Please view the 2026 schedule for an idea of the programs and events you will attend when returning in August!
NOTES:
6:30-7 p.m. | Assigned Fall Residence Hall
Meet your R.A. and other new students while getting the deets on what’s ahead for
the week.
6-7 p.m. | McBryde Hall, Tuttle Dining Room
Commuting and finding your place on campus can be a challenge. Our panel of commuting upperclassmen will share their experiences and provide insight into what it’s like as a commuter, as well as tips and tricks to succeed in and out of class.
Sponsored by: Office of New Student & Family Programs,Student Life
TIP>> All first-year commuter students should plan to attend this session before First
Night Winthrop. Let your Peer Mentor know that you’ll be there!
6:30 -7:30 p.m. | Campus Green
New students should come by pick up your shirt to wear to Convocation on Monday. Snag your swag before the shirts are gone!
Sponsored by: Office of New Student & Family Programs
7:15-8 p.m. | First Class
Freshmen, welcome home! We know you have a ton of questions about the transition to college, and tonight will help answer those questions and ease the transition! You will create new bonds with your FYE Peer Mentor, ACAD 101 faculty, and classmates. ACAD 101 sections will meet in classrooms across campus for this important event.To find your ACAD 101 section number, look at your course schedule in Wingspan. Your section number is the last 3-4 digits of your class (ex. ACAD 101-XXX).
TIP>> If you are not sure of your section number or where to go, ask your Peer Mentor or OL.
| Section | Professor: | Classroom: | |||||
| 1 | Jessica Hudgens | KINA 101 | |||||
| 2 | Jarad Russell | DIGS223 | |||||
| 4 | Tomoko Deguchi | KINA 115 | |||||
| 5 | Lee Clark | KINA 119 | |||||
| 6 | Jacob Ridway | KINA 204 | |||||
| 7 | Mikayla Sengle | KINA 201 | 80 | Janell Stevens | DINK AUD | TRiO | |
| 8 | Kayla Burns | KINA 205 | 81 | Michelle Wolf | DINK AUD | TRiO | |
| 9 | Ginhanee Senadheea | KINA 206 | 82 | Michelle Wolf | DINK AUD | TRiO | |
| 11 | Cassandra Bell | KINA 211 | |||||
| 12 | Megan Rolf | KINA 215 | H001 | Liz Moore | OWEN G02 | Honors | |
| 17 | Sarah Titman | KINA 219 | H002 | Anthony Hobert | OWEN 102 | Honors | |
| 19 | Silvia Wozniak | KINA 301 | H003 | Cody Walters | OWEN 103 | Honors | |
| 22 | Gabby Bissonette | KINA 302 | H005 | Leigh Poole | OWEN 104 | Honors | |
| 23 | Leah Simmonds | OWEN 101 | H006 | Aubrey Sejuit | OWEN 107 | Honors | |
| 25 | Kanisha Rollings | DIGS 221 | H007 | Valerie Jepson | OWEN 108 | Honors | |
| 29 | Jeremy Lopuch | KINA 305 | H008 | Darren Ritzer | OWEN 109 | Honors | |
| 37 | Kyle Conrad | KINA 308 | H009 | Michelle Wolf | DINK AUD | TRiO | |
| 40 | Taya Andrews | KINA 312 | |||||
| 41 | Margaret McPherson | KINA 315 | |||||
| 42 | Theo Clark | OWEN G01 | ACAD 300 | Jessica Gladden | OWEN G08 | Transfers | |
| 43 | Itali Jackson | KINA 316 | |||||
| 44 | Maura Conway | KINA 102 | |||||
| 45 | Liz Moore | OWEN G02 | |||||
| 50 | Jessica Whitaker | OWEN 201 | |||||
| 51 | Miranda Knight | OWEN 202 | LEAP | ||||
| 52 | Sandy Rogers | OWEN 203 | LEAP | ||||
| 53 | Anna-Britt Fredricks | OWEN 204 | LEAP | ||||
| 54 | Jasmine Howze | OWEN 207 | LEAP | ||||
| 55 | Mackenzie Vattimo | OWEN208 | LEAP | ||||
| 56 | Jennifer Dixon-McKnight | OWEN 209 | LEAP | ||||
| 60 | Theo Clark | OWEN G01 | LEAP | ||||
| 61 | Marian Moorer | DINK103 | |||||
| 62 | Claire Kurtz | OWEN G07 | |||||
| 63 | Stacy Martin | OWEN G09 | |||||
| 64 | Christain Grattan | KINA 016 | |||||
| 70 | Leah Simmonds | OWEN 101 | |||||
| 72 | LaPorcha Ellick | DIGS 220 |
8-9:30 p.m. | Campus Green
It’s your first night at Winthrop and your best chance to get to know your Peer Mentor,
ACAD peers and fellow members of the incoming class. You will enjoy a night of laughter
and fun as you begin forming the first of many friendships. This event will be carnival
style with food, music, and games for all!
DSU will be at First Night passing out t-shirts-First Come, First Serve
TIP >> Remember your ACAD section number (found on your Wingspan class schedule) so you can quickly identify your Peer Mentor upon arrival.
For more information, check your email and the Residence Life website. Saturday is for returning students who will pick up their room key at the
Shack.
Two Sessions: 9-10:30 a.m., 11-12:30 p.m. | Richardson Ballroom
9 a.m. session–Freshmen who live in Phelps, Lee Wicker, Walk2Campus, and commuters
attend
11 a.m. session–Freshmen who live in Margaret Nance, Thomson, Roddey, and Courtyard
attend
This mandatory event for all incoming freshmen will feature GTC Dramatic Dialogues
that will stimulate discussion among students on the complexities of diversity, sexual
assault, and substance abuse. Professionally moderated skit and talk-backs.
Two Sessions: 1:30- 3 p.m., 3:30-5 p.m. | Richardson Ballroom
1:30-3 p.m.–Freshmen who live in Phelps, Lee Wicker, Walk2Campus, and commuters attend
3:30-5 p.m.–Freshmen who live in Margaret Nance, Thomson, Courtyard, and Roddey attend
This mandatory event featuring the Dean of Students Office and Winthrop Police Chief Charles Yearta will help you understand the ins and outs of safety at Winthrop, community rules and expectations, resources on campus, how to be a good bystander, and who is around to help you.
6 p.m. | DIGS 114
Do you want to find out more about opportunities for spiritual growth at Winthrop?
This open house is a wonderful time to meet representatives from each of Winthrop's
campus ministries, find other students with similar interests and learn more about
how to get involved.
Sponsored by: Campus Ministries
All Day | Winthrop Bookstore, DiGs
Take a selfie and hashtag it #winthropbookstore on Instagram for a chance to win a Winthrop t-shirt ($16 value). Winner will be notified.
Sponsored by: Winthrop Bookstore
11 a.m. | DIGS Community Concourse
Sponsored by: Winthrop Office for Student Success
10-11 a.m. | Richardson Ballroom
Winthrop Campus Ministries invite all new students and friends from the university together for a time of prayer, singing, and an encouraging message this first Sunday morning of the school year. The service will draw from the gifts of those representing various faith traditions and is open to all.
Sponsored by: Campus Ministries
11:30-1:00 p.m. | Campus Minister's Home
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) would love for you to join us at the Ashbaugh’s
home for a BBQ lunch to meet new friends, eat good food (in case you already miss
home cooked meals), and get to know RUF better! Check out @rufwinthrop for details.
Sponsored by: Campus Ministries
4-6 p.m. | Winthrop Bookstore, DiGS
Students can see how far they can throw a foam finger; longest distance wins a Winthrop hoodie ($40 value).
Sponsored by: Winthrop Bookstore
5:30 pm | Campus Green
Hang out with us on the campus green for lawn games, giant volleyball, and free ice cream! Website: winthropbcm.org
Sponsored by DSU
7 pm | Amphitheater
Cultural Event! An electrifying night of Polynesian fire dancing, culture, and nonstop energy! #NightofEmbers #FeelTheFire
One Session: 9-10:30 a.m. | Dina's Place, DiGiorgio Campus Center
9-10:30 a.m.–Transfer students, and a makeup session for freshmen who missed the Saturday session
This mandatory event featuring Dean of Students Hannah Clayborne and Winthrop Police Chief Charles Yearta will help you understand the ins and outs of safety at Winthrop, community rules and expectations, resources on campus, how to be a good bystander, and who is around to help you.
9 a.m. -7 p.m. | DiGiorgio Campus Center
Posters, prints, and many more items for sale
Sponsored by: Office of Student Engagement
9:30-10:00 a.m. | DIGS Lobby
New freshmen and transfer students should plan to pick up their Blue Line shirt (if
they have not already). It’s a Winthrop tradition to wear your shirt and participate
in the Blue Line!
Sponsored by: Office of New Student & Family Programs
TIP >> New students: If you did not grab your Blue Line shirt on Friday, grab it now. Last chance before Convocation starts at 11 a.m.!
10:15 a.m. | Scholars Walk
11-11:45 a.m. | Byrnes Auditorium
Convocation is a tradition dating to the presidency of Winthrop's founder, David Bancroft
Johnson, and is held on the first day of classes each new academic year. Today President
Edward Serna convenes members of the 139th new student class of first year and incoming
transfer students to provide them with an official welcome to the campus community.
To fully participate in the tradition, be sure to wear your Blue Line shirt!
12 - 1:30 p.m. | Byrnes/Kinard Lawn
Join fellow new students, faculty and staff for a lunch on the front lawn. The Alumni Association’s Student Alumni Council will share information on Winthrop’s rich history and the distinct characteristics that make Winthrop a university unlike any other. Campus ministries, local churches, and civic organizations also will provide information on opportunities to get involved in the community.
Location varies by Academic College (see below)
All new students are required to attend.
College of Arts & Sciences| 2:00 p.m. | Byrnes Auditorium
College of Business and Technology| 2:00 p.m. | McBryde Hall
College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences| 2:00 p.m. | SAC in Withers Building
College of Visual & Performing Arts | 2:00 p.m. | Johnson Theatre
OSS/Undeclared | 2:00 p.m. | Dinkins Auditorium
TIP>> Not sure which Academic College Assembly to attend? Ask your OL, TF, or Peer
Mentor!
5 p.m. ET | Check your fall course schedule!
Fall courses start on Monday, August 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If you have
a class that starts at 5 p.m. or after on Mondays, you will attend class on this day.
If you have a class that starts earlier than 5 p.m. on Mondays, you will not have
class until the next day that it meets.
TIP >> Not sure if your class is meeting? No problem: just talk to your OL, TOLM,or
Peer Mentor.
6 p.m. | Campus Green
"Chill" with SGA, The 2026 SGA Meet & Greet event. During this event, we will be sharing more about the mission and vision of the Student Government Association, introducing our members, and have frozen refreshments and play water games on Campus Green.
6:30 p.m. | 406 Stewart Avenue
All are welcome for free ice cream and all the fixins!
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p. m. | West Center
The Great Greek Splash is your chance to cool off, meet new people, and discover how Fraternity & Sorority Life can help make Winthrop feel like home! Hosted by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life and New Student & Family Programs, this Welcome Week event will feature music, pool activities, and opportunities to connect with members of our fraternity and sorority community. Whether you're curious about joining a chapter or simply looking to expand your circle, come make a splash with us! #CatchTheGreekWave
Sponsored by: Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and New Student and Family Programs
9:30 p.m. | Your Residence Hall
All students living on campus are required to attend this floor meeting. Attending
this meeting confirms your residency commitment and guarantees that your bed space
is not considered available to students wanting to make room changes.
Sponsored by: Residence Life
9 a.m.-7 p.m. | DiGiorgio Campus Center
Posters, prints, and many more items for sale.
Sponsored by: Office of Student Engagement
TIP >> There’s events and auditions happening all week for students interested in
sharing their talents by joining performing groups. Check out All About Auditions for more information!
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Campus Green
Please join the Community Peer Educators for its annual gathering of all who want
to say hello! Meet other students, administrators, faculty and staff members who are
ready to welcome you to campus! Ice cream on the green, music, prizes, and networking!
We will be giving away 2 Welcome Gift Baskets and goodie bags to the first 100 people!
TIP>>Everyone is welcome at the Community Meet and Greet! Come make some new friends
and have some fun!
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | DiGS 223
Transfer students will have the opportunity to meet other transfer students and start making connections on campus!
Sponsored by: Winthrop Office for Student Success
Sponsored by DSU
7 p.m. | Campus Green, Rain Location: Richardson Ballroom
A DJ concert where music, massive paint splashes, and paint cannons turn the night
into one giantcolorful party! #PaintULive #ColorTheNight
8:30-9:30 p.m. | Kinard Auditorium
Meet some new friends with ice cream on Scholar's Walk outside Kinard from 8-8:30
followed by a student-led worship band, praying, and preaching. More info @rufwinthrop
Sponsored by: Campus Ministries
9 a.m.-7 p.m. | DiGiorgio Campus Center
Posters, prints, and many more items for sale.
Sponsored by: Office of Student Engagement
Sponsored by DSU
7 p.m. | Campus Green, Rain Location: Dina's Place
A cozy outdoor movie night featuring a giant LED screen, snacks, and all the good
vibes under the night sky! #MovieUnderTheStars #NightOnTheLawn
6:30-8 p.m. | Saint John XXIII Center
Everyone is welcome for our first Emmaus Night of the semester. Dinner is at 6:30
p.m. and then the group will discuss the upcoming semester and tour the Oratory grounds.
If you need a ride, meet the carpool outside the DiGS Starbucks at 6:15 p.m. Contact
Courtney Hull, Winthrop Newman campus minister, at 980/729-6360 if you have any questions.
Thursday, August 27 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | DiGS Lobby
Join the Center for Career Development and Internships for Winthrop's annual Part- Time Job Fair. This event is a great opportunity to network with campus departments and local employers and leart about part-time/seasonal jobs.
Details and employer list in Handshake
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Scholars Walk (rain location in DiGS Lobby)
At Healthy U, students will learn about the services provided through Health, Counseling, Student Advocacy and Trauma Support, and Health Promotion while engaging in fun wellness activities with giveaways.
Sponsored by: Center for Student Wellness
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | DIGS 220
Sponsored by: Winthrop Office for Student Success
All Day Event | Campus Wide
The Golden Eagle Hunt is on! Keep exploring campus and searching for hidden Golden Eagles throughout the day. The hunt continues until the last three Golden Eagles have been found. Good luck, and happy hunting!
Sponsored by: Recreational Services
6:00-8:00 p.m. | BCM Building, 620 Oakland Avenue
Come join us for live music, free food, door prizes and new friends.Website: winthropbcm.org
7 p.m. | Dina's Place
Sponsored by DSU
A singing and lip-syncing battle where students grab the mic, bring the energy, and fight for campus bragging rights! #WUDroppedItShowdown #DropTheMicWU
5-7 p.m. | Student Publications Office, Campus Center 1st Floor
Drop in to meet the staff of the three student-ran publications! Come learn about The Johnsonian's bi-weekly newspaper, The Roddey McMillan Record's monthly multicultural magazine, and The Anthology's annual fine arts and literary magazine to see what Student Publications is all about! Come learn about all our available positions! All majors are welcome! Light refreshments will be served.
Sponsored by: Student Publications
6 p.m. | 406 Stewaet Avenue
Join us for a free soup dinner, followed by an optional worship service.
