Kierstyn "Kiki" D.
she/her/hers
Executive Director
Sophomore
Majors: Human Resource Management & Operations and Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Pageland, SC
Get a head start on making Carolina home.
When you participate in Pillars for Carolina, you'll enjoy an unforgettable week of leadership and traditions while making lifelong friends.
Students who participate in the Pillars for Carolina program start their first year feeling more confident about life in the classroom with a greater knowledge of campus and gain new friendships with student mentors, faculty and staff members.
Registration for Pillars '25 is now open!
To register for Pillars, please click HERE. Registration is available until Monday, June 30th, at 11:59P.
Important information about registration:
- There are three sessions of Pillars offered - please review each session below, including description, dates, and cost.
- Payment is due in full at time of registration.
- If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please do not register. Instead, complete the form on the right hand side of this page (if you recieve a scholarship and have already registered, you will forfeit your scholarship).
- For ease of registration, we suggest registering on a computer or tablet, rather than a phone.
- Due to the nature of this program, we are unable to provide refunds for any reason.
What is Pillars for Carolina?
Pillars for Carolina is an experience where participants will have a unique opportunity to become acquainted with campus, explore the USC and Columbia community, and have an opportunity to transition to Carolina with other incoming students. Pillars for Carolina is committed to helping students develop self-awareness, enhance relationships, and prepare you for your first semester at USC!
Through Pillars for Carolina, incoming students will have the opportunity to stay in a residence hall, serve the Columbia community, learn the traditions of Carolina, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun!
Three sessions to choose from:
Pillars TRADITIONS is a four-day session of Pillars for Carolina, focused on helping incoming students form strong connections with their peers, familiarize themselves with campus, and learn about USC traditions. TRADITIONS will include activities geared towards helping incoming students get as comfortable with the campus and other incoming and current students, ensuring they have a strong support system come fall semester.
With TRADITIONS, you will stay on campus longer and participate in special TRADITIONS activities, like dinner in Williams-Brice Stadium!
Dates: Tuesday, July 15th - Friday, July 18th, 2025
Cost: $450 (includes lodging, meals, and activites)
Week at-a-glance:
You're here! Day 1 of Pillars will be spent moving into your room, meeting other Pillars participants, and being placed in your "Family Group". Family Groups will be the group that you stay with throughout the week, led by two of our eXtended Mentors (XM's), upperclassman who have been training to help you transition to USC all spring semester!
Some activities on day one include: Opening Ceremonies (dinner and overview of Pillars), Ice Breakers, and Willy-B 101 (USC chants, cheers, songs, and traditions).
Welcome to day two of Pillars! Day 2 will be spent around campus and the Columbia community. Participants will start the day with a scavenger hunt around campus before joining upperclassmen at a lunch where they will be paired with other participants based on majors. Participants will then have some time to explore "Cola" as we visit Main Street in Downtown Columbia. In the afternoon, participants will learn more about the history of USC in a fun and interactive way. After dinner, we will have an opportunity to discuss different challenges or situations that might arise during your first year in college and how to overcome those to be successful Gamecocks!
Some activities on day two include: The Amazing Race (USC scavenger hunt), Main Street time, So You Wanna Be a Gamecock? (USC history trivia), and For a Gamecock (challenges you may face your first year at USC).
It's day three here at Pillars! Day 3 is an exciting day exploring campus, with a lunch in the Greek Village, free time at the Wellness and Fitness Center (including pool time, if you want!), and dancing! While participants eat lunch in one of our Greek houses in the Village, they will learn ways to engage around campus their first year, including Greek Life, student organizations, how to be civically engaged, and service opportunities. After lunch, let's have some fun in our Wellness and Fitness Center, where you'll have access to basketball courts, racquetball courts, outside pool, sand volleyball courts, and our 52' climbing wall! After dinner, participants will join in a Pillars tradition: Shag Night, where they will learn the state dance, shag. As we close the night and reflect on the week, participants will reflect in a candlelight ceremony around the Thomas Cooper Library Reflection Pool (the same fountain that our students jump in with every national championship win!).
Some activities on day three include: lunch in the Greek Village, Community Service, Wellness and Fitness Center time, Shag Night, and Candlelight Ceremony.
Done already?! It's the last day of Pillars and we're going out with a bang! Day 4 is full of fun as participants partake in the annual Garnet and Black Olympics! Remember field day in elementary school? Pump it up to Gamecock level and you're ready to play! Participants will close out their time in Pillars with their Family Groups before they leave at 3:00P, ready for their return in August.
Some activities on day four include: Group photos, Garnet and Black Olympics, and Family Group reflection time.
Pillars EXPLORE is a three-day session of Pillars for Carolina, dedicated to helping incoming students explore campus and the Columbia area and form strong bonds with their peers in a friendly, competitive environment. Students will participate in activities designed to teach them how to get around campus and Columbia's walkable districts, such as Main Street and Five Points, as well as participate in fun, bracket-style challenges aimed at fostering collaboration and connection with their fellow incoming students.
With EXPLORE, you will have ample time to explore the Columbia community in Five Points and Main Street districts as well as compete in fun, tournament-style activities throughout the three days.
Dates: Sunday, July 20th - Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025
Cost: $350 (includes lodging, meals, and activites)
Week at-a-glance:
You're here! Day 1 of Pillars will be spent moving into your room, meeting other Pillars participants, and being placed in your "Family Group". Family Groups will be the group that you stay with throughout the week, led by two of our eXtended Mentors (XM's), upperclassman who have been training to help you transition to USC all spring semester! Participants will then have some time to explore "Cola" as we visit Five Points in Downtown Columbia. In the afternoon, participants will learn more about the history of USC in a fun and interactive way.
Some activities on day one include: Opening Ceremonies (dinner and overview of Pillars), Ice Breakers, and Willy-B 101 (USC chants, cheers, songs, and traditions), The Amazing Race (USC scavenger hunt), Five Points Scavenger Hunt, and So You Wanna Be a Gamecock? (USC history trivia).
Welcome to day two of Pillars! Day 2 will be spent around campus and the Columbia community. Participants will have lunch in the Greek Village, free time at the Wellness and Fitness Center (including pool time, if you want!), and dancing! While participants eat lunch in one of our Greek houses in the Village, they will learn ways to engage around campus their first year, including Greek Life, student organizations, how to be civically engaged, and service opportunities. After lunch, let's have some fun in our Wellness and Fitness Center, where you'll have access to basketball courts, racquetball courts, outside pool, sand volleyball courts, and our 52' climbing wall! After dinner, participants will join in a Pillars tradition: Shag Night, where they will learn the state dance, shag. As we close the night and reflect on the week, participants will reflect in a candlelight ceremony around the Thomas Cooper Library Reflection Pool (the same fountain that our students jump in with every national championship win!).
Some activities on day two include: lunch in the Greek Village, Wellness and Fitness Center time, Main Street time, Shag Night, and Candlelight Ceremony.
Done already?! It's the last day of Pillars and we're going out with a bang! Day three will consist of closing activites and reflections as well as learning about ways to be involved on campus. Check-out will be at 3:00P.
Pillars LEAD is a three-day session of Pillars for Carolina, dedicated to helping incoming students learn about leadership skill development and community involvement opportunities at USC. Participants will explore campus and learn about different ways to get involved in organizations and leadership roles on campus.
Students will participate in fun activities centered around team building and leadership development. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a group service project, like painting the historic Gamecock on Greene Street!
With LEAD, you will explore your leadership capabilities as a college student, learn how to get involved in student organizations and on-campus events, and serve the USC community.
Dates: Wednesday, July 23rd - Friday, July 25th, 2025
Cost: $350 (includes lodging, meals, and activites)
Week at-a-glance:
You're here! Day 1 of Pillars will be spent moving into your room, meeting other Pillars participants, and being placed in your "Family Group". Family Groups will be the group that you stay with throughout the week, led by two of our eXtended Mentors (XM's), upperclassman who have been training to help you transition to USC all spring semester! In the afternoon, participants will learn more about the history of USC in a fun and interactive way.
Some activities on day one include: Opening Ceremonies (dinner and overview of Pillars), Ice Breakers, and Willy-B 101 (USC chants, cheers, songs, and traditions), The Amazing Race (USC scavenger hunt), and So You Wanna Be a Gamecock? (USC history trivia).
Welcome to day two of Pillars! Day 2 will be spent around campus. Participants will have lunch in the Greek Village, participate in service, and end the night dancing! While participants eat lunch in one of our Greek houses in the Village, they will learn ways to engage around campus their first year, including Greek Life, student organizations, how to be civically engaged, and service opportunities. Participants will get an opporunity to participate in some personal leadership development as well as group leadership. Next, participants will partake in service on campus and learning more about opportunities to service through their time at USC. After dinner, participants will join in a Pillars tradition: Shag Night, where they will learn the state dance, shag. As we close the night and reflect on the week, participants will reflect in a candlelight ceremony around the Thomas Cooper Library Reflection Pool (the same fountain that our students jump in with every national championship win!).
Some activities on day two include: lunch in the Greek Village, leadership development, service, Shag Night, and Candlelight Ceremony.
Done already?! It's the last day of Pillars and we're going out with a bang! Day three will consist of closing activites and reflections as well as learning about ways to be involved on campus, and Main Street time. Check-out will be at 3:00P.
Participant Learning Outcomes
- Participants will develop a connection to the campus and community at Carolina.
- Participants will build meaningful relationships with first-year students and student mentors.
- Participants will reflect on personal values and identity.
- Participants will identify campus resources and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pillars for Carolina prides itself on making the transition to USC more comfortable for first-year students by providing an opportunity for self-discovery and campus exploration before you come for your first semester.
- 99% of participants agreed that they would recommend Pillars to other incoming students.
- 98% of participants agreed that because of attending Pillars, they felt more comfortable coming to USC.
- 97% of participants agreed that because of attending Pillars, they felt more prepared for their first year experience.
- 96% of participants agreed that because of attending Pillars, they felt more confident in making friends with other first-year students.
- 100% of participants agreed that their XM's (eXtended Mentors) served as mentors and built community within their family groups.
- USC New Student Orientation and Pillars for Carolina are separate programs. While New Student Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students, Pillars is an extra way to meet fellow Gamecocks and spend time on campus before move-in day.
- No, Pillars is offered to all incoming first-year Gamecocks, as well as incoming transfer students.
- Yes. Parking information will be provided to you closer to your program week in July.
- All food, sleeping accommodations for three nights, and four days of activities are included in the registration cost. Participants will also receive a t-shirt.
**Registration fees go towards all space rentals and activities for participants during the program**
- Check-In information will be provided closer to your week, but will be between 2:00P-5:00P on Tuesday with check-out at 3:00P on Friday.
**If you are participating in New Student Orientation on July 15-16 or July 22-23, you will be able to check-out of orientation and check-in to Pillars on time.
- Participants will be staying in a residence hall on USC’s campus. Information about residence hall is provided after registration.
- Please list all dietary restrictions in your registration form and we will accommodate as necessary.
- Clothes for 4 days of activities in and around campus
- Be mindful of the South Carolina summer heat. The average temperature in Columbia in July is 95 degrees.
- Comfortable shoes to walk around in
- Reusable water bottle
- Hat / Sunscreen / Sunglasses - protective sun wear
- Portable Chargers for your phones
- Hygiene products
- Medications
- Bedding for a twin XL size mattress, including sheets and a pillow
- Spending money
- Students will have the opportunity to shop around some off-campus locations
- Students will have the opportunity to shop around some off-campus locations
After registration, you will receive an email with a full packing list.
- Yes! The link to with more information and to apply for scholarships is located on our website on the right hand side.
- "Pillars went above and beyond my expectations in so many ways. I not only made some amazing friendships and bonds but I learned about my campus and so much about myself. I not only watched myself grow so much within the week but I got to see the people around me grow as well. I think that is such a wonderful thing. I was blessed to have amazing staff with us every step of the way, and amazing opportunities to highlight our personalities. I feel so much more comfortable to be coming to campus now." - Participant, 2022
- My time at Pillars was unforgettable and while I was there I formed multiple close relationships. During my time at Pillars I definitely built a better sense of community in Columbia and stepped out of my comfort zone." - Participant, 2022
- "I can confidently say that I would not be the person that I am today without my experience from Pillars. I met so many people who I now consider close friends, got to step out of my comfort zone, and gained so much confidence speaking with people and making new friends. I cannot thank the staff enough for what they've done turning a shy, quiet high schooler into a confident, outspoken, college student." - Participant, 2021
Pillars '25 Lead Team
Delany K.
she/her/hers
Director for Marketing, Outreach, and Media
Sophomore
Majors: Visual Communications
Hometown: Rochelle Park, NJ
Jenah M.
she/her/hers
Co-Director for Staff Development
Sophomore
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Josie L.
she/her/hers
Co-Director for Staff Development
Sophomore
Major: Biology & Economics
Hometown: Pelzer, SC
Kate F.
she/her/hers
Co-Director for Staff Development
Sophomore
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Bahama, NC
Staff Advisors
Joshua Cauble
Pillars for Carolina Advisor
Associate Director, Leadership and Service Center
Leadership and Service Center
caublej@sc.edu
803-777-2811
Dani Dix
Pillars for Carolina Advisor
Coordinator for Peer Leadership
Leadership and Service Center
dixd@sc.edu
803-576-6163
Apply to be on Pillars Staff!
We are excited to build a committed team of upperclassman students who will help provide incoming students with an unforgettable transition to USC! Pillars has an updated Leadership Team and we encourage you to review the updated position descriptions below:
The Executive Director for Pillars for Carolina will work closely with Pillars Advisors to plan, implement, and lead the Pillars for Carolina extended orientation program, with the Executive Director’s main purpose to lead the Leadership Team.
One student will be selected to serve as the Executive Director.
The Director for Marketing, Outreach, and Media (MOM) will work closely with the Executive Director and Advisors to plan and implement marketing and media endeavors for Pillars for Carolina.
One student will be selected to serve as the Director for Marketing, Outreach, and Media.
The Director for Operations will work closely with the Executive Director and Advisors to plan and implement the operations of the Pillars for Carolina program.
One student will be selected to serve as the Director for Operations.
The Co-Directors for Staff Development will work closely with the Executive Director and Advisors to plan, implement, and lead training and development of eXtended Mentors.
Two students will be selected to serve as the Co-Director for Staff Development.
A rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Gamecock who will serve as a guide and a mentor for incoming students during their Pillars week, first semester at USC, and beyond. XMs will be a resource throughout the college transition.
A rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Gamecock who will assist the Director of Marketing, Outreach, and Media in advertising Pillars during the spring and summer through social media, assist in outreach to prospective participants, tabling at admitted students days, as well as record photo and video content during the weeks of Pillars.
A rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Gamecock who will work beside the Director of Operations to implement scheduling, planning, and execution of operational tasks, while supporting Extended Mentors in transitions, maintaining scheduling integrity, and being a resource as an additional support member.
Applications for Pillars '26 will open September 2025!
For additional information on Pillars Staff positions, please contact Dani Dix.