Clemson University Staff Senate

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky

Michael Scott,
Associate Ombuds

To get it out of the way, when most people meet me, they ask if I have ever watched, “The Office,” and yes, I am a huge fan of the show!  For that reason alone, you should come and see me in the Ombuds Office.  I am very excited to be the new Associate Ombuds here at Clemson University, and I hope to have the opportunity to get out and visit with all of you very soon.

Just a little bit about myself, I am a US Air Force Veteran who retired in 2021 after serving 23 years on active duty.  I was privileged to join the wonderful team in the Office of Human Resources through an internship as part of the DoD SkillBridge Program (ask me about it) during my last 180 days of service.  During that program I had the opportunity to work with every team in HR and became familiar with the services they provide to the staff and faculty of Clemson.  Upon completion of the four-month program, I was honored to accept a role within Staff and Faculty Relations and then Talent Acquisition where I was able to give back to the Veteran Community by managing the Veteran Preference and DoD SkillBridge Programs.  I have also been an active participant in the Veteran’s Commission, partnered with the Military and Veteran Engagement Center on several projects and serve as a member the Military-Connected Service and Support Committee.

Throughout my entire career, both in the military and HR, I have been a mandatory reporter and not able to keep the confidentiality of those I have supported.  I pursued this opportunity in the Ombuds Office to help all members of the Clemson Family through confidentiality, impartiality, informality and independence.  I also hope to spread of awareness and increase access to our services throughout the state to all of our geographically separated team members.  I am not only passionate about helping all of you but of what the Clemson Family does to support the people of South Carolina.

Please reach out to me if you ever have questions, concerns, or just don’t know who to talk to.

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, University Ombuds
Phone:  864-656-5353
Email:  tbyer@clemson.edu

Michael Scott, Associate Ombuds
Phone:  864-656-6353
Email:  mesctt@clemson.edu

Save the date for upcoming training offered by the Ombuds:

Emotional Intelligence at Work
September 20, 2024 from 9-12
Virtually only, sign up via Tiger Training.  

Cultivating Resilience
October 26, 2024 from 9-11 a.m.
At University Facilities Center, sign up via Tiger Training.  

Giving Effective Feedback
November 15, 2024 from 9-10:30 a.m. Virtually only, sign up via Tiger Training.

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