Category: Retention

By: Beth Anne Johnson, Marketing and Communications Manager, PEER Program

College is hard. Engineering and computing college is harder. And the students who thrive are not always the most naturally gifted — they are the ones who find their people, use their resources, and show up even when the semester gets heavy.

That is exactly what PEER is here for.

What Is PEER?

PEER — Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention — is the student success center within Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. We exist for one reason: to make sure talented students do not just arrive at Clemson but stay, grow, and graduate ready to lead.

And here is something every CECAS student should know — PEER is open to every undergraduate in the college. You do not need an invitation. You do not need to be struggling. You just need to walk through the door.

Your Mentors Are Waiting

At the heart of PEER is our mentoring program — a team of trained upperclassmen who have navigated the same coursework, the same pressures, and the same late nights you are facing right now. They hold weekly office hours in the PEER Lounge in Freeman Hall, and they are there to help you work through academic challenges, navigate the Clemson experience, and build the kind of confidence that carries you all the way to graduation.

Drop in. Ask your question. Stay a while. That is what the lounge is for.

Weekly Mentor Meetings — Now Open to All Students

This semester we opened our weekly mentor meetings to every CECAS student who wants to attend. These sessions run every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00 PM — unless we have a special event, which we will always announce in advance.

Each week covers something different — and we designed the calendar intentionally to meet students where they are across the full arc of the semester. Here is what we have been up to and what is still ahead:

Fall 2026 Workshop and Event Calendar

November and December

• November 5 — Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Health Resources
• November 19 — Thanksgiving Dinner — come eat, rest, and be with your people
• December 3 — Gingerbread House Competition
• December 10 — End of semester celebration

More Than a Program — A Community

What makes PEER different is not any single workshop or event. It is the accumulation of small moments — the mentor who remembered your name, the Thursday session where something clicked, the dinner where you realized you were not carrying this alone.

We are not here to fix you. You do not need fixing. We are here to walk alongside you — through the hard weeks, the big decisions, and the moments when Clemson feels like the best place in the world.

Come find us. Freeman Hall, Room 158. The door is open and so are we. 🧡🐾

PEER is open to all undergraduate students in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences at Clemson University. Weekly mentor meetings are held every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00 PM unless otherwise noted.

By: Beth Anne Johnson, Communications & Marketing Manager
PEER at Clemson University

Engineering and computing coursework is rigorous by design. The material is demanding, the pace is fast, and there will be weeks when a concept that seemed clear in lecture refuses to make sense on paper at 11 o’clock at night.

That is not a sign that you do not belong here. It is a sign that you are exactly where PEER Tutoring exists to help.

What Is PEER Tutoring?
PEER Tutoring is a free academic support service available to every undergraduate student in Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. Our tutors are fellow CECAS students — upperclassmen who have successfully completed the courses you are navigating right now and chose to show up for someone else because of it.

They are not here because you are failing. They are here because you are serious about succeeding.

What Can I Bring?
Anything. A concept from lecture that is not clicking. A problem set you have worked through three times without confidence. A subject you want to get ahead of before the next exam. Our tutors are trained to meet you where you are — whether you are keeping up, getting ahead, or working through a genuinely tough stretch.

When and Where?
PEER Tutoring is available Monday through Thursday from 7:00 to 10:00 PM in Freeman Hall, Room 158. No appointment needed. Just walk in.

One More Thing

Executive Director Serita Acker puts it simply: tutoring is not just for when you are struggling. It is for when you are preparing to do your very best.
Come find us. The door is open and so are our tutors. 🧡🐾

📍 Freeman Hall, Room 158 | Clemson University
🕖 Monday – Thursday | 7:00 – 10:00 PM

“The Clemson Family is not a slogan. It is a responsibility.”

By Serita Acker, Executive Director, PEER at Clemson University

College is not something that happens to you. It is something you choose — every single day.

I have watched thousands of students walk through our doors at PEER over the years. The ones who look back on their time at Clemson with the most pride are not always the ones who earned the highest grades. They are the ones who showed up — fully, consistently, and with intention.
So let me share three things I wish every student knew before their first semester ended.

Show up — even when you do not feel like it.
Attend the workshop. Go to the study session. Walk into the room where you do not know anyone yet. Opportunity does not find people who are waiting in their dorm rooms. It finds people who are present. You will be surprised how many doors open simply because you were there

Be where your feet are.
When you are in class, be in class. When you are with your mentor, be with your mentor. We live in a world that competes aggressively for your attention — and the students who learn to be fully present in this season of their lives build a skill that will serve them in every boardroom, laboratory, and relationship that follows.

Be a steward of your community.
The Clemson Family is not a slogan. It is a responsibility. Tutor a classmate. Mentor a first-year student. Volunteer. Show up for someone else the way someone once showed up for you. What you give to this community will outlast your four years here — and it will shape the kind of professional and person you become.

Campus life is not a backdrop to your education. It is your education.
Come find us in Freeman Hall, Room 158. We are here for all of it — with you, every step of the way.

Serita Acker is the Executive Director of PEER at Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.

“The skills you build here, how you communicate, how you lead, how you connect with the people around you — are just as essential as anything you will learn in a classroom.”

– Serita Acker, Executive Director, PEER

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

If you have walked past our office lately, visited our website, or scrolled through our social media channels, you may have noticed something a little different. The name has changed — and with it, a renewed clarity of purpose.

We are PEER. Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention. And we have never been more ready to serve you.

For years, this program has stood at the intersection of academic excellence and community — a place where engineering, computing, and applied sciences students come not just to survive their coursework, but to thrive in it and beyond it. That has not changed. What has changed is how we show up.

The rebrand reflects something we have believed all along: that the skills you build here — how you communicate, how you lead, how you connect with the people around you — are just as essential as anything you will learn in a classroom. We call them essential skills. And together with the rigorous technical education you are already receiving in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, they are what will set you apart in every room you walk into after graduation.

You will still find the same warm welcome at our door. The same mentors who know your name. The same commitment to making sure every student who walks through our doors walks out more prepared, more connected, and more confident than when they arrived.

PEER has a new look. The heart behind it has never wavered.
Come see us. We are right where we have always been — and we are so glad you are here.

Serita Acker is the Executive Director of PEER at Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.

By Serita Acker, Executive Director, PEER

By this point in the year, many of us are already feeling it—the quiet pressure of New Year’s goals colliding with real life. Classes are moving fast, inboxes are full, and the to-do list never seems to get shorter. Somewhere between the deadlines and responsibilities, it becomes easy to forget one very important item.

You.

One practice I return to again and again is simple, but powerful: I write myself into my to-do list. Not as an afterthought, and not only when everything else is finished—but intentionally. Because you are not your productivity. You are a whole person, deserving of care, rest, and joy.

For me, writing myself into the list looks like reading articles or books purely for fun—no notes, no outcomes required. It looks like leading a women’s group that fills my cup as much as it gives back. It looks like rest, movement, and shared laughter while exercising alongside my husband and daughter. These moments don’t slow me down; they sustain me.

When resolutions start to feel tested, this is often the moment when we’re tempted to push harder and do more. But growth doesn’t always come from adding. Sometimes it comes from honoring what you need to stay grounded and whole.

As students, leaders, and lifelong learners, you carry a lot. You show up, you work hard, and you aim high. That matters. But so do the moments that remind you who you are outside of your achievements.

So today, and every day, I encourage you to do this one small thing: write yourself into your to-do list. Your future self will thank you.

By: Beth Anne Johnson

For Brad Buncomb, Industrial Engineering Class of 2017, Clemson has always felt like home. Growing up in North Augusta, South Carolina, Brad spent countless weekends attending Clemson games with his family. But it wasn’t until a spring visit for SEE Clemson—a campus tour and mentorship day—that he felt the true pull of the Clemson Family.

“I remember Mrs. Sue being there,” Brad recalls with a smile. “Everyone was so warm and welcoming. It really helped me feel like I belonged.”
Sue Lasser served as PEER & WISE Executive Director for many years and mentored Serita Acker, who later followed in her footsteps as Executive Director. That legacy of mentorship and community became a cornerstone of Brad’s Clemson Experience.

Brad joined the Math Excellence Workshop—now the PEER WISE Experience (PWE)—where he found both friendship and focus. “There were only about 12 of us, and we became really close,” he says. “That experience helped me come out of my shell, manage my time, and learn how to use the many resources Clemson offered.”

Through his years in PEER & WISE, Brad built habits that continue to serve him in his career. Now an Operations Strategy Manager at Home Depot, he works on implementing new technology in stores and improving operational processes. “If I can make something better, I want to,” he says. “What excites me most is seeing the impact—not just on the business, but on people’s everyday experiences.”

Outside of work, Brad finds joy in sports, family, and maintaining the friendships that shaped his Clemson journey. “There’s always more work to do,” he reflects, “but it’s important to set boundaries and prioritize what matters—family, friends, and community.” Brad also gives back through Emerging 100, a mentoring and leadership organization in the greater Atlanta area.

His advice to current students? “Stay connected. Keep your network strong. That Clemson Family lasts well beyond graduation.”

By: Beth Anne Johnson

When Preston thinks back on his Clemson story, he can trace it to a single moment—before he was even a student.

“My mom and I were on campus visiting my brother, Kendal, when I met Mrs. Lisa. She already knew who I was and told me about PEER & WISE. She invested in me before I even stepped on campus, and that was really special,” he remembers. Preston also credits Mrs. Serita, as a lifelong mentor and a community leader from his hometown, with showing him what it means to serve others.

Those introductions set the stage for Preston’s Clemson Experience. Through the PEER WISE Experience (PWE)—even though it was online at the time—he began building friendships. “It was super nice to meet folks virtually, and even better when I saw them in person for the first time. Some of us are still friends today.”

Finding His Place at Clemson
Like so many Tigers, Preston says some of the most memorable moments came from simply being part of the community. “Experiencing Clemson in all its grandeur—sports, the cheers, the way the whole community comes together—that unity is something you never forget.”

Welcome Week was another milestone. Even though his first year looked a little different, he encourages current students to show up, no matter what. “Even if it’s your second year, keep going. You never know who you’ll meet or what connections you’ll make.”

Through PEER & WISE, Preston discovered opportunities to lead and serve. He remembers helping run the LEGO competition during Next Engineers, working STEM Day, and serving on student panels. “I loved seeing younger students’ curiosity—watching how their brains worked when they tinkered with something new. It reminded me why I chose engineering in the first place.”

Challenges that Shaped Him
One of the accomplishments Preston is most proud of is learning to code in MATLAB, something that didn’t come easily at first. “It was tough. I used the tutoring service from 7 to 10 every night to get the hang of it,” he says. “But once I figured it out, it gave me confidence. Later in my senior design project, and even now in my career, I can use that skill to solve real problems.”

If he could change one thing about his Clemson journey, it would be how he approached the career fair. “I had my list of target companies, and I stuck to it. This kind of research is important, but looking back, I wish I had branched out and talked to more employers. You never know what opportunities you might find.”

Building Skills for What’s Next
Preston credits PEER & WISE with sharpening the skills that set him apart after graduation. “Planning, organizing, public speaking—those soft skills matter. They’re what make you stand out when it’s time to step into the professional world.”

Listening to guest speakers, working in groups, and learning to lead with empathy also shaped his outlook. “Hearing other people’s stories taught me a lot about understanding where others are coming from. That’s something I use every day.”

Life Now
Today, Preston works in Charlotte as a Junior Reliability Engineer with JLL, where he focuses on asset validation and maintenance systems for various client accounts. “It’s exciting to see how the concepts I learned in school translate into real-world problem solving.”

When he’s not at work, Preston makes time for the people who matter most. “Family comes first. I love being able to spend time with them and finding community here in Charlotte.”

He also finds joy in watching his older brother Kendal thrive in his own career journey. “Seeing Kendal succeed has been incredible. He’s a tremendous networker, and I’ve been able to learn from the way he makes decisions and tries new things.”

Words of Advice
For current and future Tigers, Preston keeps it simple: “Try new things. Push yourself to go to one more event on campus. Go by yourself if you need to. You’ll be surprised by the connections you make and how much you’ll grow.”

Ready to experience the same award-winning program as Preston? Drop by Freeman 158 and meet the team!

By: Beth Anne Johnson

This summer, members of the GE Next Engineers PEER & WISE team at Clemson University traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, for a global gathering of educators, industry partners, GE volunteers, and implementation managers from FHI 360. The training and collaboration event united colleagues from South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the University of Cincinnati—all committed to advancing the GE Next Engineers curriculum and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

The sessions focused on the vital link between K–12 education and workforce development, highlighting how early exposure to engineering can help meet the growing global demand for skilled professionals. The Clemson team was proud to share lessons learned from our own programs while also gaining insight from the successes of international peers.

“This work is so important because it creates a pipeline of young people who see themselves in engineering and have the confidence to pursue it,” said Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER & WISE. “By collaborating globally, we ensure our students are better prepared to step into careers that drive innovation and strengthen communities.”

The GE Next Engineers program continues to be a powerful catalyst, connecting classrooms to careers and giving students the tools they need to imagine—and achieve—a future in engineering.

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!