Get in touch

We'd love to
hear from you.

Questions about the fellowship, the application, or whether Opus Society is right for you — reach out directly.

Reach the Opus Society.

The Opus Society is a student-led fellowship at Clemson University. For questions about the application, program structure, or career tracks, reach out to our Executive Director directly.

We also welcome inquiries from faculty and staff interested in advising or partnering with the fellowship, and from Clemson alumni interested in mentorship or speaker opportunities.

Executive Director & Founder

Josiah Macchi

Clemson University · Class of 2027
jdmacch@clemson.edu
Apply to the fellowship

Fall 2026 Applications

Open late August · Cohort of 25
Open application form →
Location

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
Est. Fall 2026

Common questions.

Who is eligible to apply?

First-year and sophomore Clemson students with a genuine interest in careers in public service, policy, law, or government. Any major is welcome — we are not limited to political science or pre-law students. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required, though it is not the primary criterion for selection.

What is the time commitment?

Opus Fellows meet as a cohort twice per week and with their mentor at minimum twice per month. Fellows complete one substantive deliverable per semester. The fellowship is designed to be rigorous but manageable alongside a full course load — we ask for consistent, quality engagement, not your entire schedule.

Does the Opus Society have dues?

No. Membership in the Opus Society carries no dues. The fellowship is committed to ensuring that financial circumstance is not a barrier to participation. Any costs associated with optional programming — such as travel — will be subsidized to the extent funding allows.

Do I need to know which career track I want?

No. Track selection happens at the beginning of Year Two. Year One is specifically designed to help you explore and narrow your direction. Apply with genuine interest in public service — we'll help you figure out the rest.

I'm interested in mentoring or speaking. Who do I contact?

Clemson alumni and professionals in public service, policy, law, or government who are interested in mentoring or speaking with Opus Fellows are warmly welcomed. Reach out directly to Josiah Macchi at jdmacch@clemson.edu.

When do applications open?

Applications for the inaugural Fall 2026 cohort open in late August 2026. If you'd like to be notified when applications go live, fill out the interest form linked above — we'll reach out directly.

A competitive path in public service starts here.

Applications open late August 2026. Cohort size is capped at 25 Opus Fellows by design.

Late Aug
Applications open
Mid-Sept
Applications close
Late Sept
Decisions sent
October
Fellowship begins
Apply Now