University of South Carolina- Upstate

The panel discussed aligning education and workforce systems to meet employers' labor needs and continue record growth in South Carolina. Key topics included statewide strategy, policy alignment, and progress updates, with a focus on employer involvement. Panelists introduced themselves, their organizations, and their responsibilities in supporting workforce and employer engagements. Discussions covered the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development (CCWD), its strategic objectives, and the unified state plan for workforce development, emphasizing increased skills, awareness of career opportunities, and mitigating obstacles. The importance of collaborative data sharing and supply gap analyses were also highlighted.

The University of South Carolina Upstate's strategic priorities focus on providing rigorous, career-relevant, and accessible education; enhancing the quality of life in Upstate South Carolina; and being the university of choice for faculty, staff, students, and the community. The institution's mission is to transform the lives of its diverse students, families, and communities, advancing social and economic mobility and promoting global perspectives. Core values include prioritizing people, integrity, access, stewardship, continuous improvement, and community connection.

This strategic plan for the University of South Carolina Upstate Police Department outlines priorities and a vision for 2021-2024. It focuses on maximizing resources for effective public safety services, enhancing community trust and accountability, enforcing laws and reducing crime, and improving severe weather response. Key internal goals include providing relevant and effective training for sworn officers, mental health training, opioid abuse response, and cross-training, all aimed at enhancing safety, security, and quality of life for the university community.

This University Day address outlines the progress and strategic direction of USC Upstate, focusing on its strategic plan developed over two years. The plan is built upon three core priorities: providing rigorous, career-relevant, and accessible education; enhancing the quality of life in the Upstate of South Carolina; and establishing the university as a preferred choice for faculty, staff, students, and the community. Key initiatives include securing new resources, recruiting talent, developing innovative academic programs, expanding experiential learning through programs like Upstate GROW, fostering community engagement, and cultivating an inclusive campus environment. The plan aims to create transformative opportunities, reflected in the university's improved ranking in the social mobility index.

This document outlines USC Upstate's legislative priorities for 2026, emphasizing its significant economic impact and high alumni retention within South Carolina. The priorities include securing substantial funding for key infrastructure projects such as a convocation center, an engineering and computer science building expansion, and a nursing and health sciences building. Additionally, the plan seeks investment for a new regional hospitality program, critical maintenance and renovations, tuition mitigation, and program support for engineering and computer science to address the state's workforce needs.