COSMIC Mentoring
COSMIC is the College of Science Mentoring and Inclusion Collaborative. It is an award-winning peer mentoring program intended to support incoming students with their transition to Clemson by matching them with upperclassmen mentors who come from similar backgrounds and share similar interests.
Affinity groups in the COSMIC Ecosystem include women, men, military and veteran students; first-generation students; transfer students; students with disabilities; students of color; and LGBTQIA+ students. COSMIC also offers faculty and staff liaisons who provide academic support to mentors and mentees. This is truly an inclusive program at Clemson University, providing cross-cultural collaboration and engagement.
To find those upperclassmen, incoming students will complete a COSMIC mentee application that shares their experiences and interests. The applications will then be matched with mentors based on the above-mentioned criteria. Mentors will help their mentees navigate college life by checking in, setting goals, answering questions and providing support. Any student admitted to the university as a College of Science major is eligible to apply. Acceptance into the program, however, is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find a COSMIC Mentor
The mentee application opens mid-spring and is emailed to students who have committed to Clemson. To join, students must be willing to fully participate in the program, enroll in our COSMIC mentee class, and complete all goals and assignments. There is no cost for this program, and students are highly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
By joining COSMIC, students benefit from the experience of an upperclassman who has recently transitioned to Clemson. Having a mentor will help students quickly adjust to their new role as college students at Clemson with less frustration and more success. Students learn about opportunities for engagement and goal-setting, all while forming lasting relationships. Program applications can be accepted through early August; however, it is recommended that applications are submitted by May 15. Incoming students, be on the lookout for an email from COSMIC in March!
Become a COSMIC Mentor
Change a life. Change your life. Become a COSMIC mentor.
Share your personal experiences and words of wisdom to help an incoming student adapt to the new and foreign environment at Clemson. Develop your leadership and communication skills and make connections by sharing your ideas for the benefit of someone else.
Qualified applicants should:
- Be actively pursuing a degree in a College of Science major.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- Be enrolled in at least six credit hours.
- Have completed at least 12 credit hours at Clemson.
Mentors will be expected to check in with their mentees on a regular basis and help them set goals to achieve success in their first semester at Clemson. Mentors will also have goals and assignments to complete throughout the semester, including email messaging over the summer and taking a professional development course during the fall semester.
COSMIC in Action
Clemson University’s PEER & WISE and COSMIC programs received the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
Path to success: COSMIC mentoring program helps College of Science students flourish — and stay at Clemson.
