Dear Colleagues:
I hope you had the opportunity to view my State of the University presentation, and if you haven’t had a chance to view it, I encourage you to find it here and spend a few minutes listening to our past year’s accomplishments, progress made toward our Winthrop Plan metrics and initiatives that are either underway or upcoming.
I also wanted to update you on a few other items of interest:
Faculty and Staff Return to Work Survey Completion
You received my earlier message that requested your feedback regarding Winthrop’s Return to Work Survey. If you haven’t completed the survey, please do so by Nov. 24.
Upcoming Transition to Remote Learning
The final in-person classes of the fall semester will be held on Friday, Nov. 20. Monday, Nov. 23, will serve as a remote learning day for all in-person and hybrid students. Following the Thanksgiving break, all classes will resume remotely on Monday, Nov. 30, to finish the fall semester. Residence halls will close for the fall semester on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
COVID News
If you are traveling and/or gathering with family for the Thanksgiving holidays and will be around vulnerable or high-risk individuals, I would advise you to consider being tested for COVID-19 beforehand. We are encouraging our students to test as well, before returning home for the holidays. Free COVID-19 testing continues to be offered by DHEC at the Winthrop Coliseum on Thursdays-Mondays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and at other testing locations found on DHEC’s testing website.
We must be vigilant and continue to take precautions against the virus, especially over the holidays. Human Resources would remind you to not return to work after Thanksgiving if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. You may work with your supervisor and/or HR on leave options you may take. HR will be providing more detailed information about returning from the holiday break, so watch for that in your email.
I also wanted you to know that I recently signed the application for Winthrop to become a vaccine administration site. We are early in the application phase and await next steps about approval.
United Way Campaign Continues
Winthrop’s annual United Way of York County Campaign was launched last month and continues
to accept any and all pledges/donations. As I noted in an earlier message, we recognize
and understand that this year is different as we all have been affected by furloughs
and other COVID-related realities. However, if you are able to give any amount, I
know it would be appreciated. You may use the online pledge form to make giving more convenient and easily accessible. When you fill out the form
and select "Winthrop University," a box will appear to enter your employee code number
or CWID.
Virtual Tree Lighting
The Alumni Association and Student Alumni Council will host the 85th Annual Tree Lighting that will be held virtually this year. A beloved holiday tradition and part of Rock Hill’s ChristmasVille celebration, the magnolia tree, located on the front lawn, will be lit on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m., and will be streamed via www.facebook.com/winthropalumni. Following the tree lighting, tune in to the virtual Rock Hill Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. to watch this new twist on a community tradition and catch Winthrop’s video submission. The parade will be broadcast on CN2 and the Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism Facebook page.
As always, I extend my gratitude to each and every one who has made this semester a success. It has truly been a team effort, and I am beyond proud of how Winthrop rose to the challenges before us. As we enter this season of giving thanks, I am truly thankful for each of you, and Alison and I wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
George
George W. Hynd
Interim President
