Winthrop University will hold classes online for the remainder of the semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This move follows South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster’s call for public colleges and universities to finish semesters remotely.
Interim President George Hynd released a statement to the Winthrop community on Thursday afternoon about the switch to virtual learning.
“In this way, all students will have the opportunity to complete their spring 2020 courses while maintaining safe and healthy precautions against COVID-19,” Hynd wrote.
He said the change may result in “new and unexpected difficulties” but that the Winthrop community will “face them together.”
“Our talented faculty and staff are working diligently to accommodate student needs and expectations,” Hynd wrote.
Winthrop announced on March 12 that classes would be held online for the two weeks following spring break. The school also recalled students who were studying abroad.
The Department of Residence Life announced on March 13 that residence halls would be closed during the remote instructional period. They will remain closed for the rest of the semester.
“Faculty, staff, and students should continue to monitor email and our website for information regarding when residence halls will be open for retrieving belongings, access to technology while away from campus, decisions about student refunds and/or credits, and other important updates,” Hynd wrote.
Spring commencement ceremonies have been postponed indefinitely.
“At this time, we cannot say when or how commencement will happen, but we will rejoice in their accomplishments and honor our graduates in a way and time that is safe to do so,” Hynd wrote.
Starting on Sunday, March 22, Thomson Dining Hall will be serving boxed takeout lunches and have modified hours of operation.
There have been 81 positive cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
