Minority Student Success Initiative | Clemson University

March 26, 2012: Two Hours to a Better GPA

MSSI teamed up with the Academic Success Center to present a Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR)Workshop on helpful study skills and resources.
This workshop included a session led by Lauren Snider, a Biological Sciences major and tutor
for the Academic Success Center. Her presentation contained information such as effective study
habits and grade improvement strategies. The presentation was followed by a discussion in which
attendees engaged themselves by sharing their own study routines and ways in which they could
improve them. Graduate students and faculty, among several fields of study, shared their
perspectives and experiences, which fit right in with this month's theme for MSSI and Lauren
Snider's approach to obtaining a better GPA.

February 16, 2012: Black History : Lesson Learned from the Past

Approximately 20 attendees had a unique opportunity to have dinner with Mr. Cecil Williams, former photographer who chronicled through pictures the desegregation of Clemson University among many other historic events of the Civil Rights Era in the South. He shared photos and his experience of being in the right place at the right time to capture some of these historic moments.

January 18, 2012: Voices of the Tiger: Dialogue about Diversity

An open discussion with members of the Clemson University community including students, faculty and staff. In this session, data and information was provided by campus administrators associated with various offices that support initiatives and services to our diverse student population. Dialogue included discussion of student, faculty and staff diversity, disabilities, sexual orientation and gender identity.

December 2, 2011: End of Semester Celebration

Prior to taking off for the semester holiday season, Anthony Williams, graduate assistant for fraternities and sororities, and DJ for the afternoon, provided the music that intersected with Christmas lights and gift bags, food, dancing, Backgammon, spades, Clemsonopoly, dominoes, and Taboo.

November 5, 2011: Leadership Retreat

The President’s Box overlooking Death Valley provided the perfect location to stop and reflect on one’s involvement in leadership opportunities at Clemson in the classroom, in clubs and organizations and in relationships with friends and family. Tracy Moore and Vanessa Infanzon from AIM Charlotte facilitated a fun workshop that allowed students to discuss their perspectives, knowledge and thoughts in general about leadership. Among the 25 attendees were officers of Delta Sigma Theta, NSBE, BGSA, CU-ICAR, Student Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, Active Citizenship Team, and Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

October 7, 2011: CUBAA Alumni Networking Event

In keeping with the theme, “Who You Know Matters,” more than 100 students had the pleasure to
sit face-to-face with black alumni members of the CUBAA (Clemson University Black Alumni
Association). High achievers in their respective careers, these alumni shared stories about
their journeys to success, including how to maximize your time as a Clemson student to be best
prepared to enter the workforce. Among the alumni who attended were a medical doctor, lawyer,
college president, business owner, and an elementary school teacher. Clemson black faculty
and staff helped facilitate these round-table discussions.

September 12, 2011. Who You Know Matters: Your Circle of Influence.

Attendees listened to the compelling story of how who you know can make a tremendous difference in your personal and professional life. Anthony Von Mickle, shared his compelling personal success story, themed, "Your Circle of Influence", which clearly demonstrates how who you know matters. He engaged 130 participants in thought about how visualizing goals with clarity and detail will make you take necessary actions to ensure their accomplishment. If you missed his presentation, you can read his book, Real Estate for Real People (see Selected Readings under "Services" on the MSSI website.)

April 18, 2011. The Kickoff.

Fifty-seven students (graduate and undergraduate) and nine faculty and administrators attended this high-energy kickoff dinner event. The purpose was to introduce the Minority Student Success Initiative. Students met new friends and learned who some of the key resource administrators and faculty are on campus that can assist with resolving problems and/or planning for a successful Clemson experience. Prizes for bringing the most friends with them to the meeting were won by six students.

March 15, 2011. The Genesis.

Five minority student leaders attended a dinner meeting with faculty and administrators to help develop ideas for the series of programs that the Minority Student Success Initiative would sponsor. Great ideas emerged!