Student Affairs

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ORIENTATION
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GENERAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Choosing and Declaring a Major
When your student applied to Clemson, they may have selected a major. Some majors are broad and
concentrations do not need to be selected until they progress and get basic coursework completed.
Other majors are more specific in their expectations, which will vary depending on each academic
department and its corresponding process. Further, a student may have applied to a general major
(e.g. general engineering). Their advisers will walk them through the process to declare a specific
major or concentration. This process requires paperwork and signatures.
Changing a Major
A student wishing to change their major should consult the Undergraduate Announcements first.
Instructions on how to switch into a specific major can be found under the desired major. Certain
majors require a specific GPA and/or number of credit hours, while some majors also require an
application process and provide specific deadlines to apply for each semester or academic year.
A student wishing to change their major is strongly encouraged to reach out to an adviser in
the major they would like to switch to and notify their current adviser immediately. In addition
to the requirements listed above, the change of major process also requires paperwork that must
be signed by both current and future advisers. For more information about academic policies,
visit
Tools to Help Make Decisions About Career Paths
The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) is an office students can utilize
for the duration of their time at Clemson. Students often wait until graduation nears and they
are thinking about job searches to access the resources provided by the CCPD. However, students
should take advantage of the center early in their college careers. The CCPD has many tools and
opportunities for those who are in the discovery phase of their career development. Students can
take a career assessment to learn more about their career personality type, majors, career interests,
skills and values.
Students can register with ClemsonJobLink online to access information about part- or full-time
jobs and internships. Students can find an opportunity for the summer that relates to their college
major or career interest to gain work experience and start developing a strong business and work
ethic. They can also begin developing a working copy of their resume by attending a workshop
through the CCPD.
STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Student Accessibility Services coordinates the provision of reasonable accommodations for students
with physical, psychological, attentional or learning disabilities. Accommodations are individualized,
flexible and confidential based on the nature of the disability and the academic environments
compliant with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
Keep in mind, October through early
November and March through early
April are advisers’ busiest times. If
a student is interested in changing
majors, they should seek an advising
appointment before these times.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
Encourage your student to schedule
an appointment with the CCPD to start
the career development process and
learn about the Core Competencies
employers and graduate/professional
schools are seeking. The CCPD has
developed a four-year career planning
checklist, showing how students can
begin doing things in their first year to
build these competencies. The checklist
includes the roles of students, parents
and families and how the CCPD gives
support. For more information, visit