University of South Carolina - Continuing Education & Conferences

Curious about the birds you see (and hear!)? Join us for a two-session introduction to birding and learn the basics of spotting, identifying, and understanding common birds.

March 23 & March 30
6 - 8 p.m.
USC Columbia campus

Starts outdoors at the historic Horseshoe, then moves indoors.

We’ll explore campus, talk spring migration, and practice birding skills along the way. Loaner binoculars provided.

Learn more and register at https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/continuing_education/personal_interest/the_great_outdoors/bird_watching/index.php

How does power actually work—and how do we recognize it when it no longer looks like an empire?

In this two-part community course, we’ll use science fiction as a lens to explore modern political systems, governance, and everyday forms of power. Drawing from classic and contemporary sci-fi, we’ll look at how authority shifts from visible institutions to invisible systems—and what that means for how we live and work today.

March 9 & 16
6 - 7:30 p.m.
USC Columbia campus

No prior knowledge required, just curiosity. Conversation-focused, accessible, and designed for anyone interested in politics, technology, work, and the stories that shape our world.
Learn more and register at https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/continuing_education/personal_interest/personal_enrichment_and_lifestyle/from_empires_to_algorithms/index.php

📣 Now enrolling: Leadership Development Program
This 12-week virtual program is designed for current and aspiring leaders ready to elevate their impact. Each session equips participants with practical tools and strategies to lead with confidence and clarity in today’s fast-paced environment.

🌟 What you’ll learn:
✔ How to effectively drive and manage change
✔ Strategic planning, time and priority management
✔ Navigating difficult conversations with confidence
✔ Emotional intelligence and leadership presence
✔ Leadership styles and action planning
✔ And much more
🗓 When: Thursdays, 8-10: a.m. (ET)
📅 Starts: Aug. 21, 2025
💻 Format: Live Virtual Sessions
💲 Cost: $4,200

Whether you're leading a team, a project, or an organization, this program will help you streamline your leadership skills and make your role more impactful.

📌 Space is limited — register early to secure your spot!

https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/continuing_education/professional_education_and_certificate_programs/leadership_simplified/index.php

🧺✨ Immerse Yourself in Gullah Culture – Basket Sewing Class! ✨🧺

Join us for a one-of-a-kind Gullah experience as we honor the rich history and artistry of sweetgrass basketry — a treasured tradition passed down through generations.

📅 Date: Sept. 27
🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
👩🏽‍🏫 Instructor: Mary Graham-Grant
💲 Cost: $120

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about the origins and cultural significance of Gullah sweetgrass baskets and receive expert instruction in traditional sewing techniques. 🌾 Each participant will create their own keepsake sweetgrass project to take home — a beautiful reminder of a powerful cultural legacy.

🌿 Spaces are limited! Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to connect with heritage, artistry and community.

📩 Register now and secure your spot! https://go.discover.sc.edu/register/septbasketsewing

🎤 Speaking Simplified – Now Enrolling at USC! 🗣️

Want to become a more confident, clear, and compelling speaker?
Speaking Simplified is a powerful, one-day course for professionals who want to command the room—and move people with their message.

Led by Doug Van D**e – executive coach, leadership development expert, strategic planner, and author – this course will help you:
✅ Speak with clarity and confidence
✅ Overcome stage fright
✅ Engage and manage any audience
✅ Break down complex ideas
✅ Lead through communication

📅 Next course: Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m. – 4:25 p.m.
📍 University of South Carolina
💰 Cost: $1,500

If you're ready to upgrade your communication game, this is the course that delivers.

🔗 Learn more & register: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/continuing_education/professional_education_and_certificate_programs/speaking_simplified/index.php

Leadership Simplified is a high-energy program filled with immediately implementable tools, techniques, and concepts. The program will resonate with new, aspiring or seasoned leaders who seek ethical actions and measurable performance outcomes!

Who should attend?
• Young professionals desiring to grow their talent and skills
• New leaders ready to develop advanced productivity skills
• Seasoned professionals looking to raise the bar of excellence
• Corporate executives seeking to maximize results
• Entrepreneurs looking for a competitive advantage

What you’ll learn:
How to use and leverage a powerful communication technique
• How to conduct meetings that generate rave reviews of: “Wow, was that a good use of time!”
• How to take collaborative relationships at work and at home and make them sensational
• How to control your time rather than your time controlling you
• How to communicate priorities and effectively delegate
• How to frame brilliant questions
• How to identify what questions to avoid
• How to de-escalate a heated discussion
• Why agility is better than flexibility
• Easy methods to move large groups of people to action
• How to efficiently coach others and develop their skill
• Why action and ex*****on lead to celebration!

Each session is $500. Space is limited. Register today!

Enrollment link - https://go.discover.sc.edu/register/?id=32a0fc28-c9cc-4891-b5c6-408e7bb84055

Give 4 Garnet continues all night, and we deeply appreciate the support from our Gamecock community! Help us end the day on a high note by supporting lifelong learning programs for USC faculty and staff through the Office of Continuing Education and Conferences. Your contribution enables students to start new careers or advance current ones, further empowering the University. Make a difference by giving at the link below.

https://give4garnet.sc.edu/continuingeducationandconferences

As the evening progresses, Give 4 Garnet continues to thrive! Support us in achieving our goal to enhance education and opportunities for growth within our Carolina community. Your donation to the Faculty/Staff Continuing Education Fund can help someone fulfill their dreams!

https://give4garnet.sc.edu/continuingeducationandconferences

We offer professional education and certificate programs year-round, available in both virtual and classroom formats. These programs are designed to provide immediate, practical training that helps students launch new careers or enhance existing ones. The Faculty/Staff Continuing Education Fund offers tuition remission for these certification programs to eligible members of the Carolina community.

With your support, we can help even more Gamecocks reach their career goals! Please consider contributing at the link below.

https://give4garnet.sc.edu/continuingeducationandconferences

You are making a difference! The Office of Continuing Education and Conferences offers lifelong learning opportunities through our educational programs. By providing USC faculty and staff the chance to participate through tuition reimbursement, you’re helping them grow and advance, which in turn strengthens the university. By donating through the link below, you can be the reason someone takes that important next step in their journey. Thank you for your support!

https://give4garnet.sc.edu/continuingeducationandconferences