Free Speech Symposium

University of South Carolina
Russell House University Union
Sept. 17-18, 2025

What is the Free Speech Symposium?

This two-day, in-person program will equip campus professionals with the legal context, practical tools, and strategic insight needed to navigate freedom of expression across diverse campus environments. Through engaging sessions, you’ll strengthen your ability to support student voices while collaborating effectively with key campus partners. Don’t miss this essential opportunity to lead confidently in today’s evolving dialogue on free expression.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending the NACA Free Speech Symposium, participants will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of legal precedents that influence previous and current frameworks of freedom of expression in higher education.
  • Develop tools and strategies to navigate freedom of expression on various types of campuses.
  • Determine appropriate professional roles in supporting students and student organizations, as well as additional personnel or departments who can aid in navigating freedom of expression for the campus community.
Schedule

It is recommended that attendees arrive on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at any time and depart on Friday, Sept. 19 in the morning. A tentative overview of the schedule is provided below and will be updated as we get closer to the program start. All sessions will occur in the USC Russell House University Union.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Start Time End Time Event
9:00 AM 9:30 AM Participant Check-In & Welcome
9:30 AM 12:00 PM Educational Sessions
12:00 PM 1:00 PM Lunch (on-campus dining)
1:00 PM 5:00 PM Educational Sessions
5:00 PM   Dinner (on own)

Thursday, Sept. 18

Start Time End Time Event
9:00 AM 12:00 PM Educational Sessions
12:00 PM 1:00 PM Lunch (on-campus dining)
1:00 PM 5:00 PM Educational Sessions & Program Conclusion
5:00 PM   Dinner (on own)
Meeting Location

Russell House University Union
1400 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29208

 

Hotel Block

Graduate by Hilton Columbia, SC
1619 Pendleton, St., Columbia, SC, 29201
Rate: $169/night +taxes&fees
Reserve a Room
Hotel Parking: $10/night (self)

It is recommended that attendees arrive on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at any time and depart on Friday, Sept. 19 in the morning. 

 

Campus Parking

Visitor Parking Options at the University of South Carolina.

Note: Bull Street Garage is closest garage to Russell House

 

Airport

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Distance to Campus: 8 miles
Taxi/Ride Share: aprox. $30