Clemson Orientation: Recent Episodes
Clemson Orientation
This podcast will cover various topics to help incoming students with their transition to Clemson University.
At the end of the day, we’re all in college for one reason: to get our degree. College is a whole different animal when it comes to academics. This might be the first time in your academic career where you have been given complete control over your path and this can manifest in strange ways. It is prevalent in large ways like deciding your major, minor, or concentration, but more day-to-day it is visible in having to decide what to do with your time, what resources are worth pursuing, and what is going to work best for you. It is no secret that there is no one right way to get your degree, you have to learn what works for you. In this podcast, we’re going to discuss resources that Clemson offers to its students as well as tips and tricks for being successful in your area of study. Your specific learning style is unique to you, so this is merely an introduction to help you start transitioning into college academically. Good luck and Go Tigers!
This podcast will feature ideas and topics revolving around Personal Responsibility. We will discuss topics such as some very general/false expectations that a lot of people seem to assume apply to everyone but actually, is up to everyone’s type of lifestyle. Other sorts of topics that apply to ‘Personal Responsibility’ includes financial responsibility, self awareness, and independence. In college, it can be very easy to be pressured into doing something just because others are also doing it. One thing that we really want to touch is that you are unique in every way, and some very important aspects that are completely unique to every college student is their financial and academic aspects. Situations such as having a group of friends that are going to a party, hanging out, etc., when you may be stuck doing a lot of work. Though this may be tempting and pressuring, you are the only one responsible for your own work and you must be the one to decide what is best to do for yourself. You should not compare and contrast yourself and your financial/time stances with others, because everyone at Clemson is pursuing a unique path during college, and that it is okay to say no if it’s best for you.
Here at Clemson University, we have three core values: integrity, honesty and respect. Integrity involves living honestly and in a way that upholds your moral values. At Clemson, integrity is incredibly important, especially in academics. Each class here even has an Academic Integrity Policy included in the course syllabus. Honesty is another important thing all students should embody. You need to be truthful with yourself regarding your abilities and efforts, and you also need to be truthful as you communicate with others such as a professor or a roommate. Being honest with yourself and others will ultimately make your time here easier. Lastly, respect is very important throughout your time here. People deserve to be respected, including professors, staff members, friends, and roommates. This includes every student from all academic majors. You should keep this in mind as you interact with people here at Clemson. In addition, remember that you also deserve respect. It is important to learn how to address comments that are not respectful in an appropriate way. All of these characteristics will play a big role in your experience here. In this podcast, we will discuss these three core values of integrity, honesty, and respect in a bit more depth and discuss ways you can exemplify and develop these during your time here at Clemson.
Transitioning to college is going to be one of the most fun and challenging experiences of your life. There are tons of great opportunities to be involved in at Clemson, with plenty of different aspects to explore. Clemson has arts organizations, spirit clubs, and professional organizations in every college. You can get involved with student government through Freshman Council, or find friends that share your faith through one of the many religious organizations. The Gantt Multicultural Center also offers plenty of opportunities to connect with people from your own (or different) cultures, and resources to help you get connected on campus.
However, there are also going to be challenges. You will have to step out of your comfort zone a little bit, but that’s okay. Your roommate might not be your best friend, and that’s totally fine. For underrepresented students on campus establishing a community may be done differently, and it would be great to list resources that are here on campus like the Gantt Center. They have so many programs, and events to help underrepresented students learn about themselves, and connect with other minorities on campus. Some students may have a more difficult time than others trying to establish their community, which could lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. We also know that there might be mental health challenges as you transition to college. It is okay to ask for help, and CAPS can offer you free resources to support you.
Building community can take time, and establishing your community is a process. Forcing it may lead to fabricated connections. Try several new clubs, and don’t feel obligated to stick with all of them. It is most important to get to know people. Finding common interest with people in organizations you join, and starting conversations with classmates is a great way to start. There’s never been a better time to seek out different interests, and find people that you feel at home with. It’s also okay if it takes time.
We are so excited you found us! Listen in for a quick teaser on what this podcast will cover!