Student Affairs

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ORIENTATION
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Students educate themselves and each other, then do hands-on work with relevant
organizations. These experiences challenge them to think critically and compassionately
— and to understand there’s no such thing as “not my problem.” Upon return, participants
are empowered to make more informed decisions and to take meaningful action to support
community efforts.
• Campuswide Days of Service
Clemson has a strong relationship with numerous community agencies in the local area and
is proud to partner with them throughout the year to offer students opportunities to develop
their citizenship skills. In addition to ongoing service opportunities, at least one large day of
service is offered each semester: in the fall, The Big Event, and in the spring, the MLK Day of
Service. These days of service are open to all students and can lead to other community
engagement activities.
• Leadership Behavior Inventories
Learning about the ways we lead and how to utilize leadership strengths is a great introductory
step for a developing leader. All Clemson students have access to two inventories — the Student
Leadership Practices Inventory and StrengthsQuest. Upon completing the inventory, students
participate in a collaborative workshop series to learn more about their own leadership style
and the styles of their peers. Students finish the series with great self-knowledge and a tangible
plan for putting their strengths to use!
Find out more by visiting
MOVING OFF CAMPUS
The decision to move off campus can bring a new sense of independence for students, but may also
bring a new set of challenges. The following are a few things to discuss with your student if they
decide to move off campus. While we recognize it may come down to personal reasons for whether
your student chooses to live on or off campus, students are encouraged to live on campus at least
through their sophomore year.
Things to Consider if Moving Off Campus
• Independence
When living in a residence hall, students must follow certain policies established by the
university for the safety and well being of all residents. Living off campus provides freedom
from some of these policies and allows students to set their own standards in line with
community standards. It is helpful to remind your student that where they are looking to live
will also have policies they should become familiar with. Clemson students are held responsible
to follow our community standards whether they live on or off campus.
• Responsibility
Signing a lease, paying rent and utilities, commuting to campus, cooking and cleaning will
help students develop responsibility. This responsibility will also begin to build the student’s
rental history. On campus, there are support systems students have access to within the
residence halls that can be helpful in navigating conflicts; whereas, these systems may be less
accessible when living off campus.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
We can guess that this may be the first
time your student signs a lease for
an apartment, or you may be signing
a lease on behalf of your student.
Either way, take the time to review the
lease together. This is a great learning
opportunity for your student to gain
some “real world” experience.