August 14, 2025
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.
August 14, 2025
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.
August 14, 2025
Dear Fellow Staff,
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 University 1
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.
Go Tigers!
June 13, 2025
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.
Registration for the information session is currently available.
June 12, 2025
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.
June 12, 2025
Dear Fellow Staff,
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,
Go Tigers!
Stacey Miller
President 2025-2026
June 10, 2025
In February, I wrote about the Job-Demands-Resources (JDR) model of work stress. As a reminder, the JDR model says that our collective job demands create stress and strain, which can eventually lead to physical and mental health problems and negative outcomes for our organization. At the same time, our collective job resources inspire motivation, which can lead to positive organizational outcomes, such as productivity, profitability, and employee engagement (see model below).
Job demands could include a difficult co-worker, long work hours, or a tense relationship with your supervisor, while job resources could include a wellness program, adequate annual leave or a trusted relationship with your supervisor.
For some of these demands and resources, we have no control or way to change them. None of us can control Clemson’s state mandated annual leave policy no matter how much we might want to. I mentioned in February that job crafting is something in your control you can do to enhance your job resources.
On the other hand, there is something in your control you can do to make your job demands even more challenging: self-undermining. Self-undermining at work includes not showing up, coming to work late, and having a bad attitude. Let’s say you have a difficult relationship with your supervisor. Then you show up late and fail to turn in some assignments on time. As difficult as it is to have a supervisor who you feel doesn’t like or support you, it’s not going to get any better when you begin to slack off. Now in addition to the tough relationship, you are creating performance issues for yourself—an added job demand that makes your stress at work increase.
One of the reasons we begin these cycles of self-undermining behavior is because we feel stuck when our job demands increase. Instead of figuring out some solutions for the challenging relationship with your supervisor, you might find it simpler to become complacent. But simple now does not mean easier on you overall. Your self-undermining behavior will ultimately come back on you—not on the other person.
When I work with employees who feel that they are the recipient of an unfair evaluation or disciplinary action, I always separate their next steps into two categories. The first category is the performance one. If a supervisor is giving direct feedback on what you need to start or stop doing, it’s in your best interest to start or stop doing those things. If you ignore the specific feedback, your supervisor might decide to take further disciplinary action. A verbal reprimand that feels unfair can quickly become a suspension that impacts your pay and your reputation in the office.
The second category is the justice one. If you feel that an action is unjust or unfair, there are steps to take. For some situations, there are official appeals processes; for others, writing a rebuttal or making your voice heard in a meeting might be your only recourse. The key is that these two categories need to happen at the same time. If you ignore the performance concerns while you fight for justice, you are undermining yourself by creating a bigger mess to clean up. You can fight for justice while also ensuring that you are responding to a supervisor’s performance concerns.
In order to break the cycle of self-undermining, we need to identify what our job demands are, and brainstorm some ways to address, mitigate, or remove them. If you are struggling with a relationship at work, maybe you need some mediation or some help sharing your concerns with the other person. If you are struggling with motivation or getting your job done on time, maybe you need some help with time management and finding purpose in your work. If you are unable to advocate for a pay increase, maybe your supervisor will approve a more flexible weekly schedule. When our job demands rise, we can always combat the process by job crafting and working to increase our job resources in equal measure.
Things are hard right now at home, in the classroom, at work, and around the world. Don’t make things even harder on yourself by undermining your own success and stability.
Bakker, A.B. and Demerouti, E. (2007), “The Job Demands‐Resources model: state of the art”, Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 309-328. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940710733115
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!)
*Save the date for upcoming training offered by the Ombuds:*
Introduction to Mediation
September 19, 2025, from 9 a.m. – noon
Virtually only; sign up here:
Don’t Tough It Out: Difficult Situations at Work
October 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. – noon
Location: University Facilities Center; sign up here
Cultivating Resilience
November 3, 2025, from 9-11 a.m.
Location: University Facilities Center; sign up here:
Emotional Intelligence at Work
November 14, 2025, from 9 – 11 a.m.
Virtual; sign up here
June 10, 2025
As an employee, Campus Recreation has fantastic opportunities for faculty and staff to stay active, reduce stress, and connect with colleagues through access to our amazing Campus Recreation facilities.
The Fike Recreation Center is the main recreation center on Clemson’s main campus. Fike offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, invigorating group exercise classes and spacious courts for basketball and racquetball. It also has a climbing wall, an indoor track and even a sauna and swimming pool to go along with its comprehensive indoor environment to support every aspect of your wellness journey.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there, as the University also offers the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness & Wellness Complex. Whether it’s relaxing by the cozy firepit, soaking up the sun on the beach or rallying with friends on the sand volleyball court and expansive fields, the Complex offers a variety of options.. Right within the complex, you’ll also find the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center (affectionately known as Andy’s). This incredible resource empowers your outdoor passions, offering rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, games, sports equipment and even camping gear for your next adventure.
With such diverse and exciting options, your Clemson employee membership isn’t just access to a gym – it’s your pass to a healthier, happier, and more adventurous lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to push your limits, relax by the water, or explore the great outdoors, Campus Recreation has something for everyone.
Membership is easy and affordable. Payroll deduction is available for full-time faculty and staff, with fees will coming directly out of your paycheck after tax. Memberships will continue until you decide to cancel or separate from the university. You can cancel at any time when you opt for payroll deduction.
If you’d like to sign up for a members, fill out the Payroll Deduction Enrollment Form. To cancel, fill out the Payroll Deduction Cancellation Form.
Want to enjoy our amenities with your family? Campus Recreation also offers add-on memberships for family members as well. You can view rates and restrictions on our website.
Guests are currently not allowed to use Campus Recreation facilities.
Most fitness classes are free with your membership. Just be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time, as they often fill up quickly. This summer features three classes: Cycling, Pilates, and TBS (Total Body Strength).
Please check the website for the most up to date hours of operation.
June 10, 2025
The Office of Military and Veteran Engagement is hosting a Green Zone Training opportunity Tuesday, July 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Green Zone Training provides faculty, staff, and graduate assistants with an understanding of the military experience of veterans and military-connected students as they transition from the military to campus life.
Through Green Zone training, participants will learn:
Green Zone Training is held regularly throughout the year. Participants may register for Green Zone Training via Tiger Training. For additional questions or details, contact Emily DaBruzzi or Scott Cook.
June 10, 2025
The Clemson University Staff Senate is extending a huge thank you to the sponsors and participants who helped make the Staff Senate Golf Tournament a major success. Thanks to both sponsors and participants of the Golf Tournament, Staff Senate raised over $15,000 for the Employee Emergency Fund.
Golf Tournament Sponsors
Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm (Title Sponsor – $5,000)
Juneau Construction Company (Paw Sponsor – $1,000)
Clements Electrical (Paw Sponsor – $1,000)
CoTransCo of SC, LLC (Paw Sponsor – $1,000)
Diamond T Promotional Gear (Donated all the banners/signs)
Home Outlet (Hole Sponsor – $500)
Bermuda Triangle Dive Shop (Hole Sponsor – $500)
South Carolina State Credit Union (Hole Sponsor – $500)
The Comfort Cause (Sponsored a team of four to play – $500)
