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.
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
family 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
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
4-6 p.m. | Student Publications Office, Campus Center 1st Floor
Drop in to join the staff of the three student publications (The Johnsonian weekly newspaper, The Roddey McMillan Record monthly multicultural magazine, and The Anthology annual fine arts and literary magazine) to see what Student Pubs is all about! Come learn about available positions, such as staff writer, editor, photographer, and advertising manager. Light refreshments will be served.
Sponsored by: Student Publications
6 p.m. | 434 Charlotte Avenue
Everyone is welcome to join us for our Sunday Mass. If you need a ride, meet the carpool outside of the DiGS Starbucks at 5:30 p.m. Contact Courtney Hull, Winthrop Newman campus minister, at 980/729-6360 if you have any questions.
6:30 pm | Campus Green
Hang out with us on the campus green for lawn games, giant volleyball, and free ice cream! https://winthropbcm.churchcenter.com/home
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
9:30-10:45 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.!
10:30 a.m. | Location TBD
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. | Margaret Nance 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. | Brynes Auditorium
College of Business and Technology| 2:00 p.m. | Richardson Ballroom
College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences| 2:00 p.m. | Plowden Auditorium in Withers Building
College of Visual & Performing Arts | 2:00 p.m. | Dina's Place
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.
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 Diversity Office 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 Diversity 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
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 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | DiGS Lobby
Meet the team from the Center for Career Development and Internships (CDI) and learn about the August 27th Part-time Job Fair, CDI resources, and Handshake! Handshake is Winthrop’s central online platform to help you find internships, part-time jobs, and career opportunities, as well as sign up for career fairs, network with employers, and schedule appointments! Stop by our table for swag, treats and valuable information about how to prepare for the Part-time Job Fair.Sponsored by: Center for Career Development & Internships
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
6:00-8:00 p.m. | BCM Building, 620 Oakland Avenue
Come join us for live music, free food, door prizes and new friends.
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
8-11 p.m. | West Center
Come out and see what Recreational Services and the West Center have to offer! (Winthrop ID required for entry into the West Center)
Sponsored by: Recreational Services
6 p.m. | 434 Charlotte Avenue
Everyone is welcome to join us for our Sunday Mass. If you need a ride, meet the carpool outside of the DiGS Starbucks at 5:30 p.m. Contact Courtney Hull, Winthrop Newman campus minister, at 980/729-6360 if you have any questions.
