Hello Parents and Family Members!
Winthrop is buzzing with energy and excitement as the semester continues to move forward.
We have some important updates and insightful information for you in this edition of the Eagle Family Connection. The Department of Institutional Effectiveness has provided salient information asking you to encourage your students to take a survey to see where Winthrop University ranks amongst the different colleges and universities in the nation. Although it might be hard to believe, interim grades are right around the corner. The Office of Records and Registration has provided information about the purpose of interim grades. Also, the Center for Student Wellness office has included imperative information about flu facts, prevention tips and recommendations if your student is feeling ill. Although spring break is over a month away, it is never too early to start planning. Residence Life has provided information pertaining to hall closures during the break.
As always, the Office of New Student and Family Programs is here to keep you connected and informed. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
The Office of New Student and Family Programs
248 DiGiorgio Campus Center
803/323-2387
Winthrop University is participating in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) during the month of February. The NSSE gauges the quality of students' educational experience and the level of their engagement in campus life. Due to the quality of the data, three of the metrics in the Winthrop Strategic Plan are based on NSSE results.
The online survey asks students about their educational experience at Winthrop. The survey explores a variety of topic areas, including academic challenge, active and collaborative learning experiences, student—faculty interactions, enriching educational experiences, and the campus environment.
Since this is a national study, Winthrop is able to compare our students' experiences with those of students from hundreds of colleges and universities across the nation. This is important information for WU, and is used to improve the quality of the undergraduate experience. Students' responses from previous NSSE administrations laid the foundation for the university's Global Learning Initiative. Global education allows our students to be involved global citizens, to understand their place in a global society, and to celebrate the rich cultures of their world.
Starting February 7, students will receive NSSE e-mails in their Winthrop e-mail accounts. The link to the survey is embedded in these e-mails. Completion of the survey takes about 10-15 minutes, and responses are confidential. All students completing the survey have the opportunity to win one out of seventy $10 Café Cash gift cards.
Please, encourage your student to have a "Voice in Winthrop." By completing the survey, we will hear them.
Student data from previous NSSE administrations at Winthrop University is available to be reviewed as well as additional information about the NSSE.
Winthrop is committed to supporting student success, and one way to do that is to communicate with students in an intentional way about their class progress. In a few weeks, most students will be receiving interim grades (also known as "mid-term" grades). These grades are a guideline to assist students and advisors in assessing where the student is at that particular point in the semester. Students at-risk can be referred to the Academic Success Center. High-performing students can be steered towards the Honors Program.
Students can access their interim grades for classes that meet the whole semester through the online portal, Wingspan, beginning Monday, February 26. Interim grades do not appear on a transcript (unofficial or official), and students should keep in mind that their grade is only reflective of the amount of graded work done in the class up to that point. Most often, there is plenty of time to bring up a low grade. If not, students have time to consult with the instructor, advisor, or other support unit about whether to withdraw from the class.
Students with questions about their interim grades should confer directly with their instructors.
Flu Season is here! Is your young adult ready?
College life is a busy time for most students and living away from home is new for many. Prior to being away at college, mom or dad was around if the child became sick. You as the parent were the decision maker if your child needed anything. Did Bob need to see the healthcare provider? Should Sally try an over the counter, non-prescription cough and cold medicine for a few days? Wonder what Thomas's temperature is? How can you help guide and influence your child for a healthy lifestyle away from home?
One of the first things for the young adult to know is how to be proactive in their health. Give them tips to try to prevent catching an illness and help them know what to do if they become ill.
If your student has concerns or questions, have them come see the staff in Health Services. Have a healthy, happy 2018!
As with every extended break, residence halls will close for Spring Break at 6 p.m.
on Friday, March 9 and will reopen at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 18. Students will not
be allowed to enter their residence hall room after the 6 p.m. closing. The last meal
on Friday, March 9, will be dinner from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
As students depart, residence hall staff will check every room for general health
and safety. These inspections are plain view searches. Staff will be checking for
prohibited items including fire hazards (extension cords, candles, etc.) and will
also check the general cleanliness of the room and suite bathrooms. Residence hall
contracts state that health and safety inspections periodically occur.
Special arrangements for students to stay can be made for those students who are student
teachers, participating in an internship, athletes whose names have been submitted
by the Athletic Department and complete the online process, students with Rock Hill
area jobs, and students that live more than 300 miles from the Winthrop campus.
A Break Stay form, which is available online with instructions, must be submitted via Wingspan and the Eaglesnest Housing for review and approval. Students who are staying for Spring Break must make their
own arrangements to stay in Lee Wicker, Phelps, Richardson, Roddey or The Courtyard,
if not currently assigned. All other halls will be closed.
All approved students will be able to print a permission form that they must keep
throughout the break and each time they enter the hall. Students are not allowed to
have room guests during the break. Students are able to call their Residential Learning
Coordinator (RLC) or Residence Life at 803/323-2223 with further questions.
The Parent Portal allows Winthrop students the ability to grant access to their information to parents, guardians, or another third party. Depending upon the level of access granted by the student, authorized users may view addresses, grades, unofficial transcripts, class schedules, financial aid, and emergency contacts.
Only students can grant access or remove access at any time. This does NOT take the place of your signed Permission to Release Records form. That form is still needed to allow parents/guardians to talk with instructors or to obtain copies of academic records.
More information and instructions on how to set up a proxy are available online. There is also a quick-link to this page through the Office of Records and Registration website
For your lodging needs please contact the Inn at Winthrop located in the heart of campus in Joynes Hall.
The Inn at Winthrop features 12 elegantly-appointed suites and is certified by the South Carolina Green Hospitality Alliance as a Two Palmetto facility for green practices that protect and preserve the environment.
Contact Amanda James (jamesa@winthrop.edu) for more information.
