USC Columbia Mission Statement

Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 11, 2019

Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 5, 2019

Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2023

The primary mission of the University of South Carolina Columbia is the education of the
state’s citizens through teaching, research, creative activity, and community engagement.
Among America’s oldest and most comprehensive public universities, the University of South
Carolina Columbia is the major research institution of the university system and its largest
campus. At the heart of its mission lies the university’s responsibility to state and society to
promote the dissemination of knowledge, cultural enrichment, and an enhanced quality of life.

The University of South Carolina Columbia serves a diverse population of students with widely
varying backgrounds, career goals, and levels of aspiration. The university offers over 320
degrees at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional program levels, affording
students the most comprehensive array of educational programs in the state. Opportunities for
personal and career development are provided to the citizens of South Carolina through
outreach and continuing education activities. The university provides additional opportunities for
associate degrees through Fort Jackson and through the oversight of regional Palmetto College
campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union).

Through classroom and laboratory instruction delivered in a variety of face-to-face and
distance learning formats and 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. The depth and breadth of its graduate programs
distinguishes the University of South Carolina Columbia from all other institutions of higher
learning in South Carolina.

Recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top research and community engaged
institution, nationally ranked in start-up businesses, and conferring over 30% of all bachelor’s
and graduate degrees awarded at public institutions in South Carolina, the university has a
profound relevance, reach, and impact on the people of the state. As the flagship institution of
the university system, the University of South Carolina Columbia leads the way in providing
all students with the highest-quality education, including the knowledge, skills, and values
necessary for success and responsible citizenship in a complex and changing world through
engagement in nationally and internationally ranked research, scholarship, community
outreach, and artistic creation.

USC Aiken Mission Statement

Approved by the Board of Trustees - 2003

Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – February 7, 2017

Reviewed and Reaffirmed by Board of Trustees - December 15, 2020

Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - December 2023

Founded in 1961, the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) is a comprehensive liberal arts institution committed to active learning through excellence in teaching, faculty and student scholarship, research, creative activities and service. In this stimulating academic community, USCA challenges students to acquire and develop the skills, knowledge, and values necessary for success in a dynamic global environment.

The university offers degrees in the arts and sciences and in the professional disciplines of business, education, and nursing. All courses of study are grounded in a liberal arts and sciences core curriculum. USCA also encourages interdisciplinary studies and collaborative endeavors.

Emphasizing small classes and individual attention, USCA provides students with opportunities to maximize individual achievement in both academic and co-curricular settings. The institution challenges students to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, to learn independently, and to acquire depth of knowledge in chosen fields. The university values honesty, integrity, initiative, hard work, accomplishments, responsible citizenship, respect for diversity, and cross-cultural understanding.

USC Aiken attracts students of varying ages and diverse cultural backgrounds who have demonstrated the potential to succeed in a challenging academic environment. In addition to serving the Savannah River area, USCA actively seeks student enrollment from all parts of South Carolina as well as from other states and countries.

As a senior public institution of the University of South Carolina, USCA combines the advantages of a smaller institution with the resources of a major university system. Located in beautiful, historic Aiken, South Carolina, USCA is an institution of moderate size (2,500-5,000 students) that offers baccalaureate degrees in a number of disciplines, an associate degree in Nursing, completion baccalaureate degrees at University of South Carolina regional campuses, and master's degrees in selected programs.

USCA endeavors to apply knowledge, skills, and wisdom in ways that promote the common good. Accordingly, the university seeks to build strong community ties. The institution enriches the quality of life not only on campus but also throughout the surrounding region through a variety of activities including the fine and performing arts, athletics, continuing education, distance learning, and community service. In fulfilling its role as an institution of higher learning, the University of South Carolina Aiken is a community of individuals engaged in broadly based educational experiences necessary for an enlightened society.

USC Beaufort Mission Statement

Approved by the Board of Trustees - December 18, 2012

Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – March 1, 2018

Reviewed and Reaffirmed by Board of Trustees - December 15, 2020

Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - December 2023

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 mission of teaching, research, and service. USCB is a senior baccalaureate campus (1,400 to 3,000 students) of the state's largest public university. It offers degree programs in the arts, humanities, professions, and social and natural sciences delivered through on-site instruction and distance education, along with an active program of co-curricular activities and athletics. It serves a racially and culturally diverse student body, including military personnel, veterans and their dependents, and draws students from the South Carolina Lowcountry, from around the country, and from around the world. USCB enriches the quality of life for area residents of all ages through its academic programs, continuing education, artistic and cultural offerings, community outreach, collaborations with regional initiatives, and life-long learning opportunities.

USC Lancaster Mission Statement

Approved by the Board of Trustees - October 11, 2019

Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 5, 2019

Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2023

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 to its service area. 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 Lancaster regional Palmetto College campus was established to encourage
higher education in the counties of Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, and York.
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 which influence the life of the
mind in men and women and instills in them 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 11, 2019

Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 5, 2019

Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2023

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 for its service area. 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 Salkehatchie regional Palmetto College campus was established to
encourage higher education in the counties of Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton.
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 which influence the life of the
mind in men and women and instill in them 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 11, 2019

Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 5, 2019

Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2023

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
for its service area. 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 Sumter regional Palmetto College campus was established to encourage
higher education in the counties of Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw, Sumter, and Williamsburg. 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 which influence the life of the mind in men and women and
instill in them 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 11, 2019

Approved by SC Commission on Higher Education – December 5, 2019

Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - October 2023

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 for its
service area. 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 Union regional Palmetto College campus was established to encourage
higher education in the counties of Chester, Cherokee, Fairfield, Laurens, Union, and York. 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 which influence the life of the mind in men and women and
instill in them 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 - June 25, 2021

Next Board of Trustees Scheduled Review - June 2025

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. Our innovative courses and programs are offered in a variety of formats and locations to meet undergraduate and graduate student needs. The University attracts 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.

VALUES:

• People First. USC Upstate cultivates an inclusive community that advances equity, wellness, and civility.
• Integrity. USC Upstate prioritizes honesty and ethical conduct as fundamental to our core mission of student success. 
• Access. USC Upstate removes barriers to opportunity and success. 
• Stewardship. USC Upstate is committed to affordability and intentional stewardship of resources – human and financial.
• Continuous Improvement. USC Upstate strives for excellence in all operations.
• Community Connection. USC Upstate prioritizes community collaboration and engagement.