Student Affairs

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a sanction; but should the student
demonstrate an unwillingness to obey
the rules governing conduct, they may
be separated from the University.
Federal Laws
It is important to Clemson University
to partner with families throughout the
entire collegiate experience. We value this
connection and put considerable time into
providing support and offering one-on-
one conversations for families. One thing
consistently challenging for both families
and staff are laws limiting our ability to
share information with parents about
their student(s).
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights
of privacy with respect to their academic
records (grades, faculty and advising
conversations) and Student Health Services
health records (both medical and counseling records).
FERPA assures your student complete privacy of their health information. Keep in mind this
covers both general medical information as well as Counseling and Psychological Services
visits. Health record information is disclosed only when a specific release of information is
signed by the student. The only exceptions you will see are for health and safety emergencies.
Tucker Hipps Transparency Act
In accordance with the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act (South Carolina Code of Laws Section
59-101-210 et seq.), Clemson University maintains a report of all actual findings of violations
of the Clemson University Student Code of Conduct by recognized student organizations
including but not limited to alcohol, drugs, physical assault and hazing violations for the
past four years. The report can be found at
Points of Contact
An encompassing list of University contacts is available on the of this booklet.
Please contact us if you need assistance or more information. The following are a few
additional sites that may be helpful:
• FERPA —
• Advocacy and Success —
• Student Handbook —
1. Mullendore, R. & Banahan, L. (2007). Empowering Parents of First-year College Students:
A Guide for Success. NODA National Orientation Directors Association and National Resource
Center for The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition: Columbia, SC.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:
FERPA
The University understands family
support is important for student success,
and it can be incredibly frustrating not
knowing what is going on academically
or health-wise in a student’s life.
However, there are also laws we are
obligated to abide by for the protection
of our students. This is a different stage
of life where students are becoming
adults, and parents and family members
are learning to trust their students to
make good decisions. Giving students
encouragement and support will help
them make better choices and find
success during their time in college.
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Certainly, sending our first born off to
college was a much more emotional
thing for us than we expected. Being
involved with the Clemson Family
Advisory Board (CFAB) allowed us to
be there and enjoy the University and
helped make the transition better. At the
end of the day, you need to be confident
you have raised your child well, they
will succeed on their own and you will
always be there for support.”
Michael and Angela Clark
Ft. Myers, Fla.
INTRODUCTION
This guide is divided into several sections to follow your student’s entire collegiate
experience. Each section will briefly talk about the college student experience and how new
growth can occur through many different social and learning opportunities offered at the
University. It also covers common topics we see at different times of the year. Most portions
also feature a “How You can Support” section, which provides specific ways or things you
can do to support your student as well as questions you might want to consider asking your
student. You may also notice the use of “Clemson lingo” throughout this booklet. These are
acronyms or terms commonly used by students, faculty and staff. This booklet is intended
to be kept and utilized as a resource during your student’s time at Clemson.
UNIVERSITY STRUCTURE
Clemson University has several divisional units working together to make the University run
smoothly every day. The two main units both your student and your family will work with the
most are the academic colleges and the Division of Student Affairs.
There are seven academic colleges within the University, separated according to disciplines:
sciences, arts and humanities, and so forth. From there, majors are structured within an
academic college. For example, your student may be an English major in the College of
Architecture, Arts and Humanities at Clemson University.
The Division of Student Affairs creates and oversees student-centered campus programs from
a variety of departments. There are countless campuswide initiatives aimed at improving
daily life, safety and development for each and every student at Clemson. Campus recreation,
residential learning and living, student activities and events, Orientation, career services,
student health, and community and ethical standards are only a few programs covered
under the division’s umbrella.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES1
There are many policies and procedures put in place to keep the University functioning.
Academic policies (discussed further on are outlined to inform students of any
policy or procedure that affects the progression in their curriculum through graduation.
Further, protocols related to students’ rights, responsibilities and conduct are found in
the Student Handbook.
Student Handbook
The is an additional guide to all policies and procedures pertaining
to an enrolled student at Clemson: academic (students should refer to the Undergraduate
Announcements for complete details of academic policies), housing and facilities, access
and discrimination, safety, the Student Code of Conduct and financial and general policies.
Student Code of Conduct
The is the core code all enrolled Clemson students are expected
to honor and abide. The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is outlined as follows:
• Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the
development of students and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free
expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. A Clemson student is
expected at all times to show respect for civility, community and the rights of others
and to exemplify the Clemson University core values of integrity, honesty and respect.
• Clemson University supports the concept of education when misconduct occurs.
When a student is not a danger to the University community or when the repetition of
misconduct is unlikely, the University will make an effort to educate the student through