Carolina Day 2026

Carolina Day 2026

Advocate for Carolina

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, members of the Gamecock family – alumni, students, faculty, staff, supporters and university leaders – will join together to spotlight the University of South Carolina for Carolina Day 2026. This signature day provides our system institutions the opportunity to showcase innovation, highlight achievements and advocate for priorities as USC works toward a better South Carolina.

Register for Carolina Day
A group of seven colorful mascots stand on a staircase in an indoor setting, showcasing various collegiate themes with distinct costumes such as a shark, a Spartan warrior, a red bird, and a dragon. Some mascots are also dressed in sports jerseys. Nearby, a few individuals in casual attire observe the scene.

USC for SC

The University of South Carolina is preparing a skilled workforce, advancing health and well-being and driving economic prosperity. USC’s strong partnership with the South Carolina Legislature and Governor McMaster ensures our university can continue to directly serve and strengthen South Carolina’s future. And thanks to their historic support, the University of South Carolina had another strong year.

  • Held tuition steady across the eight campus system for the sixth year in a row, keeping the cost of higher ed attendance affordable;
  • More than 60,000 prospective students — including new freshmen and transfer students — applied for fall 2025 admissions at the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus, setting a new record;
  • Received state funding for a new neurological hospital and rehabilitation center;
  • Strategic investments in energy innovation and health science research
Our shared priorities

Get involved

Carolina Day is about showing the state’s leadership the many ways that USC benefits the people, communities and economy of South Carolina. That’s where the Gamecock family comes in.

Each year, we invite participants to join us in sharing their Carolina stories and advocating for the university’s mission. Gamecocks in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville and across the U.S. and the globe can make their voices heard in support of USC on Carolina Day 2026.

  1. Advocate in person! Join us at the Pastides Alumni Center and South Carolina State House to participate in Carolina Day 2026. We provide everything participants need to navigate the day and advocate for USC. Register now.
  2. Contact your representatives. Find your South Carolina legislator(s), and give them a call or send them an email in support of the university.
  3. Follow and amplify #USCImpact on social media. Add the official Carolina Day hashtag (#USCImpact) to any social media posts or digital content related to support of USC. Let your followers know why you support USC. Visit our social media toolkit to access social media-ready graphics, facts, accomplishments, reasons to support Carolina and instructions on how to tag lawmakers.
  • Two women in blue blazers pose for a selfie with a mascot in a black jersey reading 'CAROLINA 01', as a crowd of people in formal attire gather in the background of a bright indoor setting.
  • A group of legislators and officials standing and applauding in a legislative chamber. The speaker, wearing a purple robe, is at the front, while various representatives and members of the audience also applaud, showcasing a moment of celebration or acknowledgment. The chamber features wooden desks, a decorative patterned floor, and a portrait in the background.
  • A man with a friendly smile, wearing a black blazer over a maroon shirt, is making a hand gesture in a social gathering filled with people in formal attire. The background features blurred figures and warm lighting from chandeliers.
  • A man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a suit and a tie with a red and black pattern, smiles while engaged in conversation with another person, who is mostly out of frame and wearing a dark green jacket. The background features a softly blurred indoor setting with people mingling.

Leave Your Legacy

Get your own personalized brick on the historic Horseshoe and permanently make your mark on campus. It’s truly the way to say Forever to Thee.

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