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SOPHOMORE SLUMP
Yes, the sophomore slump is a thing. Your student’s first year in college is exciting! They are excited
to come to college and start their journey as an adult. They are curious about what college is like,
the new friends they will meet and having a fresh start. Sophomore year feels different. In the
first year of college, students have more attention on them. There is Orientation, and a variety of
transitional efforts and programs for new students as they figure everything out. Then, they hit their
sophomore year and college no longer has the spark of newness. Also at this point, they have started
to see a career is more reachable as they start to get into their major classes. After being home for the
summer, they may have realized their relationships at home have shifted and some may be drifting
away. Overall, there is a lot going on.
LEADERSHIP
By the second year, there’s a good chance your student has found one or two clubs or organizations
they are participating in. One way to link their involvement activity to gaining valuable career skills
is by seeking a leadership position within the organization. Having great leadership skills is one area
most employers seek out, yet it is not always taught directly within classes.
Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Developing students to be capable, confident leaders who are able to take action to make positive,
sustainable change has long been a priority for institutions of higher education in the U.S. In
addition to developing students to be the leaders our world requires upon graduation, leadership
development has a significant impact on the college student experience. We have found that
leadership development increases a college student’s self-efficacy, academic performance and
personal development. At Clemson, there is a universitywide focus on the development of
student leaders, including both curricular and co-curricular leadership and community
engagement experiences:
•
Leadership VOICE
This program is an intensive and transformative experience that seeks to produce
breakthroughs in the leadership capacity of participants. Through this two-day experience
students explore their personal leadership skills and develop a plan for the legacy they will leave
at Clemson. The experience is designed to be interactive and focused on action, but is also
visionary and encourages creativity and big-picture thinking.
•
Women’s Leadership Conference
This annual conference builds capacity and efficacy in leadership, giving conference attendees
a better understanding about issues in women’s leadership. It also gives them knowledge, skills
and values to engage in the leadership process.
•
Alternative Break Programming
These programs engage a group of students in direct service over a typical school break.
Clemson is proud to have a 10-year history of offering these experiences and now offers
trips over fall, winter and spring break. Each experience has a focus on a particular social
issue with exploration and immersion in that issue beginning long before the trip itself.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
As a family member, one of the best
things you can do for your student is to
recognize this may be happening. Your
student may feel it is harder at this
point to reach out to you or someone
at school for help. Your student most
likely has to start making some more
important decisions at school with
internships, classes, involvement, etc.
Talk to them and ask them about these
things, as they may not bring them
up. It may give them some confidence
talking through them. The absolute best
thing you can do for your student during
this time is to listen. Listen to them
as they confide in you, and provide
encouragement with their decisions.