The Family Orientation program offers parents and family members the opportunity to learn about various campus services, policies and procedures, and also assists them in understanding the challenges their students may face. The goal of Family Orientation is to provide you with the information to help support your student as he/she transitions into the Winthrop community. At each full day Transfer Orientation session and on Day 1 of Freshman Orientation sessions, family members have the opportunity to attend Family Orientation (based on the session your student is registered for).
The schedule for Family Orientation can be found with the corresponding Freshmen Orientation or Transfer Orientation session schedule.
"While I was at Orientation, my mom was at a Family Orientation where they explained what I was going to experience here at Winthrop, making my mom feel much more secure."
History Education major from Dillon, SC
"During Orientation, Winthrop made sure to include all of the parents and make sure they understand the transition from high school to college, as well as what the students need to succeed and graduate from Winthrop."
Biology major from Aiken, SC
Freshman Family Orientation is held concurrently during the first day of the Freshman Orientation sessions. Students and families will arrive at Orientation together and then separate, branching off to their respective Orientations. Freshman Family Orientation will begin around 8:00 a.m. and end at approximately 5:00 p.m.
After your student has registered for Freshman Orientation, family members may register for Family Orientation. The Freshman Family Orientation fee is $15 per person. Once you register online, your student's account will be charged your registration fees. Family Orientation fees are not refundable.
If you're in the area while your student is busy with Orientation (like on Day 2 when there are no Family Orientation sessions), we encourage you to explore the Rock Hill area!
Transfer Family Orientation is held during Transfer Orientation Full Day sessions. (Due to the nature of the program, Family Orientation is not available during the half-day Advising/Registration Only sessions.) Students and families will arrive at Orientation together and then separate, branching off to their respective Orientations. Transfer Family Orientation will begin around 8:00 a.m. and run until approximately 4:00 p.m.
After your student has registered for Transfer Orientation, family members may register for Family Orientation. The Transfer Family Orientation fee is $10 per person. Once you register online, your student's account will be charged your registration fees. Family Orientation fees are not refundable.
If you're in the area before or after Family Orientation, we encourage you to explore the Rock Hill area!
Family members attending Freshman or Transfer Orientation will need to make their own overnight arrangements. Accommodations in Residence Halls are only for freshman students attending the two-day Freshman Orientations in June.
Parents and family members who are attending Family Orientation can view a list of hotels (pdf 6.5 kb) that give a Winthrop discount.
We also encourage you to explore Rock Hill and the surrounding area. This is a great way to learn more about the city your student lives in, and you may find opportunities to spend time with your student.
In order to better accommodate the needs of any student or family member with a disability, please contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at 803/323-2387.
Contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at 803/323-2387 or via email at Orientation@winthrop.edu.