SPECTRA Light
August 2026
Missed out on the full SPECTRA experience? No worries.
SPECTRA Light is your concentrated, six-day program designed to give you a fantastic head start to your College of Charleston career before classes even begin. It's your express pass to getting comfortable and familiar with campus, making friends and connections and beginning your leadership journey at the College of Charleston.
As a SPECTRA Light participant you'll have the opportunity to:
- move into your residence hall early.
- gain early introduction and access to the Design Your Life Program and the Life Design Center — a schedule of activities to shape your future with purpose and intention. Read more about Design Your Life.
- participate in Cougar Excursion*. This is the exciting leadership development program on Seabrook Island where you’ll build new essential skills and connect with your new classmates.
*The Cougar Excursion fee is waived for SPECTRA Light students.
SPECTRA Light is offered as an invitation-only program to select incoming College of Charleston students. For more information contact spectra@charleston.edu.
The SPECTRA Light program is free to invited students. As you complete the registration form, select the "SPECTRA Light Participant" option under "Payment Method". This will ensure you receive your entry fee credit for the program.