USC System 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 primary mission of the University of South Carolina System is to provide outstanding education, research, creative activity, community engagement, and service that drives community and economic impact for benefit of the state, nation, and world. This public university system serves students from its flagship Columbia campus, three comprehensive universities (Aiken, Beaufort, and Upstate), and four regional Palmetto College campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union).

The University of South Carolina System offers degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. 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 University of South Carolina System confers nearly 40% of all bachelor’s and graduate degrees awarded at public institutions in South Carolina, giving the system a profound relevance, reach, and impact on the people of the state. Through engagement in nationally and internationally recognized research, scholarship, service, and artistic creation, the University of South Carolina System imbues its students with the hallmarks of the highest-quality education, including the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success and responsible citizenship in a complex and changing world.

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.

Accreditation

The University of South Carolina Columbia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.  The regional Palmetto College campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union) are branch campuses of the University of South Carolina Columbia; the branch campuses’ accreditation is dependent on the continued accreditation of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Questions about the accreditation of the University of South Carolina Columbia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

USC System Officers

Michael Amiridis, President
Donna Arnett, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Ed Walton, Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer
Stacy Fritz, Chief of Staff
Larry Thomas, Vice President for Communications
Michelle Dodenhoff, Vice President for Development
Julian R. Williams, Vice President for Access, Civil Rights and Community Engagement 
Caroline Agardy, Vice President for Human Resources
Beth Brigdon, Interim Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Julius Fridriksson, Vice President for Research
J. Rex Tolliver, Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support
Scott Verzyl, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Undergraduate Admissions
Bill Kirkland, Executive Director of the Office of Innovation, Partnership, and Economic Engagement
Walter “Terry” Parham, General Counsel and Executive Director of Compliance Programs
Ray Tanner, Director of Athletics

Lancaster County Commission for Higher Education

Bruce A. Brumfield, Chair
Larry Durham, Jr., Vice Chair
Lisa T. Bridges, Secretary
Jerry Williams, Treasurer
Mary Barry
Charles A. Bundy
Rosa Sansbury
Jonathan Phipps, Superintendent, Lancaster County Schools, ex officio
Walter P. Collins, III, Dean, USC Lancaster, ex officio

USC Lancaster Administration

Walter P. Collins, III, Ph.D., Dean
Kenneth Cole, B.A., Director of Financial Aid
Shana Dry, M.B.A., Director of Public Information and Office of Advancement
Buddy Faile, M.B.A., Business Manager
J. Blake Faulkenberry, B.S., Director of Information Resource Management
Patrick Lawrence, Ph.D., Director of the Academic Success and Writing Center
Todd Lekan, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs
Butch Lucas, Director of Custodial Services/Campus Maintenance
Antonio Mackey, B.S., Campus Webmaster
Tracey Mobley-Chavous, M.A., Human Resources Specialist
Justin Pearson, M.A., Executive Director of Enrollment Management
John Rutledge, Ph.D., Director of Law Enforcement and Security
Asheley Schryer, M.S., Director of Retention and Student Success
Ryleigh Waiters, B.S., Director of Student Life
Matherline Williamson, B.A.I.S., Director of TRIO Programs

USC Lancaster Academic Support Staff

CoSonja Allen, B.A.I.S., Administrative Assistant, Opportunity Scholars Program
Mark Ammons, B.A.I.S., Business Manager, TRiO Programs
Ashley Barber, B.A., Financial Aid Counselor/Student Services Coordinator, Financial Aid
Albert Blackmon, M.B.A., Director of Corporate Partnership and Engagement, Adjunct Business Faculty
Jennifer Blackmon, B.S., Admissions Processor, Admissions
Megan Catoe, M.Ed., Campus Registrar, Admissions
Karlee Christian, B.A., Senior Admissions Counselor, Recruitment, Admissions
Karin Collins, B.A., Business Coordinator, Business Office
Pam Ellis, A.S., Administrative Assistant, Academic and Student Affairs
Danelle Faulkenberry, B.A., Palmetto College Regional Admissions Representative, Admissions
Kelsey Faulkner, B.A., Admissions Processor, Admissions
Summer Harmon, B.A., Student Success Coordinator
Annette Horton, B.A., Disability Services Coordinator, Student Services
Cindy Kirk, B.S., Accounts Receivable Manager, Business Office
Antonio Mackey, B.A, Information Services Specialist III, Webmaster, Information Technology
Cheryl McKeown, Dual Enrollment Assistant, Admissions
Michelle Mellichamp, B.S., Administrative Coordinator, Dean's Office
Caleb Morrison, B.S., Assistant Business Manager, Director of Purchasing, Business Office
Bridgett Plexico, B.S., Internship Coordinator, Academic and Student Affairs
Tyrie Rowell, B.A., Financial Aid Counselor/Student Services Coordinator, Financial Aid
Haley Sims, B.A., Admissions Counselor, Recruitment, Admissions
Kathy Waiters, A.A., Administrative Specialist, Admissions
Dominique Waller, M.S., Dual Enrollment Coordinator, Admissions

USC Lancaster Faculty

Shemsi Alhaddad, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of North Texas
Marybeth Berry, Associate Professor, Theatre and Speech, M.F.A., Rhode Island College
Albert Blackmon, Instructor, Business, M.B.A., Winthrop University
Adam Biggs, Instructor, History and African American Studies, Ph.D., Harvard University
David Blackwell, Lecturer, Business Law, B.A., Wofford College, J.D., University of South Carolina
Noni Bohonak, Associate Professor, Computer Science, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University
Joshua Bowers, Instructor, English, M.A.T., Winthrop University
Dwayne C. Brown, Instructor, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Christopher Bundrick, Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
W. Brent Burgin, Senior Instructor/Archivist, M.L.I.S., University of South Carolina
Fernanda Burke, Associate Professor, Biology and Chemistry, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Li Cai, Professor, Chemistry, Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Steven Campbell, Associate Professor, Political Science, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Keta S. Carter, Lecturer, Business Education, M.A.T., Winthrop University
Jill Castiglia, Senior Instructor and Lab Manager, Chemistry, M.A., State University of New York, Stoneybrook
Courtney Catledge, Senior Instructor, Director of BS Nursing, D.N.P., University of South Carolina
Mark Coe, Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology, Ph.D., DePaul University
Robert H. Collins, Instructor, Economics, M.A., University of South Carolina
Walter P. Collins, III, Professor, French and English, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Kimberly K. Covington, Senior Instructor, English, M.A., Winthrop University, M.Ed., Bob Jones University
Susan Cruise, Associate Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Texas Woman’s University
Stephen Criswell, Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Louisiana
Arthur J. Currence, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Todd Day, Lecturer, Speech, M.A., University of Albany
Jennifer Domilla-McAvoy, Lecturer, Psychology, M.S., Walden University
Shana Dry, Lecturer, University 101, M.B.A., Winthrop University
Elizabeth Easley, Associate Professor, Exercise Science, Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Stan Emanuel, Senior Instructor, Business Administration, M.B.A., University of South Carolina
Rebecca Freeman, Associate Librarian, M.L.I.S., University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Garane A. Garane, Instructor, French and Italian, Ph.D., University of Iowa
Fran Gardner, Distinguished Professor Emerita, Art, M.F.A., Norwich University
Donna Gillespie, Lecturer, Business Education, M.S., Winthrop University
Annette Golonka, Professor, Biology, Ph.D., Duke University
Greg Griggs, Lecturer, M.A., Anderson University
Melissa McGinnis, Lecturer, Criminal Justice, J.D., University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law
David Helwer, Lecturer, Physical Education, B.F.A., University of Kansas
A. Kate Holland, Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Thomas Holland, Lecturer, Criminal Justice, J.D., University of Arkansas Joseph F. Rice School of Law
Lisa Hammond, Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Alabama
Darris Hassell, Senior Instructor, Spanish, M.A., University of South Carolina
Claudia Heinemann-Priest, Instructor, English, M.A., University of South Carolina, M.L.A., Winthrop University
Jason Holt, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Ernest Jenkins, Associate Professor, History, Ph.D., University of Kansas
Bettie Johnson, Professor, Chemistry, Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology
Denise Jordan, Lecturer, Business Education, M.A.T., Winthrop University
Christopher Judge, Instructor, Anthropology/Public Service Archeology, M.A., University of South Carolina
Howard Kingkade, Professor, Theater, M.F.A., English, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
David Knight, Lecturer, Journalism, M.A.T., University of South Carolina
Luke Knight, Lecturer, Criminal Justice, J.D., Florida Coastal Joseph F. Rice School of Law
Dana E. Lawrence, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., Texas A & M University
Nicholas Lawrence, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., Texas A & M University
Patrick Lawrence, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Todd Lekan, Professor, Philosophy, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
McKenzie Lemhouse, Assistant Librarian, M.L.I.S., University of South Carolina
V. Pernell Lewis, Instructor, Zoology, Ph.D., North Carolina State University
Dianne Mahaffee, Lecturer, Art, M.A.E., Winthrop University
Lynnette Martek, Senior Instructor, Geology, M.S., Emporia State University
Daniel Merle, Lecturer, Business Administration, M.B.A., Ashland University
Tracey Mobley-Chavous, Lecturer, University 101, M.A., Webster University
Erin Moon-Kelly, Lecturer, Music, M.M., Converse College
Angela Neal, Associate Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., University of New Hampshire
Udayamurthy Neelakantan, Microbiology, M.S., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Bruce G. Nims, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, English, Ph.D., University of Florida
Sandra Ovalles, Lecturer, Spanish, M.A., Winthrop University
Allen Pangburn, Senior Instructor, Mathematics, Ed.D., University of South Carolina
Phillip T. Parker, Senior Instructor, Business/Finance, C.P.A., M. of Accountancy, University of South Carolina
Ryan Payne, Lecturer, Criminal Justice, J.D., University of South Carolina
Christy Penegar-Tucker, Lecturer, Physical Education, B.S., Winthrop University
Suzanne Penuel, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Babette Protz, Instructor, Criminal Justice, M.S., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Kim Richardson, Associate Professor, History, Ph.D., Texas Tech University
William F. Riner Jr., Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Exercise Science, Ph.D., University of Illinois
David Roberts, Associate Professor, Philosophy, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
John E. Rutledge, Instructor, Criminal Justice, Ph.D., Capella University
Todd Scarlett, Associate Professor, Zoology, Ph.D., Washington State University
Peter Seipel, Assistant Professor, Philosophy, Ph.D., Fordham University
Sarah Sellhorst, Professor, Exercise Science, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Mike Sherrill, Instructor, Finance, M.B.A., University of South Carolina
Anne H. Small, Lecturer, Physical Education, B.S., University of South Carolina
Nahid Swails, Assistant Professor, Physics, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Suzette Taylor, Instructor, Nursing, M.S.N., Walden University
Brittany Taylor-Driggers, Assistant Professor, Art, MFA, Union Institute and University
Keli L. Thomas, Lecturer, Physical Education, B.S., University of South Carolina
Lauren Thomas, Lecturer, Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, M.P.H., University of South Carolina
Richard Van Hall, Professor, History, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
L. Brooks Walker, Lecturer, Music, Ph.D., Erskine Theological Seminary
Dominique Waller, Lecturer, University 101, M.S., South Carolina State University
Scott Whaley, Lecturer, Psychology, Ph.D., Northcentral University
Tania Wolochwianski, Senior Instructor, Foreign Languages, M.A., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Jerrod H. Yarosh, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University
Andy Yingst, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of North Texas

Carolinian Creed

The community of scholars at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to personal and academic excellence.

Choosing to join the community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior.

As a Carolinian...
I will practice personal and academic integrity;
I will respect the dignity of all persons;
I will respect the rights and property of others;
I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions;
I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions which support their work and development.
Allegiance to these ideals requires each Carolinian to refrain from and discourage behaviors which threaten the freedom and respect every individual deserves.

Programs and Services

To accomplish its mission, USC Lancaster provides the following programs and services and will develop additional programs to serve the growing need for university education in the region:

• at least the first two years of most University of South Carolina baccalaureate programs
• Opportunity Scholars Program for first-generation college students
• the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees and career-oriented associate's degree programs in the fields of business, criminal justice, and nursing
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership offered through the Palmetto College and Bachelor of Science in Nursing offered through the College of Nursing, USC Columbia
• academic advisement, career and personal counseling, an academic success center, and extracurricular activities
• a library collection including a government documents division and services to support academic offerings and to serve the community
• extensive health-fitness programs and recreational offerings at the Gregory Family YMCA
• continuing education and public service through health-related activities, lectures, cultural events, conferences, workshops, short courses, televised instruction, and faculty assistance
• Upward Bound opportunities for area high-school students.

In serving the region, USC Lancaster is also committed to providing a number of special opportunities for students and members of the community.

• For academically gifted and talented students the campus provides academic scholarships, a college honors program, and college-credit courses at selected area high schools.
• For underprepared students who wish to pursue university study, tutoring through the Academic Success Center is provided.

The University of South Carolina Lancaster is dedicated to providing a student-centered university education that will contribute to the enlightenment and productivity of citizens in our region.

Physical Facilities

USC Lancaster’s physical facilities house classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, laboratories, auditoriums, an academic success center, computer labs, extensive athletic facilities, a campus bookstore, a library with online database research capabilities and a government documents collection.

Hubbard Hall

Opened in 1965, Hubbard Hall originally housed the entire campus operation. It is now the home of several administrative offices, a gallery, the computer labs, nursing labs, an art lab, the public relations office, and faculty offices.

Starr Hall

The second building constructed, Starr Hall, the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the Office of Admissions and Records, the Office of Financial Aid, the Business Office, the Office of Counseling and Disability Services, a bookstore and campus shop and the Student Center.

Medford Library

Medford Library houses the print and audiovisual collections of USC Lancaster and has provided space for classrooms, the Academic Success Center, multimedia lab, TRIO Programs, and academic offices.

Gregory Family YMCA

The Gregory Health and Wellness Center provides students access to a state-of-the-art fitness facility. The center contains a gymnasium that can accommodate basketball and volleyball, an indoor walking/jogging track, a 25-meter pool, racquetball/handball courts, and a free-weight room. Also within the center is the Khoury Health Fitness Area, containing Nautilus equipment for resistance training as well as recumbent and upright bikes, elliptical trainers, step trainers, and treadmills for cardiovascular training. The cardiovascular area is equipped with CARDIOTHEATER audio/video service. Exercise physiologists are available to help students establish exercise programs.

Adjacent to the center is the J.P. Richards Recreation Complex, providing tennis courts.

James Bradley Arts and Sciences Building

The James Bradley Arts and Sciences Building, includes a 400-seat auditorium, a banquet/conference area, classrooms, and science and art labs. Several multimedia classrooms are also available in the facility.

Carole Ray Dowling Building

The Carole Ray Dowling Building houses large meeting space, the exercise science lab, and the USC Lancaster Athletics Program administrative offices and workout facilities.

Founders Hall

Open in Fall of 2014, Founders Hall is a LEED an internationally recognized green certification.  Founders Hall houses faculty offices, seminar rooms, classrooms, art studio, and outdoor classroom.

Native American Studies Center

Established in August of 2012, this comprehensive center for the study of South Carolina’s Native American peoples, their histories, and their cultures offers visitors the opportunity to view the single largest collection of Catawba Indian pottery in existence; study primary and secondary texts on Native Americans in the Southeast; participate in educational classes and programs; and observe archaeology, language, and folklore and oral history labs.

Indian Land Location

USC Lancaster’s Indian Land Location is the preeminent provider of non-technical higher education opportunities in the dynamic and growing panhandle region of Lancaster County. The Indian Land Location will serve all students including dual credit and senior citizens in Indian Land and surrounding communities. Likewise, the location hopes to better serve the growing retired population residing in the northern end of Lancaster County. Courses are taught in the Indian Land High School building.

Institutional Services

Various campus offices and centers provide a full range of academic, personal, and recreational opportunities designed to meet the needs of both current and future students.

Medford Library

Medford Library supports the curricular, scholarly, and pedagogical needs of USCL students, faculty, and staff. The library is also open to the public (high-school age and above). The library’s collections are accessible via an online catalog; our resources include print and electronic books, government publications, audio-visual items (CDs and DVDs), and periodicals (newspapers and magazines). We also have technology support items, classroom support items, clinical simulation support items, selected games, and more available for check-out to USCL affiliates via our Library of Things service.

Most library materials circulate for a loan period of three weeks; fines of 25 cents per day per book apply to overdue materials. Reference materials and periodicals may be used only in the library. Library of Things items are loaned for three-hour periods with an overdue fine of $1/hour.  Resources that Medford Library does not own may be requested by USCL students, faculty, or staff through the library's online Interlibrary Loan service (ILL Express!).

Medford Library offers access to over 100 electronic databases, which are provided through the state-wide academic library consortium PASCAL and via DISCUS. Open access portals are also included in our electronic database offerings. Databases can be accessed on-or off-campus with valid USCL credentials. Other services provided by Medford Library include:

• Course Reserves
• Research Consultations
• Information Literacy Instruction
• Lancer Scholar Square (online repository of USCL affiliates’ scholarship and research)
• Community User borrowing services
• PASCAL Delivers (book delivery service)
• Scanning (to USCL affiliates only)
• Community User computer stations

Copier, printing, and faxing services are also available for a nominal fee.

Medford Library offers several spaces that promote campus/community engagement and study:

• Five group study rooms
• Conference room with large-screen monitor and mobile device-enabled ports
• Computer lab
• Quiet reading room
• Individual study carrels
• Personal study seating
• Group study spaces
• Quiet study zone
• Comfortable seating

Medford Library hosts programs and events throughout the year, from themed exhibits and film screenings to makerspaces and more. Check the library’s website for program calendars or follow the library’s social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook (@usclmedford)
For more information about Medford Library, visit us on campus or on-line.

Student Center

Located in Starr Hall, the student lounge provides a comfortable setting for relaxation between classes. Vending machine products are available. Firestick TV, and recreational games provide diversion and friendly competition.

The Student Government Office

Located in Starr Hall, the Student Government Association’s (SGA) elected and appointed members meet on a regular basis to discuss student issues. SGA members also serve on a number of University committees.

Follett Bookstore

In addition to offering new and used textbooks, the USCL Campus Shop provides many other services. Gamecock and USC Lancaster shirts, jerseys, jackets, decals, school supplies, and many other items are available. Dissecting kits, laboratory aprons, and other academic items are offered along with a wide array of gift items in all price ranges.

Counseling and Career Services

Counselors at USC Lancaster provide academic, career, and personal counseling. A variety of services are offered:

• assessment of and response to student needs
• evaluation and selection of academic program(s)
• evaluation and selection of career(s)
• evaluation of and response to academic and personal concerns
• computerized assessment of interests, personality, values.
• computerized career information
• confidential and individualized appointments.
• assessment of and response to academic needs of students with disabilities

Internship Coordinator

Assists faculty and students in discovering, initiating, and implementing internships for academic credit or without academic credit.

Corporate Partnership and Engagement

This director serves as liaison between the campus and the corporate, business, and industry sector of our region for consultations, professional development, and information/idea exchange.

Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) operates under the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Any student who prefers to be registered as a student with a disability must be registered with the Office of Disability Services. Disability status is not retroactive; therefore the University does not recognize an individual as someone with a disability during a time period in which he/she was not registered with the Office of Disability Services. Because disability status is not retroactive, it is important for any disabled student who prefers to register as a student with a disability to register for these services prior to his/her first semester of attendance. Required documentation is necessary for registration and accommodations, and the timeliness of registration is dependent upon the speed at which Disability Services is provided with the required documentation. Students can only register with disability services after they are admitted to the University.

The Office of Disability Services will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities; however, registration as a student with a disability does not automatically guarantee accommodations. Accommodations are approved with appropriate documentation on a case by case basis.

In order to register as a student with a disability and apply for accommodations, students must first complete the “USC Lancaster Disability Services Office Request for Services” form. Students must also provide documentation of their disability to the Office of Disability Services. Documentation requirements are specific to the disability, but in general documentation must be from a physician, licensed psychologist, or other person(s) licensed to make the appropriate diagnosis. Guidelines for documentation are provided by the ODS. These guidelines are used to determine whether a student is eligible to register as a student with a disability and also to determine what accommodations, if any, will be made based on the disability and its impact on the student’s major life functions. Documentation requirements, as well as the Online Disability Services Request for Services form, can be accessed at the Disability Services page on USC Lancaster’s website. In order to ensure that you obtain the specific documentation required, the Office of Disability Services recommends that you print the online guidelines and present them to the qualified professional providing your documentation. Students who have accessibility concerns with the online registration links should contact the Office of Disability Services at 313-7448 or visit Starr Hall 125a for assistance. Students may also e-mail the office at lancods@mailbox.sc.edu.

For a complete list of policies regarding disability services at USC Lancaster, you may refer to the Disability Services website.

Laboratories

Science and engineering majors will find the latest equipment at the Lancaster campus. The campus has well-equipped astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics labs. Equipment includes a double beam recording U.V.-visible spectrophotometer, dual column gas chromatograph, Columa chromatography apparatus with fraction collector, double-beam infrared spectro photometer, preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, analytical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, cellulose acetate strip electrophoresis, high-pressure liquid chromatography apparatus, fluorimeter, Warburg respirometer, polarimeter, refrigerated superspeed centrifuge polarimeter, refractometer, freeze drying apparatus, sonic dismembrator, Orion ion meter, Wild M-20 research microscope (equipped for bright field, dark field, phase contrast, immuno fluorescence, and photomicrography), helium-neon gas laser, 10-inch Newtonian reflecting telescope, Millikan oil droplet apparatus, and E/M apparatus. General chemistry labs are taught using the Vernier Lab Pro and TI 83-plus calculators.

Academic Centers

The Academic Success Center offers special tutoring and self-study services in a number of disciplines for all students who wish to improve their academic performance. Computer facilities are available for USC Lancaster students outside of regular class meetings. Writing assistants in the Writing Center are available to help students with their papers.

Special Opportunities

Evening Program

For the benefit of those whose schedules make morning attendance impossible or impractical, USC Lancaster offers numerous courses in the late afternoon and evening. Some 16-week courses are offered in those academic areas where skill development requires substantial time and practice. All other courses are offered as part of the two eight-week sessions offered every semester. Most eight-week classes run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. or from 8:15 to 10:45 p.m. two evenings a week. Sixteen-week evening classes follow the same format as day sections.

Off-Campus Classes

USC Lancaster High School Dual Enrollment Program offers two dual-credit programs taught on-site in high schools. The first is a cooperative effort between USC Lancaster professors and high school teachers to offer courses which are customized for each school with rigorous emphasis on quality control. In the second program, faculty members travel from the Lancaster campus or may come from the communities where the courses are taught to deliver the course. These programs are based on instructor availability and are conducted in strict compliance with USC guidelines.

Learning

The Office of Distributed Learning coordinates for various academic units courses offered with the assistance of technology. Courses are offered each fall, spring, and summer semester. Information about course offerings is available at www.sc.edu/uis/de. Students interested in courses offered through distance education must be admitted through undergraduate admissions or The Graduate School of the University. All courses meet the same University standards of prerequisites, sequence, etc., that are required in residence work and are subject to the same academic regulations. For further information, contact the Office of Distributed Learning, 1716 College Street, 803-777-7210, fax, 803-777-6264.

University 101

University 101 is a three-hour seminar course, open for credit only to freshmen and to other undergraduate students in their first semester at USC Columbia (i.e., transfer students). This course provides an introduction to the nature and importance of university education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the University.

The course helps new students adjust to the University, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills. It also provides students a support group in a critical year by examining problems common to the new-student experience. Extensive reading and writing assignments relevant to the student’s college experience are required.

Organized in small groups of 20-25 students, University 101 is taught by faculty members and administrative personnel who have a special interest in working with new students. The course may be taken as part of a student’s regular load or as an overload. Course credit is awarded on a letter-grade basis. Credit is applicable as elective credit toward almost all baccalaureate degrees offered by the University.

Baccalaureate Degree Course Work

The Lancaster campus of the University of South Carolina offers courses that may be applied toward baccalaureate degrees offered by other institutions. Students may choose from a number of major fields of study. For a complete list of academic programs offered at USC Lancaster, see “Academic Program”. Students can also complete the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (through Palmetto Programs, USC Columbia) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (through a partnership with the College of Nursing, USC Columbia).

The University of South Carolina provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The University of South Carolina has designated as the ADA Title II, Section 504 and Title IX coordinator the Executive Assistant to the President for Equal Opportunity Programs. The Office of the Executive Assistant to the President for Equal Opportunity Programs is located in:

Suite 805
1600 Hampton Street
Columbia, South Carolina
telephone 803-777-3854