Author: Matthew Bundrick

Dear Clemson Family,

Now that we have settled into a new semester, it is with great excitement and expectation that we usher in the 2016 football season! My family and I are looking forward to joining tens of thousands of Clemson students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans at home in Death Valley, and in stadiums around the country, to cheer on our Tigers.

Because of our football team’s success last year and the anticipation of another very successful season, the national spotlight is already shining brightly on us – on the playing field, in the stands, and on social media – so let’s continue to showcase our world-class sportsmanship and hospitality.

Clemson takes great pride in welcoming visitors to campus and demonstrating good sportsmanship to the visiting team, coaches and officials. Let’s be passionate about our Tigers, courteous to our visitors, and respectful of all fans who gather to enjoy each game. In fact, the Division IA Athletic Directors Association has designated Clemson as one of only five “showcase institutions” for sportsmanship programs. That is a tradition of which we should all be proud.

All eyes are on us, Clemson Family, so let’s set the example and remember that every time you show your pride and wear the paw, you are a representative of this great university and the entire Clemson Family.  Thank you for your support!

Go Tigers!

Jim Clements

President

Dear Clemson Community,

I am thrilled to welcome everyone to what I believe will be the best year yet for Clemson.  As the beginning of 2016-17 academic year draws near, the campus is coming alive with much energy and excitement.  Our future has never been brighter. New Clemson students are moving into residence halls, over 100 new faculty are joining the Clemson family, and staff all over campus are working hard to make sure this year is an overwhelming success.  Plus, Clemson football practice has begun and other fall sports are gearing up for what I trust will be another great year for our Tigers.

Much has taken place since the last academic year ended in May, and before we start classes next week, I want to take a moment to provide this update.

Last week, we held our summer graduation ceremony.  Graduation is one of the most important days in the life of a university and I was delighted to preside over our latest ceremony in Greenville where 380 students were awarded bachelor’s degrees and 535 students received master’s degrees.  Another 88 students were awarded doctorates at a hooding ceremony in the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

The Board of Trustees in July approved moving ahead with our new Clemson Forward Strategic Plan. The plan is built upon the strong foundation of the existing 2020 Road Map and focuses on enhancing four primary areas — research, engagement, the academic core, and living. The plan advances the university’s mission of providing a practical and intellectual education, and serving as a “high seminary of learning” for the state, as outlined in Thomas Green Clemson’s will. This plan also provides the framework for us to create graduates who are leaders in all facets of today’s complex society, and focuses on excellence in undergraduate education, engagement and innovation, recruiting and retaining top diverse talent, and building a world-class physical infrastructure. Learn more about the Clemson Forward plan.

Also in July, the Board of Trustees and many of our top donors celebrated with us the successful completion of our Will to Lead Campaign. With the unwavering support from the Clemson community, we surpassed our $1 billion goal for our student-centered, 10-year capital campaign, reaching a total of $1,062,528,346 in gifts and commitments.  Will to Lead was the most successful capital campaign in the University’s history, and has already resulted in the creation of 682 new scholarships and fellowships, as well as 26 professorships and endowed chair positions.  We also have renovated, built or have under construction numerous academic and athletic facilities as a direct result of the campaign. See the impact of your gifts.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our Clemson community remains a priority for me. The executive leadership team has been working hard over the summer months to make great progress on our commitment in this area and I am pleased to report that a number of initiatives are under way.

·      The Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center has opened its doors at a new location on campus in Bracket Hall Suite 300. This new location offers better space for programming and is more centrally located for students looking to access the Gantt Center’s resources.

·      Vice President Almeda Jacks and Chief Diversity Officer Lee Gill have been meeting with different student groups to discuss a new funding plan for student organizations to ensure a fair process is in place and to increase funding where needed.

·      We are continuing the effort to implement the History Task Force recommendations to transparently share the entire Clemson story. This includes new signage in front of Tillman Hall along with a display inside that details the building’s history.  In addition, the biographies of the University founders will be included on our website.  This work is to be completed soon.

·      Creating a more inclusive campus climate has been a focus during student and parent orientations and in student monthly inclusivity luncheons created to encourage open dialogue. Also, plans are underway for inclusivity training and education for faculty and staff throughout the year.

·      Our commitment to increase enrollment of a diverse student population remains a priority. While we are focusing on a cross section of diversity among students the number of African-American students in this year’s incoming freshman class will increase by 25 percent over last year.

·      Also, the diversity of faculty hired over the last two years continues to rise.  The percent of new faculty hired who identify themselves as African American, Hispanic, or Native American rose from 6.4% in 2014 to 12% in 2015 and 16% in 2016.  The Provost Office, the Deans of the Colleges, Human Resources, and the Office of Inclusion and Equity are working together to build on this momentum.

·      Finally, Chief Diversity Officer, Lee Gill, has reorganized and renamed his department The Office for Inclusion and Equity to better serve our community and to implement the important commitments in this area. Watch for more communications to come from Lee and his team.

As we prepare for classes to begin next week, Clemson is poised to build upon our success and create new opportunities for greater achievements. We are a community of scholars who encourages and supports the expression of differing thoughts and opinions between individuals and groups in a respectful and safe environment. Although we may have different views, different opinions and different backgrounds, we have one commonality – we are all a part of the Clemson community, and we value honesty, integrity and respect. Our Clemson community has the ability to bring about positive, meaningful change both on campus and in our larger community. It is a critical time for all of us in higher education to engage thoughtfully in the issues and challenges before us to enhance the world in which we live.

As we move forward, let’s be civil to each other and listen to points of view that differ from our own. Together, we can build a truly great university. I am encouraging all of us to begin this academic year with an open display of support and unity for all members of our campus community. All faculty, staff and students are invited to join me for a Clemson United (CU United) fellowship luncheon event on Wednesday, August 17th, 11am-2pm on Bowman Field.  In case of rain, this event will move to Harcombe Dining facility.

What makes Clemson unique is how we come together to create a positive future. I challenge each of you to ask yourself, what can you do to move Clemson forward? How can you become more involved to ensure we keep the positive progress and momentum moving? How can we collectively build each other up and create a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and included?  This is OUR Clemson University.  And you make a difference.

Let’s move forward united.

Best wishes for a great academic year.

Go Tigers!!!

Jim Clements

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has participated in discussions, on and off the steps of Sikes Hall this past week, as well as prior conversations. Students, faculty, staff and the community have demonstrated true passion and genuine commitment to seeking ways in which Clemson can be a more welcoming, safe and inclusive place for everyone. I acknowledge that students are still sitting on the steps of Sikes Hall as this communication is being delivered and understand their frustration. I’m saddened that some members of our community felt that the only way to be heard was to spend the last nine days in front of the Administration building. I have been truly moved.

Through the forums that took place this week, I, along with my leadership team, have listened intently to the challenges facing Clemson. We heard you. While we have been taking steps to improve diversity and inclusion on our campus, there is still much work to be done. We recognize the need to take action in specific and immediate ways.

We are committed to taking the following actions to address the concerns we heard:

• Clemson University fosters an environment of free speech but with that comes a responsibility to treat all members with respect and dignity. I will not tolerate threatening behavior and statements, and there will be consequences for any such actions. We also commit to more effective communications when malicious incidents occur and will use these as opportunities to articulate the negative impact on our sense of community.
  • Ownership: President Clements
  • Timeline: Immediate and ongoing

• The identification of a more appropriate short and long-term space for the Gantt Multicultural Center is of the highest priority. Short term space will be identified and available for use by Fall 2016. A committee of students, faculty, staff and administration will be formed to identify a suitable long-term location and formulate a relocation strategy by December 2016, with implementation by August 2017. The review will also include an evaluation of resource requirements.
  • Ownership: Chief Diversity Officer Lee Gill and Vice President of Finance and Operations  Brett Dalton
  • Timeline: June 2016 – August 2017

• Student Affairs will work with student organizations to ensure an equitable distribution of funding to student groups.
  • Ownership: Vice President of Student Affairs Almeda Jacks
  • Timeline: Academic Year 2016-2017

• The university is committed to the goal of diversifying and doubling the number of underrepresented minority faculty by 2025.
  • Ownership: Provost Bob Jones, Academic Deans and Chief Diversity Officer Lee Gill
  • Timeline: Immediate – 2025

• Through the execution of the Board of Trustee’s History Task Force Plan, the complete story of our historical buildings will be told, including Tillman Hall, originally known as Old Main.
  • Ownership: Executive Leadership Team
  • Timeline: Immediate through December 2016

• In order to create a more inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for everyone, all employees will participate in diversity education and training that promotes cultural competencies and awareness.
  • Ownership: Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Piekutowski and Chief Diversity Officer Lee Gill
  •  Timeline: Immediate through May 2017 and ongoing thereafter

• Student Affairs is requesting that student government have a discussion to include the phrase “diversity and inclusive excellence” as one of the students’ core values. The CU1000 course is being restructured to improve students’ understanding of their responsibility as members of a diverse community.
  • Ownership: Provost Bob Jones and Vice President of Student Affairs Almeda Jacks
  • Timeline: Core values discussion underway. CU1000 review will begin immediately with implementation in Fall 2017.

• We are committed to increasing the underrepresented student population with specific goals to be established by August 2016.
  • Ownership: Provost Bob Jones, Academic Deans, and Associate Vice President Enrollment Management Chuck Knepfle
  • Timeline: Immediate until goals are reached

I charge our Chief Diversity Officer, Lee Gill, with creating a feedback process to engage our university community in ongoing communications where we will report to you regularly on our progress.

I believe these are solid and meaningful steps towards creating a better campus for everyone. If we are committed to working together, there is nothing we cannot overcome and achieve.

This is a defining moment for Clemson University, and I am proud to be a part of it.

Go Tigers!

Jim Clements

Yesterday afternoon key members of my executive leadership team and I had the opportunity to meet with a group of Clemson family members who have spent the past week camped outside of Sikes Hall for an issue that’s deeply important to all of us. The Clemson Family is very passionate about this issue and I can relate to that, it’s something I’ve worked on for more than 25 years and it goes to the core of who we are as an institution. This is the issue of how we continue to make our university community a place that is welcoming, safe and supportive for all who choose to study or work here.

The conversation was thoughtful, honest and candid and I believe that progress was made. The issue of diversity on campus is not a new one for Clemson and the conversations we’ve had over the past few days are an important part of our continued progress. We will be hosting three forums this week and hope that anyone who is interested in these issues will come and be a part of these discussions. I’m confident that all of us together can continue to make progress and drive these important ongoing and new initiatives forward.

Action Forums:

TONIGHT: Tuesday, April 19th 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
McKissick Theatre in The Hendrix Student Center
Topics: Campus climate, safety and multicultural center.

Wednesday, April 20th 10:00 am – Noon
The President’s Commission on The Status of Black Faculty and Staff
Hendrix Center – Room B
Topics: Issues that affect workforce diversity. Recruiting and retention of underrepresented faculty and staff.

Wednesday, April 20th 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Brackett Hall Auditorium
Topics: Support of underrepresented students.

James P. Clements, Ph.D.
President
Clemson University
201 Sikes Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
(864) 656-3413

Dear Clemson Family,

This week has seen positive activities regarding Diversity and Inclusion at Clemson University. This past Saturday, a $1 million dollar gift by Trustee Mark Richardson and his family along with a $5 million dollar challenge gift to support the Emerging Scholars Program was announced, this was followed by a week-long recognition of PRIDE week activities, and Tuesday marked a historic day with the unveiling of historic plaques marking the importance of African Americans and Native Americans in this university’s past.

Let me take this opportunity to recap a number of other initiatives that have taken place and continue to occur at Clemson University. This is only a subset of a number of activities taking place.

Funding for Student Organizations
The Interim Chief Diversity Officer, Vice-President of Student Affairs, the Provost and I have funded over $100,000 per year for travel and special events involving minority students or student organizations whose primary constituencies are under-represented groups. The Administration will collaborate with Student Government leaders to review the funding process for organizations to insure that the process is equitable and clear for all applying for funding.

Recruitment
Since 2013, we have seen an increase of nearly 13 percent in our African-American undergraduate enrollment and an increase of nearly 31 percent in Hispanic undergraduate enrollment.
In the graduate school, we have seen African- American enrollment increased more than 7 percent and Hispanic enrollment more than 36 percent.
From Fall 15 to Fall 16, we are up 30 percent in African American enrollments and 16 percent overall.
Funding for scholarships aimed at diverse student recruitment has increased dramatically:

• FY 2013-14 = $0
• FY 2014-15 = $540,000
• FY 2015-16 = $1.5 million
• FY 2016-17 = (projected) $2.2 million

This year we raised a record amount in private funds for need-based scholarships and programs targeting under-represented populations and diversity initiatives.

In the request for future funding from the state of South Carolina, Clemson requested additional funding from the state for Call Me Mister and Emerging Scholars, two programs focused on minority student development and recruitment that have national stature.

And recently the Provost re-envisioned and planned a new Career Workshop to help minority student prospects prepare for national tests (ACT and SAT). He provided an initial budget of $24,000.

Increases in People of Color among Faculty and Administrators
My Executive Leadership Team now includes two African Americans and one person from western Asia. Between 2013 and 2015, the proportion of minority (non-white) faculty has increased from 15.1 percent to 18.8 percent of the total. Funding for programs aimed at recruiting faculty of color has increased by more than $350,000 per year with further increases being planned. Faculty recruiting to support a Provost Fellow in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, four postdocs in a special postdoc to faculty hiring program, and to support the Pathways program to help diverse Ph.D. students find employment opportunities at Clemson and elsewhere have been initiated.

Multicultural Center
Changes were made to the existing Gantt Center space in fall 2014, however it remains crowded and is located in a building that will eventually be torn down. In spring 2016, the Gantt Center was offered space in the building that houses the library archives and Strom Thurmond Institute, but the Gantt staff believed the location was too far from the center of campus to work. The administration has been actively seeking other spaces on campus for temporary expansion of the center, and it is committed to a dialogue with the Gantt Center and a representative cross-section of students to plan for a long-term home for the Center.

Building Names
The Clemson Board of Trustees passed a resolution stating that “Benjamin Tillman was also known to be by his own admission an ardent racist and led a campaign of terror against African Americans in South Carolina that included intimidation and violence of which he boasted about publicly; and for some members of our university family Benjamin Tillman’s legacy included not only contributions to Clemson University but also oppression, terror and hate.” And resolving that “The sense of the Board of Trustees is that such actions and views of Benjamin Tillman are repugnant to our values and our fundamental purpose of being a high seminary of education.” The Board developed a series of recommendations based on the work of a History Task Force. These recommendations are intended to tell the complete, though imperfect, story of Clemson – beyond renaming historical campus buildings, such as Tillman Hall – in which the authority rests with the South Carolina General Assembly via the Heritage Act.

Communications
Monthly student dialogues were initiated in spring 2015. These activities bring small groups of minority and majority students together to bridge gaps and learn more about each other. The President’s Leadership in Diversity Lecture Series was launched in fall 2015. Significant changes in content and in volume have occurred for the marketing of diversity with the university website, publications and content on ClemsonTV. We continue to denounce hateful speech that is divisive to our community.

Enhancing and Broadening Diversity Training
To date, more than 500 faculty, staff, and administrators have completed a day-long civil workplace training program. Student training currently occurs in orientation, the CU 1000 course, resident halls, Greek life, and other venues. The university is committed to have all faculty, staff and administrators complete the civil workplace training program. It is also committed to seek feedback from students regarding the current student programs, and to work to increase their effectiveness.

Diversity as a Central Value for Clemson
The Dean of Undergraduate Studies is currently reviewing and revising the CU 1000 course to include more emphasis on diversity and a discussion of the university’s history. The Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs are considering additional course content related to diversity and inclusiveness for sophomore, junior and senior courses.

While this provides a brief summary of a number of issues regarding Diversity and Inclusion at Clemson over the recent past, more work remains.

On Monday, April 18th, we welcome the addition of our new Chief Diversity Officer, Mr. Lee Gill, to assist us in our efforts to move forward. I want the entire campus community to know that I remain committed to improving the efforts of diversity and inclusion at this university. Please join me in these efforts to make Clemson a more supportive and welcoming environment for all.

Go Tigers!
Jim Clements

On Monday we have the opportunity to watch another Clemson athletics program compete for a national title as our football team plays Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Our fans have responded enthusiastically, and we expect a sea of orange in Glendale, Arizona, to cheer on the Tigers. I appreciate our faculty working to accommodate students planning to attend the game under guidelines announced by the Provost.

Whether you plan to watch in Arizona, at a viewing party or from the comfort of home, please remember that we are all representatives of our great university. I’m glad that the Clemson family knows that just like our student-athletes and coaches, we win or lose with class, dignity and good sportsmanship.

Go Tigers! #ALLIN

Dear Clemson Family,

I reach out to you today because I want you to know that you are important to Clemson.  Each one of us makes Clemson the special place that it is.  This is an update to ensure you that we are all in this together.

Last week was a challenging one for many colleges and universities across America as voices calling for changes to campus culture regarding race and inclusiveness grew louder.  All of us charged with leading universities are paying close attention to the events of the past few weeks and are looking for lessons that may apply to our own campuses.

Social media reminds us, distressingly, that sexual harassment, racism and other forms of discrimination are part of the daily conversation right here at Clemson. Even if these posts represent the opinions of a small minority of students – and I hope that’s the case – they are a sobering reminder that some of our students face hurtful, discouraging and even vile comments on a daily basis. This must end if we are to create the kind of inclusive, supportive environment we say we want. That’s what it means to be the Clemson Family.

There are two words that must guide all of our activities moving forward: communication and transparency. We must communicate – which means talking and listening – and we must do so openly and honestly.

We’ve tried to improve the process of listening and communicating and we hope it’s something that will become a core value of how we interact as the Clemson Family. It’s already shown itself to be a positive force and I’m encouraged to report progress in our diversity and inclusion efforts.

First, our Chief Diversity Officer search committee has identified two strong candidates who will visit campus in early December. Those visits are being finalized, so please watch Inside Clemson for information on how you can participate.  Please take the opportunity to hear from these candidates through the open forums to be held on campus if you can.  We want the best person for Clemson University to help all of us move forward with diversity issues in a comprehensive and strategic way.

Second, the wording on three historical markers documenting the role of enslaved people, convict laborers and Native Americans in the early history of Clemson has been approved by the Trustee Task Force on History.  These markers have been sent to Columbia for state review and approval this week – the final step before the markers can be erected on campus. This is just one piece in a larger effort to tell the full history of Clemson. I thank the historical markers task force, history department, and naming committee for their hard work in making this idea a reality.

Third, as part of our role in supporting the work of the Trustee Task Force on History, Chief of Staff and Interim Chief Diversity Officer Max Allen has scheduled open listening sessions for Nov. 18 and 20 to give anyone a chance to contribute to the project. We also continue to accept comments on the task force website through Thanksgiving. Please add your thoughts if you have not yet done so.

Fourth, I have also asked my senior leadership team to develop a near term plan to identify better space for the Gantt Multicultural Center and access and equity offices.  I am well aware that the current location for these offices is not ideal.  I have also asked a Master Planning team, looking at future facility needs at Clemson to include, as part of their process, a long term plan for a new multicultural center.

Thank you to the students, faculty, staff and administrators who are working diligently to raise awareness, look for solutions and affect change to create a rich, inclusive environment where we all feel respected and valued.  Although we are making progress there is much more work that needs to be done and it will take all of us working together to make a positive difference.

Go Tigers!!!
Jim Clements

South Carolina was severely impacted by storms creating heavy rains and unprecedented flooding over the weekend. We thank state and local leaders and emergency first responders who have helped people deal with this disaster and will guide the recovery over the coming weeks.

While the main campus was spared the brunt of the rainfall, we are indebted to all of the staff members who worked tirelessly to prepare for and manage the impact of the storm and maintain operations, even with the added challenge of a nationally televised football game. We continue to gather information from Clemson locations around the state, and so far we have received positive reports from areas hardest hit by the storms. A team is gathering at midday today to gather and assess reports, and we will communicate further as we learn more.

However, we know that many of our students, faculty and staff have received flood damage to their homes. Many roads leading to and from their homes and places of work may be impassible. The Provost and I encourage faculty to work with students who may be dealing with added stress because of this situation.

Clemson will also reach out to our sister institutions to offer our assistance. Please continue to keep those affected by the storms and floods in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Jim Clements

Over the past year we had many conversations about the need to better document and tell the complete story of Clemson’s history, and I’m pleased to report that we are making progress. Last week, the Trustee Task Force on the History of Clemson asked me and our leadership team to develop recommendations on how to best tell the full and unvarnished history of this university for present and future generations. The next step in that process will be to listen to you.

Along with holding meetings with representatives of our key constituent groups – such as the Faculty and Staff Senates, student government, the newly formed Diversity Advisory Council, the Alumni Association and other volunteer boards — and members of the broader community, we have developed a dedicated website for comments, feedback and ideas so that each of you has an opportunity to voice your opinion and be engaged on this issue. I encourage you to participate between now and the end of November 2015. You may log in using your alumni profile user name and password. If you do not have an alumni profile, you will be prompted to register one – or you can send your comments via U.S. Mail to:

President’s Office
Attn: BOT History of Clemson
201 Sikes Hall
Clemson, SC 29634

All ideas, feedback, suggestions and recommendations will be given full consideration, and we hope that they will help us strike a balance between telling our complete history, while we look to the future and enhance our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

I hope that you will help us write the next chapter of this great university’s story.