Dear new and returning students,
Welcome to a new year and a new semester. Before classes begin, it may be beneficial to understand what campus resources are available – either as a refresher to returning students, or as an introduction to new students who could not attend last night’s orientation.
Parking Services
Parking Services is located on the corner of Calhoun and St. Philip Streets. At this point, parking permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and start at $100 for the semester. Those of you who are taking classes after 3:00 can obtain an evening permit for about $100 which will allow you to park in student surface lots Monday through Friday after 3:00, and all day on the weekends. This is the same for all student permits, but the permits which allow 24-hour access to garages and/or surface lots run anywhere from $250 – $600.
When you apply for your permit in person, you will need to provide a photo ID and vehicle registration. Do know that there are other options for you like CARTA. The College of Charleston is paying the bill for all students and faculty who ride the bus. All you need to do is show your College of Charleston ID when getting on the bus, and then ride. Over the last few years, CARTA instated a Park & Ride that runs two routes: one from James Island to North Charleston, and one from West Ashley to Mt. Pleasant. Both stop right on campus.
If you have an assistantship, you can receive a College of Charleston ID which allows you to park in one of two parking garages for $5 a day. All you need to do is have money on your Cougar Card, and hand that over to the parking attendant with your parking ticket.
If your choice of transportation is a bicycle, be sure to have it registered through the City of Charleston Police Department. Registration is only $1.00, and can be received at our Campus Police Headquarters on St. Philip Street. Bicycle theft is a serious matter in Charleston, so be sure to properly lock your bike with both a U-Lock and preferably a cable lock. Bicycles that are secured improperly or left unsecured will be confiscated and taken to Public Safety headquarters.
Speaking of Public Safety, you may want to save these two numbers in your phone: 953.5609 for non-emergencies, and 953.5611 for emergencies. College of Charleston is built around the City of Charleston which means we have many outsiders walking the streets of our campus. Theft and other serious crimes have occurred on our campus, so please be aware of your surroundings and the blue-lights on campus. If you have an emergency, hit the button on one of the boxes with a blue light. This will direct you straight to a College of Charleston emergency operator.
Public Safety also offers escort services. If you are walking the campus at night, which most of you will be, then be sure to give Public Safety a call at 5609. They will pick you up and escort you to your car or other destination on campus. I’ve used this several times when parking either at the Aquarium garage or behind fraternity row and am leaving the campus in the late evening. They are very happy to do this, so don’t be shy – even if it’s during the day.
The Cougar Card is your College of Charleston ID. It is the card which allows you to rent books from the library and provide access to college sporting events. It can also be used as an on-campus debit card, which you can load funds on the card either online through Cougar Trail or in person at the office. And as mentioned earlier, it is also your bus ticket to CARTA.
Cougar Card Services has agreed to stay open for your convenience this Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and then again on Monday and Tuesday until 7:00 p.m.
College of Charleston has both health insurance for students and a health services center. Currently, the health insurance for C of C students is offered through Pearce and Pearce.
The Health Services Center is located on St. Philip Street behind the Robert Scott Small building. Below is a basic list of everything they cover. The fee is included in your tuition, so be sure to visit them for anything relatively minor.
- Confidential care
- Care for minor injuries
- Care for minor illnesses, such as colds, flus, sinus infections, urinary tract infections and mono.
- Gynecological care – examination and consultation related to gyn problems, pregnancy testing, counseling and contraceptive information
- STD testing
- Immunization updates
- Tuberculosis skin testing
- Asthma care
- Allergy shots
- Respiratory treatments
- Dermatological care
- Diagnostic testing
- Assistance with referrals to consultants as needed
- Referrals for x-rays
Counseling & Substance Abuse Services
Also included in your tuition is the ability of visiting with staff at Counseling and Substance Abuse Services. They are located on the second floor of Robert Scott Small. They offer counseling for individual, couple, family and relationship concerns. Includes assessments for learning problems, alcohol & substance abuse problems, and other limited psychiatric services.
The Career Center is an excellent resource if you’re interested in finding a job while attending graduate school, or helping you strengthen your career. They often list job and internship opportunities on CISTERNonline, and host various workshops throughout the semester. They can help strengthen your resume and help formulate a job search plan.
Last but not least is the Ombudsperson. As a student, your ombudsperson is Marjorie Thomas. You can reach her at 953.5522 or thomasmm@cofc.edu. She will be your source of support for sexual harassment, discrimination, and other hostile environments with your colleagues and or faculty. As always, if you have any issues, you are also encouraged to speak with your program director.
