A Commitment to Access, Belonging and Community Engagement

At the USC College of Nursing, we value each student, staff and faculty. We want everyone to feel welcome and included. We aim to cultivate and support the values of the College of Nursing: diversity, inclusivity, commitment, caring, integrity, respect and professionalism. All members of the College of Nursing community not only matter, but their unique perspectives are the core of our strength and success.

Who we are

Access involves representation for all and embracing an individual's unique contributions. Our commitment is to make use of resources, options and opportunities. To ensure access, retention, and success for all, our policies, practices, and attitudes will be reviewed to embrace differences, eliminate barriers, and cultivate a supportive environment leading to successful outcomes.

Belonging happens through intentional actions by acknowledging, respecting, inviting, and welcoming the perspectives and experiences of others. Fostering belonging is essential for creating a thriving, working community where everyone feels safe, accepted, seen, valued, recognized, and heard for their contributions.

Community engagement is developed through collaboration and purposeful unity among the College of Nursing's stakeholders with diverse customs and values to contribute to the activities in the college in a meaningful way.

College of Nursing resources

CON Cupboard initiative provides essential everyday items to nursing students in need. These resources support students so they can focus on academics, and this enhances their potential for success.

The Program for Academic Support Services (PASS) program aims to help nursing students thrive, not just survive.

The purpose of the ABC committee is to identify the inclusion and diversity strengths, issues, and opportunities within all aspect of the College of Nursing.

Initiatives include:
- Departmental implicit bias training
- Diversity matters open discussion events
- Yearly cultural traditions luncheon

Strengthening Achievement and Nursing Diversity with URM/DB Program for South Carolina (StAND-UP: SC) is a pilot program that aims to enhance the diversity of the registered nurses (RN) workforce in South Carolina (SC). We want to increase the proportion of underrepresented, minoritized, and disadvantaged background (URM/DB) students graduating from nursing schools.

StAND-UP: SC will offer approximately 75 pre-licensed, senior RN nursing students a one-year virtual diversity, equity, and inclusion academy. With presentations, resources, and hands-on experiential learning experiences with local community health workers in the field, students will better understand social determinants of health, health equity, and social justice advocacy.

Moreover, StAND-UP: SC will provide life-long, tailored professional development resources. At the end of the academy, students and other stakeholders in SC will be invited to a conference to discuss lessons learned and the next steps.

Participants will attend monthly virtual trainings from August 2023 through May 2024.

StAND-UP: SC Academy Conference. May 9, 2024 at Brookland Banquet & Conference Center. More details soon.

Campus Resources

Supports students of marginalized communities with advocacy services, awareness and comprehension of diversity issues, and assist the campus community and student organizations to expand their efforts to cultivate an inclusive community at the university.

Student groups designed for minority and underrepresented communities & students at USC.

The Office of Access and Opportunity is committed to providing information that clearly outlines how we plan for, react to and measure our response to the issues that confront our diverse academic community.

Meet the experts

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

College of Nursing