Board Sanctions Key Facilities Projects, Academic Initiatives in December Meeting

The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees convened on December 16 and made significant strides in advancing key facilities projects and academic initiatives. This meeting centered around the USC Columbia campus and the broader USC network.

Key Facilities Projects Approved

The board approved Phase II renovations for several crucial facilities, including:

• Thomas Cooper Library
• McKissick Building
• Barnwell College

Additionally, bond resolutions for McKissick and Barnwell renovations were sanctioned, emphasizing the board’s commitment to the USC Next master plan. The USC Next initiative aims to:

• Revitalize the historic campus core
• Enhance student life experiences
• Innovate the engineering and research district
• Establish a new health sciences campus

Phase I approvals were granted for two other projects: a new track and field facility at USC Upstate and land acquisition near Founders Park. USC Aiken received approvals for an auxiliary storage building, roof replacement at the science building, and chiller upgrades at the convocation center. USC Beaufort also received a budget increase for its sandstone building renovation.

Advancements in Academic Programs

During the meeting, the Board advanced several academic initiatives, including promotions and tenure decisions for faculty. A total of 35 professors were promoted to the rank of professor, distributed among various colleges:

• Nine from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
• Eight from the College of Education
• Six from the Arnold School of Public Health
• Five from the Darla Moore School of Business
• Three from the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing
• Two from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
• One each from the School of Medicine Columbia and the School of Music

In addition, tenure and promotions to associate professor were approved for four faculty members, with one new hire receiving tenure. The meeting also saw the approval of seven honorary academic titles.

New Academic Programs and Changes

A master’s degree in environmental law and sustainability was introduced at USC Columbia. However, two programs — a Master of Arts in Economics and a post-baccalaureate certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages — were discontinued. The board also transitioned the master’s in technology innovation and entrepreneurial engineering to the Darla Moore School of Business.

New centers debuted, including:

• Bullying and Prevention Center
• Institute of Geopolitics, Innovation and Global Competition

There was a name change for the Collaborative for Health Equity Research, now termed the Center for Collaborative Health, Engagement, and Research.

USC Upstate Initiatives

USC Upstate received approval for three new degree programs:

• Bachelor’s in hospitality and tourism management
• Bachelor’s in applied language and global studies
• Master’s in organizational leadership

Additionally, a dual enrollment site with USC Union at Lake Wylie High School was approved for an associate degree in general liberal arts and sciences.

Curricular Modifications

Eight programs received approved modifications, which include:

• Bachelor’s in languages, literatures, and cultures
• Bachelor’s in global studies
• Bachelor’s in broadcast journalism
• Master’s in anthropology
• Master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology
• Master’s in education administration
• Clinical doctoral program for physical therapy

Concentrations were approved in undergraduate programs for interdisciplinary studies, cardiovascular technology, hospitality management, and sport and entertainment management. The master’s program in anthropology also gained an additional concentration.

Contracts and Other Approvals

The board approved multiple contracts during the meeting, including:

• A lease agreement between USC facilities and Gadsden and Green
• A services agreement between the School of Public Health and the Department of Health and Human Services
• A conference hotel agreement with Loews Arlington Hotel
• Agreements with Prisma Health related to the Brain Health Center

This comprehensive list of new initiatives and facilities projects reflects the board’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational landscape at USC and its campuses.