RECALLED

March 10, 2020

H. 5344

S. Printed 3/10/20--S.    [SEC 3/11/20 11:26 AM]

Read the first time March 4, 2020.

TO RECOGNIZE APRIL 6 THROUGH 10, 2020, AS "INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WEEK" AND APRIL 8, 2020 AS "INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES DAY."

Whereas, South Carolina Independent College and Universities (SCICU) has represented independent private institutions of higher education for sixty-seven years; and

Whereas, SCICU's twenty member institutions across South Carolina serve more than thirty-three thousand students, of whom seventy percent are South Carolina residents; and

Whereas, undergraduate students at SCICU member institutions account for twenty-three percent of all undergraduates; and

Whereas, the independent colleges and universities of SCICU provide access to higher education and the opportunity for a better life as evidenced by half of the SCICU students demonstrating great enough economic need to qualify for federal Pell Grants; and

Whereas, minority students comprise forty-six percent of undergraduate enrollment at SCICU institutions; and

Whereas, independent colleges and universities in the Palmetto State share a common commitment to promoting critical thinking and creativity by preparing their students to be engaged citizens; and

Whereas, graduates of independent colleges and universities serve in positions of leadership throughout South Carolina, helping to secure the brightest future for our State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize April 6 through 10, 2020, as "Independent Colleges and Universities Week" and April 8, 2020, as "Independent Colleges and Universities Day."

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.