Applications are now open for CU Grow, Clemson’s professional development program for staff. The year-long program offers full-time employees a unique opportunity to deepen leadership capabilities, strengthen workplace relationships and gain valuable career insights — all while building Clemson’s commitment to excellence and service.
A Year of Growth
CU Grow participants are selected in late Fall and begin the program in January of the following year. The year-long curriculum includes workshops, skills development, and experiential learning, intended to create opportunities for transformational growth.
Monthly sessions and commitments vary but cover a wide range of topics like project management, ethical decision-making, effective communication and personal branding. Participants also complete a DISC assessment and debrief to better understand how they work and interact with others.
Throughout the year, woven between cohort sessions, four key pillars shape transformational growth.
Intentional Mentorship
Each CU Grow participant is thoughtfully paired with a mentor who offers guidance, encouragement and accountability. These pairings build connections across campus and create a support network for cohort members pursuing growth.
Personalized Development Planning
Throughout the year, participants will complete an individual development plan (IDP) that helps them identify their goals and take meaningful steps toward achieving them.
For example, a cohort member interested in growing supervisory skills may be invited to lead a project team and lead the execution of a task, further enhancing their skills and their ability to serve the University.
Authentic Relationship Building
The CU Grow program encourages cohort members to find growth in their communities. Participants are made up of staff members from across University divisions, colleges and departments, encouraging individuals to build relationships across the Clemson community. Cohort members also complete “University experiences,” like operational tours and governance events to expand their knowledge and network across campuses.
Capstone Project
The cornerstone of the CU Grow program is a capstone project that impacts the University and the staff member’s unit. Cohort members work throughout the year to develop, plan and implement a project that makes a difference in their field of work.
Past cohort members have brought adaptive technology to campus, developed a network for working parents and built onboarding and training programs for new team members.
Learn More about the Program
The Office of Human Resources will offer several virtual interest sessions throughout the summer and early fall to answer common questions about CU Grow. These sessions provide an overview of CU Grow’s structure, timeline, expectations and impact, with time for questions and answers.
Attendance at an interest session is not required for acceptance into the program.
- Monday, July 14, 9 –10 a.m.
- Wednesday, July 16, 9 – 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 12, 2 – 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 13, 9 –10 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 16, 9 –10 a.m.
- Thursday, September 18, 2 –3 p.m.
Interested individuals may register for a session through Tiger Training.
Applications Open Now
Applications are currently open for the sixth cohort of CU Grow. All application materials must be submitted by September 30.
CU Grow is open to all full-time staff members with at least three years of service and performance ratings of “successful” or higher.
Interested participants should complete the staff application form and request their supervisor complete the supervisor approval form to complete the application process.
Applicants may submit an optional letter of recommendation from a colleague or supervisor who can speak to their leadership potential or commitment to growth.
Application details and more information about the program are available on the CU Grow website.