Colleges and Universities

Augusta State University has a new home. In fact, it has new homes for 508 students with the completion of University Village, the school's first housing facility.

Students began moving into the 23-acre facility, which is about a mile from the school's Walton Way campus, this fall as the university makes the transition from a commuter college to a residential college to accommodate the needs of its students.

The apartments are fully furnished and come with several amenities. While students can enjoy the sand volleyball court, swimming pool, computer lab, game room and two miles of lit walking paths, parents will enjoy the security University Village provides.

A gate restricts access to the apartment complex at night, security systems protect apartments and each bedroom has panic buttons and a keyed lock. In addition, the complex has emergency call boxes and is patrolled by university police.

A large green space between the buildings and next to the swimming pool serves as a place for resident and university wide activities and gatherings. The university has already shown a large-screen movie in the space.

The activities are part of a plan to inject Augusta State Jaguar spirit into the complex.

The $18 million project is one of many changes that the university is undergoing. Last year, ASU celebrated the opening of University Hall, a new three-story classroom building, and construction is under way for a student activities center.

Students and faculty members accustomed to studying in old warehouse buildings were thrilled to be inside the new location for the first day of classes.

The six old classroom buildings have been demolished, making way for more parking and the student activities center.

The new center, which should open in spring 2006, will include a fitness center, lounges, Internet caf? and large banquet room.

AUGUSTA STATE UNIVERSITY: 2500 Walton Way; a public institution of the University of Georgia system. It offers more than 50 programs leading to associate, bachelor's, master's and specialist degrees, a paralegal certificate and a cooperative doctoral degree; (706) 737-1400 ; www.aug.edu.

AUGUSTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE: 3200 Augusta Tech Drive; a public, post-secondary institution of the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. The school serves technical education needs and supports economic development of the Central Savannah River Area; (706) 771-4000 , www.augustatech.edu.

PAINE COLLEGE: 1235 15th St., Augusta; a private, church-affiliated, four-year co-educational college. It was founded in 1882 as a joint effort by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America (now Christian Methodist Episcopal) and Methodist Episcopal Church, South (now United Methodist). The liberal arts curriculum offers 13 majors leading to a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree; (706) 821-8200 ; www.paine.edu.

TROY UNIVERSITY: 2753 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 201; the Augusta campus offers graduate degrees in several areas, including education, health care and business administration; (706) 210-3800 ; www.tsuaugusta.com.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN: 471 University Parkway; a four-year college that offers undergraduate and master's degrees. It features more than 30 programs of study ; (803) 648-6851 or 1-888-WOW-USCA ; www.usca.edu.

AIKEN TECHNICAL COLLEGE: U.S. Highway 1; offers associate degrees, certificates and diplomas in computer technology, industrial and engineering technology, health, public service and business; (803) 593-9231 ; www.aik.tec.sc.us.

SAVANNAH RIVER COLLEGE: 2528 Center West Parkway, Augusta; offers certificates and diplomas in a variety of accounting, business, computer, medical and office support programs. Savannah River College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; (706) 738-5046 ; www.savannahrivercollege.edu.

PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE: 506 Main St., Edgefield, S.C., and 540 Wilson Road, Newberry, S.C.; offers associate degrees, certificates and diplomas in business and information technology, arts and sciences, public service and engineering technology. Edgefield campus (803) 637-5388 ; Newberry campus (803) 276-9000 ;www.ptc.edu.