Dear Parents and Families:
I never could have imagined one 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 with pride how our faculty and staff have banded together more than ever to continue delivering a retooled Winthrop experience for our students.
I know this last month has been filled with uncertainty. No one could have predicted that our spring semester would take such a dramatic turn. But I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we have navigated these difficult times together. We care deeply about our students and are concerned about them!
I am particularly pleased that our Board of Trustees voted unanimously to lower our Summer Session tuition because, first, we know these may be difficult financial times for our students and families to be paying tuition and, secondly, we want to make sure that despite the COVID-19 crisis that our students continue on their path to graduate on time by taking courses in the summer. If your student needs classes or just wants to get ahead, this additional 12 percent reduction in summer tuition can go a long way toward degree completion. Our Summer Session tuition for in-state undergraduate students this summer represents a total 30 percent reduction over our typical undergraduate academic year tuition. Please pass this good news on to other Winthrop Eagle families!
Also, I applaud our faculty and staff who have worked quickly and diligently to move all academic instruction to a remote learning format. This is no small feat. Our students have embraced these changes and continue learning and working toward their goals. Staff continues supporting our students in all capacities, reinforcing that our students' learning, safety and health remain our top priorities.
If you have a student who was scheduled to graduate this May, please know that we are proud of your student, and his or her accomplishments are not dimmed by the events of the world. We will celebrate their accomplishment in an appropriate way on a date that will be determined.
In my short time here, I have witnessed that the Winthrop community is better together, and although we are physically separated right now, I know we will emerge from this stronger than ever. Thank you again for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
George W. Hynd
Interim President
