COSMIC Program

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.

Community 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.

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 students’ personal, academic and professional goals. 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.

The mentee application opens in early May and can be found in the admitted student portal. 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 of Science students with less frustration and more success. Students learn about opportunities for experiential learning, community engagement and goal setting, all while forming lasting relationships. Program applications can be accepted through early August; however, it is recommended that applications be submitted by June 1. Interested incoming students should be on the lookout for an email from COSMIC in early May, or will be able to access the application in their admitted student portal beginning May 1.

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.