Work continues on a massive new student housing project at the University of South Carolina as well as other projects.
The university's board of trustees advanced several of the projects and initiatives during its meeting on June 9.
The board reviewed ongoing updates on construction of the Campus Village residential housing development. Located on the south side of the Columbia campus near the Athletics village, Campus Village will house 1,800 students in four new buildings this fall. The $240 million project is the largest construction project in the university’s history. Work currently underway includes landscaping and additional finishing to the buildings’ exteriors and interiors. A grand opening event is planned for mid-August.
Trustees also gave final approval of continuing renovations to the Science and Technology building at the corner of Main and Devine streets. The building features state-of-the-art classroom and lab space. The renovations will upfit 50,000 square feet on the building’s east side for use as classroom space, new laboratories and office and workspaces.
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The board also approved four new certificate undergraduate programs for the USC Aiken campus, including cloud computing and security, cybersecurity and network security and IT for fall 2023, and cybersecurity for fall 2024. The interdisciplinary certificate programs will help supplement students’ degree programs, giving them the opportunity to gain in-demand digital skills, according to university officials.
“By continuing to offer innovative curricula and expand modern living and learning spaces, the University of South Carolina is focused on meeting the needs of current students while planning for the future,” said board chairman Thad Westbrook.