The University of South Carolina’s board of trustees approved new academic initiatives, renovation projects and contracts in a meeting on Friday.
The university has plans for new degrees, research centers and developments to maintain the capacity and quality of campus facilities to improve student experience, said university President Michael Amiridis.
"We need to have the facilities that (students) want, and they are looking for," Amiridis said. "And we need to have the facilities that will keep us at the same level with all of our competitors."
Academic initiatives
The board approved a new Master of Science program in performance nutrition and dietetics. Graduates will learn all aspects of dietetics practice, including performance nutrition. The students will also become registered dietitian nutritionists, said Provost Donna Arnett.
A new interprofessional programs unit is coming to the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. It will house interprofessional and interdisciplinary engineering programs, such as the master's in technology innovation and entrepreneurial engineering, the master's in engineering management and the new Bachelor's of Science in industrial engineering.
The board approved the USC Collaborative for Health Equity Research, a network of USC faculty, staff and students focused on research and innovation. It aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the South Carolina residents, Arnett said.
The board also approved the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation, for which the university received $10.2 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration in July. It will be directed by William Mustain, a professor and associate dean for research in the college.
Renovation projects
The board approved USC Next, a new master plan which will develop and create new facilities on campus. The plan includes a redevelopment of McBryde residence hall, completion of a new wing at the Honors College residence hall and renovations of Thomas Cooper Library and the East Tower of the Science and Technology Building.
Proposed changes to the interior of Thomas Cooper Library involve reducing shelving heights and improving the connection of study spaces to surrounding terraces. Other renovations include a new HVAC system and the addition of more study rooms.
Renovations to The Science and Technology will also aim to provide four instructional labs, nine faculty offices, 16 class rooms and more spaces for studying and meetings in the East Tower.
The addition of a new wing to the Honors College residence hall will provide housing for 150 more students.
The board also approved funding for renovations to the Benson School and phase two of the Jones Physical Science Center, which includes renovations for third-floor instructional and research labs.