" I am an athlete here at USC Aiken. The professors work well with me, and understand that I am going to miss class occasionally. They take time to explain to me the things I missed. USC Aiken is the place for me. "
- Jeremy Smith , Business Administration major
Did You Know?
USC Aiken has some of the best professional schools in South Carolina. All three - business, nursing, and education - have received the highest level of accreditation possible. This means more opportunities for you to learn from the best and brightest the University has to offer.
"USC Aiken has the best faculty around! Professors and advisors really have your best interest in mind and will always work with you."
- Dalisha Williams, Middle School Education major
"USC Aiken has so much to offer. Whether it’s Greek life, student activities, athletics, honor societies, or residential life, our campus is full of opportunities and ways to become involved."
- Aaron Doctor, Exercise and Sports Science major
"USCA has many different students from many different backgrounds, but one thing that ties us all together is the campus atmosphere. When I left high school I was scared that I was not going to meet anyone that would be as good as my friends back home. Within my first couple of days at USCA, I had more friends than I have ever had before."
- John Ellis, Communications major
"During the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I was a resident in the Pacer Downs. When I first met my roommate my freshman year, we became the best of friends from the get-go. We found out that we were so much alike in many ways. We connected like brothers, and we are still roommates today during our junior year. "
- Anthony (T.J.) Langford, Communications major
"Getting involved in Greek Life and participating in intramural sports is a great way to meet new people. I have participated in every intramural sport offered, and it has helped me stay active. "
- TJ Johnston, Business Marketing major
"Working on campus is a great opportunity for students at USC Aiken. You have the chance to meet so many faculty and staff members and see what happens behind the scenes here at school. Your job will also work around your class schedule because they always put academics first. "
- Chris Brown, Fine Arts major
"Through the wide variety of classes and clubs, USCA offers a little something for everyone. Its small class sizes, charm, and personal professors make it the perfect choice."
- Jessica Walters, Nursing major
"As a sophomore at USCA, I have really enjoyed the college classroom setting. Since the class sizes aren’t too big, I can always get help from professors anytime I’m in need."
- Thomas Mcleod, Exercise and Sports Science major
"Attending USC Aiken has been a great experience for me. From the campus events to classes and to housing, we are a like a family – a home away from home."
- Alyssa Gadsden, Chemistry major
"I love attending USC Aiken because I feel as if am in a family oriented environment. What I love most about is its location, the independence you gain from attending, and our Pacer spirit!"
- Alesha Jones, Communications major
"I never thought I would meet people from all around the world on such a small campus. You can find the best of both worlds: the advantages of a big campus in a small, friendlier environment."
- Dana Hailat, Biology (pre-dental) major
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Equestrian Team
NOTE: The Pacer Equestrian Team is currently undergoing the search for a new Head Coach for both Hunt seat and Western disciplines, as well as a new home facility. If you, or someone you know, are interested in applying to become the new trainer and/or host facility for the Pacer Equestrian Team please contact Cathie Justen, Equestrian Club and Team Advisor, at cathiej@usca.edu.
MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
Membership is open to any full-time undergraduate student at USCA who is currently in good standing with the university both academically and financially. Students must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA each semester there on. Once membership is completed, each competitor is required to take two lessons per week and compete in most participating IHSA Zone 5, Region 2 competitions. New for the fall 2010 season, all riders must also join the United States Hunter Jumper Association at the Collegiate Level before the first competition of the season. For eligibility please visit the IHSA website at www.ihsainc.com. Note: If a Team, or Club member, were to fall behind academically or financially, they will be placed on probation from all Team and/or Club activities until they regain their good standing status.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT ATHLETES
Recruitment
Any prospective full-time undergraduate student interested in attending USC Aiken is welcome to join the Equestrian Club. Once admitted to the university, those students will then be able to try-out for the Team in either the Fall of Spring semesters, depending upon your entrance date to the university (see below for more information).
All current high school students are invited to come tour the university at any time during the school year. If requested in advance, Club and/or Team members will join you on your campus tour. This will allow you the chance to meet current members and get a true feel for the university. You may also request a tour of the Pacer Equestrian Team facilities, but this must be requested at least 48 hours in advance.
To schedule tours please contact Angela Taylor, Admissions Specialist, at either 803-641-3366 or AngelaT@usca.edu.
If you are not able to come tour the university, please complete the form below and submit to Jessica Walters, Team President at jmwalters@usca.edu, and Andrew Hendrix, Admissions Counselor at andrewh@usca.edu. They will contact you in a timely manner concerning your interest in the team and the admissions process.
TRY-OUTS
Beginning Fall 2010, all prospective student athletes will be required to try-out in order to become a Pacer Equestrian Team member. The try-out allows for the Head Coach to accurately determine the prospective student athlete's riding level (according to the IHSA guidelines). All horses and tack will be provided. It is mandatory that each student bring their own ASTM approved helmet. The try-outs will be held for both Hunt Seat and Western disciplines, including both flat and over fences for those trying-out for the Hunt Seat Team. Those students wishing to try-out for both teams may do so, just bring appropriate attire for both try-outs.
Each try-out shall be scheduled with the Head Coach on an individual basis. Placement shall be determined by the IHSA Individual Rider Applications which each student will complete prior to membership. For more information please contact Jessica Walters, Team President, at jmwalters@usca.edu.
SCHOLARSHIP
As a club sport, no scholarships are awarded to any participating Club or Team Members. All accepted students are eligible for any institution-based academic scholarships, other institution scholarships, outside equine scholarships, or IHSA scholarships, which can be found at http://www.ihsainc.com/Scholarship/IEFScholarship/default.asp. Please visit USCA’s Financial Aid Office online at www.usca.edu/financialaid/ for more information about institution scholarship eligibility and individual scholarship requirements and deadlines.
FACILITY INQUIRIES
While the University is currently undergoing the search for a new home for the Pacer Equestrian Team please visit our Equine Facilities webpage for more information about equine opportunities in Aiken. Please check back soon for updates and more information.
Note: If you, or someone you know, are interested in applying to become the new trainer and/or host facility for the Pacer Equestrian Team please contact Cathie Justen, Equestrian Club and Team Advisor, at cathiej@usca.edu.
