Students should select the Graduation with Leadership Distinction pathway that most closely aligns with their passions and what they have engaged with during their time at the University of South Carolina. Students may use experiences and coursework completed prior to registering for GLD. However, all experiences must have been completed during the timespan of their degree, whether at USC or a previous institution.
GLD in Community Service directs efforts to non-profit, governmental, or humanitarian support, focusing on services and issues related to meeting basic human, animal, or environmental needs. GLD in Community Service also includes efforts to address rights in a cultural or societal context.
GLD in Diversity & Social Advocacy focuses on understanding and advocating on behalf of diverse cultures and issues of social justice including ability, class, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, and sexual identity.
GLD in Global Learning explores world political, economic, social, and cultural differences, commonalities, and relationships.
GLD in Professional & Civic Engagement focuses on leadership theory, skills, and processes related to implementing positive change in social, community, or professional settings. GLD in Professional & Civic Engagement also emphasizes issues related to work or career life, including professional ethics, interpersonal professional relationships, and work responsibilities in the societal workplace context.
GLD in Research explores approaches to inquiry or research processes applicable in one or more disciplines.