 It helps students combine research, study abroad and service learning under faculty direction.In athletics, Mercer has added programs in men's lacrosse, sand volleyball, and football; constructed a new football and lacrosse complex, named Five Star Stadium (10,200 seats); and changed affiliation to the Southern Conference.In 2014, Mercer set an enrollment record in the fall of 2014 with a university-wide population of 8,557 students.