Clemson University’s Science Student Advisory Board recently held its semesterly “Deans in Jeans” event, a gathering to connect students in the College of Science with the college’s leadership, including the dean and associate deans.
Held on November 11 at the Brook T. Smith Launchpad in downtown Clemson, the event invited students to ask questions, share ideas and discuss potential improvements in a casual, accessible environment.
The SciSAB aims to bridge the gap between students and faculty, helping to address student concerns directly with the college’s top leaders. By meeting in jeans and encouraging casual attire, the event’s relaxed atmosphere promotes open communication and makes leadership more approachable.
Anvita Pudipeddi, a senior microbiology major and president of the SciSAB, highlighted the direct impact of events like “Deans in Jeans” in fostering meaningful changes.
“We’ve been able to bring resources to students that they otherwise would not have the opportunity to take advantage of,” she explained. “For example, one student request was to increase access to resources for pre-medical students, and as a part of SciSAB, we were able to launch an MCAT class taught by Dr. Rhett Smith, an organic chemistry professor, that students could register for.”
This semester’s event fostered many conversations, allowing students to address current initiatives and voice concerns to the deans. Beforehand, SciSAB distributed a Google Form across the college, gathering student questions and suggestions. The executive board then shared these submissions with the deans, giving them time to prepare responses. “We also open up the floor at the event to any other ‘on-the-fly’ questions that students may have,” Pudipeddi said.
For first-time attendees, Pudipeddi encourages participation without hesitation. “Anything goes at ‘Deans in Jeans!’” she said. “It makes sense to be intimidated because, ultimately, these are the deans of the college, but they were also once in our shoes, so they know what it’s like to be us and can offer a really helpful perspective on that experience.”
To create an inviting environment, SciSAB used funds from the Student Funding Board to provide pizza, snacks and drinks.
“The idea is to help everybody feel comfortable and vulnerable enough to ask questions that they are genuinely curious to know the answers to,” Pudipeddi said, noting that the informal atmosphere (and dress code) supports open communication.
With SciSAB’s guidance, events like “Deans in Jeans” continue to play a vital role in student advocacy within the College of Science. “Our job is to help bridge the disconnect between the leadership and the students, to advance the experience for students in the college,” Pudipeddi said.
For those hesitant to speak up, Pudipeddi assures students that their voices matter. “If you think there’s something the college could be doing a better job of, they’re the ones that need to know so that they can act on it and connect you with resources,” she said.
