Office For Student Success
Leigh Poole, Assistant Provost
Founded in 2025, the Office for Student Success (OSS) integrates a network of offices, programs, services and resources that help students find academic achievement, engage in excellence, and participate in high impact practices at Winthrop and beyond.
The Office for Student Success supports the General Education Program through two courses: ACAD 101: Principles of the Learning Academy; and HMXP 102: The Human Experience: Who Am I.
Also located within the Office for Student Success are the Academic Success Center (ASC), Center for Advising and Transfer Success (C.A.T.S), Common Book Program, First-Year Experience (FYE) Office, International Center and Study Abroad, Learning Excellent Academic Practices (LEAP) Program, McNair Scholars Program, Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA), TRiO Achievers Program and Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Scholarship.
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center (ASC) supports the academic pursuits of all students through tutoring, study hall, academic skill development, and academic coaching. ASC provides peer tutoring services and learning support through workshops and consultations.
Tutoring.
Peer tutors are CRLA certified to support and help with a variety of general education courses. Tutoring is targeted for content mastery and skill development. The peer tutors are selected based on their competence in the subject areas, faculty endorsements, and effective interpersonal skills.
Workshops.
The Focus Workshop Series are sessions that are facilitated for classes, residence halls, organizations, or other events. Workshop topics include course-specific support, study strategies, time management, test preparation, textbook reading and note taking, procrastination prevention, and best practices for successful students. The goal of every workshop is to help students learn how to study smarter, not just harder.
The ASC provides services to all undergraduate students free of charge. The Center also collaborates with other campus offices to promote the success of Winthrop students.
For more information, contact:
Academic Success Center (ASC)
106 Dinkins Hall (Main Office)
803/323-3929
success@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/asc/
Center for Advising and Transfer Success
The Center for Advising and Transfer Success (C.A.T.S.) provides student-centered advising tailored to supporting first-year and transfer students who have not decided on a major. Undeclared students receive individualized advising that allows them to fully embrace the liberal arts and science experience offered by Winthrop. After successfully earning 45 credit hours, students will transition to advising offered by their Faculty Advisor assigned within their new Academic College. Supplemental advising support and resources are provided by the Student Services Office for each college.
The Center for Advising and Transfer Success also provides transitional support and programming for transfer students at Winthrop. Transfer students are encouraged to seek support and resources from the Student Services office within their academic colleges, and by engaging with the Center for Advising and Transfer Success.
For more information, contact:
The Center for Advising and Transfer Success (C.A.T.S.)
108 Dinkins Hall
803/323-4784
osscats@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/success/studentservices/
The Common Book Program
Winthrop University’s Common Book Program is designed to integrate students into the university environment and provide a common academic experience. Incoming first-year students receive information about the book at orientation and read the book during the summer. Reading the selected book is a shared experience that connects first-year students with other members of Winthrop University--a learning-centered community.
The Common Book for 2025-26 is Callings by Dave Isay. Previous Common Books include The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya, The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, Something Must Be Done about Prince Edward County by Kristen Green, Spare Parts by Joshua Davis, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls , Where Am I Eating? by Kelsey Timmerman, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba, Where Am I Wearing? by Kelsey Timmerman, Make the Impossible Possible by Bill Strickland, Growing Up by Russell Baker, Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village by Sarah Erdman, The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp, The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell, A Hope in the Unseen by Ron Suskind, and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer.
First-Year Experience
The First-Year Experience (FYE) Office offers programs and academic courses that cultivate engaged learning, enhance academic achievement, and build connections with faculty, peers, and the Winthrop community. One of the signature experiences of first-year students at Winthrop is taking ACAD 101 or ACAD 300, which serves as an introduction to the learning academy. Both courses are taught by instructors from all academic colleges in support of student success. New students are assigned a peer mentor. Peer mentors are high achieving student leaders who work in partnership with ACAD instructors to assist in the delivery of course content as they provide the student perspective and foster lasting relationships with first-year/transfer students to support their transition. Ongoing community building includes First Night Winthrop and other activities.
For more information, contact:
First-Year Experience Office (FYE)
233 Dinkins Hall (Main Office)
803/323-3908
fye@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/fye/
International Center & Study Abroad
The International Center at Winthrop University provides leadership for the internationalization of the Winthrop community. The Center has four primary functions including international student and faculty services, global engagement, National Student Exchange, and study abroad.
• International Student and Faculty Services: The International Center provides support services including offering a comprehensive orientation for all new international students, offering immigration assistance, and assisting international students and scholars with maintaining the regulations set forth by the Department of Homeland Security. The International Center also serves as the primary resource for all international students, guests, and scholars.
• Global Engagement: The International Center also coordinates and leads international and global engagement events for the University including, but not limited to, International Education Week, Study Abroad programming, the International Tea, Casual Fridays, Global Friends, and various cultural events during the fall and spring semesters.
• National Student Exchange (NSE): Through participation in the NSE program, Winthrop students have the opportunity to temporarily study at another college or university for a semester or up to one year while also paying Winthrop’s tuition. Room and board costs vary depending on the university chosen. Exchanges are possible with colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Winthrop students have studied in Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, Washington, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and many more locations.
• Study Abroad: The International Center assists students in identifying, applying for, and preparing to study abroad. Winthrop students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or academic year in a number of countries including, but not limited to, Australia, England, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Panama, Spain, Sweden, and Taiwan. Opportunities for short-term study abroad are also coordinated through the International Center via Winthrop faculty-led programs and summer opportunities.
To learn more please visit the International Center in 218 Dinkins Hall or online at www.winthrop.edu/international.
For more information, contact:
International Center
218 Dinkins Hal
803/323-2133
international@winthrop.edu
LEAP
The Learning Excellent Academic Practices (LEAP) Program is designed to assist students in making a successful transition from high school to college. The program provides academic guidance and support to a select group of first-year students at Winthrop University. LEAP program eligibility is determined by the Office of Admissions. The core components of LEAP include:
Individualized academic advising support
Early Launch programming prior to the fall semester
Options for LEAP-specific course credit
Structured study halls with faculty and peer tutoring available
Interim grade action planning
For more information, contact:
The Learning Excellent Academic Practices (LEAP) Program
202 Bancroft Annex
803-323-3383
leap@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/leap/
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program is Winthrop’s prestigious Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, housed in the Office for Student Success. Established in 2009, the program is funded through a nationally competitive and renewable U.S. Department of Education TRiO grant designed to help eligible undergraduates complete research and prepare for doctoral study. Program participation begins with the paid Winthrop McNair summer research internship and includes mentoring by faculty who hold research doctorates. Successful applicants can come from any major and many SC universities. At least two thirds of students served must be low-income individuals who are first generation college students. Applications are due November 1.
For more information, visit http://www.winthrop.edu/mcnair/ or contact:
McNair Scholars
104 Dinkins Hall
803/323-2125
mcnair@winthrop.edu
Office of Nationally Competitive Awards
The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA) supports Winthrop University students interested in applying for nationally and internationally competitive awards, scholarships, fellowships, and unique opportunities both at home and abroad. There are many award opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study within both disciplinary and interdisciplinary categories. ONCA gathers and disseminates information about awards and their deadlines to all members of the campus community, as well as works with students to prepare the best portfolios possible. This office also serves as a resource for mock interviews for students, awards for faculty, and as a place to list and celebrate the competitive awards and national recognition that our students and faculty receive.
For more information, contact:
Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA)
222A Dinkins Hall
803/ 323-3906
onca@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/onca/
TRiO Achievers Program
The TRiO Achievers Program at Winthrop University, first funded in 2005, is one of over 1000 Student Support Services programs funded by the US Department of Education. TRiO is an academic support program designed to increase the academic performance, retention rates, and graduation rates of program participants. The TRiO program promotes academic excellence and provides participants the necessary tools to get the most of their undergraduate education, to graduate, and to seek employment and/or attend graduate school after completion of their bachelor’s degree.
Winthrop’s Achievers Program services include:
Academic Counseling: Academic Counselors meet individually with students to discuss their semester goals, individual learning styles, grades, academic progress, time management, etc.
Academic Tutoring: Upperclass students are hired and trained by TRiO staff to assist student participants with academic course work including math, chemistry, biology, history, education, economics, etc.
Financial Literacy and Career Readiness: Both services are provided via individual appointments and workshops throughout the academic year.
Cultural Events: Our staff provides free travel to and from approximately 5-7 cultural events each semester. Cultural events include performances at Blumenthal Arts Center, the Charlotte Symphony, and social gatherings where students can connect with one another.
College Success Workshops: To encourage well-rounded student development, TRiO staff present interactive workshops on topics such as money management, time management, professional etiquette, resume building and preparing for graduate school.
TRiO Computer Lab: The TRiO computer lab offers FREE printing for all TRiO participants.
Scholarship Search Assistance: Academic Counselors help students search for scholarship assistance to best provide for college financially. Students who demonstrate a need for academic support, are citizens or permanent residents of the US, are enrolled or accepted for the next academic year, and meet one or more of the following requirements are eligible for the program:
are a first-generation college student--a student whose parents or guardians did not receive a baccalaureate degree;
meet specific federal income guidelines;
have a documented disability as defined by the ADA.
Program applications can be found at www.winthrop.edu/trio or in the TRiO offices.
For more information, contact:
TRiO Achievers
102 Dinkins
803/323-4797
trio@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/trio/
Office of Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Scholarship helps students to identify research opportunities on and off campus. In addition, the office coordinates activities to increase opportunities for students to present their work and recognizes and honors the students who engage in undergraduate research along with the faculty who mentor those students. The office also provides funding for student travel to present their work at professional and undergraduate research focused conferences.
Undergraduate research provides valuable learning experiences to students and is one of the high-impact educational practices that increases the rates of student retention and engagement. Participating in undergraduate research can help students prepare for professional and graduate programs, and enhance professional and academic credentials to support applications for scholarships, awards, career employment, and entry into graduate and professional schools. While engaging in undergraduate research experiences students can develop one-on-one mentoring relationships with faculty members, clarify academic and career interests and goals, acquire additional knowledge in their academic fields that transcends classroom study, and enhance critical skills in communication, independent thinking, creativity, and problem solving. Moreover, student researchers contribute to the creation of new knowledge on the cutting edge of their academic discipline and apply that knowledge to real world problems.
Student researchers often disseminate their work at our annual SOURCE event, professional meetings or submit their scholarship for publication in academic journals. These activities allow students the chance to make connections with and receive feedback from a broader audience than they may encounter on campus. These experiences have value as students leave the university and enter today’s workforce, where presentation, communication, and relationship skills are vital for their success.
For more information, contact:
Undergraduate Research & Creative Scholarship
222B Dinkins Hall
803/323-3397
uresearch@winthrop.edu
https://www.winthrop.edu/undergradresearch/