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See what previous students have to say about their experience.

 

“As an intern for the governor's office, I got to work first-hand with Governor Sanford's policy staff and interact with many of the executive cabinet offices and legislative committees.  From touring the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) headquarters to eating lunch at the Governor's Mansion, the internship gave me a variety of invaluable opportunities that I could not have gotten anywhere else.”

Brandon Davidson, Spring 2008

Intern with the Office of Governor Mark Sanford

 

“Choosing to apply for the South Carolina Semester Program was probably one of the best decisions I ever made during my undergraduate career.  The internship gave me valuable work experience and connections that will be beneficial when I graduate and begin the job hunting process.  The guest speakers in class were interesting and engaging.  I can honestly say that I came away from each class session having learned something new.”

Cordell Simmons, Spring 2008

Intern with the South Carolina Department of Education

 

“The internship not only gave me insight into the workings of state government, but afforded me the unique opportunity to speak with legislators personally about current issues as well as learn the rich history of our state government.”

Ashley N. Wood, Spring 2008

Intern with the Senate Judiciary Committee

 

“Participating in the South Carolina Semester Program was a highly positive experience for me.  I was able to grow and expand my knowledge of public policy in South Carolina.  I learned from my internship experience and also from the leaders in state government who were guest speakers in our class.  I highly recommend this program.”

Joni Dickerson, Spring 2008

Intern with the Department of Health and Environmental Control

 

 

New and changed deadline- please note:

The application deadline for Spring 2009 is Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 3:00pm.  You must have at least junior-status, which is 60 credit hours or more, to apply to this program.

 

ABOUT THE SOUTH CAROLINA SEMESTER PROGRAM

 

The South Carolina Semester Program affords students opportunities to work in state government while earning academic credit for their degrees. The students serve as interns in the South Carolina General Assembly, the Office of the Governor and in a broad range of state agencies. Through this practical experience and in a seminar setting students have the chance to explore the operation of state government and facets of public service. 

 

The seminar course, which accompanies the internship, dwells heavily on public policy issues, and requires considerable research into major topics. In addition, students have the chance to discuss policy and public issues with a range of government officials and agency heads.

 

WHO TEACHES THE COURSE?

 

Fred R. Sheheen teaches this course.  Mr. Sheheen is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Public Service and Policy Research at the University of South of South Carolina and Director of the Non-Profit Leadership Institute at Francis Marion University.   

 

Mr. Sheheen served as Commissioner and Executive Director of the SC Commission on Higher Education for ten years.  He has extensive experience as a newspaper journalist, publisher and editor.  He served as press secretary to the late Donald Russell in his service as Governor and Senator for the State of South Carolina.  His knowledge of state government is based on decades of involvement with key policymakers, state agencies and as one of the change agents in South Carolina’s history.

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS COURSE?

 

Students are recruited from all of the University’s academic departments. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average or better and qualify for junior-status based on the total number of hours earned at USC, credit transferred from other colleges, or AP/IB credit earned.  To achieve junior-status, you must have at least a total of 60 hours.  Students must possess maturity and a high work ethic to serve in a legislative or government office as a representative of the South Carolina Semester Program. 


 

The Spring 2008 South Carolina Semester students meet at the S.C. Supreme Court for a presentation.

S.C. Semester Program students, Lonnesse Williams and John Carroll, chat in the lobby of the Supreme Court building.

The Clerk of the S.C. Supreme Court, Dan Shearous, explains the judicial system in South Carolina during the visit.

 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

You must have junior-status (60 credit hours or more) to apply to this program.

To apply for the South Carolina Semester Program, which is a six credit hour course, please submit the following information:

1.                   The application form which can be downloaded from the link below.

2.                   A typed statement of the relevance of the S. C. Semester Program to your educational and career goals (approximately one page, double-spaced, 12 pt. Font).

3.                   The V.I.P. version of your transcript, not an official transcript from the registrar’s office.  We need to see the cumulative hours earned (transfer, AP/IB credit, and USC credit) which is totaled on the V.I.P. transcript.

4.                   Three (3) letters of recommendation.  Please select people who can speak to your academic qualities, work ethics, maturity and character.  These should be in sealed envelopes, included in your total application package.

Please submit all of the above materials as one complete package.

Click to download application form (PDF)

 

Please mail or deliver your complete application packet to:

CONTACT:

 

Beth Burn

Program Manager

South Carolina Semester Program
Institute for Public Service and Policy Research
1600 Hampton Street, Suite 406
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
Phone: (803) 777-1180

Fax: (803) 777-4575
e-mail: burn@sc.edu

STAFF:

Beth Hutchison Burn
Fred R. Sheheen

 

 

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