Support SCICU with a Contribution

SC Independent Colleges & Universities (SCICU) was established in 1953 to promote the cause of independent higher education in South Carolina. SCICU seeks to advance higher education through fund-raising for scholarships, research, and the promotion of collaborative activities among the member colleges.

SCICU is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation, and has been designated a 501 (c) (3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service. All contributions are tax deductible and 100% of funds raised by SCICU go to the member colleges. Contributions are never used for program administration.

All gifts are very much appreciated.

Gifts may be made to the following SCICU programs:

• Unrestricted Gifts
  Unrestricted gifts have played an essential role for our colleges and universities since the founding of SCICU in 1953. These important gifts have a profound impact on the ability of our institutions to meet their changing needs. Unrestricted funds are used by participating colleges and universities to provide financial aid for students.
• Student/Faculty Research Program
  Developed by SCICU in 1995, the Student/Faculty Research Program is designed to strengthen educational programs for students attending member institutions by providing quality undergraduate research experiences. These experiences are transforming students’ lives and encouraging them to explore a career in research. On an annual basis, SCICU raises funds from donors to conduct this initiative.
• SCICU Guidance Counselor Campus Tour
  The SCICU Guidance Counselor Campus Tour is a week-long program that occurs each summer and allows 50 high school guidance counselors to visit the campuses of the 20 SCICU members (10 colleges each summer on a rotational basis). During the trip, guidance counselors are able to meet with independent college students, faculty, and staff and learn about the diverse opportunities available for college-bound students at South Carolina’s independent colleges. Counselors are also able to network with other guidance counselors and earn recertification or LPC credit.
• SCICU Excellence in Teaching Dinner
  The SCICU Excellence in Teaching Dinner is held in the spring of each year in Columbia to recognize the accomplishments of one outstanding faculty member from each of the 20 independent colleges. In addition to the recognition received at the yearly awards celebration, each faculty member receives a $3,000 stipend from SCICU to be used for professional development.
• SCICU College Guidebook
  The SCICU College Guidebook is published each year and distributed to SC public and private high school guidance offices, all members of the General Assembly, and all SCICU Trustees.  It is also available to students and parents and is posted on the SCICU website [a hotlink to Guide]. The Guide contains general information about South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities, a location map, quick facts about the member institutions, detailed financial aid information and scholarship opportunities, school visitation dates, and in-depth profiles of each of the 20 private colleges in South Carolina.

For additional information, please contact the SCICU office at (803) 799-7122.