USC caps 2024 with approval of new research building; improved academic advising

The University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees convened for its final meeting of 2024 on Tuesday (Dec. 17), receiving updates on improved academic advising and giving initial approval to a new innovation and research building in the heart of the Columbia campus. Highlights of the meeting include:

Improved academic advising

USC Provost Donna Arnett presented recent changes to undergraduate advising, which includes a more holistic approach through each year of the undergraduate experience. The goal of the changes is to increase student retention, avoid unnecessary delays in academic advancement and to better position students for career success post-graduation. Recent advising enhancements include:

• More than 100 dedicated full-time professional staff undergraduate academic advisors with standardized best practices, assigned by major/college.
• Dedicated four-year advisors for specific areas of study as well as advisors trained to assist undeclared majors to ensure academic success.
• Special advising and academic coaching for transfer students.
• Greater emphasis on experiential learning and career preparedness to set up students for post-graduate job and leadership opportunities.

“We’ve become the national standard for academic advising,” Arnett said, adding that student satisfaction rates in advising now exceeds 90 percent.

Phase 1 approval of innovation and research building

Trustees approved the first phase of a plan to bring a new 100,000 square-feet STEM innovation and research building to campus.

The five-story STEM building, which will be located on the southwest corner of Greene and Main streets near the existing Science and Technology building, will house research entrepreneurship space as well as wet and dry laboratory space.

The project also will include an outdoor plaza between the new STEM building and the Science and Technology Buildings for a café and student gathering. The initial phase approved Tuesday authorizes $1.5 million for the project’s design.

USC to offer advanced sport management degree in Charlotte

USC will begin offering Master of Sport and Entertainment Management (MSEM) degrees in Charlotte, N.C. MSEM is a 36-credit hour master’s degree program that prepares students for leadership careers in sport, entertainment and venue management. Charlotte is home to a growing sports industry and many of its residents are alumni of USC. The degree program is a joint effort by the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management and College of Information and Communications.

USC Aiken expands LIFE program

USC Aiken will expand an existing certificate program to ensure the success of students with intellectual disabilities from the surrounding community. The USCA LIFE program provides two years of academic instruction, career education and training, independent living skills, social and civic engagement as well as leadership opportunities. The expansion approved Tuesday will allow students to take four years’ worth of courses.