DATE: August 14, 2008

CONTACT: Robert Barkley, (864) 656-5463
rbrtbkl@clemson.edu

WRITER: Teresa C. Hopkins, (864) 656-1222
hopkin1@clemson.edu

Clemson ready for start of new school year

CLEMSON — Clemson University and the city of Clemson will kick off the 2008-09 school year with the annual Welcome Back Festival 5:30-8 p.m. Monday in downtown Clemson. The festival will be followed by the Bowman Block Party on Bowman Field at 7 p.m.

This year, the university reports 2,950 incoming freshmen will be among those celebrating on Monday. Half of the incoming freshmen were in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. Clemson Admissions Director Robert Barkley said the school received a record 15,540 freshman applications this year.

“Word is getting out about the quality experience and education at Clemson,” Barkley said. “Interest is at an all-time high.”

This year’s incoming freshmen – about 65 percent from South Carolina and 35 percent from other states – have an average SAT of 1226, a five-point increase over last year.

Clemson received a record 1,913 transfer applications and expects 850 transfer students to enroll.

Back-to-school events will include a new student orientation, Clemson Connect, Monday.

Clemson Connect consists of two programs – One Clemson and iClemson. In One Clemson students learn about the school's core values and what it means to be part of the Clemson University community. Small groups of students will discuss community and respect. The iClemson program introduces information technology students will use in their careers at Clemson and how to set up an e-portfolio.

Clemson President James F. Barker and his wife, Marcia, will welcome new students Monday afternoon for the annual picnic on the lawn of the president’s home.

Other back-to-school activities include:

• a Student Organizations Fair on Bowman Field 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monday. The fair shows new students many ways they can get involved in activities on campus.

• the Tiger Service Project 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday. First-year and incoming transfer students will work on community service projects on and off campus.

• “Mission: Transition” for incoming transfer students making the transition to Clemson 1-4 p.m. Tuesday at the Brooks Center.  Students meet with student mentors and discuss the unique issues transfer students face when starting at a new school.

• a reception hosted by Clemson’s Office of International Affairs 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hendrix Student Center.

• the Victor Hurst Convocation 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Brooks Center. The ceremony will include the presentation of the Prince Award for Innovation in Teaching.

• freshman convocation in Littlejohn Coliseum 1 p.m. Tuesday featuring the 2008 Summer Reading author, Ron Rash, and his book, “One Foot in Eden.” Rash will hold a book signing at the R.M. Cooper Library 4:15-5:15 p.m. Tuesday.

• “Directions and Donuts” tables around campus 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday to assist students on the first day of classes.

END