Good Morning! In today’s newsletter, Staff Senate President Stacey Miller provides her latest report, Fike Recreation Center introduces a new training class, Ombuds Tessa Byer provides the latest insights from the Ombuds Office and more.
Clemson University Staff Senate
Staff Senate President’s Report, December 2025
Dear Fellow Staff,
The holidays are here, and I hope you can take a moment to spend time with family and friends. Let’s remember those we lost or who were unable to join us for the holidays.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for what I am thankful for: I’m thankful to work with staff, faculty, and students like you. Each day brings hope, joy, and purpose to everything that we do. I am thankful to have Clemson Leaders and an S.C. Legislative Body that believes in the work we are doing to help each student at Clemson grow into the person we know they can be, and to give back to South Carolina, as well as other states around the country and the world.
You see, it takes all of us to drive this car called Clemson University. So, drive it with meaning and direction to help others, as well as those who may be less fortunate.
Last month Staff Senate was hard at work, thanks to our Activities Committee and Military Engagement, and we were able to honor our fellow Tigers who have served or are currently serving in the military at the Military Appreciation Luncheon. Jason LeMay was our guest speaker. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to his story, please look it up; it’s very inspirational and shows the perseverance and determination that our Tigers have, and the kindness of our fellow Tigers – There really is “Something in these Hills”.
What has Staff Senate done this past quarter, and how do we continue to advocate for you?
- We continue to do blood drives, which save lives in the Upstate.
- Fundraise: We continue to fundraise for the Staff Senate Scholarship, Employee Emergency Fund, and the Employee Emergency Fund Endowment. Be on the lookout for the Battle of the Senates starting in February to support the Employee Emergency Fund, which helps Staff and Faculty who are experiencing financial hardship.
- We address concerns received through the constituent feedback form by engaging directly with University leadership and providing timely responses.
- We enhance partnerships and communication between Staff and Clemson University Leadership.
- We recognize Staff by sending out service milestones cards to Staff members who have hit 10, 20, or 30 years of service at Clemson University.
- Continue to advocate for the Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance.
- Community Engagement by food drives for the Nook, which provides resources for all employees in need at Clemson University. Please donate if you are able.
- The Nook is solely funded by donations. Please consider making a one-time donation through the Clemson Giving portal or a recurring donation through payroll deduction (select “Other: The Nook, B4890”).
Our Mission is to strive to meet the following priorities in the Staff Senate Strategic Plan.
- We Champion – Recognize the impact of current challenges and model leadership and service.
- We Empower – Promote feedback and maintain regular communication with constituents.
- We Uplift – Listen actively, report concerns, and ensure timely responses.
Please let me know if you ever have a question or concerns by reaching out to me via email: smille3@clemson.edu
Or, by contacting your local senator, who can be found via the website below:
https://www.clemson.edu/faculty-staff/staff-senate/contact-us.html
Again, thank you for all that you do. We appreciate each one of you.
We hope you can attend our next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM at the Watt Center, room 106. Reminder: If you would like to ask a question, please request to speak during the open comment period by contacting our office or relaying your questions to your senators.
As always, stay kind, Tigers, and take care of yourself and those around you.
Go Tigers!
Stacey Miller
President 2025-2026
HIIT the pool: A refreshing way to start your Wednesday
Looking for a fun, low-impact way to boost your fitness midweek? Fike Recreation Center is excited to introduce HIIT the Pool, a new 45-minute interval training class held on the pool deck in the shallow end.
This aquatic workout blends high-intensity intervals with the gentle resistance of water, making it easy on the joints and suitable for most fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, the exercises are easily modifiable to meet your needs.
Class Details:
- 🗓 Wednesdays at 8:15 a.m.
- 📍 Lap pool, shallow end – Fike Recreation Center
- 👥 15 spots available – registration opens 23 hours before class
- 🌊 Low-impact, high-energy workout for all demographics
- 👙 Wear a bathing suit & bring towel and water bottle
And for a perfect post-workout treat, consider adding a relaxing sauna session to your routine. It’s a great way to unwind and reward yourself after a powerful start to your day.
Ready to HIIT the pool? Here’s your link.
Ombuds: Setting the Conversation Parameters
It has been a long few weeks. There is a lot going on globally, nationally, locally, and across Clemson. Our departmentThe holidays are here! Many of us will spend some time with friends and family members from all over the world and potentially all over the political and social spectrum. If there is one thing I have observed during these politicized times, it is that I cannot always predict how someone will vote or what they will care about based on my previous interactions with them. During these holidays, I’m going to be around people who disagree with me—even about some of the big things.
How do we handle this? I’ve written before about staying in the room with difference and the AND stance, which can help us accept that we do not have to agree in order to be productive colleagues and loving family members. But as we go into some family time, let’s look at another strategy: Setting the parameters of a conversation.
In some families, politics and social issues are on the menu for the holidays. In others, they are not invited at all. Setting the boundary of no political talk is healthy and reasonable. But what if you want to dive into political conversations? What if you and your family members like to dissect the previous year’s political machinations and share opinions about what has happened? Or what if you want to have some of these conversations, just within reason?
Enter parameters. Parameters are the guardrails you put on the conversation. You might be willing to discuss your political views about a certain issue, but not who you voted for or what you think of certain leaders. Maybe you define the objectives of the conversation. Instead of trying to convince each other of your own political opinions, you agree that your objectives are to understand where each other has landed and why. Parameters can also address the time and place. Maybe you are willing to talk about these things, but only for an hour. Or only while cooking, not while sitting down for a holiday meal. Parameters are essentially boundaries that you put around a conversation that could become tense, adversarial, or emotional.
My big brother and I have some major disagreements about big things. He recently asked me to have a conversation with him. I told him I would only be comfortable with a conversation if our objective is to understand each other’s differing perspectives, not to try to convince each other of anything. He did not agree. He struggles with the fact that we disagree on this issue, and he wants to make a case again about why I should abandon my “side” and join his. I gently let him know I can’t wait to hang out with him for Christmas, but I’m not willing to talk to him about this issue until he relinquishes the desire to change my mind. (I doubt we will ever talk about this issue.)
Maybe you are like my brother in that story. You want to bring up politics, and you know if your loved one would listen, they would see the light and amend their ways. Maybe you are like me. You are willing to talk, but you have accepted that you will continue to disagree. Maybe you want to stay as far away from these conversations as I want to stay away from the holiday abomination my husband makes us purchase—eggnog!
No matter where you fall, decide what parameters you are comfortable with. Decide what you are willing to discuss and share, and what you want to protect or avoid. You cannot force someone to sign on to your parameters, but they cannot force you to talk about something outside of the parameters you are comfortable with. Setting parameters for a conversation is like going over the rules of a board game. If you can’t agree on the rules, then don’t play the game. The holidays can be hurried, overwhelming, financially demanding, and emotional. They also can be restful, fun, and recharging. Don’t let conversations you have not signed up for derail the good stuff.
Happy holidays from your friends in the Ombuds Office! We wish you relaxation and peace throughout this time. s it might not be possible for you.
Box #1:
What is the Ombuds Office?
The Ombuds Office is a confidential, independent, neutral, and informal space for staff to process concerns, get information, and develop options for how to move forward in a difficult situation. I can provide education, conflict coaching, mediation, and facilitation as well as referrals to other resources across Clemson. If you are unsure how to move forward in any way, I can help you work through it.
Tessa Byer
Phone: 864-656-5353
Email: tbyer@clemson.edu
Address: 135 Old Greenville Hwy, Ste. 203 (Next to Esso!)
Box #2:
Save the date for upcoming trainings offered by the Ombuds:
Don’t Tough It Out: Difficult Situations at Work
January 21, 2026, from 9:00 to 12:00
Virtually only, sign up here:
https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/cf15179e/enroll
Emotional Intelligence at Work
February 2, 2026, from 9:00 to 12:00
In-person at University Facilities Center, sign up here:
https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/1be18cf1/enroll
Teamwork that Works
February 26, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00
Virtually only, sign up here:
https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/f60659b8/enroll
Combating Burnout and Cultivating Resilience
March 6, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00
Virtually only, sign up here:
https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/86042925/enroll
Navigating Intergenerational Workplaces
April 10, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00
In person at University Facilities Center, sign up here:
https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/8c562aa0/enroll
Final Friday Foray at the SC Botanical Garden
Explore different areas of the SCBG each month with naturalist, James Wilkins.
Discover seasonal highlights and get up close and personal with the native plants and plant communities that support biodiversity in real time. Binoculars, cameras and anything else that helps you enjoy nature are welcome.These fun and family-friendly outings will be approximately 1.5 hours and are open to the public. Registration is required. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Please register at least 2 days in advance.
Date: Friday, December 19
Location: SC Botanical Garden; Meeting location will be communicated via email to registrants
Time: 10 am to 11:30 am
Fee: $10 per person/date
Tickets available via Eventbrite
Contact: James Wilkins, jhwilki@clemson.edu, 864-656-3405
MBA Virtual Info Session, January 7
Interested in advancing your career with a Clemson MBA? Seats are still available for the spring semester. Discover Clemson University’s flexible MBA options and learn more about the ETAP benefits available exclusively to Clemson employees. Attend our upcoming Information Session, schedule a one-on-one meeting with our Admissions Team at a time that works best for you HERE, or email mbaprogram@clemson.edu to explore additional options. Click here to apply now
Celebrating All Abilities
Celebrating All Abilities is this year’s theme for NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) where we recognize the abilities of all our students, staff and faculty.
Events are open for everyone to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of persons with disabilities, raise awareness of disability-related topics, and equip the campus community with knowledge and strategies of how best to continue supporting individuals with disabilities. The Division of Civil and Individual Rights, the Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation, the Office of University Compliance and Ethics, Clemson Computing and Information Technology, and Student Accessibility Services have partnered to host several events in October.
This year’s keynote speaker: Adam Gorlitsky will debut a new manual exoskeleton in partnership with CU’s Biomedical Engineering.
Adam Gorlitsky, para-athlete, advocate, and founder of LEGS Medical, debuts a NEW manual exoskeleton while sharing his resilience story, achievements, and partnership with Clemson University Biomedical Engineering to advance innovation and expand access to adaptive technology.
We will also be hosting 10 virtual “Let’s Break to Educate” events that are open to the public that feature faculty and staff presentations on multiple disability awareness topics ranging from digital accessibility and comprehensive instructional practices to Deaf culture, neurodiversity, and effective approaches to accommodation.
Please see the attached flyers for information on all our events.
We hope you will join us for these events! Please feel free to print/distribute these flyers and forward this email broadly in your areas.
For more information and to register
#CelebratingAllAbilities2025
Struggle Well: Learning to Live and Thrive Program
Clemson University Employee Well-Being Training
Clemson University is committed to equipping our employees with skills that foster resilience, community and personal growth. The Struggle Well: Learning to Live and Thrive Program is a two-day, evidence-based training provided in partnership with the Boulder Crest Foundation for Post-traumatic Growth to help faculty and staff learn practical tools to navigate stress, adversity, and change while enhancing their ability to thrive personally and professionally.
Key Learning Objectives
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
- Understand the Science of Struggle and Growth
- Explore how stress and trauma affect the brain, body, and relationships.
- Recognize the difference between resilience and posttraumatic growth.
- Develop Practical Tools for Self-Regulation
- Learn strategies to manage stress, strengthen focus, and promote emotional balance.
- Practice mindfulness, gratitude, and reframing techniques for daily use.
- Strengthen Relationships and Teams
- Build skills to create trust, belonging, and mutual support at work and home.
- Apply communication and listening practices that reduce conflict and foster empathy.
- Cultivate Purpose and Meaning
- Identify core values and strengths to guide decision-making.
- Explore how adversity can be a catalyst for growth and renewed sense of purpose.
- Apply Struggle Well Tools in the Workplace
- Integrate strategies to enhance workplace culture and team well-being.
- Connect with Clemson’s Elevate Well-being resources and networks for sustained impact.
Takeaways for Employees
Participants will walk away with:
- A personal Struggle Well plan for navigating stress and challenge.
- Workplace application strategies to support colleagues and teams.
- Increased confidence in their ability to respond to adversity in healthy, growth-oriented ways.
- Access to Clemson’s Well-being Ambassador network and ongoing resources to reinforce learning.
- A certificate of completion that demonstrates investment in leadership and well-being capacity building.
Alignment with Clemson’s Well-Being Strategy
The Struggle Well program advances Clemson’s commitment to creating a culture of care where every member of our community feels supported and empowered to thrive. It directly supports:
- Clemson Elevate: fostering thriving, well-being, and workforce sustainability.
- National Frameworks for Advancing Well-being in Workplaces, Communities, and Campuses: protecting from harm, fostering connection, and growing purpose.
- Land-Grant Mission: extending well-being knowledge and skills to employees, students, and communities across South Carolina.
✅ Bottom Line: Struggle Well equips Clemson employees not just to “bounce back,” but to grow stronger, more connected, and more purpose-driven—benefiting themselves, their teams, and the broader Clemson community.
Tiger Fitness 101: Helping You Feel at Home in the Gym
Campus Recreation is thrilled to launch a new series of beginner-friendly fitness classes designed to empower students and staff to take charge of their health and wellness with confidence.
Whether you’re stepping into the gym for the first time or just looking to brush up on the basics, Tiger Fitness 101 is here to guide you through the journey. With three classes now available and two more on the way, this series is all about making fitness approachable, inclusive, and fun.
What’s Offered Now:
Intro to Fike
Feeling overwhelmed by the gym? You’re not alone. This class is a gentle introduction to Fike Recreation Center’s many workout spaces. You’ll get a guided tour of the facility, learn what equipment is available, and discover where students and staff typically train. The goal is simple: to help you feel confident walking into the gym and knowing what to do. No experience needed.
Duration: Under 45 minutes
Intro to Strength Training
Ready to lift but not sure where to start? This class breaks down the basics of strength training, including how to use machines, proper form, and how to structure a workout based on your goals. You’ll learn about push, pull, and leg exercises, warm-up techniques, and safety tips like spotting. It’s a great beginner-friendly way to build a strong foundation.
Duration: Under 1 hour 15 minutes
Intro to Cardio
Cardio doesn’t have to be confusing. This class explores different styles of cardio workouts, how to warm up properly, and how to use our many types of equipment. You’ll also learn how to create a training plan that fits your goals, whether that’s general fitness or preparing for a 5K or 10K.
Duration: Under 1 hour 15 minutes
Coming Soon:
- Intro to At-Home Workouts – Learn how to stay active with minimal equipment, wherever you are.
- Intro to Recovery and Mobility – Discover techniques to help your body recover and stay flexible between workouts.
How to Join:
Signing up is easy! Just visit Clemson Campus Rec to reserve your spot. Link here.
👟 Pro Tip: Wear comfortable workout clothes and supportive shoes to your class.
Staff Senate Newsletter: October 2025
Good afternoon! In today’s newsletter, Open Enrollment and Annual Required Training are underway, Ombuds Tessa Byer provides the latest insights from the Ombuds Office, Compliance and Ethics Week starts October 20-24, and more.
