Student Affairs

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Having great leadership skills is one area most employers necessitate, yet it is not always
taught directly within classes.
Center for Student Leadership and 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, the Clemson
Leader framework provides a path to leadership development for all students. Students are
encouraged to create their own leadership plan of study and engage in both curricular and
co-curricular leadership and community engagement experiences. Learn more by following
n Instagram. Some of these experiences offered by CSLE include:
Women In Leadership Conference
This annual conference builds capacity and efficacy in leadership, giving conference
attendees a better understanding about challenges and areas for growth for women in
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. 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, Fall In
Day of Service, 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.
Certified Student Leader Program
Offered every semester, the Certified Student Leader (CSL) Program provides students with
comprehensive leadership education and experiences. As a cohort, students will spend 10
weeks together learning about different topics related to leadership from staff on campus
while engaging in critical dialogue with their peers. At the end of this experience, students
will have explored their personal leadership beliefs and strengths, connected with other
students and staff on campus and in the community, and transformed their involvement.
Participants who complete the program also gain a preferred hiring status at leadership
positions across campus (such as the Resident Assistant position).
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Our son gained real work experience
with the Cooperative Education (Co-op)
Program, working at an international
chemical company for three semester
rotations. The experience presented him
with the opportunity to understand what
a chemical engineer really does prior to
graduating. He enjoyed alternating from
a semester of classroom studies to a
semester of on-the-job learning.”
Sharon Ney
Loveland, Ohio
larger fair each semester for all majors and levels in school. In addition, the CCPD works with
other departments on campus for more industry-focused fairs. All of these fairs give the
opportunity, based on the employer’s selection and process, for students to interview after
the event or later in the semester. Make sure your student attends all of the pre-fair events
where employers assist us in preparing students to shine. Visit the CCPD website for more
information:
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are a service included in career counseling appointments at the CCPD.
Prior to the appointment, students will submit their resume to be reviewed by a career
counselor. During the mock interview, a career counselor will ask general interview and
industry-specific questions. Through this experience, students get professional experience in
answering the questions while gaining feedback and guidance on answering different types
of questions. Students should take advantage of this resource no matter what industry they
are entering.
Graduate School Options
Students might be considering professional or graduate schools. The CCPD suggests some
guiding reflections for your student:
• What are the major reasons to attend graduate school?
• Do they have a clear idea of the program or specialized area to pursue?
• Can they start a career within their field with only a bachelor’s degree?
• Do they want to spend more time in school?
These questions are valid because committing time and money to another degree is a big
decision. The CCPD is available through career counseling appointments for discussing and
researching graduate or professional school options. The CCPD is also available to assist with
the writing of curriculum vitae and personal statements for graduate and professional school
admissions. Visit the CCPD’s website for more information:
STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Student Alumni Association (SAA) is an open-membership organization supported by
the Clemson Alumni Association. SAA is a way for undergraduate students to enhance their
experience while at Clemson University. SAA provides a way to connect and foster a lifetime
of service and connections with our University. SAA members enjoy many benefits:
• The “Ever Loyal” book: The ‘bucket list’ for Clemson students, providing a list of
traditions and events every student should try to accomplish before graduation.
• The “Ever Loyal” card (discount card): This discount card is given to all members
of SAA and has a variety of discounts for local businesses, which are only available
to SAA members.
• SAA T-shirt: Every member receives an SAA T-shirt.
• The “BEAT” T-shirt: During the week prior to certain home Clemson Football games, SAA
members can pick up free “BEAT” T-shirts at various places around campus for the game.
• Appreciation days: In order to thank all members of SAA for their gifts to Clemson and
their dedication to the University, the Student Alumni Council holds an annual SAA
appreciation day in the Spring for all current members.
• Networking opportunities: Network with other students and alumni. Membership
information can be found at
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 out leadership experience within the organization.