Student Affairs

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The feeling is usually short-lived as new transfer students will find the campus to be a
welcoming place where people are friendly and willing to meet other students.
Transfer students will also make new friends and expand their social connections at Clemson.
Most new transfer students report they meet new friends in their classes by introducing
themselves, joining a study group for a class or working together on a group project assignment.
Naturally, students will also find they can join as many clubs and groups as they would like
by searching the TigerQuest system for organizations on campus, Clemson
has more than 500 recognized student organizations, and current students can simply use
the search feature on TigerQuest to find clubs and groups they are interested in joining
or learning more about. New transfer students may also experience a change in academic
expectations and rigor when they enroll at Clemson. As a top public tier-one research
institution, Clemson is both academically challenging and stimulating. Students will have
opportunities unique to Clemson such as Creative Inquiry courses, which provide hands-
on research opportunities for undergraduate students at Clemson. Clemson also provides
a wealth of academic services designed to support new students during their academic
transition. Peer-Assisted Learning, tutoring
and other support services provide the
necessary help whenever a new transfer
student needs some assistance.
Parents play an important role during this
time of transition for their student. We rely
on parents to let us know when they are
concerned about their student for any reason
—not making new friends, experiencing
academic stress or simply not feeling like
they are fitting in.
SUPPORT A (SAFE) BIRTHDAY AT
AGE 21
In the United States, turning 21 is often
a milestone for young adults and can be
marked with numerous celebrations, which
often involve alcohol. Choosing not to drink
alcohol under age 21 because it is illegal is
a major reason why some students abstain.
Underage students may fear the possibility
of getting in trouble and/or hold moral
beliefs the law should be upheld. After a
student reaches the age of 21, however, some
may contemplate the decision to try alcohol or continue their decision to abstain. Students
who have been nondrinkers in the past may decide to experiment with alcohol.
Students who chose to consume alcohol illegally before age 21 can feel a sense of “now what?”
New elements are introduced with options to drink at bars and purchase alcohol, such as
driving under the influence, easy access to alcohol if it was so desired and the financial cost
of buying alcohol.
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