The joy I feel every time I walk past the refurbished Reflection Pond is euphoric. From the bubbling fountains to the new walkways, to the sparkling water and grassy areas, the area in front of Cooper Library is just lovely.

However, the Reflection Pond’s new improvements exemplify a deeper purpose beyond just its outward beauty. Since the area’s reopening, I haven’t seen it without hordes of students surrounding it during the school day. Whether they’re sitting on nearby benches getting work done, lying out on the grassy areas chatting with friends or relaxing with their feet in the water doing some good old-fashioned reflecting, the pond is the perfect place to foster community. It truly represents the warm, welcoming type of home that Clemson is for so many.

Students returned to campus in January for the 2025 spring semester surprised to see the pond completely drained. The Tiger initially reported on the draining and improvement project, which began on Dec. 20 and was scheduled for completion in May of 2025.

The enhancements were intended to improve accessibility, which included adding a new walkway around the pond’s perimeter, lighting and security cameras on walkways, improved sitting areas and new water flow installations.

The goal of these improvements is great, and I’m thankful we’re finally able to enjoy the filled and refurbished pond. However, I don’t understand why the project was entirely necessary when the University is in the midst of limiting expenditures — even stricter now than when the “mission critical” expense mode was put in place back in January — and managing numerous other construction projects.

Additionally, the timeline of the project is frustrating. I don’t understand why the pond sat barren and unattractive for months, with no construction work happening. Many seniors looked forward to taking pictures in or near the pond for graduation, an experience taken from them because of the project’s delay.

To the students’ disappointment, the pond was still not filled, nor was the area open when they returned to campus in August. The plan was to finish the project in May, so why the delay until the end of September, when we’re well into FY26?

This dilemma might seem unimportant now because all that matters is that the pond is completed and open, right? To me, however, the Reflection Pond delay — and overall project — is one example of a larger pattern concerning the University’s questionable priorities and insufficient communication to its students. Plus, students didn’t have access to one of the primary spots on campus for enjoying community.

Another example of this dilemma is the aforementioned expenditure management mode, which the University administration initially told the public would be lifted at the end of FY25. However, the mode is currently still in place with limits on hiring, travel and overall spending.

While I understand that sometimes things don’t go according to plan, I would like to see improved organization and planning on the University’s part to better predict the timeline of projects and financial decisions so that faculty and students have more realistic expectations for their school year.

Kat Pugh is a junior English major from Clayton, California. Kat can be reached at [email protected].