The Student Code of Conduct has been revised to include specific language and policies to enhance and enforce campus health and safety. There is a COVID-19 addendum to the Student Code which specifically addresses campus expectations regarding personal health, face coverings, social distancing, gatherings and guests/visitation. This document clearly outlines the conduct sanctions for failure to comply.
Residence occupancy is reduced, therefore providing for more private rooms. Our new housing contract addendum outlines revisions to our guest policy, restrictions on who has access to the halls, and reduced access to community spaces, such as lounges, kitchens, elevators, etc.
The Academic Two-Year Live-on Requirement plays a large role in community building on campus and helps create the family atmosphere that is part and parcel of the Winthrop experience. While the requirement is not ending, the residency requirement will not be enforced as in the past. Winthrop wants all students and families to feel safe and comfortable with attending Winthrop, so housing exemptions will be approved generously. No student who chooses an online schedule or to live away from campus due to the pandemic will be refused the option to do so.
If you are a first- or second-year student and you do not feel comfortable living on campus, please complete the housing exemption application that is available through the Eaglesnest Housing link under Student Tools on Wingspan. Likewise, if you are an upperclassman and want to cancel your housing application, you may use the same link.
We will encourage all students to practice safety measures when they are off campus and residential students to remain on campus rather than going home on the weekends.
Dining rooms have operated with limited seating capacity, updated configurations, physical barriers and floor markers to encourage social distancing. Self-service food options were eliminated, and menus have been revised to address product availability, speed of transaction and mobility of carryout. There are more pre-packaged options to allow for quick service and carryout convenience. In the Campus Center, a separate Grub Hub pick up area allows customers to order retail food ahead and pick up outside of the building to ease the lines in those restaurants and the foot traffic in the building. There is also additional outside seating around the Campus Center and Thomson to support expanded carryout service.
There will be no off-campus student events (parties, socials, retreats, and service events) until further notice. Student organizations requesting to hold on-campus events will need to complete an organization event management form which will be reviewed by Office of Student Engagement & Diversity staff in collaboration with University Events as appropriate. Student organizations are strongly encouraged to utilize virtual platforms--Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Blackboard Collaborate--as much as possible. All in-person events will implement social distance practices to include modified venue occupancy, dedicated lines for entry and exit, proper spacing between tables and chairs, catering services, etc. All student organizations, club sports, etc., will be trained on safety protocols as outlined by the university. No student organization travel will be approved until the university lifts travel restrictions.
A staggered move-in will occur Jan. 13-15 at a central campus location to allow for contact-free curbside check-in and verification of COVID-19 test results. The protocols will be different from past years. Students will schedule a move-in time. Students will be instructed to restrict contact with others for 14 days prior to arriving on campus. There will be COVID-19 test verification and self-screening protocols for the resident and any helpers prior to being issued a key. All information and details will be communicated to residents via Winthrop email and added, as available, to the Residence Life Move-in webpage. The only early arrivals permitted are students who have an approved degree completion related purpose and/or who support critical institutional functions which must be performed in person by staff (i.e., RAs, FYE Peer Mentors, Orientation Leaders, international students).
We are discouraging, but not prohibiting, home visits or interactions with family members on campus in order to help contain community spread of COVID-19. Outside guests are prohibited in the halls so visiting with a student in the residence hall room is not an option.