In partnership with the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and the South Carolina Technical College System, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education is excited to host the second-annual Higher Education Day on April 19 from 8:30 a.m. – Noon at the State House. In 2022, students and college representatives from all three sectors participated in this event as a celebration of our state's support to higher education.

As a student participant, you are the most most important part of this event! Please use this guide to make the most of your experience! 

The day will include:

• Morning orientation and welcome 
• Recognition by legislators during the session
• Opportunities to speak with state leaders 
• Press conference with state leaders and students from across the state and sectors
• A boxed lunch to close out the day.
• Attire: Please wear something to represent your school if possible, while maintaining a professional appearance. Business casual is appropriate.

Parking

Reserved metered spots are available on a first come/first served basis.

Hourly paid parking decks are also nearby.

Schedule

8:30 a.m. – Students meet CHE/SCICU hosts at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

8:45 – Student orientation: purpose of visit, discussion points, sequence of events and maps to locations

9:00 –Students proceed to State House campus, visit legislators (if possible) in Blatt and Gressette

10:00 – Students pre-stage at House Chamber balcony entrance

10:30 (ESTIMATED) – Students move onto balcony for House Resolution reading (students will fill chamber balcony)

11:00- Students move to State House North steps (Gervais side)

11:15- Students in place

11:30 (ESTIMATED) – Stand with Gov. McMaster for Higher Ed Day proclamation ceremony on State House steps

Noon (immediately following proclamation ceremony) – Media opportunities

Noon – Student box lunch (picnic on-site or grab-and-go) provided by host organizations

State House Campus Maps

Use the map below to find the the Blatt Building (for House of Representatives members) and the Gressette Building (for Senators).

 

What do I talk about if I meet a legislator?

• Show appreciation and impact of the increases in higher education funding in recent years, especially need-based funding/tuition grants, which have almost tripled since 2020. 
• Share your story—personal impacts of financial aid on your college career.
• Talk about why you chose to go to college in South Carolina.
• Explain how higher education affordability allows you to pursue your dreams!

How do I find my Senator or Representative?

How to find your S.C. Senator and S.C. Representative

We will use “Find my legislator” on the S.C. State House website. When you type in your full home address (address, city, and zip code), the name of your S.C. Senator and S.C. Representative will appear. When you click on their names, you will go to their profile page, which will give you their respective office locations and bio information (Tip: See “Columbia address” section just to the right of the legislator’s photo.)

NOTE: When you click on their names, you will go to their profile page, which will give you their respective office locations and bio information (Tip: See “Columbia address” section just to the right of the legislator’s photo.). Click here to locate your S.C. Senator and S.C. Representative.

CHE Social Media Channels and Tags

We hope you will follow us and tag us on social media throughout the day. Please use #SCHigherEd and #FinancialAid

CHE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCCommHigherEdu/ 

CHE Twitter: @SCCommHigherEd 

CHE Instagram: sccommhighered 

Sample Post:
Today I’m representing (@college/university) for Higher Ed Day at the @SCStatehouse. Thank you @SCHouse and @SCSenate for your continued support of the Need based Grant. #FinancialAid makes college in #SouthCarolina more affordable!! #HigherEd

SC Governor: @henrymcmaster
SC Senate: @SCSenate
SC House: @SCHouse