University of Southern Alabama (USA), the only major public institution of higher learning on the upper Gulf Coast, is strategically located in the greater Mobile area. Chartered in 1963 by the State of Alabama, this diverse and vibrant residential university provides high quality undergraduate, graduate, medical and professional education. USA is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is governed by a Board of Trustees of seventeen members. The colleges/schools maintained by the university are the College of Allied Health Professionals, College of Arts and Sciences, Mitchell College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Computer and Information Sciences, and the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs. The USA Health System includes College of Medicine, USA Physicians, and the three hospitals - USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, USA Knollwood Hospital, and USA Medical Center. The USA Cancer Research Institute is the first academic cancer research institute in the upper Gulf Coast region and the largest single research endeavor in university’s history. In addition, the university has two specialized units on campus, University Libraries and the Department of Cooperative Education. The University Library and Biomedical Library provide information and access to materials needed for teaching and other services in the university. When students have free time, USA offers structured intramural activities, fitness activities, open recreation opportunities, outdoor recreation and sports clubs. USA’s Mitchell Center (home to Jaguar basketball), the Student Recreation Center, and the multi-million dollar Intramural Field Complex host a variety of activities. USA Technology and Research Park, on the northern end of campus, is a major economic development initiative of the university. The university also has a branch campus in Baldwin County (USABC), where upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and noncredit programs are offered.