2026 Aspire & Advance Conference Details
We are excited to welcome you to the Aspire & Advance Annual Conference on Thursday, July 23rd and Friday, July 24th.
Kick off the 2026–2027 academic year as we gather to learn, connect, and celebrate the work we do across campus.
When: Thursday, July 23rd & Friday, July 24th
Where: Idea Center, Gateway 737 (737 Gadsden St., Columbia, SC 29201
Who: All Student Affairs and Academic Support staff members, as well as other USC-Columbia staff, USC System campus staff, and staff from other Midlands-area higher education institutions.
Schedule at a Glance
Schedule for Thursday, July 23rd:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 - 9:00am | Breakfast & Check In |
| 9:00 - 10:15am | Opening Remarks & Keynote |
| 10:15 - 10:30am | Break |
| 10:30 - 10:50am | Lightning Session 1 |
| 10:50 - 11:00am | Break |
| 11:00 - 11:45am | Breakout Session 1 |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 - 12:55pm | Break |
| 12:55 - 1:40pm | Breakout Session 2 |
| 1:40 - 1:55pm | Break |
| 1:55 - 2:40pm | Breakout Session 3 |
| 2:40 - 3:05pm | Bites & Insights: A Curious Exchange with Student Affairs Senior Leaders |
| 3:05 - 3:25pm | Lightning Session 2 |
| 3:25 - 4:00pm | Wrap Up & Door Prizes |
Schedule for Friday, July 24th:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 - 9:00am | Breakfast & Check In |
| 9:00 - 9:45am | Breakout Session 1 |
| 9:45 - 9:55am | Break |
| 9:55 - 10:40am | Breakout Session 2 |
| 10:40 - 10:50 | Break |
| 10:50 - 11:35am | Breakout Session 3 |
| 11:35am - 12:35pm | Lunch |
| 12:35 - 12:45pm | Break |
| 12:45 - 1:05pm | Lightning Session 1 |
| 1:05 - 1:20pm | Break |
| 1:20 - 1:40pm | Lightning Session 2 |
| 1:40 - 2:05pm | Bites & Insights: A Curious Exchange with Student Affairs Senior Leaders |
| 2:05 - 3:20pm | Closing Keynote & Remarks |
| 3:20 - 4:00pm | Wrap Up & Door Prizes |
Frequently Asked Questions
We are proud to say that this year’s Aspire & Advance Conference will be a Green Certified Event. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we ask that all attendees bring their own refillable water bottle to use throughout the day.
If you're planning to park near the Idea Center:
- Please park in the AD16 – Gadsden/Devine Lot
- USC-Columbia faculty and staff with a valid USC-Columbia parking permit may park in this lot at no additional cost.
- Attendees without a USC-Columbia Parking Permit, a fee of $10 per vehicle will be charged upon entry. Payment by credit or debit card is required at the time of entry. This lot will be managed by a USC Parking attendant.
If you're planning to take the campus shuttle service:
- Campus Shuttle Service: The Express (Route 14) shuttle will operate from 7:30 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. and will serve the following stops:
- 1843 – AD16 Gadsden/Devine Lot – 600 Devine St. (Conference shuttle stop for the Aspire & Advance Conference)
- 1844 – Science and Technology Building – 1100 block of Greene St. (westbound)
- 1845 – School of Journalism and Mass Communications – Sumter St. (northbound)
- 1847 – Discovery Garage – 821 Park St. (southbound)
- Shuttles arrive approximately every 15 minutes.
For additional USC Transportation information, please visit their website.