Family Day is a Winthrop tradition that was started by President Shelton J. Phelps in 1936 and was later renewed in 2007 to become a fun-filled, engaging, and educational event for students and their families. Today, there are numerous activities that characterize life at Winthrop and in Rock Hill. Winthrop University and the Office of New Student & Family Programs are excited to invite you to attend Family Day 2021 on October 2! This event provides you the opportunity to visit with your student and take part in many events planned for your enjoyment.
Here is a tentative schedule for the 2021 event. The schedule will continue to be updated as we get closer.
Family Day registration is now open. As mentioned above, due to COVID-19 and in an effort to keep our campus community safe, the number of Family Day participants is limited to a total of 600 people (students and family members) and limited to no more than 2 family members per student. Additionally, walk-ins are NOT permitted. You must be registered in advance in order to attend. Please plan ahead and register as soon as possible in order to save your spot.
The registration fee for Family Day is $40.00 per person. Current students and children ages 8 and under are free, but still must be registered and are included in the 2 family members per student count. Your registration fee covers all morning activities, the Eagle Family Picnic, most afternoon and evening activities (unless cost is otherwise listed), Family Day giveaways and goodies, supplies, and administrative costs. Registration will close September 24. In order to register late (after September 24), you will need to email familyprogramsGA@winthrop.edu. Please note that a $5.00 late fee will be applied to all who register after September 24.
Please note the deadline to cancel and receive a refund is September 27, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. All Family Day registration cancellations received in writing via email before that time will be honored and processed. Cancellations received after 11:59 p.m. on September 27, 2021 will not receive a refund as a result of costs incurred in Family Day planning and preparation.
You are considered registered for Family Day 2021 if you complete the registration including payment. Refunds will not be granted for no-shows. You are considered a no-show if you either do not show for Family Day, or have not notified our office via email (FamilyProgramsGA@winthrop.edu) of your cancellation by 11:59 p.m. on September 27.
Commemorate this exciting event by purchasing a Winthrop University Family Day T-Shirt! During the registration process, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts. Special note about Family Day t-shirts: If you choose to order Family Day t-shirts but do not pick them up on Family Day, the deadline to pick them up at the NSFP office (248 DIGS) will be by 5:00 p.m. on December 1, 2021. No refunds will be made for shirts not picked up by the deadline.
Only debit/credit cards or pre-paid credit cards are accepted to pay for Family Day registration costs. Cash and checks are not accepted.
Here is a tentative schedule for the 2021 event. The schedule will continue to be updated as we get closer.
Please note that all registered participants should check in for Family Day between 8 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. in Tuttle Room (within McBryde Hall). The first events will begin at 10:00 a.m.
If you are planning on coming into town on Friday, October 1 and wish to check-in early, please come to the lobby of the DiGiorgio Campus Center (DIGS) between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Friday. You will receive your Family Day materials, as well as some fun ideas for Friday evening. Reminder: The first official Family Day event will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 2.
Family members attending Family Day who arrive on Friday, October 1 or choose to stay overnight will need to make their own overnight arrangements. Parents and family members who are attending Family Day can view a list of hotels (list to come) that offer a Winthrop discount.
The Office of New Student & Family Programs (NSFP) works to create a welcoming and engaging campus experience for students and guests by striving to provide accessible and inclusive programming throughout the year. If you or your guest(s) require accommodations during Family Day, please denote needs through your Family Day registration. If you have already completed your Family Day registration and did not list accommodation needs, please email FamilyProgramsGA@winthrop.edu with details.
Family Day participants should park in the Founders Lot (gravel) at the corner of Alumni Drive and Founders Lane. All Family Day participants must have a Winthrop parking pass or the Family Day temporary parking pass (PDF will be linked here soon) in order to park on campus. Directions to campus can be found here; the Winthrop parking map can be found here.
Other than certified service animals, pets and other animals are not permitted in any building on Winthrop’s campus.
Please feel free to contact our office (FamilyProgramsGA@winthrop.edu) with any questions or concerns. We look forward to celebrating our Eagle Families!