Imagine a dynamic, academically engaged community of scholars designed specifically to meet your needs at Carolina. The University of South Carolina’s Capstone Scholars program offers special opportunities to undergraduates who are among the University’s most enthusiastic learners. Capstone Scholars embody the principles set forth in the Carolinian Creed and aspire to excellence as members of the Carolina Community. The Capstone Scholars are encouraged to live by the program’s motto “Dream Big! Impact the Community. Leave a Legacy.” The program is centered on these three pillars: Academics, Leadership, and Social & Service. First-year Capstone Scholars have priority on living in Capstone House. Second-year Capstone Scholars have priority to remain in Capstone House or live in a community in South Quad.

Opportunities for First-Year Capstone Scholars Involvement

• Designated sections of the University of South Carolina’s nationally acclaimed University 101 course will be provided for students in the program and taught by outstanding University faculty and instructional staff. Capstone Scholars also have the opportunity to take special sections of English 101, English 102, University 290, and special linked courses.
• Students will participate in the First-Year Reading Experience with other Capstone Scholars.
  
• Capstone Scholars will have the opportunity to apply for undergraduate research grants and work with outstanding University of South Carolina faculty.
  
• Capstone Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in special Capstone Scholars Study Abroad trips and apply for study abroad travel grants. Information sessions on study abroad opportunities will be in the Capstone Scholars community to encourage students to explore their educational options globally as freshman and sophomores.
  
• Special group sessions and individual advising will be provided from the Office of Fellowships and Scholars for those interested in applying for major national student grants, such as the Rotary, Goldwater, Marshall, and Rhodes fellowships.
  
• Advising and support services will be offered to Capstone Scholars from the Office of Pre-Professional Advising for students interested in pursuing medical or law school.
  
• Capstone Conversations, Capstone Cinema, student-faculty dining experiences, pre-advising meetings, News & Views current event discussions, and free cultural event tickets are available to Capstone Scholars.
• Intentional interactions occur between Capstone Scholars and their upper-class Resident Mentors, of whom most are former Capstone Scholars.
• Social Activities are provided for students which include Hot Cookie Fridays, Everybody’s Birthday Party, and Hanging Out Wednesdays.  Community Service opportunities include Service Fridays and mentoring partnerships with local middle schools.
• Leadership opportunities and training are available for Capstone Scholars through the Emerging Leaders Program and outdoor activities such as the ropes challenge course.

Is the Capstone Scholars Community for You?
The Capstone Scholars Community is limited to students who have been invited into the Capstone Scholars Program. All Capstone Scholars are encouraged to live in the Community.

How to Apply:
To be considered for admission to the Capstone Scholars Community, students must submit a completed Housing Application. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 1, 2010 for rising freshmen and February 1, 2010 for rising sophomores. Please submit your housing application online at https://vip.sc.edu.
By completing this application, the Capstone Scholars community becomes your first housing choice and supercedes other housing preferences previously indicated. Because space is limited, you may not be placed into the Community initially but may be put on a waiting list for a space as it becomes available. While on the waiting list, your housing assignment will be made based on preferences noted on the standard housing application/contract.

For More Information
http://www.sc.edu/capstonescholars