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 third-annual Higher Education Day at the State House on April 9 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. As a student participant, you are the 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 
• An opportunity to visit the state capital and speak with elected leaders. 
• Be part of the Higher Education Day proclamation ceremony and photo op with Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. 
• 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

10:30 a.m. – Students meet hosts at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral  

10:45 a.m. – Student orientation: purpose of visit, discussion points, sequence of events and maps to locations  

11:00 a.m. - Student opportunity to visit State House campus, legislators in Blatt and Gressette (as arranged by institutional legislative staff) 

12:15 p.m. - Students move into place on North Steps of State House 

12:30 p.m. - Students stand with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for Higher Ed Day proclamation reading and photo opportunity (introduced by Dr. Little). 

State House Campus Maps

Use the map below to find 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 Lieutenant Governor @pamelaevette

SC Senate: @SCSenate

SC House: @SCHouse