Clubs & Organizations
Getting involved in clubs and organizations increases your skill set, allows for collaboration and networking opportunities, and helps to set you apart for future employers. Civil Engineering students can choose between several engineering-focused clubs and organizations to join to enrich their time at Clemson.
Engineering Organizations
Student chapters and professional societies hold regular meetings throughout the fall and spring semesters, providing students the opportunity to engage with one another, faculty and practicing professionals.
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American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) was founded in 1852 and is the oldest professional engineering society. Any civil engineering student can become a member of ASCE. The student chapter has been recognized as one of the best and most productive in the U.S., winning several awards from the ASCE national office. Significant activities of the Clemson chapter include the concrete canoe, the steel bridge, and attendance at the Carolina's Conference. Every year the Clemson ASCE student chapter performs community projects, sponsors social events and field trips, and travels to meetings in-state and out-of-state locations. ASCE student chapter meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in 100 Lowry.
ASCE GI-GSO
The ASCE Geo-Institute Graduate Student Organization (ASCE GI-GSO) at Clemson University was established in Fall 2018. The primary objectives of this organization are to enrich the geotechnical engineering study experience of the students and encourage students to be part of and participate in the activities organized by Geo-Institute (G-I). Some of the activities organized by the ASCE GI-GSO at Clemson University include inviting guest speakers from academia and industry, arranging field trips, K-12 outreach, and social events. The active members of ASCE GI-GSO are graduate students in Geotechnical Engineering. However, undergraduate students can become associate members. Further, the students, faculty, and staff at Clemson University interested in the events organized by the ASCE GI-GSO can participate.
Clemson Concrete Canoe Team (3CT)
The Concrete Canoe Team challenges students each year to design, model, create, and race a concrete canoe. Students design the canoe using various resources, including past year's experience and local consultants. Research is incorporated in the design stages to determine how the canoe will perform under racing conditions. A vast amount of research is also utilized to produce a light and durable concrete mix with proper reinforcement.
Clemson University Student Steel Bridge Team
The Steel Bridge Team challenges students to design, fabricate, and construct a model steel bridge. At regional and national competitions, teams are judged on construction speed, weight, and deflection for a prescribed loading scenario. The quality of fabrication and the bridge's aesthetics are also considered in the final score. Students design the bridge for various loading cases using structural analysis software; constructability and fabrication must also be considered during the design.
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Chi Epsilon
Chi Epsilon is the national civil engineering honor society. Chi Epsilon was founded on the belief that students who distinguish themselves deserve recognition. The requirements for membership in Chi Epsilon are based on the qualities of scholastic achievement, character, practicality, and sociability--the characteristics of a well-rounded engineer. The Clemson Chi Epsilon Chapter is active in recognizing deserving students, faculty, and professionals.
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Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is a professional society of more than 13,000 transportation engineers, planners, and other professionals in over 70 countries. The Clemson Student Chapter introduces students to the transportation profession and supplements their classroom and laboratory experiences. Some of the chapter activities include participating in field trips to various transportation engineering projects, community service projects, technical projects, and fundraisers. Chapter members are eligible to apply for scholarships sponsored by ITE and receive information on potential job opportunities in the transportation profession. All Clemson students are eligible to join the Clemson Student Chapter of ITE.
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Structural Engineers Association (SEA)
The Structural Engineers Association of South Carolina - Clemson University Student Chapter is dedicated to furthering students' knowledge of structural engineering. The Clemson Student Chapter was founded in the spring of 2008 by a group of students and professors with the purpose of increasing the body of structural engineering knowledge of Clemson students. For more information, contact the Clemson Student Chapter faculty advisor, Professor Brandon Ross.
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Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Contact the Clemson chapter of SHPE.
The Clemson Concrete Canoe team competes regionally and nationally, gaining real-world experience using technical skills, teamwork and creativity to design, construct and race a concrete canoe. This project challenges students each year to design, model, build, and race a concrete canoe. Clemson has a very successful past, consistently reaching the national competition, including 3 national championships.
Typically, the team spends most of the academic year building the canoe. Afterwards, they travel to the regional ASCE conference and compete against other schools in a concrete canoe race.
“During my freshman year, I was involved in the Clemson Concrete Canoe team. In this club, we volunteer a few hours each week to build our canoe. Working with fellow students and the camaraderie that comes with it is one of the many reasons I'm attracted to this major. This hands-on project taught me the importance of teamwork. I strongly recommend this club to current or future students. ”
Ian StinesCivil Engineering
