Proposed Initiatives
In January 2009, President Pastides appointed five Goal Committees to review, improve and sharpen the draft Vision, Mission and Goals statements and to develop Initiatives. The Goal Committees included representatives from Columbia campus faculty, students, staff and alumni.
Each Goal Committee submitted a Report including Proposed Initiatives (PDF) in
May 2009.
Proposed Goal Statements
Teaching and Learning
To improve quality of academic programs at all levels, develop and nurture a faculty devoted to teaching excellence, and enhance the richness of the student experience in and beyond the classroom so that the teaching and learning environment of the University of South Carolina equals or surpasses that of comprehensive state university systems that are deemed peer aspirants.
Research, Scholarship and Creative Achievement
The University of South Carolina will be recognized as a top public university system dedicated to discovery, application, and dissemination of knowledge; excellence in creative achievement; and world-renowned scholarship. Leadership among comprehensive research institutions will be signified by continuation of the highest Carnegie classification for the Columbia campus and rising status within that peer group, and recognition of all campuses for excellence relative to their peer and peer aspirant institutions.
Service Excellence
The University of South Carolina will be committed to effective engagement of the expertise and capabilities of faculty, staff and students with state, national and global communities to advance educational attainment at all levels, guide economic development, and promote quality of life. Achievement of this goal will be signified by formal recognition of service excellence by the Carnegie Foundation for eligible campuses within the system, as well as by recognition of all campuses for excellence relative to their respective peer and peer aspirant institutions.
Quality of Life in the University Community
The multi-campus system will be a destination of choice for high-achieving faculty, students and staff who value, benefit from, and contribute to a rich and rewarding learning and working environment where civility, ethics, and collaboration create an inclusive culture of fairness and respect, facilitating for all Carolinians the highest levels of intellectual and personal achievement. Achievement of this goal will be evidenced by the recruitment and retention of the highest quality faculty, students, and staff; their advancement of the University’s mission; and by enrichment of the communities where Carolinians live and work.
Recognition and Visibility
Accomplishments of students, faculty, staff and alumni will be showcased and publicized such that the campuses are recognized for excellence and leadership in education, research, scholarship, creative endeavors, athletics, and public service, consistent with their respective missions.