ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University will welcome new, transfer and post-traditional students through virtual Orientation sessions in May, June and July due to COVID-19, but with the same flair and enthusiasm as always.
“COVID-19 can’t keep our Eagles down!” said Callie Smith, director of the Office of New Student and Family Programs (NSFP). “We are more excited than ever to welcome our newest students into the Winthrop community. While the format of Orientation has changed, our goals remain the same: to foster a sense of belonging and to prepare students for their Winthrop experience. Go Eagles!”
Freshman and Transfer Orientation has been split into two parts: the First Flight virtual experience and the Eagles Landing on-campus experience in early August. During First Flight, students will meet virtually with their academic advisors and register for classes. While this change was due to COVID-19, it is believed by Smith and other faculty and staff that new students who make the most out of both parts of their Orientation experience won’t miss a beat.
Freshmen and transfer students entering the fall 2020 academic semester are required to complete Orientation. If students are not registered for Orientation, they should do so as soon as possible.
Many transfer students completed their First Flight in mid-May. Transfer students registered for Orientation who were not in this May group will complete First Flight in mid-July.
Freshmen registered for sessions 1-4 will begin First Flight in early June and meet with their academic advisors and register for classes along the following timeline:
*Session 1: June 10-11
*Session 2: June 15-16
*Session 3: June 18-19
*Session 4: June 22-23
Freshmen who register for Orientation prior to June 8 will start First Flight in June. Freshmen who register for Orientation between June 8 and July 5 will complete First Flight, advising and registration in mid-July. Transfer students and freshmen who register for Orientation after July 5 will complete Orientation at Session 5 on Aug. 19-20.
First Flight is only part one of Orientation. Part two of Orientation, Eagles Landing, will take place on campus in early August. Students are required to attend an Eagles Landing session in order to complete their Orientation requirement. Planning for these sessions is underway, with social distancing and other safety guidelines being put into place. Students can expect more information via Winthrop e-mail after they’ve completed First Flight along with advising and registration.
The NSFP student Orientation coordinators are exercise science majors Allee Campbell, Terrik Johnson and McKenzie Mosley.
Orientation Leaders are:
Alana Walker, integrated marketing communication
Anna Rhyne, elementary education
Baten King, music education
Brooke Stout, human development and family studies
Carrington Wigfall, theatre
Chloe Rizer, psychology
Danny Kilgore-Wilson, social studies education
Destini Jones, sociology
Gracie Bennett, double major in philosophy and religious studies and dance
Hannah Bethea, elementary education
Jasmine Moyd, mathematics
Jenerette Stratton, dance education
Kaia Barefoot, theatre education
Khadeejha Jones, fine arts
Lauren Hershelman, physical education
Mandy Breakfield, psychology
Nykeria Foster, early childhood education
Nyssa Hemingway, double major in Spanish and political science
Shaniya Simmons, theatre performance
Sydney Tisdale, early childhood education
Tammara Lasane, psychology
Taylor Steward, business administration in accounting
Will Gist, international business
Transfer Orientation Leaders and Mentors are:
Brandon Ellison, chemistry
Chyna Wallace, mass communication
Clara Benson, psychology
Dominique Cain, double major in psychology and biology
Nicole Holbert, double major in history and sociology
Whitney Williams, social work
Graduate student staff are:
Renea Norcia, Winthrop
Gaylen Rivers, Northern Illinois University
Brian Trager, Grand Valley State University
Keep up with NSFP via social media:
Instagram: WinthropNSFP
Twitter: @WinthropNSFP
SnapChat: WinthropNSFP
