Understanding the Founding Documents Requirement for University of South Carolina Students
South Carolina Act 26 of 2021, the Reinforcing College Education on American’s Constitutional Heritage (REACH) Act mandates that all students complete a 3-credit hour course, or its equivalent, in American history, American government, or a related course that offers a comprehensive overview of significant events and turning points in American history and government (Bill approved by the SC General Assembly). We refer to these requirements as the "Founding Documents" requirements. As such, USC requires all undergraduate students take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers. This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective.
Only those courses approved as REACH Act complaint by the SC Commission on Higher Education (CHE) meet this South Carolina-specific requirement, as the REACH Act mandates compliance with content and readings unique to South Carolina’s educational State standards (e.g., out-of-state courses and courses offered by non-public South Carolina institutions will not be approved. See the list of approved USC courses and the CHE list [pdf] of all approved courses.
USC is committed to offering students with transfer credit a clear and accessible process to demonstrate compliance. To support students with transfer credit in meeting this requirement without imposing additional costs or delaying graduation, USC recently updated its processes to offer an online learning module for students admitted in Fall 2024 or later with a non-compliant transfer course equivalent to a USC REACH Act/ Founding Documents course. In this module, students complete the required readings, affirm they have reviewed the materials, and complete assessments based on the content of the documents. Once students successfully complete the module, they will be marked as fully REACH Act compliant.
It is important to note that this module is only for students admitted Fall 2024 and later. Students admitted prior to Fall 2024 with transfer credit should speak with their advisors regarding compliance.
Students required to complete the academic module will be informed about this requirement. This approach ensures both adherence to state legislation and the academic success of our students.
Note that it is highly unlikely that courses students have taken elsewhere and are presenting for transfer credit evaluation, including courses that transfer to USC as HIST 111 and POLI 201, incorporate the complete set of readings required to satisfy the law. Therefore, unless the course is an official CHE approved REACH Act-compliant course completed at another public South Carolina college or university, the prospect of gaining approval for a course taken elsewhere to be approved as a REACH Act course is highly unlikely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USC Course approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) to meet the REACH Act requirements (AFAM 200, HIST 201, H IST 111, HIST 470, POLI 201, POLI 304, POLI 450, POLI 451 and POLI 452).
- Transfer course approved by CHE; see CHE list.
- AP courses in US Government or US History with exam score resulting in college credit.
- No cost, no credit Blackboard Module IF:
- Students completed a transfer course equivalent to one of the approved USC courses listed in first bullet that is not listed as an approved course on the CHE list provided in the second bullet.
- Self Service Carolina (my.sc.edu) Student Profile: Log in to https://my.sc.edu. Click on the "Student Tab" and then the "Student Profile" tile. Click on the "Founding Documents" link on the left hand menu. From this page you will be able to view your Founding Documents requirement completion status.
- Degree Works Audit: Access Degree Works through https://my.sc.edu. Scroll down to the "Founding Documents" block to view your Founding Documents requirement completion status.
No, all students admitted after Fall 2021 must complete this state mandated graduation requirement.
Students will not be cleared to graduate if non-compliant as this requirement is a state mandated graduation requirement.
If eligible for the module, how do students enroll?
- Students identified as needing the module will be notified and enrolled in the module after the drop add period in the Fall and Spring semesters. Students who believe they are eligible, but have not yet been notified should consult their academic advisor.
How long does it take to complete?
- Students should plan to spend a few hours to complete the module.
How long does it take to the assessments be graded?
- The quizzes in the module will be graded as soon as they are completed.
When will DegreeWorks and the Founding Document Student Tab update?
- We will check the module for completions in the middle and end of the semester and update the compliance for those who have completed by then.
What if I am a graduating student this semester and haven’t completed the module?
- You must complete the module asap before the end of the semester as REACH Act compliance is a state mandated graduation requirement.
Is there a petition process to be exempt from completing the module?
- No. It is highly unlikely that courses students have taken elsewhere and are presenting for transfer credit evaluation, including courses that transfer to USC as HIST 111 and POLI 201, incorporate the complete set of readings required to satisfy the law. Therefore, unless the course is an official CHE approved REACH Act-compliant course completed at another public South Carolina college or university, the prospect of gaining approval for a course taken elsewhere to be approved as a REACH Act course is highly unlikely.
Compliance Reporting
The Office of Academic Program Planning and Decision Support collects and reviews applicable syllabi each semester to ensure they meet the provisions of the REACH Act. The office also reports annually to CHE regarding USC’s compliance.
Students, Advisors, and others: If you have questions or concerns about the Founding Documents requirement, please contact Trena Houp at thoup@sc.edu.
Leaders at the University of South Carolina are continuing to receive guidance from CHE about complying with the REACH Act. Updates with be shared with students and the advising community as leadership receives them.