Dear Alumni and Friends:
I never could have imagined less than a month into my interim presidency that Winthrop and the world would be facing such an unprecedented disruption to our way of life due to COVID-19. But I'm still so glad to be here, watching our faculty and staff band together more than ever to continue delivering a retooled Winthrop experience for our students.
Last week, we made the decision to suspend all face-to-face classes and move to remote instruction through early April. However, per Governor McMaster’s March 19 update, Winthrop will extend our move to remote instruction for all courses for the remainder of this semester. In this way, all students will have the opportunity to complete their spring 2020 courses while maintaining safe and healthy precautions against COVID-19. Despite it being challenging, Winthrop’s strength is our family-like concern for each other and our tradition of delivering a student-centered experience.
In addition, all Winthrop-sponsored events are canceled or postponed until further notice.
This is particularly difficult for our seniors and graduate students who are faced with unprecedented events that are taking away from what should be a joyous time as they conclude their academic career at Winthrop. Because of that, we will postpone our spring Commencement ceremonies. Although these circumstances are beyond our control, we can assure our students that their Winthrop experience will not end without recognizing and celebrating that they, like you, will be Winthrop graduates. At this time, we cannot say when or how Commencement will happen, but we will rejoice in their accomplishments and honor our graduates in a way and time that is safe to do so.
Please know that these decisions aren't made lightly. Believe me when I say that countless hours are being spent by many people to make decisions and provide guidance for the campus community.
For now, I encourage you to visit the Winthrop COVID-19 website for updates.
I hope that you and your loved ones remain healthy and safe. Together, we will work through this uncertain time, and the Winthrop community will be stronger than ever.
Sincerely,
George
George W. Hynd
Interim President
