Are you interested in learning more about Clemson’s MBA Options and the ETAP benefits available to you as a Clemson employee? Join us for an upcoming Admissions event to learn more, or if you’d prefer a virtual one-on-one meeting, please email mbaprogram@clemson.edu to get scheduled!
Clemson MBA Open House
Join us for our Fall Open House and meet with MBA staff, tour our beautiful Greenville ONE campus, and meet with a member of our Admissions team.
It has been a long few weeks. There is a lot going on globally, nationally, locally, and across Clemson. Our departments are dealing with financial changes, increasing workloads, and new systems to learn. Our people are encountering more that threatens to divide us, and I fear some of it is. My phone recently suggested to me an article with a title like, “Civility is Dead.” I chose not to read it (partly because who has time to read right now?), but the title stuck with me because I wholeheartedly disagree.
The halls of a university are the place where disagreement is not only possible; it is encouraged. When students are taught critical thinking, the implication is that they make up their own minds about the bigger questions of the day; they don’t just accept what professors or other students or scholars of the past have concluded. And when their conclusions differ from other’s conclusions, that disagreement is not ignored or catastrophized. Disagreement is just another participant in the classroom and in the research lab, a fixture that is always allowed but not allowed to take over.
Civility, then, is being able to keep working together and collaborating even when disagreement is present and when the topic is difficult and personal. You can hate a colleague’s take on current events and still greet them in the morning, ask about their sick dog, and work with them to complete a project. Civility is saying, “I’m not going to relinquish my beliefs, and I’m not expecting you to relinquish yours. But I’m going to see you as human first.”
I was recently working with some undergraduate students as they processed recent events. In this group, they had different takes. They had different heroes and villains in the narratives they told. They disagreed about a lot. And they listened. They pointed out where they agreed with each other. They acknowledged that they did not know everything and while they felt strongly, they made space for each other to argue the other side. They were civil, respectful, sometimes kind. It was an emotional meeting, and it was a productive one.
So amidst all this division, how do we stay civil? It is not easy, but it is simple:
Listen to each other.
Acknowledge what you hear others say.
Highlight your common ground and where you agree.
Separate someone’s worth from their opinions.
Do not flee or shut down at the first sign of disagreement.
Commit to creating an environment where membership on the team does not depend on people’s opinions or voting records.
It’s okay to be disappointed in someone’s stance; you can still be their friend, family member, and colleague.
Civility is hard. Sometimes it might not be possible for you. But it is not dead. In fact, we are the ones who have to keep it alive.
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.
Good afternoon! In today’s newsletter, CCIT Research Computing and Data is hosting its inaugural High Performance Computing (HPC) Day, Michael Scott provides the latest insights from the Ombuds Office, Campus Recreation provides the latest on their well-being resources and more.
It’s time for Celebrating All Abilities, formerly known as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM); this university-wide initiative serves to raise awareness of disability-related issues, honor the varied contributions of individuals with disabilities, and equip the campus community with knowledge and strategies to advance accessibility. Student Accessibility Services, The Division of Civil and Individual Rights, The Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation, The Office of University Compliance and Ethics, and Computing and Information Technology have all partnered to host several events in October.
Events for the initiative include an in-person keynote speaker and eleven virtual “Let’s Break to Educate” events. The keynote speaker for this year is Adam Gorlitsky, who founded the non-profit organization called “I Got Legs,” which works to reenable para-athletes to walk by expanding exoskeleton accessibility and supporting innovative paralysis research. Join us as he shares his story of resiliency and achievements while he debuts a new manual exoskeleton in his partnership with CU’s Biomedical Engineering Department.
We will also be hosting virtual “Let’s Break to Educate” events that are open to the public that feature faculty and staff presentations on a multitude of disability awareness topics ranging from digital accessibility and comprehensive instructional practices to Deaf culture, neurodiversity, and effective approaches to accomodation. Visit the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) website for a full list of events and to register.
In today’s newsletter, Staff Senate President Stacey Miller provides her latest update for the upcoming Fall semester and the next Blood Drive is on August 27. Plus, the latest from the Office of Human Resources, The Ombuds Office, Campus Recreation and more.
The next Staff Senate Blood Drive is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those interested in donating must schedule an appointment. The Blood Drive will be located at 101 Calhoun Drive on main campus. Donors who give blood can receive a $40 gift card.
As the campus comes alive with the energy of a new academic year, we are reminded of the incredible community that makes Clemson University a place of excellence, innovation, and heart. Students return with fresh hopes and ambitions, and behind every successful journey stands a dedicated team of staff members whose work often goes unseen but is always deeply felt.
From administrative coordinators to facilities teams, advisors, and support staff, each role contributes to the foundation of student success. You are the steady hands that guide, support, and uplift our students—ensuring they have the resources, encouragement, and environment they need to thrive.
At Clemson, we don’t just prepare students for the future—we invest in it. I am honored to work alongside so many leaders in higher education. You are the people who make a difference in the lives of students, faculty, and other staff.
One way staff stay engaged and informed is through the Clemson University Staff Senate, which meets monthly to discuss issues, share updates, and advocate for staff interests. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month (except July) and are open to all staff—whether attending in person or joining online. This is a valuable opportunity to stay connected, voice ideas, and help shape the future of our University. To learn more or get involved, visit the Staff Senate website.
As we begin this new chapter, let’s remember to be patient with one another, lend a helping hand, and share a smile. Whether it’s assisting a student who’s lost on their way to class or offering support to a colleague, small acts of kindness go a long way in building a welcoming campus.
“You are about to begin your academic journey at one of the best public research universities in the country, where you will learn from our world-class faculty and engage with our dedicated staff. We are all focused on providing the #1 student experience.” — Jim Clements, President of Clemson University1
Here’s to a successful, inspiring, and transformative academic year. Thank you for being part of the Clemson story—and for helping write its next chapter.
Interested in learning more about Clemson’s MBA options and the benefits available to you as a Clemson employee from the tuition assistance program? Join the admissions team during our upcoming Virtual Information Session Tuesday, July 9 at noon. Those unable to make the session may register for a zoom call.
Good afternoon! In this month’s newsletter, Staff Senate extends a huge thank you to the participants and sponsors who helped Staff Senate Golf Tournament a great success. The Office of Human Resources is offering a session to learn about the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program. This month’s newsletter also highlights the various resources offered by Campus Recreation enhance overall well-being, Green Zone Training and more.
Welcome to summer! The campus is buzzing with excitement as camps are in full swing and prospective students are visiting the campus.
Take this time for you and your family; I hope each of you can take a vacation or staycation. Remember to visit the HR and Library websites for employee benefits, such as discounts on theme parks and passes to SC State Parks.
I am super proud of the caring campus that we have. In May, Staff Senate held its first golf tournament since 2009 to support the Employee Emergency Fund Endowment. Your Staff Senators worked tirelessly to coordinate the event and worked with many partners across campus. If you are able, please consider helping us care for others by donating to the Employee Emergency Fund or The Nook.
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, June 12, 2025. 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 and care for yourself and other Tigers,
