POS Video

My POS Video assignment was fun. I went around campus asking the students how do they feel about homecoming here at SC State.

I interviewed five different students:

• Kamaji Bufkin
• Jamarcus Elder
• Paris Wilmore
• Chasity Goff
• Mckinley Bond

Click here to see: https://youtu.be/sTbPwbPt6Yk

PSA Final Project

 

Car trouble can hit when you least expect it. But staying safe on the road starts with being prepared. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re committed to helping drivers keep their vehicles reliable. From top-quality brakes, batteries, and filters to friendly experts who help you find the right part, Advance takes the guesswork out of car care.

Need help on the spot? Stop by for free services like battery testing, installation on most vehicles, and our loaner tool program. Because when it comes to keeping your car and your family safe, every small step counts.

Advance Auto Parts. Quality parts. Expert people. Confidence to keep moving forward.

Click here to listen: 

Store Hours: 

Sunday: 9am-7pm

Monday: 7:30am-8pm

Tuesday: 7:30am-8pm

Wednesday: 7:30am-8pm

Thursday: 7:30am-8pm

Friday: 7:30am-8pm

Saturday: 7:30am-8pm

The Impact of Limited Housing and Safe Spaces on Student Success at South Carolina State University

 The Impact of Limited Housing and Safe Spaces on Student Success at South Carolina State University

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Ultimately, housing stability and access to safe spaces are not small issues they are central to the success and well-being of students at South Carolina State University. When students have reliable places to live and supportive environments to turn to, they’re able to focus more fully on their goals, participate in campus life, and build the relationships that make college meaningful. But when these needs go unmet, it creates obstacles that no student should have to face alone.

Addressing these challenges isn’t just about improving campus facilities; it’s about investing in student success. Expanding dorm options, creating more welcoming community areas, and ensuring that mental-health and cultural spaces are accessible to everyone would help students feel safer, more supported, and more connected. As an HBCU with a deep history of resilience, leadership, and academic excellence, SC State has the potential to set an example by prioritizing the environments where students learn and live.

By focusing on these needs, the university can strengthen not only academic outcomes but also the overall college experience making sure every student has the opportunity to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

South Carolina State University is addressing a potential housing shortage this fall by offering a $1,000 incentive to eligible juniors and seniors who secure off-campus housing. The initiative aims to alleviate pressure on the university’s limited bed space, which is strained by record applications and high retention rates. "SC State is clearly a top choice for students looking to improve their lives by advancing their education,” said President Alexander Conyers. “We are taking several measures to increase our housing inventory through renovations and new construction.”

 

Click here for more details: https://www.abccolumbia.com/2025/06/12/sc-state-offers-1000-to-juniors-and-seniors-for-off-campus-housing-amid-shortage/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Students Struggle with Online Learning at SC State

 Kamari Chiles tried to log into his hybrid biology class last semester, he was met with repeated error messages. The Wi-Fi in his dorm kept cutting out, leaving him frustrated and anxious as he attempted to keep up with lectures and assignments. “I missed half the lecture because my connection kept dropping,” Chiles said. “It’s stressful because you feel like your grade depends on technology working, not just your effort.”

Chiles’s experience is shared by many students at South Carolina State University as online and hybrid learning continues to be a core part of the academic experience. While the university has invested in digital platforms like Canvas and Zoom, students report that connectivity issues, outdated devices, and platform glitches can create barriers to learning.

Many students have had to improvise moving to the library, buying personal hotspots, or relying on friends’ internet to stay connected. The issue doesn’t just affect convenience; it affects academic performance and mental well-being. SC State’s IT department says the university is aware of the challenges and has been working to improve infrastructure.

“Over the past year, we’ve upgraded several dorm networks, increased bandwidth, and implemented additional support for online platforms,” said Marcus Fields, Director of IT Services. “We are committed to ensuring all students have reliable access to their courses, whether they are on campus or remote.” The university also provides troubleshooting guides, virtual tech support, and device loan programs for students in need. Professors are adjusting to hybrid and online teaching as well. Many have adopted new strategies to engage students virtually, from pre-recorded lectures to interactive discussion boards.

“Technology is a powerful tool, but it comes with challenges,” said Dr. Sylvia Carter, a biology professor. “We’ve been learning alongside our students to make the experience as seamless as possible, but internet reliability and student access remain concerns.”

Despite improvements, students feel the need for ongoing attention to online learning resources. Connectivity, device availability, and platform reliability directly impact their ability to learn and succeed. “I love my classes and my professors, but it’s frustrating when technology keeps getting in the way,” Chiles said. “We’re here to learn, not troubleshoot Wi-Fi all day.”

As universities continue to embrace hybrid and digital learning models, ensuring equitable access and reliable technology will be key to student success.

Housing Shortage at SC State Leaves Students Scrambling for Off-Campus Options

When Junior Nehemiahus Wardlaw arrived on campus for orientation, he expected to receive the final details for his dorm assignment  something he’d been looking forward to since deciding to attend South Carolina State University. Instead, he was pulled aside and told that no rooms were available, and he would need to look for housing off campus. “That’s not what you want to hear a week before school starts,” Wardlaw said. “I thought I’d be moving into a dorm with everyone else. I had no idea I’d have to find an apartment on my own.”

His experience is becoming increasingly familiar to SC State students. As enrollment grows and residence hall capacity remains limited, more students are learning  often at the last minute that on-campus housing is not guaranteed. What should be a standard part of the college process has become a stressful, uncertain scramble that affects students and families alike.

Students and parents invest heavily in tuition, fees, and campus life expecting housing to be included. Instead, many find themselves searching for off-campus apartments with little warning.

The shortage doesn’t just determine where students sleep. It affects:

• daily transportation

• financial stability

• sense of safety

• participation in campus activities

• academic focus

“For what we pay, I assumed my son would have a secure place to stay on campus,” said a parent. Finding out he didn’t have housing was overwhelming. We had to figure out everything at the last minute.”

Those who end up off campus say the experience is both isolating and expensive. Wardlaw spent days calling apartment complexes, many of which were already full or priced far higher than the cost of a dorm.

“I finally found a place, but it wasn’t easy,” he said. “And now I’m paying for gas, groceries, and rent. It’s not what I expected my third year of college to look like.” Other students share similar frustrations.

 “Commuting makes it hard to feel connected,” one student said. “You miss events, meetings, and the chance to build community. It changes the whole college experience.” Transportation remains one of the biggest challenges, especially for students without cars. With limited public transit in Orangeburg, many depend on friends, ride-shares, or long walks just to attend classes.

Parents say the hardest part is the lack of clarity. Many feel blindsided when they learn sometimes only weeks before move-in that their student won’t receive a room. “You think everything is handled,” one parent said. “Then suddenly you’re searching for apartments, paying deposits, buying furniture, and worrying about safety. It’s exhausting.”

Parents say the hardest part is the lack of clarity. Many feel blindsided when they learn sometimes only weeks before move-in that their student won’t receive a room. “You think everything is handled,” one parent said. “Then suddenly you’re searching for apartments, paying deposits, buying furniture, and worrying about safety. It’s exhausting.”

University officials say they are working on plans to address the shortage, including exploring partnerships with nearby apartment complexes, renovating older dorms, and evaluating possibilities for new residence hall construction.

Students say they want transparency and assurance that their basic needs are treated as a priority. Wardlaw hopes future students won’t have to go through the same stress. “I love being here,” he said. “But housing shouldn’t be something students have to worry about. We’re here to learn, not to wonder where we’re going to sleep.” Until additional housing is built or new solutions are implemented, SC State’s shortage will remain a major obstacle not only to comfort, but to the full college experience students expect when they enroll.

SC State Prioritizes Student Safety and Wellness with New Initiatives

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  South Carolina State University is taking proactive steps to ensure students feel both safe and supported on campus. From enhanced security measures to expanded mental health services, SC State is addressing physical safety and emotional well-being, creating an environment where students can focus on learning, growth, and thriving.

Recent initiatives include upgraded security infrastructure, such as additional cameras, improved lighting across campus pathways, and increased patrols by campus safety officers. Students also have access to emergency alert systems and mobile apps that provide instant access to safety resources.

“Student safety is our top priority,” said Director of Campus Safety Dr. Richard Johnson. “These upgrades allow us to respond quickly to any incidents and ensure that our students feel secure at all times.”

In addition to physical safety, SC State has expanded mental health and wellness programs. Counseling services now offer extended hours, peer support groups, stress-relief workshops, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging students to seek help.

“Balancing academics, athletics, and personal life can be stressful,” said junior business major Alicia Thompson. “It’s comforting to know that the university provides resources and workshops that help students manage stress and take care of our mental health.”

Student engagement plays a critical role in these initiatives. Resident Advisors and student leaders actively participate in wellness campaigns, hosting workshops and events that educate peers about safety practices and mental health resources.

University officials say the combined approach improving physical security while supporting mental well-being  is designed to create a holistic, safe campus environment. “We want our students to feel that SC State is not just a place to earn a degree, but a community that looks out for one another,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Angela Brooks.

Early results show the initiatives are already making a difference. Students report feeling more secure walking around campus at night, and participation in counseling and wellness programs has increased significantly. Looking ahead, SC State plans to continue expanding safety and wellness programs to further enhance the student experience.

By prioritizing both safety and mental health, SC State University demonstrates that being a Bulldog means supporting one another  on the field, in the classroom, and across campus.

Beyond the Game: SC State Bulldogs Excel in Academics and Community Leadership

 ORANGEBURG, S.C. While South Carolina State University’s Bulldogs chase another MEAC championship on the football field, a group of student-athletes is proving that excellence doesn’t stop at the scoreboard. Balancing grueling practices, game schedules, and travel, SC State players are also earning accolades in the classroom and making meaningful contributions to the community.

For junior wide receiver Jordan Smith, football and academics go hand in hand. With a 3.9 GPA in business administration and a leadership role as team captain, Smith also mentors younger players and volunteers weekly at a local youth football camp.

“Being a student-athlete is about more than football,” Smith said. “It’s about learning discipline, time management, and how to give back. I want to leave the program better than I found it, both on the field and off.”

Smith is not alone. Thirteen SC State football players earned All-MEAC honors this season, and several were recognized as MEAC Scholar-Athletes for maintaining high academic standards while contributing to the team’s success. Offensive lineman Roger Smith, who also serves as a peer tutor for first-year students, says the balance between athletics and academics teaches lessons that last a lifetime.

“Our players understand that what they do in the classroom matters just as much as what they do on the field,” said head coach Chennis Berry. “We are proud of their dedication, and they serve as examples of leadership for the entire university and the Orangeburg community.”

Beyond campus, SC State student-athletes are making an impact through community service initiatives. From mentoring middle school students to organizing local food drives, these athletes are reinforcing the university’s mission of developing leaders who give back.

“Seeing these young men succeed in school, on the field, and in the community is inspiring,” said Dr. Angela Brooks, Associate Dean of Student Affairs. “They show that being a Bulldog means excelling in every aspect of life.”

As the Bulldogs continue their championship pursuit, their achievements off the field remind the Orangeburg community that SC State football is about more than wins  it’s about shaping future leaders. With dedication, discipline, and a commitment to excellence, these student-athletes are proving that the heart of a Bulldog beats far beyond the gridiron.