new students in certain majors to complete a set of online placement tests through the Blackboard account. 

Math Placement Testing

If you are majoring in one of the majors below and you have not successfully completed a college level Algebra or Calculus course with a C or better or scored 3 or higher on a Calculus AP course, you must take the math placement test before attending orientation.

Accounting, Advanced Manufacturing Management, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Child Development & Family Studies, Community Health, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Early Childhood Education, Economics/Finance, Elementary Education, Engineering Technology, Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Exercise Science, Health Informatics, Health Information Management, Information Management & Systems, Learning Disabilities, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Math, Psychology, Secondary Ed -Biology, -Chemistry, and -Math

Anatomy-Physiology Placement Test

If you are majoring in Exercise Science, Nursing, or Pre-Physical Therapy and you have not successfully completed a college level anatomy-physiology course, you must complete the anatomy-physiology placement test before you attend orientation.

World Language Placement Test

Students can also be permitted, upon request, to take the World Language Placement Test to determine appropriate course levels in French, German, and Spanish. Native speakers, legacy speakers or students with advanced language skills in these languages, may place out of the introductory language requirement by completing the placement test. For more information on taking language placement tests please contact Languages, Literature, and Composition at evanswd3@uscupstate.edu.

If you believe you are a South Carolina resident, you must complete the SC Residency Certification Form in Self Service Carolina in order to qualify for in-state tuition and fees. For more information visit the Next Steps page.

All new freshman students under the age of 20 are required to attend one of our student orientation, advisement, and registration (SOAR) events. Register now for one of our Winter 24/25 SOAR dates.

Students will receive confirmation of registration before attending orientation. Visit the Spartan Hub for additional information.

Transfer student orientation, advisement, and registration (SOAR) is designed specifically for students transferring to USC Upstate from other institutions. SOAR is an opportunity to learn everything you will need to prepare yourself for your first semester at USC Upstate, including information about campus services and organizations, financial aid, and fee payment. For more information, visit the Spartan Hub. 

Join us! Registration for Winter 24/25 SOAR is open.

On Campus Orientations

International students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to register for International Student Orientation date below. This does not take the place of your First Time in College (SOAR), Transfer, or Graduate Student Orientation.

As an international student at USC Upstate, you are also required to attend student orientation, advisement, and registration (SOAR). If you are a freshman student, you will register for and attend freshman orientation. Otherwise, you will register for and attend transfer orientation. For more information about SOAR, visit the Spartan Hub.

Thursday, January 9, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 
College of Arts and Sciences Building (CASB) 101

New Graduate Student Orientation will take place virtually on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Incoming 2025 graduate students are invited to learn more about the services and support available. Registration will be available soon. For those attending virtually, a link will be made available prior to the event.

Thursday, January 9, 2025
6:00 p.m. 
Online