Student Affairs

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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
CLEMSON TRADITIONS
Solid Orange
Launched in 1999 as a marketing campaign by the University, “Solid Orange” is all about
sportsmanship and building an environment that is spirited; fun; and also shows respect for
teams, the University and the traditions that make Clemson special. Every Friday, students,
faculty, staff and alumni everywhere can be found wearing Clemson orange in a show of
unity and pride.
4. Opportunity to Start Over
College can best be defined as a period of
transition. For some, it is a time to create a
new or altered identity from the one they had
in high school. Many students will develop
new identities, seek new roles and engage
in experimentation. Recognize as they are
in this time of exploration, they may look
and act differently. For example, they may
develop new eating habits, express new
political viewpoints and dress differently.
Preparing yourself mentally and recognizing
these transitions as expected will allow you to
respond appropriately.
5. Encourage Involvement and
Engagement Both In and Out of Class
One of the biggest benefits to college is
students have the ability to engage in many
opportunities. Of course, academic success
and learning is at the forefront, but students
who glean the most from their collegiate
experience invest in both academic and non-
academic activities. Clemson has more than
700 honor societies, student organizations,
clubs and sports organizations, and
participating in these opportunities is
one way to augment the undergraduate
experience.
THE TRANSFER STUDENT EXPERIENCE
As the parent of a new transfer student, you may have concerns about how your student will
make the transition from their previous school to Clemson. Many parents are as excited
as their student is about the opportunity to enroll as a new transfer student and what that
means for their son or daughter as they continue their undergraduate education at Clemson.
Parents should also know there are unique situations many new transfer students face as they
begin their first semester.
Transfer students may find they are learning a new campus again — where the academic
buildings are, where the closest dining hall is located, where they should park and what the
parking rules are on campus. We find our transfer students tend to apply navigational skills
they learned from their previous institution to their new institution. This can sometimes
bring added stress, as the new campus has an entirely different culture and process.
Additionally, transfer students are learning to navigate their new environment through
communication and information received. Clemson may have some systems in place similar
to other institutions, but some things are very Clemson-specific. New transfer students often
tell us they feel a little disoriented until they learn the routines for such services as the CAT
Bus system and how to find the campus recreation schedule for fitness classes or intramurals.
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
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:
THE TRANSFER STUDENT
EXPERIENCE
• Faculty members have office hours —
encourage your student to go.
• As a student gets to know a faculty
member, it will be easier to ask for help
if trouble is encountered.
• Many residential communities have
strong faculty connections through
faculty-in-residence or faculty
friends. Encourage your student
to connect with them and to seek
out guidance from the faculty
perspective.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:
SUPPORT A (SAFE) BIRTHDAY
AT AGE 21
We encourage you to keep the lines of
communication open and discuss things
with your student frequently. Parents
can assist their students by helping them
understand transition as a temporary
state; once the student has been in
classes and has begun to meet other
students, they will soon feel they are
part of the Clemson Family.