Greetings from the faculty

Hello and Welcome to CU-GARS,

We are glad you're here! Thank you for considering Clemson for your Student Affairs Master’s program. This program develops informed, active, introspective, and collaborative student and academic affairs practitioners. We incorporate social justice across the curriculum focusing on advising, support, collaboration, student development, and reflective practice. We prioritize students having assistantships because of the amazing practitioners here, and our practice-based curriculum designed for you to put course content into practice in assistantships and field experiences.

Successful graduate students apply what they learn, explore material beyond what is assigned, and delve deeply into current issues and relevant topics. Our program centers teamwork, projects, presentations, and reflection. The curriculum culminates not in an exam, but in a showcase where you highlight what your learned in connection with the ACPA/NASPA competencies and program goals. Instead of us testing you on what we think you should know, you highlight what you learned.

The faculty have extensive experience teaching and advising, and practitioner experience across functional areas including housing/residence life, leadership, student activities, and student conduct. We each bring our own personality, teaching style, and areas of interest and expertise to the learning environments we build with you.

At Clemson you will have a student-centered curriculum with engaged faculty and a peer cohort as part of the foundation of your professional network. You can participate in SPA, Chi Sigma Alpha, Graduate Student Government, and other organizations.

While at CU-GARS, please ask questions. The current students are a dynamic, and approachable group who will give you their honest perspectives on classes, assistantships, field experiences, Clemson, and other issues that matter to you. Similarly, the faculty, assistantship providers, and others at CU-GARS want to give you the information you need to make the best decisions for yourself and your future.

Dr. Kristin Walker-Donnelly and the CU-GARS team have designed a great experience. Choosing a graduate program is a major decision, and we are here to help. Whether Clemson is the place for you or not, we want to support you in your future success.

Relax, enjoy the weekend, and have fun. Go Tigers!

Dr. Michelle Boettcher, program coordinator 

Dr. Tony Cawthon

Dr. Rachel Wagner

Dr. Sonja Ardoin

Dr. Darris Means