August 13, 2026
In today’s newsletter, Staff Senate President Victoria Perry welcomes the new semester and faces on campus including the new President of Clemson Univeristy, Dr. Benjamin Ayers. Plus, meet this month’s Clemson Champion- Todd Cochran, read the Ombuds letter and more!
Join us Thursday, August 13 at 2:30PM in the Watt Center room 106 or virtually (https://clemson.zoom.us/j/98701587511) for the August Staff Senate meeting.
August 13, 2026
Can you tell the difference between a red-eyed vireo call and an American robin call? Can you tell me what a northern bobwhite eats? High schoolers from across the country can and will get to showcase these talents this July.
Often, our Clemson Extension program teams work together to conduct programs for the state and even the country. A great example of these team efforts is the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), where the Clemson Extension Natural Resources, 4-H, and Agriculture Education Teams work together to host our annual State Contest. This past July, Clemson Extension took these efforts one step further. Clemson hosted the National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) National Contest, a program for 4-H and FFA high schoolers to learn more about wildlife management and wildlife biology.
Staff Senator and Membership Committee Co-Chair, Mallory Maher, currently serves as the WHEP National Committee Chair and led the efforts to host 18 teams in South Carolina at the South Carolina FFA Leadership Center in Cherry Grove, SC. This was the first time South Carolina has hosted the National contest in almost 30 years.
During the contest, youth had the opportunity to meet and interact with professionals from the wildlife industry at a fun, hands-on education day, and then put their wildlife knowledge to the test through various activities, ranging from a wildlife ID contest to writing a wildlife management plan. This program is truly one of the most hands-on and applicable programs in existence, giving youth a glimpse of what a potential career in wildlife or natural resources might look like.
We are excited to welcome a regular contribution to the Staff Senate Newsletter from the Extension Senate President, Charley Maxwell. Visit the Extension Senate blog at https://blogs.clemson.edu/ces/.
August 11, 2026
Meet Todd Cochran, Space Auditor and Move Manager, Capital Projects
Can you tell us about your role here at Clemson?
As Clemson University’s Space Manager and Move Manager, I assist with the planning, coordination, and management of campus space to ensure it is used efficiently and effectively. I work with departments across the university to allocate and optimize space, support strategic planning initiatives, and coordinate office and departmental relocations. My role involves balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders while ensuring moves are well-organized, minimally disruptive, and aligned with the university’s operational goals.
What is something fun we might not know about you?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, tackling DIY projects, and finding new ways to improve or fix things. I appreciate opportunities to stay active and spend time with family and friends.
What brought you to Clemson?
I was drawn to Clemson by the opportunity to contribute to a university with a strong sense of community, collaboration, and tradition. What I enjoy most about Clemson is working with people across campus to help create spaces that support learning, research, and student success. It’s rewarding to be part of an institution where the work we do behind the scenes has a meaningful impact on the daily experience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Is there anything you would like for people to know about your department?
The Planning, Design & Construction department plays a vital role in shaping Clemson’s campus for today and the future. Our team works collaboratively to plan, design, and deliver projects that enhance the university’s learning, research, and work environments. Whether we’re managing renovations, new construction, space planning, or departmental moves, our goal is to create functional, sustainable, and welcoming spaces that support Clemson’s mission. We value collaboration, thoughtful planning, and open communication to ensure projects are completed efficiently and with the needs of the campus community in mind.
The Clemson Champion is Staff Senate’s spotlight for exceptional staff and teams at Clemson. Stay tuned and meet more Clemson Champions in future posts.
August 10, 2026
Dear Clemson Staff,
The excitement and energy that the start of a new academic year brings is really something special. For many of us, the start of the fall semester feels kind of like New Year’s Day. It’s an opportunity to welcome new faces, embrace new possibilities, and begin another chapter in the important work we do every day. Whether your role places you directly in front of students (I see you, Clemson Home!) or behind the scenes (we couldn’t do it without you Student Financial Services!), your efforts help create the Clemson experience that makes this university such a remarkable place to learn, work, and grow. Clemson staff are the “something in these hills” that folks talk about.
Speaking of new faces and new possibilities, we have a new President! I had the pleasure of meeting President Ayers last week and appreciated his candor regarding communication, partnerships, and his values-driven decision-making process. I am excited about the energy and experience that he brings to Clemson and look forward to partnering with him as we continue to support staff, faculty, and students. If you are interested in getting to know our new President, I highly encourage you to attend the upcoming Presidential All Staff meeting on Tuesday, August 18 at 3:30 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium (Tillman 160). Please submit any questions for President Ayers using this staff submission form on the Office of the President website.
As we are kicking off the fall semester, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to look back on the end of our summer semester. Last Friday I had the honor of being a member of the stage party for the summer commencement ceremony. The excitement that fills commencement ceremonies is contagious because it reflects not only what has been accomplished, but also the opportunities that lie ahead. This ceremony is the culmination of months and years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. For Clemson staff, attaining a degree is balanced alongside full-time careers, family responsibilities, and countless other commitments. This summer, Staff Senate handed out staff stoles to 25 individuals who were proudly receiving their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees. I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to all of you! I truly believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and each of you embodies that commitment every day.
As we begin another academic year together, Staff Senate remains committed to supporting and advocating for all staff as we continue to learn, grow, and succeed as a community. I encourage you to stay involved in the conversations and initiatives that help shape the staff experience at Clemson by joining us at a Staff Senate meeting. This month will be featuring Mitch Shue introducing the CU AI Initiative, and Kristin Craft with an overview of CU Grow.
Wishing you a successful start to the fall semester and a great year ahead!
Victoria Perry
Staff Senate President
June 10, 2026
Dear Clemson Staff,
As I’ve stepped into my role as Staff Senate President, I’ve been reflecting on just how much happens across our campuses each semester and how much of it is made possible because of you. Even as we move into the summer months, that important work continues, often in new and evolving ways. While change can sometimes feel uncertain, it also creates opportunities for growth, innovation, and renewed energy.
As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” This sentiment feels especially relevant as we navigate several important developments together.
One of the most significant changes on the horizon is the transition to Workday. This is a major step forward in how we manage and support many of our essential processes, from HR to finance and beyond. While transitions like this can come with a learning curve, they also pave the way for more streamlined systems, improved access to information, and enhanced efficiency in our day-to-day work.
As we move through this implementation together, I encourage you to be aware of upcoming cutover deadlines and to take advantage of available trainings, local resource groups, ask questions, and most importantly, support one another. Change is always easier when we approach it as a community, and I am confident in our collective ability to adapt and succeed.
We are also entering a new chapter in our university’s story with the announcement of our new university president, Kevin Guskiewicz, Ph.D., who will become Clemson’s 16th president. As staff, we play a vital role in supporting this transition and helping to shape the culture and direction of the university moving forward.
Dr. Guskiewicz brings a strong track record of collaborative, people-first leadership. At his previous institutions, he made a point to listen deeply, meeting with teams across campus to understand their experiences and help shape a shared path forward. He is also widely recognized for his commitment to student success, access, and connecting the work of the university to the broader community. I’m excited about the perspective and energy he brings, and I look forward to seeing how we, as staff, can help support his vision and continue building a strong and connected Clemson community.
Moments of change remind us of the strength and resilience within our Clemson community. Every day, Clemson staff across the state contribute to the foundation that allows our staff, students, and faculty to thrive. That work remains constant, even as systems, leadership, and strategies evolve. In the months ahead, Staff Senate remains committed to listening, advocating, and supporting you through these transitions. Your voices matter, and we will continue working to ensure they are heard.
As always, we invite you to stay engaged with Staff Senate and join us at our upcoming meeting featuring Blake Robinson speaking about Clemson’s Ergonomics program, Kristing Lawson with updates on Workday, and a message from Sr. VP for Finance and Operations and CFO Rick Petillo.
Thank you for your continued dedication and for the important role you play during times of change. Together, we will navigate these transitions and continue to make our university a place where we can all succeed.
Wishing you a productive and positive month ahead!
Victoria Perry
Staff Senate President
June 9, 2026
In May, Michael wrote in this newsletter about being impartial when you are asked to be involved in your colleagues’ conflicts. For the most part, you all get to choose when you want to be impartial and when you want to take sides; we in the Ombuds Office do not. Remaining impartial is a core value of Ombuds work, and it allows us to mediate conflict, facilitate conversations, pass messages from one person to another, and ensure everyone’s perspectives get airtime in a discussion. I consider remaining impartial to be quite the luxury: While I can care deeply about the people and the situations that come through my office, I also am able to at some point let go of the situation and recognize that it is not on my shoulders to fix. Maybe an advisor asks me to offer mediation to their supervisor. I can offer it, but if the supervisor declines, I have no authority to compel it. I can walk the advisor through what they might do next, but a situation cannot be mediated by the Ombuds until everyone agrees to come to the table.
Sometimes, though, impartiality has a dark side. When someone comes to me with a concern, my job is to help them feel heard and identify their options. At times I can form a bond with this visitor (as we call people who come to our office), and I think that makes it better for both of us. However, occasionally, this bond makes any reminder about impartiality jarring and almost disloyal.
I had a situation this past semester where an employee decided she wanted me there when she confronted her supervisor with perceptions of how the relationship was going. This employee was fed up with what she reported as verbal abuse, micromanagement, and social undermining. After talking about the specifics of how a conversation like that would go, the employee decided to have the conversation without me. Specifically, she was disappointed that I would give her supervisor an opportunity to bring up any concerns she has had in the relationship. In other words, a conversation with an impartial party facilitating cannot be one-sided, and this employee was not looking for a two-sided dialogue.
I can acknowledge that sometimes it is disappointing to share your situation with someone who has to remain impartial about it. It can certainly be challenging not to act when I feel strongly about a situation! But impartiality does not have to mean stoicism or a lack of empathy. It just means that the other person—the one who in your story might be the bully or the villain—is going to get full access to the Ombuds’ time and empathy too.
If impartiality is not what you are looking for—that’s very understandable! The Office of Human Resources, counseling services, and your own supervisor, colleagues, friends, and family do not have to practice to the standard of impartiality. They can join you in believing the other person is a jerk and that you have done nothing wrong. And if that’s what you need, we will help you identify them and get to the right resource. But if you are looking for someone everyone can trust to sit in the middle and facilitate a conversation, give us a call.
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 trainings offered by the Ombuds Office:
Don’t Tough It Out: Difficult Situations at Work
Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, from 9:00 to 12:00
In-person at University Facilities Center, sign up here: https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/cf15179e/sessions/7126/enroll
Navigating Intergenerational Workplaces
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:30
Virtually only, sign up here: https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/8c562aa0/sessions/7128/enroll
Giving Effective Feedback
Wed., Oct. 14 from 9:00 to 10:30
Virtually only, sign up here: https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/3bc50439/sessions/7129/enroll
Emotional Intelligence at Work
Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00
In-person at University Facilities Center, sign up here: https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/1be18cf1/sessions/7130/enroll
Combating Burnout and Cultivating Resilience
Friday, Nov. 6, from 9:00 to 11:00
Virtually only, sign up here: https://clemson.bridgeapp.com/learner/training/86042925/sessions/7132/enroll
May 13, 2026
The Summer Concert Series kicks off with The Wobblers on May 16 at 4PM in the amphitheater. This concert is free!
For over 13 years The Wobblers have been a cornerstone of the Upstate South Carolina music scene, earning a dedicated cult following as one of the region’s most distinct and original-sounding acts. This powerhouse ensemble features a four-piece horn section, piano, organ, guitar, bass, and drums, delivering a high-energy performance that is as professional as it is soulful. Their expansive repertoire is a dynamic mix of original compositions and eclectic, soul-infused covers.
https://events.clemson.edu/event/24246-concert-in-the-garden-the-wobblers
Summer camps for children 6-11 years old begin in June.
Mountains to Sea Camp, June 1-5: https://events.clemson.edu/event/22953-mountains-to-sea-camp
Garden Creativity Camp, June 15-19: https://events.clemson.edu/event/22954-garden-creativity-camp
Creature Power Camp, June 22-26: https://events.clemson.edu/event/22954-garden-creativity-camp
Great Green Adventure Camp, July 6-10: https://events.clemson.edu/event/22956-great-green-adventure-camp
Time Traveler’s Camp, July 13-17: https://events.clemson.edu/event/22957-time-travelers-camp
Garden Discovery Camp, July 27-31: https://events.clemson.edu/event/22957-time-travelers-camp
May 13, 2026
Dear Clemson Staff,
As we close the chapter on the spring semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on the energy, dedication, and resilience that each of you has brought to Clemson over the past several months. Spring is always a busy yet rewarding time, and your contributions continue to make a meaningful impact on one another, our students and faculty.
With summer kicking off this week, we also welcome a new season. One that often brings a slightly different pace with new opportunities for growth and hopefully some time to recharge. Whether your summer will be filled with ongoing projects or a well-deserved break, I hope it is both productive and refreshing.
This month, I am excited to introduce our newly elected Staff Senate officers and senators. These individuals stepped forward to serve, represent, and advocate for staff across our institution, and we are grateful for their willingness to lead.
New Officers:
New Senators:
We look forward to the ideas, perspectives, and enthusiasm they will bring as we continue our work together.
May is also a time of celebration, and I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all staff who were recognized with end-of-year awards. Your excellence and contributions to Clemson do not go unnoticed and these honors are well deserved.
In addition, I want to extend congratulations to the many staff members who earned degrees, graduating this spring. Balancing work, life, and education is no small feat. You are all truly inspiring.
We invite all staff to join us at our next Staff Senate meeting:
Your voice matters, and these meetings are a great opportunity to stay informed, share ideas, and connect with staff across campus.
As we transition into summer, I encourage each of you to take pride in what you’ve accomplished this semester and to look ahead with optimism for what’s to come. It is an honor to serve as your Staff Senate President, and I look forward to working alongside all of you in the months ahead.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the summer season!
Victoria Perry
Staff Senate President
March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
Dear Fellow Staff,
It’s hard to believe that it’s March and we are halfway through the Spring Semester. Fun fact: Before 153 BC, March was the 1st month of the year in the Roman Calendar. So, if that’s the case and you haven’t continued with your New Year’s Resolutions, start a new one.
March is also a time at Clemson when a portion of our Staff are being evaluated and are developing planning stages with their supervisors. Please take this time for your development and think broadly about the next steps in your career.
So, what have Staff Senators been up to during February and March? Your President-Elect, Victoria Perry, and I represented you at Clemson Day held at the S.C. State House. We were honored to be invited by External Affairs. Past President, Jeff Anthony, represented Staff Senate at the Degree Attainment Luncheon, sponsored by Clemson University Human Resources. This event honors staff and faculty who earned degrees in the past year.
Staff Senate honored two of our own at the luncheon: Ryan Real and Levi Roach. Congratulations to all the honorees.
Thank you to all who donated to the Battle of the Senates. We ended in a tie, so we plan to hold a runoff for a couple of days. Next week, be on the lookout for the article in Our Clemson. We need your help to pull the staff through as the winner. No matter the winner, this is a great cause. Your donation helps us endow the Staff and Faculty Emergency Fund to support your Clemson University neighbors for years to come.
Elections are here. Everyone should have received a ballot to vote, unless the seat was not contested. Please take time to review the nominees and vote; your vote and voice matter to Clemson University.
Please let me know if you ever have any questions or concerns by reaching out to me via email at smille3@clemson.edu or by contacting your local senator, who can be found on the website below: https://www.clemson.edu/faculty-staff/staff-senate/contact-us.html.
Next Meeting: Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM at the Watt Center, room 108. 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!
