Certified Student Leader
Certified Student Leader (CSL) is a 9-week, cohort-based program for all students that takes place during the fall and spring semesters. Through this program, students will explore leadership topics and connect with peers to learn about leadership, service, and positive change. This is a great program for students hoping to learn about leadership broadly alongside their peers, or for those who might already be familiar with leadership and want to connect with others to discuss these topics more in-depth.
Students will explore topics such as personal values, conflict management, self-care, goal setting, positive change. Participants participate in interactive and reflective workshop activities, campus events, and service opportunities in a way that increases confidence, deepens self-understanding, and prepares them to make positive change at Clemson and beyond!
This is a 0-Credit hour course (No Cost or Fees) offered to Undergraduate students as Experiential Learning [CU1500] and Graduate Students as a Creative Inquiry [CI7010].
Upcoming CSL Dates
Fall 2026:
- Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:45pm [Undergraduate Cohort]
- Tuesdays 5:00 - 6:15pm [Graduate Cohort]
For more information, please email Christopher Spellman with any questions.
Certified Student Leader Graduates
The Certified Student Leader Program graduates at least one cohort per semester. Click on the image and buttons to view our previous graduates. Through completion of this program, students are equipped with the theoretical skills and competence to confidently lead within their organizations, internships, jobs, and future professions.
Click here to view our Recent Graduates
Certified Student Leader Testimonials
“For me, making time for CSL each week was a type of self-care; a time I could invest in challenging myself in a supportive and engaging environment. Although I felt nervous at the beginning, as the weeks passed, I eagerly looked forward to our sessions anticipating the opportunities for growth and new learning that came with each one. I absolutely recommend graduate students join CSL where you will meet a group of motivated, professionals who are looking to better themselves, and positively impact their communities. ”
Brittany ClarkSPRING, 2026CSL GRADUATE COHORT
“CSL provided me with the opportunity to build connections across campus with people from all over the world. The program highlighted diversity in leadership styles and personal attributes, challenging a "one size fits all" approach to leadership. The biggest takeaway was that anyone can lead if they are intentional about it.”
Ashley HunterSPRING 2026CSL GRADUATE COHORT
“I learned that leadership is more about influence, relationships, and growth while also learning from others’ perspectives. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was building genuine connections with my cohort, which helped me grow into a more intentional leader. This experience didn’t just change how I understand leadership, it changed how I show up as a leader.”
Mohitkumar SolankiSPRING, 2026CSL GRADUATE COHORT
“I find the most impactful leadership to be present in our everyday acts of service towards others. Getting to share and trade perspectives with other students on their everyday acts of leadership and learn more together on how we can have them make a broader impact has been super beneficial as part of the CSL program!”
Sriya PothapragadaSPRING 2026CSL GRADUATE COHORT
“Engaging in CSL helped me grow into a more confident and intentional leader by strengthening my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and build meaningful connections that support both my personal growth and impact on campus.”
Alyvia AndersonSPRING, 2026CSL UNDERGRADUATE COHORT
“I would wholeheartedly recommend CSL to any Clemson student; it is a rare opportunity to deepen your self-awareness, refine your leadership style, and connect with a community of driven, like-minded peers who push you to grow.”
Joscelynn WilliamsSPRING 2026CSL UNDERGRADUATE COHORT
“I learned that almost everyone has a different opinion on the most important quality of a leader; this made me realize how important it is to be adaptable, because your style may have to change based on the people you are leading. Ultimately, I believe my style as a leader changed to a listen first, lead second mentality, because listening to your team will give you a good idea of how you should lead in order to create success for the group.”
Kyle PurvinSPRING, 2026CSL UNDERGRADUATE COHORT
“CSL was overall such an amazing experience! Our sessions got me to think through my current leadership style in the experiences I’ve built here at Clemson, and it also showed me how to apply what we’ve learned to how I want to lead my life!”
Preethika YetukuriSPRING 2026CSL UNDERGRADUATE COHORT
