● What is the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies?
The CMCIS consists of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the School of Library and Information Science. Charles Bierbauer is the dean of the college.

● What is the major in Information Science?
Information Science is the general examination and knowledge of how people or organizations in all organizational settings or all cultural settings create, access, use, store, communicate, or transfer information. It rests on three foundations: content, people, and technology. The degree is a Bachelor of Science and it consists of 126 credit hours. Additional information on specific requirements can be obtained from the SLIS undergraduate advisor.

Whom do I call for information about fees or financial aid?
Academic Fees and Refunds (803)-777-4233; www.sc.edu/bursar/
Financial Aid and Scholarships (803)-777-8134; www.sc.edu/financialaid/
*Tuition bills are no longer mailed out. Students should check their VIP account for outstanding balances.

● What should a student do in case of missed classes due to illness or other extenuating circumstances?
In case of death of a family member or student illness of a week or more, the SLIS undergraduate advisor will write your professors to alert them. The university bulletin specifies that absences from more than 10 percent of class meetings, whether excused or not, may result in a lower grade for the course. Absences are dealt with at the professor's discretion.

● Who is considered a full-time student?
All students enrolled 12 or more credit hours are considered full-time. Some scholarships require that students complete 15 credit hours each semester.

● What does "good standing" mean?
A student is considered to be in good standing if he or she maintains a GPA of at least 2.50 on all work attempted.

● What is "probation"?
Students who do not maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA on all USC work are placed on academic probation for one semester only. If at the end of that semester the USC GPA is not above 2.50, they will be required to change their major. A student on probation is ineligible to take upper division information courses or summer courses at another institution.

● Confidentiality & Student Records
The University of South Carolina and the School of Library and Information Science are bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This federal law prohibits our office from sharing student information with anyone other than the student. We cannot release any information to the student without picture identification. We cannot release any information to a parent without written permission from the student. Other student information can be blocked or changed with the student’s consent. Please ask the advisor if you have any questions.

USC Academic Calendars

● More Information: call (803)-777-3887 or 1-800-304-3153

Call Andy Thomas at (803)-777-4028 or e-mail AThomas@sc.edu