ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Winthrop University’s Graduate School celebrates its impact as it prepares to kick off Graduate Education Week on Feb. 18.
“As with the last three years, Winthrop’s 2019 Graduate Education Week offers the opportunity to showcase the many contributions of our graduate students and programs to our community,” said Jack DeRochi, dean of the Graduate School. “We have much to celebrate this year, given the successful launch of our first suite of four online graduate programs, with over 120 students now enrolled.”
The four online graduate programs—Master of Business Administration; Master of Social Work; Master of Arts in Arts Administration; and Master of Education in Special Education Intervention—launched in fall 2018 to much fanfare.
The programs’ popularity is a direct result of the flexibility offered, especially for students balancing full-time jobs, families and other responsibilities. M.B.A. enrollee Michelle Mendez ’16 is one such student.
“I like the fact that I can study and do the work when it is convenient for me,” Mendez said.
DeRochi frequently points to Mendez’s testimonial when promoting the online programs.
“Students like Michelle are excited about access to Winthrop’s national-caliber graduate education that they couldn’t tap into before because of life circumstances,” he said.
A new offering for Graduate Education Week is the “3MT,” the three-minute thesis.
“We’re energized about the new three-minute thesis competition,” DeRochi explained. “It showcases graduate research and the impact of advanced study. In only three minutes, students have to be able to communicate the value and significance of their research to a general audience.”
There will be a cash prize for first-place, runner-up and People’s Choice.
Winthrop will be one of many universities and colleges across South Carolina observing Graduate Education Week. The initiative raises awareness of the importance of graduate education and the positive impact graduate education makes on the state and nation.
Check out the events line-up:
Monday, Feb. 18
Regalia Day
Winthrop faculty and staff who hold graduate degrees will wear their academic regalia
to kick off the week. See how many different robes and hoods you can spot on campus!
3MT Competition
6-7:30 p.m., Dina’s Place
See current graduate students deliver an elevator speech about their research in three
minutes. There will also be a reception for participants, judges and attendees in
the lobby outside of Dina’s Place following the presentations.
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Panel Discussion: Why Graduate Education Matters
11 a.m., Dina’s Place
Hear graduate faculty, students and alumni from each academic college discuss the
importance of graduate education and its impact on the community.
Cultural Event
Thursday, Feb. 21
Open House and Academic Showcase
5:30 p.m., Richardson Ballroom
Drop in for light refreshments and explore the many graduate programs Winthrop offers.
Meet current students and faculty, and learn about admission requirements and financial
assistance.
Friday, Feb. 22
The World of Food Expo: Learn About Interdisciplinary Perspectives on What We Eat
and Grow
Price: Varies; register here
1:30-4:30 p.m., Student Activity Center (W.T.S./Withers Building)
The food expo, which features growers, artisans and crafts, is part of the World of
Food Conference which is hosted by Winthrop, along with the North Carolina/South Carolina
Graduate Liberal Studies Programs Consortium. The conference focuses on the growth,
consumption, environmental impact, art, politics, marketing, history and economics
of food worldwide.
For more information, contact the Graduate School at 803/323-2204 or gradschool@winthrop.edu.
