ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Winthrop University will hold Orientation sessions this summer to help ease the transition into the nest for new Eagles. While following COVID-19 protocols, freshman, transfer and post-traditional students will gather in-person and virtually to become more familiar with the culture and expectations of the university.
“We are so excited to welcome new Eagles to our community!” said Callie Smith ‘13, director of the Office of New Student and Family Programs. “While the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we have seen our Eagles push through and soar to new heights. We can’t wait to meet the new students at Orientation this summer. We have some very helpful and fun things planned for Orientation to get these students started off on the right foot.”
Many of the sessions are being offered in-person due to updated COVID-19 protocols; however, this is subject to change if deemed necessary by the university. The health and safety of students, faculty and staff remain the university’s top priority.
Orientation will be split into two-parts: First Flight and Eagles Landing. There will also be different Orientation sessions for transfers and freshmen. Both experiences will concentrate on providing incoming students with a better understanding of the Winthrop experience. Students will learn about class registration, meet and engage with faculty, staff and fellow incoming students, and gain training on topics such as diversity and many more crucial skills that will help them succeed.
Each session is strategically planned by the Office of New Student and Family Programs and its Student Orientation Coordinators (SOCs). The 2021 SOCs are Terrik Johnson, Jasmine Moyd and Nyssa Hemingway. The SOCs are joined by graduate associate Tamara Hardy and two visiting graduate interns, Alex Shay from the University of South Carolina and Sarah Whaley from Appalachian State University. Many students and parents find comfort in knowing that upperclassmen (SOCs and Orientation Leaders) who have experience at Winthrop help shape the Orientation experience for new students.
Orientation Leaders -- upperclassmen who work with new freshmen -- include Alana Walker, Baten King, Becca Diebold, Ben Keenan, Brooke Stout, Carrington Wigfall, Chelsea Goggins, Courtney Garrett, D’Avion Deas, Emma Oresic, Jaquarius Norman, Jordan Drewello, Joyden Glover, Kaia Barefoot, Kamron Hill, Laurel Lampley, Lex Hathaway, Mackenzie Miller, Molly Duncan and Vanessa Steen. Transfer Orientation Leader and Mentors, who are current transfer, military and/or adult students who work with new transfer students, include Aleyah Carter, Chyna Wallace, Nico Sweet and Nicole Holbert.
The Orientation sessions are reflected below. Register for sessions of your choice:
Freshman Orientation
First Flight Sessions (Required/Virtual Sessions):
Session 1: Monday, June 21
Session 2: Wednesday, June 23
Session 3: Friday, June 25
Session 4: Tuesday, June 29
Session 5: Thursday, July 8
Session 6: Friday, July 9
Eagles Landing Sessions (Required/in-person or virtual options):
Session I: Monday, July 26 - in-person
Session J: Wednesday, July 28 - in-person
Session K: Friday, July 30 - in-person
Session M: Monday, August 2 - in-person
Session O: Wednesday, August 4 - virtual
Session V: Friday, August 6 - virtual
Transfer Orientation
First Flight (Required/Virtual Sessions):
Session B: Wednesday, May 19
Session C: Thursday, May 20
Session D: Tuesday, June 8
Session E: Monday, August 9
Eagles Landing (Optional/in-person, half-day sessions):
Session P: Tuesday, August 3
Session Q: Thursday, August 5
For more information on Orientation, visit the New Student and Family Programs website at winthrop.edu/orientation/.
