1. (A)

   1. (1) The General Assembly has determined that the mission for higher education in South Carolina is to be a global leader in providing a coordinated, comprehensive system of excellence in education by providing instruction, research, and life-long learning opportunities which are focused on economic development and benefit the State of South Carolina.

   2. (2) The goals to be achieved through this mission are:

      1. (a) high academic quality;
      2. (b) affordable and accessible education;
      3. (c) instructional excellence;
      4. (d) coordination and cooperation with public education;
      5. (e) cooperation among the General Assembly, Commission on Higher Education, Council of Presidents of State Institutions, institutions of higher learning, and the business community;
      6. (f) economic growth;
      7. (g) clearly defined missions.

2. (B) The General Assembly has determined that the primary mission or focus for each type of institution of higher learning or other post-secondary school in this State is as follows:

   1. (1) Research institutions

      1. (a) college-level baccalaureate education, master's, professional, and doctor of philosophy degrees which lead to continued education or employment;
      2. (b) research through the use of government, corporate, nonprofit-organization grants, or state resources, or both;
      3. (c) public service to the State and the local community;

   2. (2) Four-year colleges and universities

      1. (a) college-level baccalaureate education and selected master's degrees which lead to employment or continued education, or both, except for doctoral degrees currently being offered;
      2. (b) limited and specialized research;
      3. (c) public service to the State and the local community;

   3. (3) Two-year institutions - branches of the University of South Carolina

      1. (a) college-level pre-baccalaureate education necessary to confer associates' degrees which lead to continued education at a four-year or research institution;
      2. (b) public service to the State and the local community;

   4. (4) State technical and comprehensive education system

      1. (a) all post-secondary vocational, technical, and occupational diploma and associate degree programs leading directly to employment or maintenance of employment and associate degree programs which enable students to gain access to other post-secondary education;
      2. (b) up-to-date and appropriate occupational and technical training for adults;
      3. (c) special school programs that provide training for prospective employees for prospective and existing industry in order to enhance the economic development of South Carolina;
      4. (d) public service to the State and the local community;
      5. (e) continue to remain technical, vocational, or occupational colleges with a mission as stated in item (4) and primarily focused on technical education and the economic development of the State.

HISTORY: 1996 Act No. 359, Section 2.