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We encourage you to continue a dialogue about what your student may be facing, contemplating
and/or peer pressure they may deal with. Ask about their friends, weekend activities, how they plan
to celebrate their birthday and decisions now that they are 21. Discuss how things are different if
alcohol is consumed at a bar or when purchasing alcohol elsewhere. For educational resources
for families and students, visit
clemson.edu/alcohol .HOW TO STAY INVOLVED
Whether or not your student has found their niche at this point of their college experience, it is
important your student remains connected. You will probably see your student shift their priorities
within an organization. They may take a leadership role or consider taking a back seat since they have
already given their time. They may have been very involved in their sorority and social life, and now
they may be focused more on their internship and academic groups that contribute to their major.
Your student has grown and matured in many ways during their time at Clemson so far. As a young
adult, your student has gained more experience and learned how to navigate through circumstances
on their own.
UPPERCLASS OPPORTUNITIES AND TRADITIONS
Clemson Ring Week
Ring Week takes place during the first few weeks of the fall and spring semesters. This is a time
when currently enrolled students, who have completed 90 or more earned hours on their academic
transcript (not degree works progress report), as well as graduate students who have applied for
graduation, can purchase their Clemson Ring. During Ring Week, the manufacturer comes to
campus to assist students in sizing and the purchasing process (rings can also be ordered online
during this period). Students who purchase during Ring Week are invited to participate in the
Ring Ceremony.
Clemson Ring Ceremony
The Pershing Rifles, a Clemson ROTC student organization, begin guarding at the Scroll of Honor
24 hours prior to the ceremony. The Pershing Rifles then march them in the Parade of Rings from
the Scroll of Honor to Littlejohn Coliseum approximately one hour before the ceremony begins.
During the ceremony, students are called to cross a stage where they are presented with their
Clemson Ring and are able to shake hands with the university president. Family and friends are
encouraged to attend the ceremony to celebrate with their student.
Senior Week
Each year in the week prior to exams, the Student Alumni Council hosts a variety of events for
graduating seniors. Events such as Rub the Rock and Senior Ball serve to congratulate seniors on
their hard work and to end their time here with the best traditions Clemson has to offer. Seniors
receive information via email communications leading up to Senior Week.