The Office of New Student and Family Programs is the centralized resource on campus for parents and family members of Winthrop's undergraduate students. This list of frequently asked questions includes a variety of topics to help answer your questions. If you have other questions or need additional information, please contact our office by e-mailing us at orientation@winthrop.edu.
Academics Residence Life Fees and Financial Aid Commencement
Athletics Student Affairs Health and Wellness Visiting Campus
May I check my student's grades online?
Students may view and print their final grade report on Wingspan. We encourage you to have a conversation with your student about how they will share this information with you.
Without a student's written consent, Winthrop cannot release a student's records to parents or guardians, except in one instance: parents or guardians of a student must complete and sign a verification of student status form and file it with the Office of Records and Registration, as well as provide proof that they have claimed the student as a dependent on their last federal income tax return. Students can also set up Parent Proxy.
For more information about FERPA, please review our webpage about FERPA and the US Department of Education's FERPA information.
Where can my student purchase textbooks?
Students can purchase textbooks online through the Winthrop University Bookstore website or by visiting the Bookstore in person. The Bookstore is located in the DiGiorgio Campus Center.
My student would like some academic assistance.
Winthrop University offers outstanding resources free of charge for students seeking academic assistance: the Academic Success Center, the Writing Center, the Math Tutorial Center, the Chemistry Tutoring Lab, the Language Learning Lab, and the College of Business Resource Room.
Who is my student's advisor?
Your student can locate the name of his/her academic advisor by logging on to Wingspan
and clicking on the "Student" tab on the navigation bar. The names of your student's
advisor will be found under "Academic Profile." Advisors are assigned by each college
and department on campus so your student can contact them directly as well. However,
during Orientation, your student will work directly with the Student Services Director
for their Academic College.
For more Academic information, please visit the links below:
Academic Success Center
Office of Records and Registration
Honors Program
Academic Calendar
Study Abroad & the International Center
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business
Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences
College of Visual and Performing Arts
University College
I have a specific question about Residence Life
For questions about Residence Life, visiting the Frequently Asked Questions on the Residence Life page may help you find answers to your housing-related questions. If you still have questions, you can contact the Department of Residence Life at 803/323-2223.
I purchased a care package through the Resident Students' Association for my student, and I have a question about my order.
The Resident Students' Association (RSA) works through an outside vendor to provide the care package service. Please contact RSA directly with questions.
Can my student live on campus while enrolled in summer school?
The Department of Residence Life provides on-campus housing during the summer sessions. Weekly rates are available on their website. If your student is interested in summer housing, please contact The Department of Residence Life at 803/323-2223 or residencelife@winthrop.edu.
I have a specific question about fees and fee payment. When is the deadline for my student to pay his/her fees for the semester?
For complete and up-to-date fees and fee payment information, visit the Student Financial Services website or call their office at 803/323-2165.
I have a specific question related to registration or Wingspan.
To find many answers to your registration and Wingspan-related questions, visit the
Office of Records and Registration website or contact their office at 803/323-2194.
How can my student apply for financial aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA is the application
necessary to apply for federal financial aid at Winthrop University. Students must
complete a new FAFSA every year. For more information, visit the Office of Financial Aid website or contact their office at 803/323-2189.
How can my student check his/her financial aid awards?
Students can view their financial aid awards on Wingspan by clicking on the "Financial
Aid" tab on the navigation bar. Choose "Financial Aid Menu," select "Award," then
"Award for Aid Year" to select the appropriate year from the drop-down box. If your
student has been awarded Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, HOPE, or State Need Based Grant,
he/she can complete the required certification from this section of Wingspan.
How can my student change their permanent address on file with the university?
Your student can change their permanent address by logging in to Wingspan and clicking
on the "Student" tab and then "Personal Information Menu."
Where can my student get a "full-time" letter for insurance or loan purposes?
Students may access the National Student Clearinghouse under the "Student" tab and clicking "Enrollment Verification Request." This will allow students to print, free of charge, official enrollment certificates for health insurance or other companies that request proof of enrollment. Students may also obtain a verification letter by going to the Office of Records and Registration in 126 Tillman Hall.
My student is graduating. How do they order announcements, cap and gowns, etc.?
The Winthrop Bookstore is the primary contact for your student's graduation orders.
I have questions about my student's graduation ceremony (date/time/place/guest policy).
Commencement is held each May and December. Details regarding your student's ceremony can be found on the Office of Records and Registration website.
My student would like to order the official ring of Winthrop University. How do I order it?
The Winthrop Alumni Association coordinates the sale of the official ring in partnership with Jostens. You can order your official Winthrop University ring on the Jostens website.
How can my student get tickets to Winthrop sporting events?
Students are able to attend Winthrop sporting events free of charge. In order to attend
sporting events, students must provide their Winthrop ID.
How do I attend a sporting event with my student?
Athletic tickets information can be found on the Winthrop Athletics website.
Where can I find information about on and off-campus jobs for my student?
Encourage your student to visit the Center for Career Development and Internships website for information on employment and career development. For information about work-study
and other positions on campus, encourage your student to visit the Financial Aid website.
My student wants to join a campus organization. Where can they go for more information?
Encourage your student to visit the Student Organizations website for information and resources on how to get involved on campus. With over 160 registered
student organizations, students are sure to find one that meets their interests or
they can start their own! The Division of Student Affairs has even more opportunities for students to get involved!
My student lives off-campus. Can they purchase an on-campus meal plan?
Yes. Dining Services has Commuter meal plan options. Commuters also have the option to choose from the traditional meal plans as well.
My student wants to study abroad. How can they find out more information?
The International Center website offers information on the programs offered, important deadlines, costs, safety, as
well as why study abroad is beneficial to students both personally and professionally.
Does my student need a car? What are the options for parking a car on campus?
Winthrop is considered a walking campus, so everything on campus can be reached in 10-15 minutes walking. It's up to students whether or not to bring a car. If your student does bring a car, they must purchase a parking permit through the Winthrop University Police Department in order to park on campus for any amount of time, at any time of day. Parking permits can be purchased through Wingspan.
My student was sick and had to miss several classes. What should they do?
Students are expected to contact their instructors to arrange for completion of assignments.
If it is an extended illness, contact the Dean of Students Office for help at 803/323-4503.
The Dean of Students Office will verify information and notify the student's instructors
of the need for the absence and assist the student with other referrals.
We had a death in the family, and my student will need to miss several classes to come home. What should he/she do?
Instructors are obligated to provide makeup opportunities only for students who are
absent with adequate cause, such as death of an immediate family member. Your student
is responsible for providing documentation certifying the legitimacy of the absence
to their instructor in advance of such absences if possible. In family emergency cases
where advance notice is not possible, documentation should be provided to the instructor
no later than the date your student returns to class. Contact the Dean of Students Office at 803/323-4503 and they will assist in the process.
What if my student becomes ill after Center for Student Wellness closes for the day?
Resident students are encouraged to contact their Residential Learning Coordinator (RLC) who will help them obtain medical care. In an emergency, students should contact
the Winthrop University Police Department who will contact emergency services for students. All students who need medical care
can go to any local urgent or emergency care center. All charges incurred are the
responsibility of the student. For more information please visit the Center for Student
Wellness website.
How can my student get vaccinated for meningitis, hepatitis, etc.? How can they get a flu shot?
All required immunizations are available at Health Services for a minimal fee. Health
Services sponsors a Flu Shot clinic in the fall, usually in October, November or December.
If you have questions or need more information, you can e-mail Health Services at
wuhealth@winthrop.edu.
My student is feeling anxious/stressed/depressed
Please encourage your student to contact Counseling Services at 803/323-2206. A variety of individual and group sessions are available, as well
as many additional services, most of which are included with student fees.
How can I arrange a tour of campus?
Campus tours are given through the Office of Admissions. We love to have folks visit!
What hotels are located near campus?
The Office of New Student and Family Programs has a list of several hotels around
the Rock Hill area that offer special rates for families of Winthrop students. For
a list of these hotels, please click here.
Where can I park when I visit campus?
Visitors to Winthrop University that desire to park on university property must obtain a visitor parking permit for a limited time from the Winthrop University Police Department by visiting the Good Building (where the Winthrop University Police Department is located) when you first arrive.
For more information on Visiting Campus, please visit the links below:
Explore Rock Hill and the surrounding area!
Hotels
Parking
