The University of South Carolina is home to more than 200 years of history and tradition, rising from a single building in 1805 on what would become the heart of the campus, the Horseshoe. The 11 buildings that now make up the Horseshoe frame a lush lawn that is an irresistible gathering place.The University is expanding west toward the Congaree River in support of its research initiatives in nanotechnology, health sciences, Future Fuels,,, the environment, and information and knowledge technologies. Three separate sites, each specializing in its own research area, will comprise this new innovation district, called Innovista. It will initially cover 500,000 square feet spread over about six city blocks but is projected to grow to five million square feet, mixing University and private research buildings, parking garages, and commercial and residential units around a public plaza called Foundation Square. By creating space for residences, retail, restaurants, and recreation that will complement the research, Innovista will be a place to live, learn, and work.Joining the flagship campus in Columbia, are its senior campuses in Aiken, Beaufort, and Upstate (Spartanburg-Greenville). Four regional campuses—Lancaster, Sumter, Salkehatchie (Allendale and Walterboro), and Union—help USC cover the state.In addition, the University of South Carolina's:* Columbia campus has more than 350 degree programs through its 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. * Students have been awarded more than $9.9 million for national scholarships and fellowships since 1994. * Faculty generated $173.3 million in funding for research, outreach, and training programs in fiscal year 2005-2006.Mission statementUSC's mission is threefold: the education of the state's diverse citizens through teaching, research and creative activity, and service.Campuses: 8 Enrollment: more than 40,293 (all campuses, 2006) Faculty: approximately 1,957 (full-time, all campuses, 2006) Degrees Awarded: 7,667 (all campuses, 2005-2006 fiscal year) Alumni: more than 236,000 living alumni USC ColumbiaLocation: Columbia, South Carolina Organization: 14 degree-granting colleges and schools Degree Programs: more than 350 Enrollment: more than 27,390 (Columbia campus, fall 2006) Faculty: approximately 1,621 (full-time, Columbia) Degrees Awarded: 5,946 (Columbia, 2005-2006 fiscal year) S.C. Resident Undergraduate Tuition: Approximately $8,346 (2007-08 academic year) Nonresident Undergraduate Tuition: Approximately $21,632 (2007-08 academic year) Endowment: $385.3 million (June 2006) Research Support: $185.2 million (September 2007) Athletic Nickname: Gamecocks School Colors: Garnet and Black Alma Mater: We Hail Thee CarolinaFight Song: The Fighting Gamecocks Lead the Way