Welcome home Tigers!
The 2025-2026 academic year is here, and with it comes lots of energy and excitement throughout campus. Clemson University Public Safety enjoyed welcoming all the new faces during move-in, and it is wonderful to reconnect with returning students who are eager to continue their Clemson Experience.
For members of the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD), the start of the Fall semester is a reminder of the importance of our mission to enhance safety, reduce risk and prevent harm from affecting the University community. We take this responsibility very seriously and want to partner with each of you to co-create a safe and secure environment for you to live, learn and thrive throughout your college experience. Our goal is to work together with you to support an engaging and vibrant atmosphere grounded in knowledge, understanding and awareness that fosters a safety mindset for everyone.
As you engage in all the things that Clemson has to offer, whether you are new to the Clemson Family or continuing in your educational journey, we ask that you keep the following items in mind throughout the year and beyond.
Take the Safety Pledge
To kick off the Fall 2025 semester, CUPD launched the Safety Pledge campaign. The Safety Pledge promotes a culture of safety, responsibility and community with the goal of encouraging all members of the University community, students, faculty and staff, to take an active role in campus safety.
Participation in the pledge includes a commitment to:
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, because one reckless moment can change a life forever.
- Always choose a safe way home—whether that is a sober driver or rideshare.
- Stand up for my fellow Tigers by stepping in when someone is at risk and helping them make smart, safe choices.
- Be a voice for safety and responsibility, because real leadership means doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
- Reject hazing in all its forms—physical, emotional, or psychological—because true belonging is built on respect, not harm.
Taking the pledge is quick and easy, and the commitment each of you makes to participate has the potential to positively impact our community and potentially save lives. Plus, everyone who signs the Safety Pledge will be entered into a drawing, with one student and one faculty/staff member each receiving a football signed by the 2025 Clemson Football team.
Take the Safety Pledge at Clemson.edu/SafetyPledge.
Exercise responsibility with alcohol
Consumption of alcohol and other substances brings the opportunity to turn any situation into one with adverse outcomes. If you choose to consume alcohol, be responsible and follow these tips.
- Closely monitor your drinks to prevent being impacted by potential drink spiking.
- Avoid being alone when consuming alcohol in bars or at parties.
- Make sure to have a friend along and agree to watch out for each other.
- Being an active bystander can prevent a tragedy from occurring that has lifelong impacts.
- Do not drink or use other drugs and drive. CUPD takes DUI enforcement very seriously. Getting DUI drivers off the roadways is a key element in preventing injuries and death resulting from vehicle crashes.
Never take medications that are not prescribed for you
Not only can consumption of medication you have not been specifically prescribed cause adverse health effects, but it is also critically important to be aware of counterfeit prescription pills. Across the nation, people of all ages are dying because of fentanyl poisoning due to contamination of pills that individuals believe to be legitimate pharmaceuticals, which contain fentanyl or other dangerous drugs. These drugs are available on the internet or come from acquaintances and may contain a dangerous mixture of substances that cause serious medical emergencies or death.
CUPD’s message here is plain and simple: ONE PILL CAN KILL. Do not consume or take any drugs you did not receive directly from a doctor or pharmacist.
Do your part to stop hazing
Hazing is harmful to individuals, destructive to organizational and University culture and not consistent with the University’s institutional values. Prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and it is vital that all members of the community work together to ensure hazing has no place at Clemson University.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) was passed into law on December 23, 2024, with the overall purpose of eradicating hazing and ensuring the safety and well-being of college students nationwide.
Clemson University has launched a comprehensive hazing prevention and resources website to provide the University community with information related to hazing. The website includes policy and regulations, reporting options, support resources, as well as violations under the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act. Visit Clemson.edu/hazing for these resources and more.
Other important safety reminders
While these key safety areas are important for Clemson students, there are many more for you to consider:
- Be mindful of the rules of the road when operating e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices. These devices can create fire hazards and are not allowed in any Clemson University facility. Likewise, they are prohibited from being charged on campus.
- Remain aware of potential scams. Never provide personal information to people you do not know and never send money to someone who is offering jobs or services you cannot verify. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is a scam. Extortion schemes targeting young people through social applications are prevalent across the country. Be very cautious about sharing personal pictures or images with others that can put you in compromising situations.
- Protect your property from theft or loss. Clemson is a safe place, but there are still those willing to take advantage of you should you leave your property unattended. Be smart, lock your doors and safeguard your valuables to minimize these opportunities.
- Be a responsible member of the Clemson community. Every year, we respond to situations where individuals vandalize or destroy property. Sometimes the explanation provided for this behavior is “tradition”. This is especially true when it comes to removing or damaging emergency equipment like exit signs. These actions are not only illegal, but also result in costly repairs and replacements and place you and others in danger should an emergency occur. Do not negatively impact your Clemson Experience with a criminal or conduct charge for inappropriate behavior.
By following these considerations, we can work together with each of you to co-create the No. 1 student experience. Safety requires a whole-community approach, and we in Public Safety need your help in partnering together to make this our best year ever!
Be Safe and Go Tigers!
Christopher M. Harrington
Interim Chief of Police