Comments on: Clemson Administrators File Affidavits Denying Housing Scam

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:50:45 +0000

For anyone interested in the truth consider the following facts:

1) Sources are disgruntled Clemson employees whose motives are questionable. There has been no attempt by any of the sources or this site to validate the claims.

2) Chain of title to real estate exists in public records. Closing documents are signed at lawyers offices then filed with the county for everyone to see. This alleged conspiracy to hide the public records would involve attorneys, banks, title agents, and public officials across all of these supposed transactions. Quite an impossibility to erase all of these transactions from public record.

3) Per Greenville Online, other news sources, and public record, Clemson Academic Ventures owns the educational support facility that is being built for the benefit of the Bridge Program students and staff. It has nothing to do with the residences so any claim to that effect further proves that these accusations are simply false rumors started by ignorant sources with the intent of stirring up controversy.

4) As for claims that the requiring Bridge Students to live at Highpointe is somehow illegal consider the fact that they have been required to live at their current residences for the last three years of the program and have simply outgrown the housing there hence the need to move to Highpointe. Similarly, Clemson freshman are required to live on campus. The intent is to provide a structured environment with live-in RA’s and staff to ensure Bridge Students are able to successfully transfer to Clemson as sophomores. It is a proven transfer system and the Bridge program is a win-win for the students and the institutions involved.

By: Nan

Nan — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:43:10 +0000

That Barker report is sickening. Yeah, Bottum, the head of IT had to paid over $300,000 because he is such a star. How in the hell has he benefited Clemson? Oh, that’s right, just in case a faculty member wants to come to Clemson because of super-computing and make $50,000. If Clemson’s admin salaries are to attract the best, then why do they have a prez that only has a masters? How can any university anywhere justify a prez without a doctorate? Isn’t higher learning the whole point? Oh, but he understands reorganization in ways most people can’t.

Be willing to cover up misdeeds, get a fat paycheck. Speak out against wrongdoing, get a pay cut.

By: franksboy

franksboy — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:00:46 +0000

KWP – right on! Check many of the Admin Asst’s (now they’ve changed the names at Clemson to things like Business Manager) who over time got GED and, perhaps a little ripe info on their bosses – and make $50’s to $70’s. By the way, read the Budget presentation made by the ring leader of Barker’s Buddies, Jim himself. Warning, take something for the stomach first, it will turn on you – such laughs – how he hasn’t really added any people – folks just don’t understand reorganizations – and, these big ol’ increases were entirely justified because the BOT approved – and, it took that to attract and keep these fine minds – they’ve all been hanging around him for about 15 years now – why would they leave?? Nobody would have them but, don’t tell Jim Barker that – he just upped the salaries 25-40% – for what his ego? their greed? What it wasnlt done for – is was not done for the good of Clemson University – far from it – it took money from well deserving employee who worked every day – performed – accomplished their goals and more but, wouldn’t “put out” to a Dept Head who thinks that the campus and surrounding area is his personal sexual hunting grounds -increases of 1% – 2% – 0% – and told, mind you with a straight face – there is just no money to compensate you for your extra effort, extra results and superior performance – oh by the way, Clay Steadman – here’s an extra 25% – just for being you!! It’s a dark, sinister, sickening environment at Clemson University. Shameless – and ugly! The man and his buddies should be run off!!

By: Mab

Mab — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:50:28 +0000

KWP,

That pay scale is based on who, not what, you know.

This “who, not what, you know” is often a thinly-veiled “bow down to me or challenge me” …or… “have coitus with me or get black-listed” -type thing.

Epidemic, but entirely predictable, around Lexington County and vicinity!

By: KWP

KWP — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:43:52 +0000

Why doesn’t anyone investigate the Clemson double dipping where administrators retire and then keep their same position and collect their pension and a salary like the provost for example. How can they implement a furlough and discuss possible layoffs when this sitaution is rampant. I would love for the provost to justify paying her high school educated secretary, Brenda, $75,000 which is more than some faculty members with doctoral degrees. Also look into President Barker being paid money under the table by the Foundation. It is time to penalize the fat cats instead of hurting the rest of the faculty!

By: Mab

Mab — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:45:43 +0000

We can only hope that if anyone IS further investigating over there — that they have already thought of the scenarios so aptly described by PalmettoCPA.

Just in case, maybe someone should tip them off.

By: folgers

folgers — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:32:33 +0000

one dept head says he would have to knock his teeth of and live in a single wide to be on there level

By: Biggie Tea

Biggie Tea — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:21:08 +0000

I’m certainly not going to defend the Clemson administration completely, but they may not be in the wrong in this situation. The significance of the affidavits is that they are all sworn documents, subjecting the signers to criminal charges of perjury if false. Hard to beleieve they would sign these if they weren’t telling the truth. I also find it hard to believe that somehow the Univerity folks were able to make the Pickens County (or maybe Oconee County, not sure where this development is exactly) Register of Deeds change documents. The ROD could face real trouble if this is true.

Of course, none of this means that there aren’t big problems at Clemson. I’m an alum and the salary raises I’ve read about are crazy. Especially in an environment where most state employees are lucky to be keeping a job.

By: Just a thought

Just a thought — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:34:05 +0000

starting to sound a whole lot like holderman part deux

By: CUALUM01

CUALUM01 — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:16:23 +0000

I think Palmetto CPA makes a very good point. These are very carefully worded documents. One has to wonder if they are trying to stop any further investigation.