Bulldog Traditions and Legacies

August
Opening of School

September
Fall Convocation
The first official program that opens the school year for freshman and transfer students. It focuses on motivating and challenging the students as they begin a new dimension in their lives. The freshman class is part of the academic processional.

Coronation
A ceremony in which the SCSU queen is publicly introduced to the campus and community and receives her crown as a symbol of rule. The queen accepts this power and makes a pledge to rule wisely. Miss SCSU is one of the highest honors a student can receive. She represents the University at a variety of on campus, off-campus, and community events.

October
Homecoming
A week of campus activities and a downtown parade that culminates with a football game in celebration of the return "home" for alumni and friends of the University.

November
Thanksgiving

December
Christmas Tree Lighting
The official of lighting of the campus Christmas tree that signifies the beginning of the Christmas holidays and the birth of Christ. Student organizations sponsor children recommended from local Human Services agencies. They attend a ceremony held on the front of the campus in the courtyard opposite Nance Hall, and receive gifts.

ROTC Commissioning
A ceremony that recognizes students in ROTC who have completed prerequisites for Commissioning as a Second Lieutenant. The Commissioning is held the day before Commencement. It is attended by family, friends, and the University community.

Commencement
The second official program. It is a culminating ceremony that recognizes students for completing the academic requirements to receive the bachelors, masters, specialist, and doctorate degrees from the University. The graduates are also inducted into the National Alumni Association.

January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
A program that celebrates the birthday and accomplishments of the most influential Civil Rights leader of the 1950s and 1960s. As a national holiday, it is observed at the University. Our MLK auditorium is named in his honor.

February
The Orangeburg Massacre Service of Rededication
A program that rededicates our thoughts in memory of the three young men who were fatally shot on February 8, 1968. We honor the sacrifices they made in our behalf, we consecrate as hallowed ground the land on which they fell, and we continue our beliefs in the causes they espoused. The families and friends of Smith, Hammond, and Middleton return to the University in remembrance with the campus community and in observance of Black History Month.

March
Founders' Day
The third official program at the University that includes a weekend of activities and a program that recognizes and honors the founders of the University. Faculty, staff, and alumni are recognized for their years of service at the University, and distinguished service to the nation. Alumni classes also unite during the weekend of programming.

April
Honors and Awards Convocation
A time to honor students who have distinguished themselves in academic scholarship and University and community service. Recognition is given with medals, scholarships, and other forms of recognition.

May
ROTC Commissioning and Commencement