Welcome Back Festival; Tiger Prowl; FDOC

STUDENT NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 17, 2026

BEFORE YOU SCROLL

Good morning! Weeks of Welcome continues with the Welcome Back Festival tonight and a chance to discover student organizations at Tiger Prowl tomorrow; Prepare for classes, and capture your first day with the FDOC marquee letters.

Aerial view of downtown Clemson looking toward Clemson University’s campus as crowds fill the streets for the Welcome Back Festival.

Your Look Ahead:

The Welcome Back Festival takes place tonight from 6-8 p.m. on College Avenue, which will be closed from Highway 93 to Earle Street starting at 3:45 p.m. The streets will reopen after the festival ends.
Good luck on the First Day of Classes!
- To help your first day run smoothly, plan your route (try to walk your entire class schedule beforehand), gather supplies and prepare for the day — get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast and allow plenty of time to travel to class.
- Have your picture made Wednesday with the FDOC marquee letters before 8 a.m. classes and continuing through 4:30 p.m. at Sikes Hall and Trustee Park. Pick up some free Clemson swag as well!
Review the academic regulations in effect for all undergraduate and graduate classes at Clemson.

Click to read the message from Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Cole Smith

YOUR STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Students walk on campus on the first day of classes.

Start the semester with a new place to connect. Drop by the Gantt Center for Student Experience open house on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Suite 300 of Brackett Hall to meet staff and discover ways to get involved!

SAFETY AND WELL-BEING

Fall hours for Swann Fitness Center at Fike and the Douthit Hills Fitness Center begin on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Take advantage of your Campus Recreation membership by checking out all these facilities have to offer!

WEEKS OF WELCOME

Weeks of Welcome continues with many ways to connect with your fellow Tigers and experience Clemson traditions!
- Explore 300+ of Clemson's registered student organizations and discover opportunities to get involved and connect with others at Tiger Prowl tomorrow, Aug. 18, from 5-8 p.m. in Memorial Stadium. This event is open only to Clemson students, faculty and staff.
- New Students: Take part in the Entering Class Photo at midfield of Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Hydrate often!

THIS WEEK IN ATHLETICS

Men's Soccer begins its season hosting Furman at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20 at Historic Riggs Field. Additionally, Volleyball gets started with the Orange & Purple scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. in Jervey Gym.
Check out the all-sports schedule on ClemsonTigers.com!

BOWMAN BULLETIN

Do you enjoy leadership or want to grow as a leader? Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to register for the Certified Student Leader Fall 2026 cohorts by Tuesday, Aug. 25.
The City of Clemson is distributing free brick pavers from the College Avenue construction project (limit two per person) starting at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21 at 102 Nettles Park Road. The pavers went fast in May, so be sure to get in line early!