Dear Incoming Student,
Congratulations, and welcome to Clarkson University! I’m Demetri Cummings, the Area Coordinator for first-year students. We’re excited to have you join the Class of 2028.
At Clarkson, you’ll find a supportive environment to grow academically, personally, and professionally. Our campus offers diverse perspectives and opportunities to help you thrive.
One way our office welcomes new first-year students to our campus community is through participation in the First-Year Cup (FYC) through your Living Learning Community (LLC)! This program involves attending campus events hosted by various organizations, which will help you meet new people, learn about resources, and earn points for your floor.
Throughout the semester, we’ll announce eligible events for point collection. Attending events with your floormates will maximize your points. LLCs offer a sense of community and support for your transition to Clarkson, with open lounges for gatherings and programming tailored to your needs.
Check out the FYC schedule and scoring information below to get started. Feel free to contact your RA or me directly at dcumming@clarkson.edu with any questions.
Prizes:
First Place: A highly coveted dinner at Foster House hosted by the Clarkson University President and the option to live together in Farrisee House for the following year!
Second Place: A custom design/item created by your LLC and made in our MakerSpace as a souvenir, subject to Residence Life approval.
Third Place: A pizza party with your LLC (additional dietary options available).
Scoring:
First-year students earn points for attending and participating in events, which contribute to their LLC’s score. Points are weighted by the number of residents in each LLC for fairness.
Commuter first-year students are assigned to LLCs at no cost, granting them access to buildings and participation in events with other first-year students.
On Donahue 1 (First Robotics LLC), both first-year and upper-class students contribute to the LLC’s points.
To earn points, students must be present and scan in at events. Cheating will result in point deductions
Starting college can be both exciting and overwhelming. The Clarkson community is here to support you—reach out with any questions or concerns. Welcome to Clarkson University! We look forward to seeing all you’ll achieve.
Early Schedule:
August
- Submit Your Photo for your Student ID: Complete by August 22 (see Student Status Portal checklist for instructions)
- Activities Fair: August 25, 6:30pm
- First Day of School Pics: August 26, 10am-2pm
- Tie Dye 2028 Class Shirts: August 27, 3pm-5pm
- Building CU Home: August 28, 5pm-7pm
- Fire Extinguisher Training: August 28 and 29, 8am-3pm daily
- Mock Dorm Burn: August 29, 6:30pm
- Lore and S’mores: August 30, 8pm-11pm
September
- Community Clean-up: September 1, 12pm-2pm
- Volleyball Season Opener: September 6, 3:30pm
- Potsdam Palooza: September 7, 1pm 4pm
- Career Fair Workshops: September 9 and 16
- Career Fair: September 18
- Global Opportunities Fair: September 30
- Orange Shirt Day: September 30
Demetri Cummings
dcumming@clarkson.edu