What is the Governor's School?
The Governor’s School of South Carolina at the College of Charleston is a four week residential summer program designed for academically and intellectually gifted high school students. Established in 1976, the Governor’s School provides special academic opportunities for a limited number of rising high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, intellectual potential, and creativity.

When and where is the Governor's School conducted?
The Governor’s School is conducted on the historic College of Charleston campus. In 2008, the program will take place during the four-week period of June 8 – July 5.

How is the program structured?
Each student enrolls in a Subject Concentration and a Global Issues class.

Subject Concentration courses include classes, laboratories, workshops and supervised individual study in a variety of areas which include (a) the physical and natural sciences, (b) the humanities, and (c) the social sciences. In the Subject Concentration, students engage in intensive work which includes both exposure to current theory and extensive “hands-on” experience or fieldwork.

Global Issues courses are the second component of the program and include classes, debates and guest speakers. The Global Issues courses are designed to give students the opportunity to think critically about the major global issues facing our increasingly interdependent world. Each course will approach many common global issues from different perspectives – political science, anthropology, geography, history, psychology, etc.

Enrichment Activities - As a supplement to their Subject Concentration and Global Issues classes, Governor’s Scholars have the opportunity to participate in many types of enrichment activities.

There are optional activities, including but not limited to: films, dances, beach trips, open-mic nights, game shows, and sports activities. There is an Annual Talent Show in which students, counselors, and faculty participate. In addition to these optional activities, there are “ANWaTGOOI’s,” or “Ain’t No Way To Get Out Of It” activities. These may include lectures and panel discussions which frequently address current, and sometimes controversial, political and social issues. Presenters have included national and international writers, journalists, and filmmakers.

We strongly encourage students to avail themselves of these enrichment opportunities, especially since they are very different from the types usually available in a high school setting. It is also through these activities, nearly all of which take place outside the classroom, that students participate and interact with other gifted and talented scholars from throughout the state.

How does the Governor's School differ from high school?
Governor’s Scholars are united by their common desire to engage in intellectual and creative pursuits. Drawn from all areas of the state of South Carolina, students enroll in classes taught by professors from some of the nation’s top universities. Since Governor’s Scholars include many of South Carolina’s most gifted students, and since they take only two courses, Governor’s School courses can be taught at an advanced level, depth, and pace that is usually not possible in high schools. A conscious effort is made to ensure that Governor’s School courses do not duplicate the usual offerings of either high school or college curricula.

Who is eligible to attend the Governor's School?
To be eligible, students must be rising high school seniors who are legal residents of South Carolina. They must also have been identified by their schools as academically and intellectually gifted.

How are students selected for the Governor's School?
The guidance director of each high school receives information and application materials. Each school may nominate a designated number of students based upon the size of the junior class. Eligible students are screened and nominated by their schools. Nominations are made on the basis of criteria provided by the Governor’s School. Students who are interested in the program should contact their guidance offices for further information.

When are applications due and when will I be notified?
You must complete the application packet and return it with the application fee to your guidance counselor at least one week before January 31, 2008. Completed applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2008 and will only be accepted if mailed from the applicant’s high school.

A panel of Governor’s School professors carefully screens all nomination packets, and final selections are based on the panel’s recommendations. Students and their schools are notified of the results of the selection process in late February.

How many students will be selected to participate?
Approximately 200 students will be selected to participate in the 2008 Governor’s School.

What is expected of participants?
Each student is required to participate actively in all scheduled classes, seminars, discussion groups, laboratories and mandatory group activities. Each student is required to complete all assigned work. Assignments may include the keeping of journals, the preparation of essays and position papers, library research, extensive reading, laboratory research, class presentations, field trips, and other projects. Many of the academic and cultural enrichment activities are optional, but students are encouraged to take advantage of all opportunities available to them. Once or twice a week there will be a lecture, panel discussion, play, or concert that all Governor’s Scholars are required to attend. Since some lectures and panel discussions will involve current and sometimes controversial topics, any student whose religious or moral convictions are offended by a particular topic may petition to be excused from that event. Many previous Governors’ Scholars enthusiastically refer to their participation in these activities as one of their most challenging and stimulating learning experiences.

What is the cost of the program to participants?
The 2008 Governor’s School student fee is $1,000, which is non-refundable and due by April 4, 2008. This amount includes tuition, room, board (3 meals a day), books, field trips, local phone service and enrichment activities. The student fee represents only about one fourth of the actual cost per student. The bulk of the cost is paid for by a special appropriation from the South Carolina Legislature and by contributions from the College of Charleston. If necessary, parents may request a payment plan; if this is desired, parents should contact the Governor’s School office to make arrangements before April 4, 2008.

Is financial aid available?
Since we believe that financial hardship should not hinder any student from participating in Governor’s School, there is a limited amount of financial aid available. These students should contact their Guidance Counselor to request a financial aid application. Alternatively, the application can be printed from this website. Parents should complete the application and return it with the supporting documentation to the Governor’s School office. In order for an application to be considered it must be postmarked by January 31, 2008.

What about room and board?
Governor’s Scholars live on the historic College of Charleston campus in the Liberty Street Residence Hall. Constructed in 2007, this residence hall features four–person suites composed of two bedrooms, each with a small study area, and a shared bathroom. Three meals a day are provided in the new College of Charleston cafeteria, Liberty Street Fresh Food Company. A wide variety of healthy, freshly prepared foods are available including vegetarian options.

What about security in the residence hall and on the campus?
Student life is supervised by a residence hall staff of thirteen counselors, chosen and trained by the Governor’s School staff, all of whom have undergraduate degrees and many of whom have master’s degrees. Most have special training in student counseling and supervision. The Office of Public Safety at the College of Charleston maintains the security of the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What about rules violations?
Governor’s Scholars are expected to be excellent representatives of their schools and to follow all rules and regulations in the Governor’s School Student Handbook. The handbook will be sent as part of the acceptance packets. Students and parents are expected to familiarize themselves with the rules prior to opening day. The rules will be reviewed with the students and parents at the opening ceremony. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may result in the student’s dismissal from the program. Note: There is a “Zero Tolerance” policy regarding drugs and alcohol. Violation of these policies means expulsion from the program.

Are leaves-of-absence from Governor's School allowed?
Because the Governor’s School program is concentrated and intensive, leaves-of-absence are NOT permitted. Classes and enrichment activities are scheduled throughout the four weeks, including weekends, and participating students are expected to remain in residence for the duration of the program. Participants will not be excused to attend conventions, camps, conferences, workshops, competitions or family reunions or vacations. Only in emergency or unusual situations will exceptions be considered, and they will be allowed only with the permission of the Director of the Governor’s School.

Are recreational facilities available?
The College of Charleston has an indoor Olympic-size swimming pool, a weight room, a cardio fitness area, four basketball courts, an indoor running track, and eight racquetball courts. The Stern Student Center, centrally located on campus, includes recreational facilities, a game room, fitness center, and food court. Two ATM machines (Wachovia and Bank of America) are located in the lobby of the Stern Student Center. Supervised sports activities such as basketball, volleyball and kickball are planned and overseen by the Governor’s School counselors. A beach trip is planned, and numerous opportunities are available for recreation and relaxation in and around the city of Charleston.

Are grades or credit awarded?
All students who successfully complete the program are awarded a certificate of participation. In addition, special labels are prepared and affixed to the official high school transcripts of those completing the program. Neither grades nor academic credit is awarded.

How can I get more information?
If you have additional questions or would like further information, write or call:

General Contact
guvie@cofc.edu

John H. Newell
Director
newellj@cofc.edu

Maria Mansfield Richardson
Associate Director
richardsonm@cofc.edu

Mary M. Moser
Administrative Assistant
moserm@cofc.edu

The Governor's School of South Carolina
College of Charleston
6 Green Way, 2nd Floor
Charleston, SC 29424

Phone: (843) 953-6592
Fax: (843) 953-1824