I want to bring the campus up to speed on recent actions of Winthrop University relating to the recognition of new student organizations at Winthrop and to announce the university’s newest student organization.
On March 24, 2025, the Council of Student Leaders passed a resolution relating to the responsibility for determining applications for new student organizations and the University’s review of this and related issues. As you may know, the concerns raised by CSL stemmed from the review of several new student organization applications - most recently, the application submitted by Winthrop Students for Life (WSFL).
On April 1, 2025, after looking into this matter and at the recommendation of the Vice President for Student Affairs and legal counsel, I rescinded the denial of the WSFL charter request made in February 2025, based on concerns relating to freedom of speech and freedom of expression and the corresponding responsibilities of respect and civility for the free speech and expression rights of others.
I also requested that consideration be given immediately by the Board of Trustees to place authority for review and approval of new student organizations, including the annual registration of existing student clubs and organizations and related governance issues, with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs to comply with industry standards.
On April 4, 2025, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the recommendation in a resolution to shift decision-making authority to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. In addition to reassigning the authority over new student organization applications, the responsibility for allocating student activity funds to eligible campus clubs and organizations was transferred to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Board also conveyed oversight responsibility to me regarding these areas as well as to make recommendations to the Board for any changes needed with regard to student governance matters.
Subsequently, Winthrop Students for Life was approved by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs as a new student organization, under the leadership of Riley Dill, president, and Elisa Koehler, advisor. We welcome Winthrop Students for Life to the campus community where more than 100 student organizations provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn to set and achieve goals, and create lifelong memories with their peers.
Finally, I want to underscore the last words of the Board of Trustees in its resolution from Friday: Winthrop reaffirms its commitment to the rights of freedom of speech and expression as appropriate under the First Amendment to the Constitution and Winthrop University policy as well as the mutual respect, accountability, civility, and appropriate conduct required to protect persons exercising free speech and expression. These attributes, reflected in our Mission, Vision and Values, have been a hallmark of Winthrop University for decades, and they will continue to be for the future of this institution and the Winthrop community.
Edward
Edward A. Serna
President
