Students,
As we enter the final six weeks of the fall semester, take a moment to recognize what you’ve achieved. First off, you are part of an elite undergraduate student body at Clemson. This past admissions cycle, the University received more than 65,000 applications for approximately 5,000 slots. You’re part of a remarkable community of learners and leaders. Together, let’s continue Clemson’s tradition of success — nearly 90% of our students graduate within six years, and we’re working to make that number even stronger. We have 24,060 undergraduate students at Clemson and want each of you to thrive academically, graduate on time and take confident steps into what comes next.
Registration for spring courses opened yesterday, so now is the time to plan thoughtfully. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to meet with your academic advisor; they are an invaluable resource for navigating the curriculum. The Academic Success Center is also a fantastic resource dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential. They offer tutoring, workshops and coaching to help you excel in your courses.
As you know, learning goes beyond the classroom. Consider joining a Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research (CI) project or explore opportunities through the Center for Career and Professional Development, including internships, co-ops and the UPIC program. If you’re eligible for Federal Work-Study, this program, coordinated through Financial Aid, can be a great way to earn while you learn.
Looking ahead, think globally. The Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad opens doors to new perspectives and experiences that enrich your education.
As you plan, remember to take care of yourself and stay connected. Research shows that students who get involved and find community experience more positive outcomes during college.
Finally, as instructors begin integrating AI tools more intentionally into coursework, use them wisely. When applied thoughtfully, these technologies can enhance learning — but they should never replace your own ideas and integrity. Employers tell us they want to see familiarity with these tools, but also demand they be used appropriately.
If you are still uncertain about your major, this is also a good time to explore degree options and build a course load that supports your goals. If you’ve earned fewer than 66 credits, you might find entering the exploratory studies pre-major to be helpful. Keep an open mind and consider majors you might not be familiar with. Agricultural mechanization and business, human capital development and education, packaging science, and graphic communications are just a few examples of such amazing programs. Check out our inventory of degree programs to discover where your interests and strengths align, and stay tuned for the Major/Minor Fair in the spring.
You belong here, and your success matters to us. Finish the semester strong, keep supporting one another and take pride in all that it means to be a Clemson Tiger.
Warm regards,
Sean Brittain, Ph.D.
Dean of Undergraduate Learning
