We continue to keep top of mind all of those effected by what is now on record as the third deadliest U.S. mainland storm, as well as all of those mobilized in ways big and small to help in response to Helene and its aftermath. Here are the latest updates for our campus:
Thomson Hall
The Thomson transformer arrived as scheduled, and installation began yesterday. System checks and some additional repairs were needed, and we hope to finalize those on Saturday. Cleaning crews are working their way through all rooms so residents have fewer problems upon their arrival back after more than a week away. We hope to allow Thomson residents to return to campus by Sunday afternoon, but this decision is pending all systems returning to normal. Residence Life will provide an additional update to Thomson residents by Saturday afternoon to confirm when they can return to campus.
Dining Services
Dining Services will continue to operate out of Richardson Ballroom for students with meal plans through Monday lunch. Dinner on Monday will tentatively be held in the Eagle Eatery. The opening of other dining locations will be announced as quickly as possible once the eatery is fully operational.
Residence Halls
All other campus residence halls besides Thomson are currently open. We expect many students to choose to return to campus in the afternoon and evening on Sunday.
Classes
Due to continuing efforts over the weekend to return to fully normal operations, Monday, October 7, 2024, will be a virtual learning day. An update on Tuesday classes will be sent on Saturday, October 5. If students have questions about assignments or other concerns, please reach out to faculty members.
As mentioned previously by the Provost, virtual learning make-up days for all full-term courses cancelled this week have been identified:
Friday, October 11 (Make-up day for Monday, September 30)
Saturday, October 12 (Make-up for Tuesday, October 1)
Monday, October 14 (Make-up for Wednesday, October 2)
Saturday, October 26 (Make-up for Friday, October 4)
Tuesday, December 3 (Make-up for Thursday, October 3)
Faculty will communicate their virtual learning make-up plans for these dates to students by 5pm today.
Mental health check
While the Dean of Students Office is designated to support students who are in continued crisis mode because of storm-related
circumstances, we know that events like this can be challenging for everyone to process,
so we encourage students to reach out to Counseling Services, if needed, for further support. Additionally, if you are looking for more religious
or spiritual support, please contact the Winthrop Cooperative Campus Ministries (WCCM)
at wccm@winthrop.edu.
Faculty and staff may contact the Employee Assistance Program for assistance. In addition to individual counseling, the EAP website offers online resources associated with grief and loss. To view all of the online resources, click on the "Mygroup.com" from the HR website. Log in using: Username: winthrop303 and Password: guest
Ways to Help
We know many in our campus community are contributing to relief efforts both on campus
and in the community. Kudos to you for your kindness and generosity. Please be reminded
that Winthrop has a Student Emergency & Assistance Fund to help students who are faced
with financial difficulties. Information on the fund is available from the Dean of Students Office. For those who may want to contribute, go to Winthrop's giving page and choose Student Emergency & Assistance Fund from the dropdown menu.
Edward
Edward A. Serna
President
