The University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees met Friday (Sept. 26) and designated a new center for autism research, approved a systemwide state budget request and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to adopting AI responsibly.
USC officially designates center for autism research
USC is officially designating a new center for autism research. The new Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research Center is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability, ADHD, fragile X and Down syndrome. Founded in 2019 with an initial $4.8 million investment from the Provost’s Excellence Initiative, CAN has grown into a nationally recognized hub for research, training, and community engagement.
Since its launch, the center has secured more than $80 million in external funding fueling scientific discovery, student training and community impact. Currently, more than 35 faculty members at USC are engaged in autism and neurodevelopment research across the Columbia campus. More than 550 undergraduates, 240 graduate students, and 42 postdoctoral fellows have trained in CAN labs.
Led by Jane Roberts, a Carolina Distinguished Professor of psychology, CAN emphasizes partnership with families and communities. Through its research registry and programs such as AutismConnect and the Community Advisory Board, USC brings together families, professionals, and researchers to share knowledge and ensure research priorities align with real-world needs.
“The designation of this center recognizes USC’s leadership role in the study of autism and related conditions,” said USC President Michael Amiridis. “Our faculty are on the forefront of new discoveries that help individuals lead fulfilling and productive lives while connecting families with needed support and resources.”
Board adopts AI statement of principles
The Board of Trustees formally adopted the below statement of principles regarding use of AI for education and university operations. Beginning in August, USC Columbia became the first public institution in the state, and among the first in the country, to give free AI access to all students, faculty and staff. USC’s partnership with ChatGPT upholds strict privacy standards to safeguard data, including academic records and proprietary research.
“As a leading institution of higher education, the University of South Carolina has both the privilege and the responsibility to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) for the public good. We will do so by adopting new tools and strategies that harness the power and promise of AI while ensuring its use is grounded in preparing our students for the future and benefitting the greater communities we serve.
To that end, USC strives to be a national leader in discovering novel AI applications that advance teaching, learning and research while making university operations more efficient and effective. USC will approach this technological frontier with a spirit of resolve, seizing on opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, USC will follow the highest ethical standards for AI adoption. That includes protecting the privacy and intellectual property of our community of users while ensuring the preservation of academic integrity in the classroom.”
Proposed 2026-27 budget requested focused on continued affordability
The Board approved a state budget request for fiscal year 2026-27 that prioritizes keeping tuition affordable for students across the eight-campus system while positioning them for future career success. The proposal will be submitted for formal consideration by state officials as part of the annual budget process.
Highlights of the request include:
- $28 million in tuition mitigation for the Columbia campus. Thanks to strong public support, tuition at USC has remained the same for in-state students for seven straight years — an effective tuition reduction when accounting for general inflation.
- $9 million for expanding the number of medical school students training at the Schools of Medicine in Columbia and Greenville. The expansion will help meet the state’s growing population’s need for physicians and other medical professionals.
- $25.2 million for the planned neurological hospital and rehabilitation center at the BullStreet District. The first-of-its-kind facility will treat patients with complex neurological conditions and these funds would support the recruitment of a world-class medical team and support staff as well as initial operating costs.
- $2.5 million for the program providing students with internships at South Carolina businesses. Since launching in 2023, about 1,000 students have participated in internships in 320 South Carolina-based businesses. The program strengthens the talent pipeline for South Carolina employers and creates real career pathways for USC students in communities across the state.
- $4 million to support the development of the new Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. Launched this fall, the Center seeks to advance civic education, constructive dialogue, and leadership development at the Columbia campus and beyond.
“These requests recognize the importance of keeping college tuition affordable while also making long-term investments that support innovation and create a healthier and more vibrant South Carolina for all residents,” said Board Chairman Thad Westbrook.