Student Affairs

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ORIENTATION
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• The “BEAT” T-shirt: During the week prior to certain home Clemson Football games, SAA
members can pick up free “BEAT” T-shirts at various places around campus to wear to the
game.
• Appreciation days: In order to thank all members of SAA for their gifts to Clemson and their
dedication to the university, the Student Alumni Council holds an annual SAA appreciation
day in the spring for all current members.
• Networking opportunities: Network with other students and alumni. Membership
information can be found at
CREATIVE INQUIRY
Clemson is recognized as a top-ranked, research-intensive institution for its undergraduate research
programs. One of the very unique aspects of Clemson University’s research initiatives compared to
its peer institutions is Creative Inquiry (CI). CI is the imaginative combination of engaged learning
and undergraduate research and is available to any undergraduate student.
In CIs students take on problems that spring from their own curiosity, a professor’s challenge or the
pressing needs of the world around them. Team-based investigations are led by a faculty mentor and
typically span two to four semesters. Students take ownership of their projects and explore unique
avenues to solve problems and get answers.
Students often find themselves presenting
their work at national conferences and
fielding questions from professionals. This
invaluable experience produces exceptional
graduates. Our Creative Inquiry participants
develop critical thinking skills, learn to
solve problems as a team and hone their
communication and presentation skills.
One of the best ways to start learning about
Creative Inquiry projects happening in a
student’s field of study is simply by engaging with faculty members and asking what projects are
happening. Students and faculty members can team up to apply and submit ideas for new projects
to be created. Topics and opportunities are boundless.
Learn more about Creative Inquiry or search current projects by visiting
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Creative Inquiry (CI) is one of
Clemson’s unique academic
programs, which encourages
collaborative research between
professors and students. The
projects help students apply
what they are learning in class
to real-world settings. Our
daughter, a senior language
and international health major,
participated in a project at
an elementary school, which
focused on the effect exercise
and nutrition have on the
diabetes rate in young children.
Participation in CI is a great
way to get to know professors,
meet other students and hone
research skills.”
Drew and Caroline Czerkawski
North Wilesboro, N.C.