You’re standing in the Cistern Yard, which is the heart of College of Charleston’s campus.
The College is a public liberal arts university founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785. When the College was chartered, it contained only the buildings within these gates.
Today, the College has more than 10,000 undergraduate students and about 1,000 graduate students. The university has had to expand its footprint to meet the increase in student population.
The Cistern Yard is where you'll hang out with friends and do schoolwork. It’s also the center for campus-wide events like game-day pep rallies, student involvement fairs, convocation and, most famously, graduation.
Randolph Hall is the most iconic building on campus. Built in 1828, it was the first building constructed on campus. Today, it’s where you’ll find administrative offices including the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost. It’s also home to the Department of Classics, making it the nation’s oldest classroom building.
Towell Library was the College’s first library, but it is now the Alumni Welcome Center.
The entryway into the Cistern Yard is called Porter’s Lodge. Look up and you’ll notice the Greek inscription which means “Know Thyself.” During Convocation, when you’ll officially begin your college experience, you’ll walk through Porter’s Lodge with your classmates. After graduation, you’ll exit through this arch. It’s intentional that “Know Thyself” is the first and last thing you see when entering and exiting College of Charleston.
Finally, the Cistern Yard is where you’ll celebrate your graduation. The College of Charleston has unique ceremony attire. Instead of the traditional cap and gown, you’ll wear a white dinner jacket or white dress accompanied by a red rose boutonniere or long-stemmed red roses.
Know your College of Charleston History