From rising enrollment, to continuous new construction projects on- and off-campus, the Clemson campus and community are experiencing rapid growth. But students are worried that such expansion may cause the university to lose its values and family atmosphere that has distinguished the school over the years.
“I think it’s great how Clemson is capitalizing on their resources,” said Justin Tran, a sophomore computer information systems major at Clemson. “It’s great to look and build towards the future, but sometimes I feel like Clemson is shying away from their roots.”
According to the university, the campus has witnessed “consistent, solid growth at both undergraduate and graduate levels” in the recent 10-year span from 2007 to 2016. In that decade, undergraduate enrollment grew by over 4,300 students, while graduate enrollment had a net growth of 1,447 students.
The growth is continuing, even in the face of the pandemic. The university announced on Nov. 24 that its 2020 fall semester enrollment of 26,406 students is up 2.3% from last year.
In recent years, Clemson has committed to sustaining and accommodating this growth through campus renovations and other additions to the infrastructure of the school.
This plan is outlined in ClemsonForward, a 10-year strategic plan that is “grounded in Clemson’s historic strengths but focused solidly on the future.”
“When you are trying to attract top talent, as faculty, students, and staff, the environment where people come to work, live, and learn is increasingly important,” said Clemson University Provost Robert Jones in a video on ClemsonForward.
But how do students already attending Clemson feel about these changes to campus and the area? There is a saying at Clemson that many students and faculty are accustomed to: “there is something in these hills”. For many students, this statement reflects the quaint yet robust feel on campus that unites the student body.
This idea that a small-town college can leave a big impact on the world while staying a quaint little college has a huge impact on students.
“Although growth is inevitable, we can’t lose sight of the true nature of Clemson,” said Rachel Vuong, a freshman at Clemson. “I didn’t come to Clemson for the new facilities or what’s being built in the future. I came to Clemson for the values they hold and what they are today.”
While some students are concerned that so many new buildings and renovations may lead to a loss of values, others question the types of renovations and additions being added to campus right now.
“Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that Clemson is expanding,” said Walker Pace, a sophomore construction science and management major at Clemson. “But when you look at the issues of parking, the roads, and even the older dorms and classrooms, I believe Clemson should focus on that before expanding.”
This article was written by a student of ENGL 2310: Introduction to Journalism, which is taught by Mike Pulley.
