[2] It is a part of the University of South Carolina System and one of the four regional USC campuses which make up Palmetto College.

The University of South Carolina sought to expand its reach throughout the state and agreed to build an extension campus in Union.

USC Union's athletics department, USC Union Bantam Athletics (or simply Bantam Athletics), is home to a variety of competitive sports teams including men's soccer and baseball as well as women's volleyball and softball, all of which compete at the junior college level.

Created and directed by Randall Ivey, the Upcountry Literary Festival allows poets, musicians, storytellers, playwrights, essayists, and short-story writers the opportunity to gather and share their works.

[6][7] The Latin American Film Festival is held in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.