Student leaders introduce community pledge in face of unique year

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Behind the efforts of leaders within student government, Clemson University established a community pledge for the 2020-21 academic year. The voluntary pledge represents a commitment to uphold the University’s core values, build an inclusive community for all and adhere to health and safety directives to successfully navigate what will be a unique year.

Ashlea Willis, a member of Clemson Undergraduate Student Government who serves as director of Freshman Council, led a recital of the pledge as part of the University’s Academic Convocation — a virtual message geared toward incoming students on the first day of online classes. One by one, other speakers and special guests who appeared in the video followed by saying, “I pledge to be a Clemson Tiger.”

COMMUNITY PLEDGE
As a member of the Clemson Family and local community, I pledge to be present and engaged in making our core values of honesty, integrity and respect, part of who I am and how I treat others.

It is up to me to lead through my actions and demonstrate how Clemson is an inclusive community, welcoming to all, and that we embrace and encourage our diversity in ways that bring us all to a higher level of compassion and care for each other.

I also pledge to be socially responsible, set the example for following health and safety guidelines by being aware of my physical distancing and wearing a face covering around others, as this is at the foundation of what I can do to keep my community healthy and strong.

The pledge is not just relegated to students, however. Faculty, staff and members of the Clemson community are encouraged to visit MyCUSG.com to join these students and University leaders in the pledge. Those who sign the pledge will remain anonymous.