USC Columbia Mission Statement
Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 13, 2023
Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 18, 2023
Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2027
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of South Carolina Columbia is to educate students through outstanding teaching and to provide research, scholarship, and service that drives community and economic impact for the benefit of the state, nation, and world.
Description of the University
As the flagship institution of the USC system, our university is dedicated to pioneering innovative educational approaches that are attuned to the evolving needs of the workforce, ensuring that our graduates are not only well-prepared but also empowered to shape the future as engaged, global citizens. Through personalized learning journeys and an array of experiential opportunities, we equip our students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. The University propels transformative research and discovery, elevates knowledge and culture, and pursues truth for an enhanced quality of life.
The University of South Carolina Columbia boasts its renowned campus where academic and professional ambitions come to life and where more than 200 years of collective history meet breakthrough academics and research that change the world in real time. The University of South Carolina Columbia is the major research institution of the university system and its largest campus serving a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students with widely varying backgrounds and career goals. The university offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional program levels, including some with global dimensions, affording students a comprehensive array of educational programs. The university provides additional opportunities for associate degrees through the regional Palmetto College campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union). Personal and career development are also provided through outreach and continuing education.
To fulfill its mission, the University employs world-class faculty and staff members from diverse academic backgrounds. Through classroom and laboratory instruction delivered in a variety of face-to-face and distance learning modalities, degree programs are offered in the following areas: arts and sciences; business; education; engineering and computing; hospitality, retail, and sport management; information and communications; law; medicine; music; nursing; pharmacy; public health; and social work. Beyond the classroom, students engage in a variety of high-impact experiences that develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to stimulate personal growth and a lifetime connection to the Carolinian community. The University is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top research and community engaged institution and confers over 30% of all bachelor’s and graduate degrees awarded at public institutions in South Carolina.
USC Aiken Mission Statement
Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 13, 2023
Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 18, 2023
Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2027
The University of South Carolina Aiken is a regional public comprehensive university that cultivates a diverse population of engaged citizens who provide lifelong contributions in their careers and communities. Our dedicated faculty, staff, and industry partners guide undergraduate and graduate students through a transformative educational journey that uses engaged, accessible teaching and learning practices to blend the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines with research and experiential opportunities that are aligned with economic and societal needs. We are a center for innovation that serves the region through entrepreneurial partnerships, public service, community leadership, relevant research, educational outreach, the visual and performing arts, and intercollegiate athletics.
USC Beaufort Mission Statement
Approved by the Board of Trustees - April 21, 2017
Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – March 1, 2018
Reviewed and Reaffirmed by Board of Trustees - October 13, 2023
Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2027
The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) responds to regional needs, draws upon regional strengths, and prepares graduates to contribute locally, nationally, and internationally with its focus on teaching, research, and service. USCB is a public, comprehensive institution in the University of South Carolina system, offering Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines as well as select Master's degrees in response to regional demand through on-site and distance delivery methods. Serving a diverse population, USCB enriches the quality of life for students and area residents through artistic and cultural offerings, collaborations with regional, national, and international partners, and lifelong learning opportunities.
USC Lancaster Mission Statement
Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 13, 2023
Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 18, 2023
Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2027
The Lancaster regional Palmetto College campus is a branch campus of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Lancaster has as its mission to provide higher education and intellectual leadership, contributing to the primary mission of the University of South Carolina System so stated as “the outstanding education, research, creative activity, community engagement, and service that drives community and economic impact or the benefit of the state, nation, and world.” At the heart of this mission is a teaching faculty of high quality dedicated to excellence in instruction, scholarship, public and professional service, and creative endeavor which enrich the classroom experience. The Lancaster regional Palmetto College campus offers a varied curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and focused on preparing students to continue their education in the University of South Carolina System and throughout life.
The Lancaster regional Palmetto College campus recruits students prepared to succeed in completing a baccalaureate‐level education. While the institution does not offer remedial instruction, it is nonetheless able to admit most students who apply due to the close working relationship between students and faculty. The original design of the institution incorporated a flexibility that has allowed changes in institutional capability with increasing educational demands of constituents.
Through classroom and laboratory instruction delivered in a variety of face-to-face and distance learning formats and modalities, the institution awards the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and provides for the completion of selected bachelor’s degrees on campus through cooperative agreements and delivery structures with other University of South Carolina System institutions. The Lancaster regional Palmetto College campus also provides general education and upper division coursework applicable to baccalaureate degree programs offered through colleges and universities nationwide. In addition to academic coursework, the mission of the campus includes noncredit courses, seminars, and workshops made available to the community for cultural enrichment and professional development.
The traditions of cultural diversity and freedom of thought are valued at the Lancaster regional Palmetto College campus. In a learning environment that develops respect for racial, geographical, intellectual, and economic diversity and an awareness of individual, societal, and global responsibilities, Lancaster promotes courses, activities, and attitudes that instills in students a thirst to continue learning throughout life.
The Lancaster regional Palmetto College campus emphasizes the development of the whole person and especially seeks to foster in students the disciplines essential to an educated citizenry. Core competencies, including the ability to communicate through effective writing and articulate speech; computational and quantitative mastery; creative and critical thinking; and the duties of citizenship are strategically integrated within the curriculum. Classroom experiences, student activities, and physical education programs also provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, leadership development, intellectual growth and interpersonal relationships, all contributing to a sense of self‐reliance and a joy of learning.
USC Salkehatchie Mission Statement
Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 13, 2023
Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 18, 2023
Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2027
The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus is a branch campus of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Salkehatchie has as its mission to provide higher education and intellectual leadership, contributing to the primary mission of the University of South Carolina System so stated as “outstanding education, research, creative activity, community engagement, and service that drives community and economic impact or the benefit of the state, nation, and world.” At the heart of this mission is a teaching faculty of high quality dedicated to excellence in instruction, scholarship, public and professional service and creative endeavor which enrich the classroom experience. The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus offers a varied curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and focused on preparing students to continue their education in the University of South Carolina System and throughout life.
The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus recruits students prepared to succeed in completing a baccalaureate‐level education. While the institution does not offer remedial instruction, it is nonetheless able to admit most students who apply due to the close working relationship between students and faculty. The original design of the institution incorporated a flexibility that has allowed changes in institutional capability with increasing educational demands of constituents.
Through classroom and laboratory instruction delivered in a variety of face-to-face and distance learning formats and modalities, the institution awards the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and provides for the completion of selected bachelor’s degrees on campus through cooperative agreements and delivery structures with other University of South Carolina System institutions. The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus also provides general education and upper division coursework applicable to baccalaureate degree programs offered through colleges and universities nationwide. In addition to academic coursework, the mission of the campus includes noncredit courses, seminars, and workshops made available to the community for cultural enrichment and professional development.
The traditions of cultural diversity and freedom of thought are valued at the Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus. In a learning environment that develops respect for racial, geographical, intellectual, and economic diversity and an awareness of individual, societal, and global responsibilities, Salkehatchie promotes courses, activities, and attitudes that instill in students a thirst to continue learning throughout life.
The Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus emphasizes the development of the whole person and especially seeks to foster in students the disciplines essential to an educated citizenry. Core competencies, including the ability to communicate through effective writing and articulate speech; computational and quantitative mastery; creative and critical thinking; and the duties of citizenship are strategically integrated within the curriculum. Classroom experiences, student activities, and physical education programs also provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, leadership development, intellectual growth and interpersonal relationships, all contributing to a sense of self‐reliance and a joy of learning.
USC Sumter Mission Statement
Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 13, 2023
Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 18, 2023
Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2027
The Sumter regional Palmetto College campus is a branch campus of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Sumter has as its mission to provide higher education and intellectual leadership, contributing to the primary mission of the University of South Carolina System so stated as “outstanding education, research, creative activity, community engagement, and service that drives community and economic impact or the benefit of the state, nation, and world.” At the heart of this mission is a teaching faculty of high quality dedicated to excellence in instruction, scholarship, public and professional service, and creative endeavor which enrich the classroom experience. The Sumter regional Palmetto College campus offers a varied curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and focused on preparing students to continue their education in the University of South Carolina System and throughout life.
The Sumter regional Palmetto College campus recruits students prepared to succeed in completing a baccalaureate‐ level education. While the institution does not offer remedial instruction, it is nonetheless able to admit most students who apply due to the close working relationship between students and faculty. The original design of the institution incorporated a flexibility that has allowed changes in institutional capability with increasing educational demands of constituents.
Through classroom and laboratory instruction delivered in a variety of face-to-face and distance learning formats and modalities, the institution awards the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and provides for the completion of selected bachelor’s degrees on campus through cooperative agreements and delivery structures with other University of South Carolina System institutions. The Sumter regional Palmetto College campus also provides general education and upper division coursework applicable to baccalaureate degree programs offered through colleges and universities nationwide. In addition to academic coursework, the mission of the campus includes noncredit courses, seminars, and workshops made available to the community for cultural enrichment and professional development.
The traditions of cultural diversity and freedom of thought are valued at the Sumter regional Palmetto College campus. In a learning environment that develops respect for racial, geographical, intellectual, and economic diversity and an awareness of individual, societal, and global responsibilities, Sumter promotes courses, activities, and attitudes that instill in students a thirst to continue learning throughout life.
The Sumter regional Palmetto College campus emphasizes the development of the whole person and especially seeks to foster in students the disciplines essential to an educated citizenry. Core competencies, including the ability to communicate through effective writing and articulate speech; computational and quantitative mastery; creative and critical thinking; and the duties of citizenship are strategically integrated within the curriculum. Classroom experiences, student activities, and physical education programs also provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, leadership development, intellectual growth and interpersonal relationships, all contributing to a sense of self‐reliance and a joy of learning.
USC Union Mission Statement
Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 13, 2023
Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 18, 2023
Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2027
The Union regional Palmetto College campus is a branch campus of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Union has as its mission to provide higher education and intellectual leadership, contributing to the primary mission of the University of South Carolina System so stated as “outstanding education, research, creative activity, community engagement, and service that drives community and economic impact or the benefit of the state, nation, and world.” At the heart of this mission is a teaching faculty of high quality dedicated to excellence in instruction, scholarship, public and professional service, and creative endeavor which enrich the classroom experience. The Union regional Palmetto College campus offers a varied curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and focused on preparing students to continue their education in the University of South Carolina System and throughout life.
The Union regional Palmetto College campus recruits students prepared to succeed in completing a baccalaureate‐ level education. While the institution does not offer remedial instruction, it is nonetheless able to admit most students who apply due to the close working relationship between students and faculty. The original design of the institution incorporated a flexibility that has allowed changes in institutional capability with increasing educational demands of constituents.
Through classroom and laboratory instruction delivered in a variety of face-to-face and distance learning formats and modalities, the institution awards the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and provides for the completion of selected bachelor’s degrees on campus through cooperative agreements and delivery structures with other University of South Carolina System institutions. The Union regional Palmetto College campus also provides general education and upper division coursework applicable to baccalaureate degree programs offered through colleges and universities nationwide. In addition to academic coursework, the mission of the campus includes noncredit courses, seminars, and workshops made available to the community for cultural enrichment and professional development.
The traditions of cultural diversity and freedom of thought are valued at the Union regional Palmetto College campus. In a learning environment that develops respect for racial, geographical, intellectual, and economic diversity and an awareness of individual, societal, and global responsibilities, Union promotes courses, activities, and attitudes that instill in students a thirst to continue learning throughout life.
The Union regional Palmetto College campus emphasizes the development of the whole person and especially seeks to foster in students the disciplines essential to an educated citizenry. Core competencies, including the ability to communicate through effective writing and articulate speech; computational and quantitative mastery; creative and critical thinking; and the duties of citizenship are strategically integrated within the curriculum. Classroom experiences, student activities, and physical education programs also provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, leadership development, intellectual growth and interpersonal relationships, all contributing to a sense of self‐reliance and a joy of learning.
USC Upstate Mission Statement
Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 13, 2023
Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 18, 2023
Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2027
The University of South Carolina Upstate is a leading regional public university that transforms the lives of our diverse students, their families, and communities – advancing social and economic mobility throughout the Upstate region. Consistent with the international character of the Upstate, the University promotes global perspectives and serves as a driver of economic growth. We offer innovative courses and programs in a variety of accessible educational formats and locations to meet undergraduate and graduate student needs. We are a community of exceptional, diverse faculty, staff, and students who engage in high-impact experiential learning, cutting-edge research, and deeply-connected community engagement. A University of South Carolina Upstate education empowers students to become lifelong leaders in their professions and communities.