Office of Academic Assessment

To provide overall vision in the planning, resource development, resource allocation and program evaluation of the University of South Carolina Aiken.

The Division of Enrollment Services and Institutional Planning attracts qualified undergraduate students and promotes their retention in pursuit of educational and professional goals. Delivering timely, beneficial, and accurate services to all
constituents is integral to the ongoing success of USCA and those it serves.

The mission of the Office of Academic Assessment is to coordinate and implement an overall academic assessment program for the University, in keeping with USCA’s overall mission statement, including the assessment of general education and assessment in the
academic disciplines. To this end, the office seeks to achieve the following goals, to:

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions strives to facilitate the recruitment and admissions process of prospective students, administers residency policies, and coordinates international student and NCAA admissions compliance.

The primary purpose of the Office of Advisement Services is to assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans compatible with their life goals. The Office of Advisement Services coordinates advisement for the entire campus, which includes thirteen academic units. The mission of the Office of Advisement Services is accomplished through a collaborative effort of the advisor and the student. Recognizing that the ultimate responsibility of making decisions about life goals and educational plans rests with the individual student, the office personnel and faculty advisor assist by helping to identify and
assess alternatives. Together, the office personnel and the advisor provide guidance to the student in developing and completing an acceptable program of study leading to a degree. The Office of Advisement Services also coordinates placement testing and works with students who are interested in changing their major, uncertain about their major, or wish to explore different majors.

The mission of the Career Services Office is to assist all USCA students with their career-related concerns -- choosing a college major, choosing a career, career planning, experiential learning and job search. Realizing that career planning is a lifelong process, our objective is to teach effective self-assessment and skill development that will aid students and alumni in their pursuit of career goals. The office advises students to get involved early in career planning and assists them with taking charge of their career future through self-empowerment. It is the goal of Career Services to work in partnership with faculty, staff and the community towards student development. Another component of the office’s mission is the posting of on-campus student employment positions and the campus-wide segment of student employment training. Along with providing quality services, as a member of the Enrollment Services Division, Career Services strives to assist with the attraction and retention of all students.

Mission
The Office of Cooperative Education, Campus Security and Safety and Campus Risk Management strives to offer qualified students full or part-time employment during their college experience that is relevant to their declared academic major; provides administrative supervision to the USCA Public Safety Department which maintains a safe and secure campus for students, employees and visitors; and serves as the campus coordination point for the protection of USCA resources in both people and property and endeavors to manage any exposure that these assets have to loss.

The general purpose of the USC Aiken Financial Aid Office is to help students and parents meet their educational expenses at the University of South Carolina Aiken. Financial assistance is awarded in the areas of scholarships, grants, loans, employment, or a combination of these programs. The primary responsibility for financing post-secondary education rests with the student and family; however, the Financial Aid Office is available to assist applicants in obtaining financial aid to bridge the gap between the educational cost and what the student and family are reasonably expected to contribute. Our office is committed to timely delivery of financial aid proceeds in accordance with all federal, state and institutional regulations. The financial aid staff develops aid packages that are parallel with the institution’s recruitment and retention efforts. In the development of an awarding philosophy for need based aid, we identify students with the greatest need and earliest application received date and seek to award students the best financial aid package possible, consisting of a combination of grants, loans, and work programs. In the awarding of merit-based scholarships, we seek to serve qualified applicants in a manner that enhances student retention and also attracts the caliber of student to USC Aiken that will support the University’s mission. The financial aid staff constantly seeks input from other University offices to insure that our unit goals support the University as a whole.

The overarching charge of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at USCA is to provide internal and external constituencies with an accurate and complete understanding of how the institution is advancing its mission to “challenge students to acquire and develop the skills, knowledge and values necessary for success in a dynamic global environment.”

To meet this challenge, the IE Office uses a multifaceted and dynamic approach that integrates the collection and analysis of institutional data with the coordination of the assessment of student learning outcomes from academic units, general education, and co-curricular programs in an ongoing effort to improve programs and services throughout the university. The IE Office disseminates assessment results and institutional data to support institutional planning and decision-making as well as advancing quality and innovation in the teaching and learning process, co-curricular programs, and other administrative units.

Computer Services' mission is to assist USCA faculty, staff and students in meeting their academic and administrative computing needs and coordinate USCA 's telecommunications services.

The Instructional Services Center's mission is to provide the faculty, staff, and students with effective audio/visual/communications services, including delivery and pick-up in all USC -A buildings and media materials production in support of classroom instruction to meet educational requirements. We also provide and maintain telecommunications / satellite transmission services campus-wide in support of Distance Education and assistance with audio-visual services to outside organizations using

The Gregg-Graniteville Library of the University of South Carolina Aiken strives to provide the academic community with the information required for intellectual, professional, and personal development. The Library also strives to serve as an information resource for the University's geographical service area.

The mission of the Office of External Affairs is to promote an accurate and positive image of the University of South Carolina Aiken and provide a service to the University community in the area of public relations.

The Office of Continuing Education serves the local community by providing a variety of non-credit courses and programs, including personal as well as professional development, for all age groups.

The conference Center, Special Events, and Campus Scheduling Office seeks to serve the internal and external communities by providing expertise and assistance in all areas of event planning and scheduling on the USCA campus.

The Graduate Office Coordinates the offering of graduate courses on the USC Aiken campus through the Graduate Regional Studies program, other USC Columbia graduate programs and the USC Aiken masters degree program.

The Evening Program Office provides evening students and faculty at USC Aiken with services required for instruction after normal office hours. The office also informs the Academic Council about evening course activities, and advises the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs on issues related to the USCA Evening Program.

The Business and Finance Division will support the mission of USCA by providing the most efficient level of quality, personalized service to all constituents. The division is committed to continuous improvement while working within the appropriate federal, state and University system regulations.

The mission of Campus Support Services is to provide USCA’s campus community with prompt and efficient service in the areas of purchasing, receiving, delivery, inventory control, surplus property management and mail services. While adhering to all federal, state and University guidelines and, in keeping to the overall mission statement of the University, Campus Support Services will obtain the best value for the campus community in the areas of copying, supplies and vending through effective contract administration.

The Etherredge Center, the visual and performing arts center for USC Aiken strives to support the University's primary missions of teaching, research and public service in a cost-effective and customer-services oriented manner with a commitment to excellence. Our goal is to present a variety of programs and art exhibits that appeal to the different interests of the University and the Community, and to provide accommodations and support services for Community and University events.

The Human Resources Department serves faculty, staff and student employees in the establishment and administration of wage and salary programs, fringe benefit plans, educational programs, which encourage individual development, recruitment and retention of a qualified diverse employee population. Advice and counsel on human resource issues are provided to management and employees of USCA. We provide processing of appropriate paperwork in all human resource areas, informed responses to inquiries and information relative to changes in benefits, USCA and system policies and processes and mandated programs and policies. These services are provided for 310 permanent faculty and staff, 85 (per semester) temporary faculty and staff and 455 students positions. The appointments and payroll for Maymester and two summer sessions are handled separately.

The mission of the Finance Office is to provide and maintain accurate and timely accounting services for USCA. Our focus is the expenditure of funds to achieve our institutional mission.

The mission of The USCA Bookstore is to provide a competitive source for purchases of course materials and other services and merchandise related to campus life while fostering, enhancing, and supporting the academic and administrative goals of the University of South Carolina Aiken.

University of South Carolina - Aiken Campus dining's mission is to maintain its unique partnership with the Aiken community. Campus dining strives to provide high quality products and excellent service to USC - Aiken students, administration, faculty, staff, visitors, local merchants, and residents.

The Office of Development and Alumni Affairs has a two-fold mission. The office seeks to maintain lifelong relationship among the University, its alumni, and the community, and raises money from private, corporate and governmental sources in order to enhance University revenue and further the mission of USCA.

The Student Life and Services Division is an integral educational and administrative component of the University of South Carolina Aiken which supports the overall mission of the University by enhancing the cognitive, ethical, emotional, occupational, physical and social development of students while adhering to the legal and ethical standards of our professions. The Division provides activities, programs and services to address the changing needs of students, staff, faculty and the community.

The Student Life and Services Division at USCA seeks to create an environment which encourages students to broaden their perspective, develop their talents and interests, take responsibility for their actions, and prepare for meaningful careers. The Division's programs are designed to meet the needs of students throughout their contact with USCA. Special attention is given to the developmental needs of students during transitional periods. The holistic development of informed, responsible, productive citizens is the focus of these efforts.

The central purposes of the programs and services offered by the Division are: 1) to provide equitable opportunities and support for the matriculation and retention of students; 2) to increase the probability of student success while supporting the academic mission of the University; 3) to encourage students to become involved in meaningful athletic, intellectual, leadership, recreational, and social pursuits; 4) to foster a sense of pride an "esprit de corps" among the University family, alumni, and community; and 5) to provide a safe and secure campus environment. These aims are pursued within the framework of applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

The Division's staff members strive to be accessible, flexible, and timely in dealing with constituents while maintaining high professional and ethical standards. Staff members are devoted to the success of students and serve as teachers, role models, mentors, and advocates for them. The Division's effectiveness is enhanced through staff members' participation in campus governance and activities, community involvement, and professional organizations.

The mission of the Counseling Center is to promote human development and maximize students' problem-solving and decision-making skills so that students can make healthier and more effective life choices in their efforts to accomplish personal and academic goals. In conjunction with this mission, the Counseling Center seeks to interact with the University community in such a manner as to make the University environment as beneficial to the emotional and intellectual development of students as possible.

The Counseling Center provides individual and/or group services related to the areas of study skills development and life planning and personal problems, including such concerns as difficulty adjusting to college demands, stress management, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, relationships difficulties and alcohol or other drug problems. The scope of services also includes crisis intervention, consultation and outreach services.

These services are provided by one fulltime counselor who also serves as Director of the Counseling center, four part-time undergraduate peer educators, and two graduate assistants.

The mission of Disability Services (DS) is to facilitate the transition of students with disabilities to the University environment, and act to provide appropriate accommodations for each student's special needs in order to insure equal access to all programs, activities, and services at USCA.

Services are designed to enhance opportunity for academic progress and development for students with disabilities. Primary services include coordination of the following: classroom accommodations, alternative testing, priority registration, orientation to campus, and referral to other on and off campus services as appropriate (e.g. Career Services, Tutoring, Vocational Rehabilitation, etc.). Services usually necessitate communication with each student's professor and verifying documentation, including psychological testing when necessary. In addition, technological assistance is arranged on an as needed basis.

There is a great deal of variability in the services that are coordinated for each student who is served in the DS office. The services that a given student requires are dictated by the type of disability that the student experiences, the degree of functional limitation that the condition causes for the student, and the course load that the student carries each semester.

The Disability Services functions are performed by a 30-hour per week Disability Services Coordinator. In addition, several federal work-study students provide assistance with test proctoring and other tasks related to approved accommodations.

The Office of Housing and Residence Life’s mission is to provide comfortable, affordable, and well-maintained housing, along with opportunities for learning and involvement. In doing so, we strive to enhance each resident student’s experience by actively engaging them in a community that values learning, personal growth and development.

We in the Office of Housing and Residence Life strive to carry out this mission and support the overall mission of the University by maintaining an environment where students can broaden their perspectives, take responsibility for their actions, and develop meaningful connections with fellow students and staff members.

The primary mission of the Office of Student Activities is to identify and effectively address the social, developmental, and recreational needs of students at the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior levels of the institution through leadershipo and citizenship training programs, quality entertainment, community volunteerism, educational programming, and intramural and recreational activities for a diverse student body with a broad set of interests.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Community Services at USCA seeks to foster a warm and welcoming environment to minority students; to provide support services to minority students based on individual and group needs; to educate the campus community about the culture, issues, needs, and concerns of minority students; to encourage minority students to develop personal and leadership skills; to encourage minority students to become well-rounded students by participating in programs and utilizing all the services of the university; and to promote an appreciation of diversity a USCA be recognizing the contributions of diverse campus populations and creating forums to engage in dialogue about the various issues related to diversity. In addition, the department promotes community service activities and provides resources to individuals and student organizations desiring to do service in the local community.

The USC Aiken Department of Athletics is a member of the Student Life and Services Division. As an integral part of the total educational process, athletics fosters pride in the University among the students, faculty/staff, alumni, and friends. It also builds support for the institution throughout the community, region, state, and nation.

Athletics attempts to support the total University community by recruiting and retaining quality full-time student-athletes; by enhancing the visibility and positive image of the University through the various media sources; by creating an “esprit de corps” among our supporters; and by providing another fund raising entity.

The NCAA Eligibility, Compliance, and Academic Enhancement Office was created when USC Aiken became a member of the NCAA. Along with membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) came large numbers of rules and regulations to be followed and appropriately documented. While the office has a close working relationship with the Athletic Department, it is a department unto itself, which reports to the Associate Chancellor for Student Life and Services. As a member of the Student Life and Services Division, the office is dedicated to enhancing the educational and developmental experiences of our student-athletes. The NCAA Eligibility, Compliance, and Academic Enhancement Office provides assistance to various campus offices in determining compliance with the letter and spirit of NCAA and Peach Belt Conference (PBC) rules and regulations, while maintaining the integrity of the term "student-athlete".

The mission of the USCA Children's Center includes providing high quality child care, working with parents, training students and engaging in research. The USCA Children's Center works together as a team to provide an environment for service, teaching, and research.

The Office of International Programs coordinates programs and services that promote international awareness among students and faculty, and addresses contributions and concerns of international students.

The Office provides information to students on study abroad, work abroad and volunteer abroad opportunities. It is the goal of the Office of International Programs to work closely with faculty and staff on developing new study abroad programs for students and to assist faculty with research/teaching projects abroad.

The Office of International Programs provides services to international students on campus. Services include providing information to prospective international students, assisting international students with academic and social issues, and advising on INS regulations. We work closely with student and community organizations to insure that international students are well-adjusted and successful on campus.

The USCA Office of International Programs has as its mission the provision of a global perspective by advancing knowledge and appreciation of the broader world and its cultures. This is accomplished by brining the world to USCA via campus lectures, panel discussions, an International Festival, other cultural events, and through internationalizing the curriculum when appropriate.

The Public Safety Department seeks to establish and maintain a safe, secure environment for the faculty, staff, students and visitors of USCA. Additionally, Public Safety is responsible for the design, procurement and distribution of all parking permits, as well as ensuring compliance with the South Carolina Fleet Safety Program.

The mission of the Office of Grant Support Services is to assist and facilitate sponsored program activity at USC Aiken.

The Office helps identify external funding sources, helps develop new sources, assists individuals in grant budget planning and provides advice and review of grant proposals as requested.

To provide excellent facilities for students, faculty, staff and special event groups by maintaining the existing facilities and grounds, providing transportation and special event support services, coordinating Hazardous Waste Management and OSHA compliance with USC Columbia Health and Safety staff, and actively participating in the planning for and construction of new or improved facilities and the renovation or modification of existing facilities, while striving for continuous improvement in the delivery of those services.