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Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities

The Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities (CUPO) office is the shared home to the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars), the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Program (LSAMP) and the Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). The creation of this office brings together three long-standing federal and state Education Department and National Science Foundation programs in one location, providing ease in access to services for students.

The CUPO office provides to eligible students academic enrichment, graduate school preparation, career and professional development, research opportunities, and social and cultural experiences.

Academic support: academic advisement, private tutoring, academic success workshops, and a book and laptop loan library
Enriching activities: conferences, cultural and social activities
Career development: resume writing, professional skill workshops, speakers, industry visits, and internship/co-op guidance
Graduate school preparedness: faculty mentors, speakers (PhDs), research opportunities, conferences to present research, GRE prep, GRE exam support, graduate application assistance, funding to visit graduate schools and workshops

The CUPO office provides students with individual and group study space. This space is equipped with desktops and access to as-needed laptops. Students also have access to free printing, scanning and faxing. Student study space is available during regular CUPO hours, and extended study hours are available, especially during midterms and finals.

Every year we produce a journal of research from the previous summer. We are pleased to announce the 12th volume of the Clarkson University Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities Research Journal from Summer 2023. Found here.

Summer Research Applications

Application Form

Recommendation Form

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

The McNair Scholars Program at Clarkson University prepares qualified undergraduate students in STEM for entrance into a PhD program upon graduating. The goal of the program is to increase the number of first-generation, low-income and/or underrepresented students in PhD programs, and ultimately, to diversify the faculty at colleges and universities across the country. The McNair Scholars Program is a TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Clarkson University.

The Clarkson McNair Scholars Program provides undergraduates with opportunities to participate in academic year and summer research activities. McNair scholars attend workshops and seminars on topics related to graduate school preparation, complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and have the opportunity to present their research at local, regional and national conferences.

Eligibility

Underrepresented minority students (African American, Hispanic, Native American) or first-generation college students from a low-income background
U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
2.8 GPA or higher
Sophomore or junior undergraduate in science or engineering discipline
Strong interest in pursuing a doctoral degree

Funding

Federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Clarkson University

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Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Program

LSAMP at Clarkson University is dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented African American, Latino American and Native American (AALANA) students graduating with baccalaureate degrees in the STEM fields.

The Clarkson University LSAMP is part of the Upstate Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (ULSAMP), which is a partnership between five 4-year institutions and two community colleges in Upstate New York: Clarkson University, Cornell University, Monroe Community College, SUNY Onondaga Community College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Syracuse University (lead institution). LSAMP at Clarkson is funded by the National Science Foundation and Clarkson University.

Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program

CSTEP at Clarkson University is funded jointly by the University and the New York State Education Department. The goal of CSTEP is to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students that are pursuing careers in STEM or licensed professions. Students must be New York State residents.

Eligibility

Underrepresented minority students (African American, Hispanic or Native American, or income eligibility set up by New York State Education Department for all New York State Opportunity Programs)
STEM majors or students pursuing careers in licensed professions
New York State residents

Department Staff

Deborah Shipp

Associate Director

Email: dgshipp@clarkson.edu
Office: 315/268-3951

Marjorie Warden

Director of HEOP & Community Underrepresented Professional Opportunities (CUPO)

Email: mwarden@clarkson.edu
Office: 315/268-4224

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Online Course Schedule

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Army ROTC

Army ROTC offers the broadest path for young men and women seeking to serve the nation as Army officers, helping them to achieve their goal. It's graduates comprise the majority of the newly commissioned lieutenants entering active duty Army each year.

Students with a strong academic background who are physically fit and have an active mind and the ability to rapidly assimilate information thrive in the program. These scholar-athlete-leaders (SALs) note that the leadership skills developed through their participation in the program are further honed during their period of service as Army officers.

Clarkson's Army ROTC Program

The Army ROTC program provides world class training and the opportunity to commission as an Army officer upon graduation. Cadets wishing to continue past their sophomore year must sign a contract and make a commitment to serve when they graduate. In return, all contracted cadets receive a monthly stipend during their junior and senior years.

Why Choose Our Program

We were ranked in the Top 5 nationwide by Washington Monthly for the percentage of students that participate in ROTC over the past 5 years. Our battalion is relatively large for the size of our school. The small-school feel of Clarkson, along with the strong military presence on campus, makes it a comfortable and supportive place to train in becoming an Army leader.

In the North Country of New York, environmental training opportunities are abundant. The Adirondack Mountains are just minutes away with their trails and nature preserves. Also, Clarkson is located near Fort Drum, which allows close contact with one of the most deployed divisions in the Army, the 10th Mountain Division.

There are also outreach opportunities. Every year, we team up with campus clubs to send care packages to deployed soldiers who will spend their holidays overseas. Come be a part of something special with the Clarkson Army ROTC cadets.

Video: Blackhawk helicopters visit Clarkson

Feel the Difference in Your Training. Be the Difference in Your Community.

Basic Course

Freshmen in the Golden Knight Battalion meet for class once a week. The freshman class focuses on basic life skills such as fitness maintenance, nutrition intake, time management and goal setting, and touches on basic military knowledge with subjects like rank structure, customs and courtesies and infantry squad composition. We emphasize beginning to adopt the Army values and Warrior Ethos, and start to explore the Army leadership model. Land navigation is covered extensively as well, while the foundations for this critical skill are developed. Interaction with upperclassmen and instructors allows you to learn about opportunities in today’s active force, National Guard and Army Reserves.

Sophomores attend MS221 Innovative Team Leadership and MS222 Foundations of Tactical Leadership. Class meets twice a week, and you explore the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership model. You practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership attributes and core leader competencies through an understanding of Army rank, structure, duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics.

Advanced Course

All cadets in the advanced course are contracted (getting paid) and are expected to attend all scheduled training.

Juniors attend MS331 Adaptive Team Leadership and MS332 Applied Team Leadership. These courses use increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build your awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuasion and motivating team members under stress are explored, evaluated and developed. As a cadet, you are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to lead. The focus of your junior year is preparation for Warrior Forge.

Seniors in the Golden Knight Battalion are required to attend ROTC class once a week. The course provides instruction on administrative, training and logistical consideration to prepare you for your first unit of assignment. We use case studies, scenarios, and “What Now, Lieutenant?” exercises to preparing you to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Along with the class, the battalion holds a lab most Thursdays during the semester for two hours. This is the time when all cadets are together, conducting collective training. The seniors plan and execute the training, the juniors hold most of the leadership positions and are evaluated during the lab, and the sophomores and freshmen watch and learn while developing the key skill of followership.

The Golden Knight Battalion Sets Itself Apart From Others

Ranked in the Top 5 in the nation by Washington Monthly in percentage of students that participate in ROTC each of the last 5 years. The GKB is a relatively large battalion at a small school. The small school feel of Clarkson along with the strong military presence on campus make it a comfortable and supportive place to train to become an Army Leader.
The opportunities to train in the local area are abundant. On the North side of the Adirondacks the land we can train on is almost limitless, and we can train right on campus. Whether it's rappelling off our rapell tower, practicing land navigation or conducting tactical training with paintball in the "ROTC woods", or learning to low crawl right on the Hamlin-Powers lawn we don't have to go far to do some Army Training.
Close proximity to Fort Drum allow us to have regular contact with the most deployed Division in the Army, the 10th Mountain Division. Staff rides that include battle briefs conducted by recently deployed units are indispensible training opportunities that allow our cadets to understand what they should expect upon graduation. Fort Drum also offers unique training opportunities like use of their simulator and engagement skills trainer facilities, and use of the obstacle course and rifle ranges.
The campus community supports our effort in just about every way. Campus organizations like the Clarkson Guard pitch in each holiday season to team up with the GKB to send care packages to deployed soldier and alumni. Our Dining Out and Cadet hockey games are held at SUNY Potsdam. Commissioning ceremonies are hosted on all four campuses. Faculty, Administration, Coaches, and fellow students all know who we are and what we are about. They all play a role in creating an environment where Cadets can thrive.
The history of ROTC and Clarkson is a rich one, originating in the 1930s with the founding of the ROTC and Clarkson guard.

Clarkson's ROTC History

Clarkson's ROTC Band in front of Old Main

1930s
ROTC and Clarkson guard founded

1940s
WWII began, training program established and over 250 cadets enrolled

1950s
Signal Corps added to Corps of Engineers battalion

1970s
Colleges of St. Lawrence Valley established, pooling resources

1980s
Corps of Cadets becomes Golden Knight Battalion (GKB)

Today
Clarkson commissions officers and leaders into the armed forces

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Course Descriptions and Class Schedules

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Air Force ROTC

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program at Clarkson University develops commissioned officers for both the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Force (USSF) by providing cadets with essential leadership mentorship, time & stress management, organization, interpersonal skills, and military knowledge.

Cadets who successfully complete all AFROTC requirements and earn a bachelor’s degree will commission as Second Lieutenants and enter the active duty Air Force or Space Force.

Cadets do not have to immediately commit to a service obligation; the cadet becomes obligated at the start of a cadet's junior year or when their scholarship is activated.

AFROTC Detachment 536 services all qualified students from the four campuses of the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley: Clarkson University, Saint Lawrence University, SUNY Canton, and SUNY Potsdam.

Air Force ROTC Detachment 536

Contact Us

Mailing Address: Box 5850, 8 Clarkson Ave., Potsdam, NY 13699
Address: Suite 1106, Old Main Building, 55 Main St., Potsdam, NY 13699
Email: det536af@clarkson.edu Phone: 315-268-7989 Fax: 315-268-4234

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AFROTC Scholarships

AFROTC offers a wide variety of scholarships for college and college-bound students in all approved bachelor's and graduate degree programs. For the latest and most accurate information, please go to the AFROTC website's scholarship page at www.afrotc.com/scholarships/. High school students can apply for the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) before January of their senior year at www.afrotc.com/apply/.

If you have specific scholarship questions, contact the Recruiting Officer at det536af@clarkson.edu.

External Resources

Air Force Recruiting https://www.airforce.com/
Space Force Recruiting http://www.spaceforce.mil/
Holm Center http://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Holm-Center
U.S. Air Force Home Page www.af.mil
AFROTC Recruiting www.afrotc.com
FOIA http://www.compliance.af.mil/

Current as of January 26th, 2024

Interested in ROTC?

Let us know if you want more information on how to join AFROTC Detachment 536!

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Privacy and Security

This Air Force ROTC Detachment 536 Website is provided as a public service by Clarkson University. Information presented on the Detachment 536 Website is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. Information concerning visitors, use of this site is collected for analytical and statistical purposes, such as assessing what information is of most and least interest, determining technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, this computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Raw data logs will only be used to identify individual users and their usage habits for authorized law enforcement investigations or national security purposes. These logs are scheduled for regular destruction in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration Guidelines. Unauthorized attempts to deny service, upload information, change information, or to attempt to access a non-public site from this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under Title 18 of the U.S. Code to include the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act. If you have any questions or comments about the information presented here, please forward them to us.

External Disclaimer

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and morale, welfare and recreation sites, the U.S. Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links provided are consistent with the stated purpose of this web site.

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Refund Policy

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Psychology Department

Clarkson’s Department of Psychology provides a solid foundation in psychology and courses of study in the areas that interest you most, with customized education tracks that can be developed to fit your goals. Our low student-to-faculty ratio provides hands-on learning experiences like directed research, during which you work closely with one of our full-time faculty members on an experiment of mutual interest.

We also offer clinical internships, during which you work with professional psychologists in clinical settings in a variety of fields (e.g., neurorehabilitation, mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation). Check out the research projects that our students have done throughout their time at Clarkson.

As for facilities, the Evolution of Cognition Lab allows students to study how natural selection has shaped the cognitive mechanisms underlying human decision-making behavior under risk and uncertainty and how these mechanisms operate in domains such as risk-taking, mate choice and foraging for food and information. The Social Development and Health Research Lab examines how social pain negatively impacts mental and physical health, as well as how people determine when to offer help or express concern when they see someone experiencing health problems. In the Motivation & Emotion Lab, researchers study how motivation affects social perceptions, relationships and behavior. The Culture, Family, and Child Development Lab explores how contextual factors shape children's development of self-regulation by looking into the intersecting contributions of context in cultural and socioeconomic conditions and nurture in family relationships and secure attachment.

In the Hearing and Attention Lab, we use electrophysiology and neuroimaging to examine the effects of directed attention on auditory processing and how these effects are modulated by factors like cognitive skill and task difficulty. Additional work both within our lab and in collaboration with external investigators aims develop objective diagnostic techniques for clinical populations where these capacities may be disturbed. The Phenomenology Lab allows students to explore the subjective experience of those with mental disorders, as well as the human experience more generally.

Our Programs

The Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate major and several minors for a wide range of students. Our programs are purposefully built to spark thought, discussion and solutions to the problems you want to solve.

Undergraduate Programs

Psychology (BS)
Biology, Behavior and Society (Minor)
Cognitive Neuroscience (Minor)
Psychology (Minor)

What Makes Us Unique

Our department consists of full-time faculty, lending to our low student-to-faculty ratio. We provide personal attention to our students and enjoy helping them find research opportunities and experiences that expand their horizons and allow them to transform personally and educationally.

Hands-on learning is the cornerstone of a great education. Directed research projects are credited with expanding our students' thinking and providing experience for future endeavors.

97% University Placement Total

84%

of our students head straight into the workforce.

Learn how Career Services can help you

Clarkson University students are highly sought after and our placement rates prove it. During the academic year, we have 150+ Career Fair attendees each Spring, 180+ Career Fair Attendees every fall! The Career Center encourages students to connect as early as possible to begin setting yourself up for success.

10%

of students decide to continue their education in various post secondary programs.

of our graduates seek alternative positions like the military.

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Credit Balance Refunds

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Physics Department

Physicists are constantly pushing the boundaries of science and technology to understand the universe around us. This drive for innovation has a real-world impact in fields well beyond physics, including medicine, finance, engineering and consumer technologies. The goal of the Clarkson Department of Physics is to educate a new generation of problem solvers to tackle the next big problems in science and industry.

Our department combines the best features of a small liberal arts college and a major research university. The department's program presents unrivaled opportunities for education and research in a wide range of topics, from subatomic particles to supernova.