“Courtney is an outstanding teacher who always goes above and beyond for her students. As the incoming freshmen teacher she sets the foundation for the success that the students find in ClemsonLIFE. She is an asset to the program; she does it all with a smile on her face and joyful laughter.” – Anonymous
TheOffice of Teaching Effectiveness & Innovation Team
“What a pleasure to host the exceptional staff from the Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation (OTEI). Miguel requested professional development training in document accessibility, and it was an honor to deliver. This talented team was attentive and engaged throughout this workshop on digital accessibility for Microsoft Word, and I look forward to our next session on PowerPoint accessibility. Shout-out to Taimi A Olsen, Miguel Montoro, Claire Dancz, Shannon Stefl, Sarah Otterbeck, Becky Tugman, and Janet Arnold – thank you for making document accessibility a priority for Clemson students and faculty!” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations
Dwayne Skelnik, Landscape Services
“Thanks for planting the pretty daffodils around West Campus. They brighten my day.” – Anonymous
“Kelsey keeps a complex set of “trains” running on time and headed in the right directions! We’re grateful for your service-oriented approach and pleasant professional demeanor!” – Anonymous
Dani Brewer, Faculty Systems Coordinator, Office of the Provost “Dani is always willing to pitch-in, even when (perhaps especially when) it requires learning new things. We’re grateful to have a talented team and Dani adds much with her talent and commitment!” – Anonymous
Jessica Serrao, Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections “Jessica plays a crucial role in our Metadata Services unit by creating descriptive metadata for digital collections and managing workflows and partnerships across departments. She mentors early career faculty, is always ready to help, and is a kind-hearted and inspiring colleague.” Tomeka Jackson, Resident Librarian , Collections and Discovery
Dave Sargent, Counselor and Director of IT, Center for Career and Professional Development “A huge thank you to Dave Sargent! For seven years, Dave has been a steadfast supporter of our JCPenney Suit-Up events and Career Clothes Closet. He generously gives up his Sunday afternoons to ensure our technology runs smoothly and even helps transport clothing—whether by golf cart or truck. His dedication, long hours, and ever-positive attitude make a lasting impact. We appreciate you, Dave—thank you for always coming through for us!” – Caren Kelley-Hall, Senior Associate Director – UPIC/Clemson Career Clothes Closet
Ryan Real and Colby Lanham, Institutional and Operational Communications “This (and every) issue of OURClemson is digitally accessible thanks to the calculated work of Ryan Real and Colby Lanham. They intentionally use high-contrast colors, descriptive link text, and accessible structure elements like headings and bulleted lists, and they check (and double-check!) image alternative text on photos. Ryan & Colby, the Digital Accessibility team at Clemson appreciates your commitment to providing internal news that everyone can access.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations
Megan Bolt and Staci Koonce (Bolt) Academic Advisor, College of Education, Undergraduate Studies; (Koonce) Direction of Teach Fellows & Strat Rcmt, College of Education, Undergraduate Studies
“Both provided unwavering support during a time of transition and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities to ensure that students within the College of Education have what they need, all while maintaining a positive demeanor.” – Anonymous
Lynn Asbill, Data Engineer, Ent. Data Services
“Lynn is incredibly nice, fast, and helpful! I could not do my job without her!” – Stacey Marcus, Manager of Advising and Student Success Initiatives, Academic Success Center
Jean McKendry, Director of Research Development, College of Education “Dr. McKendry has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the College of Education’s research mission, actively identifying funding opportunities, and creating a collaborative environment that empowers faculty to reach new levels of success in securing grants. Her strategic vision and commitment to fostering partnerships, along with a deep understanding of research development, have been instrumental in enhancing the research enterprise and driving innovation that impacts both the academic community within COE and the broader Clemson community, as well.” – Melinda Fischer, Grants Administrator
Rhonda Gray, Historic Site Assistant
“Rhonda consistently goes above and beyond for Historic Properties. From coming in early to give tours to students, to cultivating relationships with our local community partners she excels at everything she sets her mind to accomplish. At our Legacy signing day event, Rhonda gave over 10 tours to Clemson donors, providing a unique and special experience that they will treasure for years to come.” – Anonymous
Holly Corbett, Historic Site Guide
“Over the last month Holly has gone above and beyond to develop the exhibit spaces at Hanover House. She has worked to meticulously pack artifacts and arrange exhibit spaces. Her dedication and love of the house history shines through every day.” – Anonymous
Suzette Andrus, Historic Site Guide
“Suzette is always willing to lend an extra helping hand when needed for our Historic Properties. Most recently she helped perform a deep clean of Fort Hill National Landmark to prepare the home for Legacy Signing Day. In addition to her careful attention to the home, Suzette played the piano for all of our donors during the event, provide a unique and special experience for our guests.” – Anonymous
“Candice is a constant source of kindness, patience, helpfulness, and smiles for everyone who gets to work with her. She goes above and beyond for CAFLS, continually embodying our spirit of service and outreach.” – Anonymous
Amy Colleen Sbardella, Landscape Specialist
“Ms. Amy Sbardella planted flowers in many gardens on campus, she also takes care of leafy plants. She and her colleagues make Clemson University main campus more beautiful and welcoming.” – Anonymous
Michael Mavis, Fiscal Analyst III, Accounting Services
“Michael is always a joy to work with, quick to respond and happy to help. Clemson is a better place because of Michael.” – Anonymous
Corey Kirby, Print Smart
“Huge thank you to Corey and his team for always making sure our exams are printed on time and to specification. Corey even went above and beyond and came in during the hurricane closure to meet our deadline! We appreciate you!” – Anonymous
John A. Martin, 21, passed away this week. Martin was a senior majoring in forest resource management from Easley, South Carolina. He also worked for the student radio station at WSBF during his time at Clemson.
“John was a valuable member of the Clemson Family, and we are deeply saddened by his passing,” said Chris Miller, interim vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing grief counseling to students. Any student who wants to speak to a counselor should contact CAPS at 864-656-2451. A walk-in clinic is open in Redfern Health Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Clemson University Employee Assistance (EAP) program is available to employees seeking additional resources during this time. For more information and assistance, please call (866) 327-2400 or visit https://www.clemson.edu/human-resources/eap/index.html.
The service will be held under the direction of Robinson Funeral Home in Powdersville. Access John A. Martin’s obituary for details.
Clemson University Obituaries
Obituaries for active employees, retirees and current students are issued by Inside Clemson once we are able to confirm the information. Since faculty and staff live and work throughout the state, we depend on university departments, colleagues or friends to notify us of the deaths of active employees and retirees.
The Division of Student Affairs recently unveiled a new Student Code of Conduct, effective immediately. The revised code is the result of a three-year process that outlines a new procedure for adjudication of issues involving suspension or expulsion.
“We believe this updated document serves students in a manner that is consistent with Clemson University’s core values of honesty, integrity and respect,” said Beverly McAdams, interim associate dean of students and director of the Office of Community and Ethical Standards (OCES).
Many faculty and staff members serve as advisers to organizations and as mentors to students and familiarity with the updated Code of Conduct is beneficial to that relationship.
Any questions related to the document should be directed to OCES, located on the ninth floor of Edgar A. Brown University Union. OCES can be reached by phone at 864-656-0510.
More than 1,300 students will receive Clemson University degrees in two graduation ceremonies on Thursday, Dec. 19. They are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in Littlejohn Coliseum. In addition, Ph.D. candidates will participate in a doctoral hooding ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, in the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.
Magnetometers will be present at all gates to Littlejohn Coliseum and the university’s clear bag policy will be in effect for both graduation ceremonies. Guest services, stroller/walker check-in and first aid will be located in Burton Gallery, the south entrance to the coliseum.
Graduates will be grouped into one of two ceremonies through the various academic colleges as follows:
9:30 a.m.
Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
Education
Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
1:30 p.m.
Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
Architecture, Arts and Humanities
Business
Science
PARKING/TRAFFIC Visitor parking will be available in commuter lots around the coliseum, including C-3 and R-3 adjacent to Perimeter Road (Silas Pearman Boulevard). Parking is for graduation staff is reserved along the Avenue of Champions and across from the Tiger statue near the east gate in the C-9 lot on Centennial Boulevard.
Due to the installation of underground utilities on Perimeter Road between the C-1 parking lot and Cherry Road, attendees should use Walter T. Cox Boulevard (Highway 93) to come to graduation. Visit the university’s interactive facilities map for all construction impacts during graduation.
FACULTY Swann Pavilion is accessible to graduates and working staff only. Attending faculty are invited to enter the VIP entrance to Littlejohn at the southeast corner and follow directions to the Coliseum Club for processional and seating.
WORKING STAFF Staff members assigned to work at graduation will enter from the loading dock along the Avenue of Champions. Magnetometers will be present at the loading dock as well. Check-in is inside the loading dock, where staff will receive a wristband to access areas inside the venue.
The Clemson Libraries recently secured a grant from Clemson’s Information Technology Student Advisory Board (ITSAB) to support an open-source online homework system called WeBWork.
Many instructors in lower-division math, science, engineering and business classes that are heavy in mathematical calculations, use online homework platforms that collect and grade student assignments. Unlike traditional written homework that is graded and returned to students a week later, these platforms give them instant feedback on whether their answers are right or wrong. This helps students identify their mistakes, strengths and weaknesses, which can greatly improve their learning.
But commercial systems can be very expensive, costing as much as $100 per student per course. Produced by large publishers, their questions are tied to expensive publisher textbooks, which often do not fully meet the needs of instructors and forbid them from selecting other textbooks, some of which are free for students to use.
Michael Burr (left), Matt Macauley and Matt Saltzman, professors in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, are using open source WeBWork in their courses.
Matt Saltzman, Matt Macauley and Michael Burr, professors in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, began searching for a solution. They discovered WeBWork, an open source system which was originally developed for a physics course at the University of Rochester and has since been upgraded with many grants, including some from the Mathematical Association of America.
Saltzman installed WeBWork on a server provided by the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences’ Information Technology Services, and Macauley and Burr use it to teach their fall 2019 courses.
WeBWork is free for both faculty and students and can be used in any lower-division STEM and business courses that require students to do homework involving mathematical calculations. “It can provide homework for students in dozens of classes simultaneously,” Salzman said.
“The system also has many advantages over commercial platforms,” according to Burr. “WeBWork is built using a more robust programming language and has more flexibility in generating questions. It also collects data beyond student grades, such as the number of attempts per question, which can be used by instructors to better analyze student performance, determine areas where a student is struggling and assist them.”
The professors hope to use WeBWork again next semester if the current trial of the server is successful. However, there are still a few challenges. Though there are new commercial services that host WeBWork for a fee, Saltzman, Macauley and Burr are hosting it locally to keep costs low. For now, Saltzman is serving as a volunteer administrator, but scaling up and developing a long-term sustainable approach to hosting and maintaining the system will require support from IT staff or students.
Yang Wu, the open resources librarian at Clemson Libraries, worked to find financial assistance to get the project started during the summer of 2019 by contacting Undergraduate Student Government for help.
Reducing the cost of learning materials is a major priority for Logan Young, Undergraduate Student Body president, who worked to secure the grant from the IT Student Advisory Board, a governance group that manages 10 percent of student IT fees and uses it to fund initiatives benefitting students.
Zachary Pate, chairman of ITSAB, welcomed the WeBWork project, noting that cash-strapped students often try to finish a course without required materials.
“I’ve heard so many different stories of students who will calculate how well they can do in a class without purchasing certain items,” Pate said.
Clemson Libraries Clemson Libraries is Clemson’s first place for information. Clemson Libraries’ collection boasts 1.2 million print volumes, complemented by over 500,000 eBooks and 82,000+ electronic journal subscriptions. The Libraries’ faculty, staff and student assistants are dedicated to ensuring student success by providing the information resources and services needed to complete assignments, attain degrees and excel in the workplace.
Endowed by the Great Class of 1939, the Clemson University Class of ’39 Award for Excellence is presented annually to one distinguished member of the Clemson faculty whose outstanding contributions to students, the university, and/or the local/national/international community for the past five-year period have been judged by his/her peers to represent the highest achievement of academic excellence. The award recipient becomes an honorary member of the class and earns a monetary award equal to the value of $5,000 in 1989 (approximately $10,500) – the year the Award for Excellence was established. Recipients are recognized at one of the December graduation ceremonies and in a January 14 or February 11 ceremony at the ’39 Bell Tower in the Carillon Gardens.
To be eligible for the award, a faculty member must be an active, tenured faculty member with at least five years of faculty service at Clemson University. Visit the Class of ’39 Award for Excellence page for complete details and a nomination form. Completed materials are due to the Provost’s Office by noon, Friday, October 18, 2019.
Characterized by remarkable service to Clemson University, the community, the state, and the nation, The Great Class of 1939 established the Award for Excellence in 1989 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the class and to recognize and to inspire faculty service above and beyond expectations.
For questions, contact your department chair, dean, or Dr. Chelsea Waugaman, university faculty governance coordinator in the Faculty Senate office (senate@clemson.edu).
