Student Affairs

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Center staff provides students with the support they need to be confident, independent and
lifelong learners. The Ted G. Westmoreland Academic Success Program provides academic
programs designed for students’ academic and personal success. These programs, offered to all
undergraduate students, include Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) sessions, LearningLab Tutoring,
Academic Coaching and Success Strategy Workshops. There’s something for every student at
the ASC.
Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching allows students to see themselves, their skills and their study habits from
a fresh perspective through one-on-one sessions focused on learning and personal success
strategies. An academic coach equips each student with a toolkit of tangible strategies while
demonstrating unconditional positive regard as an ongoing source of support and connection
within Clemson University. Individualized coaching appointments typically last between 30
and 60 minutes and occur on a regular basis throughout the semester.
Course Support Programs
Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) is a series of twice-weekly interactive peer-facilitated study
sessions for students enrolled in historically difficult classes. The PAL program has received
international recognition for its effectiveness. PAL sessions are facilitated by an upperclass
PAL leader who completed the course at Clemson and earned an A or B. The PAL leader
attends all class meetings and guides their peers through the course material throughout
the semester. PAL leaders are trained to integrate course content (what to learn) and study
strategies (how to learn) into the PAL sessions. The PAL leaders also help students organize
class material, compare notes, discuss difficult concepts, develop strategies for studying the
subject and master content. Data shows students who participate in PAL on a regular basis
(six or more visits during a semester) earn a higher percentage of As and Bs and a
lower percentage of Cs, Ds and Fs and withdrawals (Ws) than non-participants.
Tutoring is available for a variety of courses. Students can attend by scheduling a one-on-
one appointment online. Tutoring sessions are led by an upperclass tutors who completed
the course at Clemson and earned an A or B in the course. Tutors assist students by sharing
strategies for learning challenging course material and empowering students to become
independent learners. Clemson’s tutor training is certified by the College Reading and
Learning Association (CRLA). Tutoring is offered throughout the week in the ASC or online in
an interactive video appointment. The ASC website is the best place to check
for a current listing of courses, to access video links, and to view locations and times. Students
seeking tutoring for courses the ASC does not support may access the Tutor Matching Service
to identify Clemson students who are available to tutor for a fee.
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Our daughter came to Clemson from
out of state and did not know anyone
coming to Clemson. She made a
conscious decision to get to know her
roommates and meet other people. She
made an effort to go beyond her comfort
zone. Even when her high school friends
were trying to get her to leave Clemson
for the weekend, she chose to stay and
try to establish friends at Clemson. She
made a good number of connections
as a freshman and increased her friend
base as a sophomore. She is thriving
socially and academically, but it took
time and effort to make it happen.”
Mary Blount
Atlanta, Ga.