Category: Opportunities

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Finals are around the corner, and we know this season can feel like a sprint and a marathon all at once. That’s why PEER WISE is opening our doors all month long with something simple that makes a big difference: snacks, community, and a place to breathe.

Throughout December, swing by the PEER WISE space during your study sessions and fuel up with free snacks to keep your energy steady and your mind sharp. Whether you’re reviewing notes before an exam, putting the finishing touches on a project, or just need a moment to reset, we’ve got you covered.

Think of this as your home base—somewhere you can settle in, recharge, and know you’re not doing this alone. Bring a friend, grab a granola bar or a cup of something warm, and get back to your work feeling a little lighter and a little more supported.

We’re proud of the hard work you’ve put in this semester, and we want to help you finish strong. So stop by, take a break, and let us cheer you on as you close out the year.

See you in December!

By: Beth Anne Johnson

As we approach the busy stretch of the semester, students are working hard to stay on top of their classes, projects, and exams. At PEER WISE, we know that having the right study tools can make all the difference—especially when you’re tackling tough engineering and computing coursework.

That’s why we’re hosting a Supplemental Materials Drive, and we’d love your help.

If you have old exams, study guides, worksheets, or review packets from previous semesters, consider passing them forward. These materials give future students a clearer picture of what to expect, how to prepare, and where to focus their time. Something that once lived at the bottom of your backpack could be exactly what helps someone else feel confident walking into their next test.

How to Participate:
Simply drop off your materials at Freeman 158 anytime during office hours. Our team will organize and share them with students who need extra support in their classes.

Your contribution—big or small—helps strengthen our community of learners. Thank you for taking a few minutes to make someone else’s academic journey a little easier.

Let’s keep lifting each other up, one exam at a time.

Big exams can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to prepare alone. PEER & WISE is here to support you with Common Exam Study Sessions—designed to bring students together, share resources, and build confidence before the big test.

If you’re enrolled in CHEM 1010/1020, MATH 1060/1080, or PHYS 1220/2210, these sessions are for you. Held in Freeman Hall, our study nights are led by experienced tutors who know the material inside and out. You’ll have the chance to review key concepts, work through practice problems, and learn strategies that make exam time less stressful.

More than just tutoring, these sessions are about community—cheering each other on and reminding every Tiger that success is within reach.

Location: Freeman Hall 102
Time: 7:00–10:00 PM
Dates: See the poster below for this semester’s schedule

Bring your notes, your questions, and your determination. We’ll take care of the rest. Let’s tackle common exams together—because when Tigers study as a team, we all win.

At PEER & WISE, we know that success in engineering and science comes with the right support. That’s why our free tutoring program is open Sunday through Thursday, 7:00–10:00 p.m. in Freeman 102. Whether you’re tackling a tough homework set, preparing for an exam, or just need a fresh way of looking at a problem, our tutors are here to help you find your stride.

Tutoring is open to all students in the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences. You’ll find a welcoming environment, patient guidance, and peers who understand the challenges of your coursework. It’s not just about solving equations — it’s about building confidence, finding community, and knowing you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Check out our tutoring schedule below to see when help is available for your classes. Bring your questions, bring a friend, and let’s work through it together.

Freeman Hall | Sunday–Thursday | 7–10 p.m. | Open to Everyone!

By: Beth Anne Johnson

The PEER WISE Experience (PWE) is a four-week summer program designed for incoming Clemson students to get a head start—earning college credits before their first fall semester begins. This award-winning program is known for its excellence, with a 100% retention rate that speaks for itself. PWE sets the foundation for success, connection, and confidence—long before classes officially start.

This July, kicked off another great season of the PEER WISE Experience as we welcomed over 30 incredible students to campus—our newest members of the Tiger family!

If you weren’t able to join us in person, don’t worry—this blog series is for you. We’re sharing a few (not all!) of our time-tested tools for success so you can start applying the PEER WISE mindset from wherever you are.

Each post gives you a glimpse into what makes PWE special—and how you can put these strategies into practice, self-application style. And as always, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Let’s get started.

By Serita Acker, Executive Director, PEER WISE at Clemson University

Let’s tackle a myth that trips up even the most outgoing students:
“Community just happens organically.”

The truth? Sometimes it does. You might meet your best friend in a lab, at a study session, or walking across campus. But more often than not, real community doesn’t just “happen”—it takes intention.

One of the things I always tell our PEER WISE students is this: You have to show up. Not just for class or for grades, but for people. Community is built when you take the risk to say “hi” at a club meeting. It’s built when you stay after an event to help clean up and end up laughing with someone who becomes a friend. It’s built when you come back, again and again, even when you feel unsure.

Yes, there are organic moments—those unexpected connections that make you feel like you belong. But those moments often start because someone made a move: they invited, welcomed, asked a question, offered a smile, or created a space.

That’s what we do at PEER WISE. We don’t leave community to chance. We plan gatherings, mentor meetups, workshops, and study groups on purpose. We send the emails. We open the doors. We encourage students to invite a friend. We create space so those organic moments can actually happen.

So if you’re sitting on the sidelines wondering when your people will find you—this is your nudge. Show up. Say yes. Try again. The students you’re looking for? They might be looking for you, too.

Community takes time. But it’s worth the effort. And you don’t have to build it alone.

By Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE at Clemson University

Let’s go ahead and bust this myth wide open: Tutoring is not just for students who are failing. In fact, some of our strongest and most successful students use tutoring regularly. Why? Because smart students know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom.

At PEER WISE, we see tutoring as a tool for growth, not a rescue plan. It’s a space where students sharpen their skills, ask big questions, and deepen their understanding. It’s where good students become great students.

Think about it like this: elite athletes still have coaches. They don’t wait until they’re injured or off their game to train—they work with experts all the time to stay at the top of their field. Tutoring works the same way.

Some students come to tutoring to get unstuck on a tough assignment. Others drop in weekly to stay on track and build confidence before exams. And many come just to talk through a problem out loud, because sometimes hearing yourself think makes all the difference.

Tutoring is also about connection. It’s a chance to meet upper-level students who’ve taken the course before and can offer not just content help, but real advice on how to manage the workload, talk to professors, or organize your time. Sometimes, what students need most is someone to say, “You’ve got this. I’ve been there too.”

So if you’re sitting in a class that’s moving fast or feels overwhelming, don’t wait for a red alert to ask for help. Step into a space that’s built to support you—before the stress sets in.

Our tutoring sessions are free, welcoming, and open to everyone. Whether you’re aiming for a passing grade or a perfect score, PEER WISE is here to walk with you.

Because learning is never a solo sport. And you don’t have to do this alone.

— Serita Acker
Executive Director, PEER WISE
Clemson University

By: Beth Anne Johnson

With her color-coded Google calendar in hand, junior biomedical engineering student Daphne Gomez Escudero is building her future one strategic decision at a time.

On Thursday, April 10, Daphne was honored at the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) Honors and Awards Ceremony as one of only twelve students recognized. She received the prestigious Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize, which celebrates the legacy of Dr. Bob Snelsire—an electrical engineering professor remembered for his dedication to students and his passion for service.

“Daphne is an outstanding mentor, researcher, and student,” said Stephanie Henry, Associate Director of WISE. “She represents the heart of PEER WISE—always serving the Clemson Family with grace and conviction.”

Daphne describes receiving the award as a moment she’ll never forget.

“When I got the email, my jaw dropped,” she said. “I serve the Clemson community because it’s the most meaningful way I can give back to a place that’s given me so much. It was unbelievable to be recognized for something that brings me so much purpose.”

Behind her success is a disciplined approach to her time and her growth. Daphne is quick to credit the PEER WISE Experience Program for helping her evolve from a quiet first-year student into the confident leader she is today.

“The program has a 100% retention rate—and I know why,” she said. “The weekly professional development and academic coaching sessions helped me find what works for me, while also giving me the tools to succeed.”

Daphne’s journey is a reminder that success is rarely accidental. It’s built through intentional habits, a strong support system, and a willingness to lead with purpose.

Ready to find your purpose with PEER WISE? Stop by Freeman 138 to become a member of our student community. As a student service center, we support all members in the Clemson Family!

By: Serita Acker

Each summer, I think about how the rhythm of campus life shifts. The energy is quieter, but that doesn’t mean it’s idle. In fact, I believe summer is one of the most strategic seasons for growth — not just for students, but for alumni and educators too.

Whether you’re about to step onto campus for the first time or reflecting on your journey as an alum, summer offers one critical gift: space. Space to prepare. Space to explore. Space to give back.
Here’s how I encourage our students, staff, faculty and extended PEER WISE family to make the most of it:
________________________________________

INCOMING STUDENTS:
Use this time to get curious. Learn your campus culture, connect with mentors, and build your confidence before your first day. These early steps are often where belonging begins.

CURRENT STUDENTS:
Don’t wait for the school year to build your résumé. Intern, volunteer, start a creative project, or rest intentionally. Growth doesn’t always happen in a classroom — sometimes it happens at a community center, a summer job, or in the quiet of reflection.

GRADUATING STUDENTS:
This is your moment to transition with purpose. Revisit your goals. Seek out alumni. Sharpen your professional presence. And yes — celebrate how far you’ve come.

ALUMNI:
We need you. Students don’t just need advice; they need to see what’s possible. Whether it’s mentoring, speaking, or simply checking in — your presence matters more than you know. Your story is someone else’s blueprint.
________________________________________

We often treat summer like a pause. I see it as both a pause and a pivot — a season where intentional moves set the tone for what’s next.

To our students: take initiative.
To our alumni: stay engaged.
To my colleagues in education: let’s continue creating the conditions for thriving, not just surviving.

Summer is not a break from learning. It’s a bridge to becoming.

Let’s walk it together.
— Serita Acker
Executive Director

#Leadership #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #CollegeToCareer #MentorshipMatters #MakeTheMostOfSummer

As the Executive Director of PEER WISE, Serita Acker is a guiding force for Clemson University’s engineering students, providing invaluable mentorship and preparing them for the challenges of the professional world. This week, she shares her expertise on how students can make the most of the upcoming Clemson Career Fair and set themselves apart as rising industry leaders.

Career Fair Prep: Setting Yourself Up for Success

The Clemson Career Fair, taking place on February 17th, 18th, and 19th, is a pivotal opportunity for engineering students to connect with leading employers, showcase their skills, and gain valuable insights into their industries. Preparation is key to making a lasting impression. Serita advises students to start early by researching the companies attending the fair.

“Know who will be there ahead of time,” she says. “Admire their work, understand their mission, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals.” Use the career fair as a chance to demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your curiosity and genuine interest in their work.

Mastering the Art of Networking

Networking is a cornerstone of professional growth, and the career fair offers a prime opportunity to hone this skill. Serita’s advice is simple: “Connect with your fear and do it nervous.” Even seasoned professionals feel jitters before meeting someone new, but confidence grows with practice.

Start with a strong elevator pitch—a concise, impactful summary of who you are, your background, and what you’re seeking. According to Serita, “An elevator pitch is your introduction; make it count. Keep it clear, professional, and tailored to the company you’re speaking with.”

Remember, networking isn’t just about what you can gain. Serita emphasizes the importance of approaching conversations with a mindset of service. “Be confident in your ability to volunteer and serve the company. Highlight how your skills and experiences can address their needs and contribute to their success.”

Professionalism in Action

Business professionalism is more than just dressing the part (though dressing appropriately is essential). Serita explains that professionalism includes punctuality, preparedness, and respect.

“Self-awareness will set you apart,” she says. “Understand your strengths, know the emerging research in your industry, and articulate how your skills align with industry trends.”

Additionally, follow-up is a critical component of professionalism. After meeting a recruiter or company representative, send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating your interest in their organization. This simple gesture can leave a lasting impression.

Confidence Through Service

Serita’s final piece of advice is to approach the career fair with confidence in your potential to serve and contribute. Whether it’s through volunteering, internships, or full-time roles, your ability to connect your skills with an organization’s goals is what will make you stand out.

“Step into the fair knowing that you belong there,” she encourages. “Your journey, experiences, and determination are valuable assets. Embrace the opportunity to grow, learn, and connect.”

Ready to Shine?

The Clemson Career Fair is more than just an event—it’s a launchpad for your future. Take Serita’s advice to heart and approach the fair prepared, confident, and ready to connect. Stop by the PEER WISE office if you need guidance or support as you prepare. We’re here to help you succeed!

Mark your calendars for February 17th, 18th and 19th, polish your elevator pitch, and get ready to make your mark at the career fair. The opportunities you seize today could shape your future tomorrow.