Lancer Parent Pipeline

Tailgating with your student and their friends. High-energy basketball games in our top-notch arena. Live music that will keep you dancing. Campus tours that will give you a glimpse into your student’s Longwood experience.

All this and more is just a month away at Longwood’s third annual Homecoming & Alumni Weekend, set for Nov. 14-16. If you haven’t registered, we’d hate for you to miss it! And we’d love for you to bring the whole family. Lancer spirit will be over the top with the more than 700 alumni, current students, family members and friends expected to attend.

We especially want to make sure you have priority access to purchase tickets to the men’s and women’s basketball matchups in our state-of-the-art arena. Register before Oct. 15 for access to tickets before they’re released to the general public, giving you the first opportunity to secure the best seats for these high-demand games.

So don’t worry, you still have time to get in on the energy and excitement by registering now:

• Register before Oct. 15 for priority access to purchase basketball tickets in our beautiful Joan Perry Brock Center arena. Please Note: If you want your student to sit with you at the game(s) you’re attending, you’ll need to purchase them a ticket as well. (Students are admitted free to games, but their seating is in a different area from the tickets available to Homecoming attendees.) Current Longwood students do not need to register for Homecoming & Alumni Weekend.
• Register by Oct. 15 to receive this year’s Go Wood shirt, FREE!
• All the fun starts on Friday, Nov. 14, with a picnic-style Homecoming Kickoff dinner (including one free drink ticket at the cashless bar) and a pep rally where we’ll unveil this year’s Longwood Scarf. Then we’ll parade together to the Joan Perry Brock Center for the women’s basketball game against Bluefield College. Each Homecoming registrant will receive this year’s Longwood Scarf FREE at this event. Spooky ghost tours of campus cap off Friday night.
• It wouldn’t be Homecoming without the Lancer Family Tailgate on Saturday, Nov. 15. Be sure to bring your chairs, pack some food and fill your cooler (alcohol is allowed for 21+ within the tailgate area) for one of Longwood’s newest traditions, which starts at 10 a.m. From there, we’ll head to the basketball game as our men take on Binghamton University. Want to reserve your own tailgate space? See your registration confirmation email for more details.
• After the game, join us for a Lancer Block Party Saturday night featuring food trucks, exclusive discounts for registered guests with Homecoming credentials and live music at North Street Press Club by The Porch Gliders, one of Farmville’s most popular dance bands.
• Also on Saturday, at 8 p.m., your registration includes a mind-blowing performance by acclaimed illusionist Mike Super—winner of NBC’s Phenomenon and finalist on America’s Got Talent. Brought to campus by Lancer Productions, Super is known for his jaw-dropping illusions and captivating stage presence. He promises to deliver a high-energy, family-friendly evening of entertainment.

Need more details about why this is a weekend you don’t want to miss? View the full Homecoming & Alumni Weekend schedule and register today at go.longwood.edu/homecoming.

Adults: $35 (through Oct. 31); children (ages 6-17): $15; children (5 and under): FREE.

We hope to see you there!

Please contact the Office of Alumni and Career Success if you have any additional questions. They can be reached at (434) 395-2044 or alumni@longwood.edu.

—Sabrina Brown

 

 

During my 13-plus years at Longwood, I have heard so many students and alumni say how much they love Longwood and how important their years here are to them—even decades after they graduate.

The biggest gift-giving season of the year will be here soon. Here’s one idea: Give your student a lasting symbol of one of the most important experiences of their life—a Longwood class ring.

Longwood makes your gift even more special with its spring Ring Ceremony, where families are invited to campus to be part of the moment when students receive their rings.

Next week and in the coming months, students can look at class ring styles, try them on, find their ring size and even place their orders. (Or you can place your order online here.)

Your student can meet with a representative from Balfour, provider of Longwood’s official class rings, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the dates below in the first floor lounge of the Upchurch University Center.
Oct. 13-15, 2025
Nov. 10-12, 2025
Dec. 2-3, 2025
Jan. 27-28, 2026

Orders placed through Feb. 5, 2026, are eligible to be presented at the Ring Ceremony, set for Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the Rotunda.

Putting your college class ring on your finger for the first time is an important moment, and Longwood’s Ring Ceremony marks the occasion with the emotional richness it deserves.

The day before the ceremony, staff from the alumni office place all rings in a treasure chest designed and decorated by members of CHI, Princeps and CAHOOTS, three of Longwood’s oldest secret societies. The chest remains in the Rotunda overnight under the watchful eye of “Joanie on the Stony,” one of the university’s three statues of Joan of Arc, to infuse the rings with blue and white Longwood spirit. During the ceremony the next day, students are presented their rings as they hear from a member of Longwood’s administration and a representative of the Alumni Board. Following the ceremony, students and their families are invited to the Rotunda lobby for photos and a special reception hosted by the Longwood Alumni Association.

—Sabrina Brown

We know that parents see a college education as an investment in their children’s future. That’s why Longwood has invested heavily not only in its academic programs but also in services that help students navigate to a successful career.

Career Week, being held next week from Sept. 29-Oct. 3, is a prime example of the services Longwood’s Center for Career Success offers your student.

From workshops demonstrating how to dress for a professional interview to career panels and networking events with Longwood alumni in a wide range of professions, Career Week offers practical, boots-on-the-ground advice. And it’s not just for seniors. Students who start planning their career strategy in freshman year will reap many rewards.

Please encourage your student to take advantage of Career Week. Students are encouraged but not required to pre-register for events. (They are eligible for prizes if they pre-register and attend).

Your student can find all the Career Week details and links to register here: https://www.longwood.edu/career/careerweek/

Here are a few highlights of the week:

Monday: Walk-in Hours: resume and cover letter review, interview preparation and practice, job and internship guidance, and more
Tuesday: Dress for Success Workshops
Wednesday: Five Career Panels with Professional Alumni; Student-Alumni-Employer Networking Session
Thursday: Career, Internship and Graduate School Fair
Friday: Center for Career Success Porch Party/Open House

 —Sabrina Brown

It feels as if the semester just started—but it’s already time to get ready for fall break. Whether your student is planning to come home for the break or stay on campus, I hope this information will be helpful.

Fall break is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, through noon Sunday, Oct. 12.

If your student lives in Longwood-managed housing and plans to stay on campus during the break, they need to fill out an Intent to Stay form, which is available through the Student Housing Gateway.

It’s important to note that any student who needs access to their residence between 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, and noon Sunday, Oct. 12, must fill out an Intent to Stay form—even if they won’t be on campus for that entire time.

The Intent to Stay form becomes available today, Monday, Sept. 22, and must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Filling out this form gives students uninterrupted ID card access to their housing (where applicable) and notifies Campus Police that they will or may be staying on campus during all or part of the break.

If your student asks, please let them know they should not cancel any academic or other personal obligations during the break period. Instead they can have continued access to their assigned living space by submitting the Intent to Stay form.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students planning to stay on campus in Sharp, Register and Stubbs halls during fall break should be aware that hot water will not be available during part of the break due to repairs and upgrades to the steam plant lines. Steam is expected to be shut off from late afternoon Wednesday, Oct. 8, at least through Friday, Oct. 10.

If your student lives in Longwood-managed housing and is coming home for the break period, they should be sure to do the following before departing campus:
—Remove all trash and perishable food.
—Thoroughly clean their assigned living area, including the bathroom and common spaces.
—If applicable, adjust their room thermostat to a low/medium setting. Apartment thermostats should be set with the fan in the AUTO position so that it will continue to operate during students’ absence. Apartment residents should NOT put the thermostat/fan in the OFF position. Adjust the temperature and the heat/cool settings based on the expected temperatures.
—Take valuables and important items with them (medication, eyeglasses, wallet, etc.).
—Shut down and unplug all electronics, except personal refrigerators or apartment appliances.
—Turn off all lights. Exception: Lancer Park residents should leave the porch light on.
—Close and lock all windows.
—Lower all window blinds/shades.
—Lock all doors.

If your student lives in Moss or Johns hall, you will be able to load and unload vehicles on Spruce Street for the break. Similar to the one-way traffic flow of August move-in, please be sure to access Spruce Street by taking Wynne Drive to Pine Street and then turn onto the sidewalk in front of the Fitness Center. Use Redford Street (McDonald’s intersection) only to EXIT campus.

Below is some additional important information about the break that has been shared with students.

• All residential communities will remain locked (24/7) during the break. Students who filled out the Intent to Stay form will continue to have access to their assigned buildings through the card reader(s) on their building (where applicable).
• No guests are allowed in university housing during the break.
• The dining hall will close after dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and re-open for dinner on Sunday, Oct. 12.  Regular hours of operation resume on Monday, Oct. 13. Up-to-date hours and information for all other Longwood Dining-managed food venues can be found at https://longwood.campusdish.com/.
• Farmville Area Bus service (FAB) will end at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, and will resume at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. There is no bus service for travel to Lancer Park during the break period.
• Residence hall rooms and apartments are subject to entry during the break; limited work orders and/or facility safety inspections could occur.
• For general assistance from Campus Police during the break, students can call 434-395-2091. In case of emergency, students should call 911. Students who need help with a non-life-threatening medical issue can call the Nurse Advice Line at 805-858-3117.

—Sabrina Brown

If your student hasn’t filled you in about what’s happened so far this fall—or even if they have—you might enjoy seeing proof that there’s been plenty going on here since classes started in August. From one of Longwood’s most beloved traditions to the newest restaurants in town, here’s a generous helping of photos, videos and information to help keep you in the Longwood loop. You might even catch a glimpse of your student!

Convocation
With celebration and caps decorated to the max, Convocation marked the start of seniors’ final year. Everyone loves Convocation, and parents are invited!
See the photos
Watch the video
Read all about it

Family Weekend
Family Weekend brought laughter, “missed you” hugs, and families experiencing their students’ home away from home.
See the photos

Future Educators Pinning Ceremony
Our future educators received their pins, and they’re ready to make an impact—marking the next step in their campus-to-classroom journey.
See the photos

Involvement and Volunteer Fair
Longwood is built on connections. This event helped your Lancers find out the many ways they can get engaged and find their people. With 120 clubs and organizations, there’s something for everyone.
See the photos

What’s New on the Menu in Farmville
We’ve got some delicious new neighbors in town. Hear what students have to say about the fare at Farmville’s newest restaurants—from hot honey bacon pizza to roasted-right-here coffee. (Plus there’s a popular burrito chain on the way!)
Watch the video

First Friday Back
TGIF! First Friday Back was the perfect blend of campus spirit and community vibes for the entire student body!
See the photos

New Lancer Days
“Welcome” doesn’t even begin to say it all. Our newest students got their first taste of what it means to be part of the Longwood family.
See the photos

Want to See More Photos—and Download Your Favorites?
Longwood’s photographers take literally hundreds of photos at many student events, including the ones mentioned above. If you’d like to look through our archive and download your favorites—you can!  Just click here and enter the password lancers1839. If you see a photo you’d like to download, just click on it. Then look for the download arrow in the top right corner of the black area above (or to the right) of the photo. Click on the arrow, and the photo will download to your computer. Enjoy!

—Sabrina Brown

Come Sept. 12 it will have been about three weeks since you moved your student into their residence hall or other housing on campus or in Farmville.

Are you missing them? Are they missing you?

If you answered “yes” to either of those questions, then think about taking advantage of Family Weekend, Sept. 12-14, to check in, see how your student is doing and get a hug. Lots of other parents and families will be heading to Longwood, too, so you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with them.

Registration deadline is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. The cost is $25 per adult and children 6 and up. (Children 5 and under and Longwood students attend free of charge.) Register here.

Another great thing about Family Weekend is that so much is going on that weekend. Almost all events are free or included in your registration. For the full Family Weekend schedule, click here. Here’s a sampling:

            Friday Evening

            5-8 p.m. Opening reception for the latest exhibits at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts. The Fishin’ Pig will provide complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and other beverages! free 
            6-8 p.m. Farmville Fridays in Riverside Park featuring live music and local food trucks. free admission
            8:15-10:15 p.m. Game Night in Upchurch University Center’s Soza Ballroom. Can you say “BINGO!” OR head to Stubbs lawn at 8:30 to watch Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning under the stars (free popcorn and beverages; bring your own blankets and lawn chairs). included in registration

            Saturday

            9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Heart of Virginia Festival offers crafts, children’s activities, fair food favorites, live music and more, much of it taking place right on Longwood’s front doorstep. free admission
            1-3 p.m. Hands-on pottery class. Create your own ceramics piece under the guidance of a Longwood art professor. (separate pre-registration and additional fee required; 30-person capacity)

             Saturday Evening

            8 p.m. Mentalist Tom Kennedy will astonish you, make you laugh and keep you on the edge of your seat—all in a family-friendly format. included in registration

Now is the time to register and make your plans! Hope to see you the weekend of Sept. 12-14!

—Sabrina Brown

Today is the first day of classes, so it seemed like a good time to let you know about resources available to help your student have a successful semester and year.

For those of you who moved your student onto campus for the first time last week, I hope the move-in process went smoothly for you. I know from personal experience that it’s both an exciting and emotional time for both first-year students and their families. We’ll all do our best to make your student feel at home and to provide any assistance they may need in transitioning to college life.

And that doesn’t stop with freshmen. Longwood is committed to helping all students—from freshmen to seniors to transfer students—to be successful.

Resources for Your Student

There are many resources your student can tap into if they need assistance, including a team of staff devoted specifically to student success. You can find out more about these resources on the Student Success Services webpage.

Here are just a few examples:
—Tutoring in many subjects
—Writing Center
—CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)
—Accessibility Resources
—Professors’ weekly student hours

And freshmen have their coaching group and peer mentor as resources as well.

Transitions Group

Also, all students are welcome to participate in the Transitions Group, which is designed to help any student who needs help in adjusting to college. The Transitions Group offers a place for students to get support and to provide support to one another, as well as to learn practical strategies in adjusting to college life. Starting Sept. 2, this group will meet once a week on Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Moss Residence Hall sunroom.

Tried-and-True Path to Happiness at College: Getting Involved!

I think getting involved in a student club or organization is one of the top 5 ways your student can find happiness and fulfillment here. Longwood has so many clubs and organizations where students can find their people and make friends. And the beginning of the year is the perfect time to do this—especially for new students because they’re all looking to make connections.

Please encourage your student to attend the Involvement and Volunteer Fair on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 4-6 p.m. on Brock Commons. These student groups and organizations are looking for new members!

From a cappella singing groups to Relay for Life to the Outdoors Club to fraternities and sororities, there is a place here where your student will fit right in.

Second Chances: Students Can Tweak Their Class Schedules During Add-Drop

If your student is struggling in a class or if it wasn’t what they expected—or even if they heard about a class they’d rather take—they have an opportunity for a “do-over” in their class schedule. During the add-drop period, which ends at 5 p.m. on the sixth day of classes—so at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, this semester—they can drop or add a course, or both. For new freshmen and transfer students, this requires approval from their academic advisor; consulting with the academic advisor is encouraged for all students planning to add or drop a course. The procedure usually can be handled through my.longwood.edu using the Schedule Change Form. You and your student should keep in mind that there could be financial ramifications if the number of academic hours in their new schedule exceeds or falls below the tuition rate they paid for the semester. If your student has questions about the financial aspect of adding or dropping a course, they should contact the Office of Student Accounts at studentaccountsoffice@longwood.edu or 434-395-2274.

—Sabrina Brown

With the first day of classes less than a month away, I’m sure many of you are deep into preparations for bringing your student to campus later this month for the 2025-26 academic year.

Part of those preparations may involve making sure your student has the books and other course materials they need for their fall semester classes. As you think about that, please keep in mind the benefits of our new BookBundle program, which is designed to make accessing required course materials easier and often more affordable. Students will receive an email next week with the subject “Access Your Materials” that will provide instructions for accessing their course materials via BookBundle. 

Some students have already decided not to participate in BookBundle, which we understand is a carefully considered and individual decision. For those of you who are still considering your options, here is some information you may find helpful.

BookBundle Benefits 

• Convenient: All required materials based on your student’s course schedule are prepared by the Longwood University Store. No scouring the internet or worries about materials arriving in time. If your student decides to drop a course on or before the last day of the add/drop period, they will receive a full refund automatically.  
•  All Inclusive: With BookBundle, all of your student’s required materials are included in one all-inclusive, no-surprises price that is charged to your student’s account for easy payment each term.
• Digital Access: Digital course materials will be automatically available to your student in Canvas by the first day of class. 
• Print Materials: If physical materials are required, your student will receive an email at their live.longwood.edu address with instructions and information about picking up their materials.  
• Easy Out, Easy Back In: Students not interested in participating in the program can opt out with no penalty by 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (If you have trouble opting out, please contact the Longwood University Store at bookstore@longwood.edu or 434-990-6716.) If your student has already opted out and wants to opt back in, they can do so until the opt-out deadline of 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. 

If your student decides to opt out, please keep in mind that they are opting out of receiving required materials for all their courses and are responsible for sourcing their own required course materials through the Longwood University Store or elsewhere.  

Need more info or have questions? Visit our BookBundle page and FAQs or reach out to the team at the Longwood University Store at bookstore@longwood.edu or 434-990-6716.

We can’t wait to welcome your student to campus in a few weeks!

 —Sabrina Brown

At Longwood, move-in is a staggered, multistage process for the various groups of students who will be living in Longwood-managed housing for the 2025-26 academic year. Staggering the dates and times for the groups of students moving in helps to alleviate some of the congestion and long lines that are inevitable when hundreds of students and their families converge on a relatively small area such as the Longwood campus.

Move-in for the general student population begins on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The first day of classes is Monday, Aug. 25.

I hope you find the information below helpful as you plan to move your student into Longwood-managed housing.

We can’t wait to welcome them to campus, and we wish them all the best for the 2025-26 year!

When and Where

Move-in dates and times vary based on residence hall or apartment complex, residence hall room number and student type. If your student plans to live in Longwood-managed housing this year, they should have already received an email with their specific move-in date and time. If your student has not received an email or doesn’t know their specific move-in date and time, please contact the Office of Residential and Commuter Life at housing@longwood.edu.

You may also be able to find your student’s specific move-in date and time here under Check-in Schedule: https://www.longwood.edu/housing/move-in-information/

You’ve Got Questions—We’ve Got Answers

A wealth of information about move-in is available online here: https://www.longwood.edu/housing/move-in-information/

You’ll find answers on these topics:
—Things to Think About Before Move-in
—Need-to-Know at Check In
—Check-in Schedule
—Early and Late Arrivals
—Permitted and Prohibited Items
—Where to Unload
—Where to Park After Unloading
—Tips and Reminders for a Smooth Arrival

If you can’t find the answer you need on this website, contact the Office of Residential and Commuter Life at housing@longwood.edu.

Where to Unload and Where to Park After Unloading

—Routes to each residence hall, unloading areas and designated parking lots are shown on the printable move-in maps below.
—Drivers should activate vehicle flashers when unloading.
—Vehicles may not be left unattended.
—After unloading, residential students should park in their designated parking permit zone.
—Families and guests are welcome to park in the designated lots on the maps below.

Printable Move-in Maps
August 20, 2025 – Move In Map (pdf)
August 21, 2025 – Move In Map (pdf)
August 22-24, 2025 – Move In Map (pdf)

Volunteers Stand Ready to “Welcome Home Lancers”

A group of faculty, staff and student volunteers is ready to help make the move-in process as smooth as possible for first-time Lancers who will be living in Moss, Johns, Sharp, Register and Wheeler halls. Through the Welcome Home Program, volunteers will be available at these halls on Aug. 20 and 21 from about 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They can help with unloading vehicles, staying with belongings while families take care of checking in and parking their cars, or assisting with the check-in process. Whatever your need, don’t hesitate to ask. A volunteer or staff member will try to help you themselves or to direct you to someone who can.

Think About Bringing a Rolling Cart or Dolly—and Water

Having a dolly or a rolling cart can make the move-in process much easier. These items will not be available on campus, so consider bringing one with you. Our experts highly recommend! Also, don’t forget the water. You can expect to experience some physical exertion—both inside and outside in the heat—so it’s important to stay hydrated.

How Many People Does It Take to Check In? Just one!

Just one person—your student—can take care of everything needed for check in, including picking up their keys. The lobbies of the residence halls can get very congested if several people are standing in the check-in line with a student. Please consider letting your student handle this—or having just one person join them in line in case they need help.

Managing Expectations

We have tried very hard to streamline the move-in process, but you should still expect to experience some waiting in line as you move into loading zones, check in, and use the elevators (where applicable) and stairwells.

One Last Thing: Outstanding Bills

If your student has outstanding financial obligations with Longwood University, please resolve these issues prior to move-in. In accordance with Longwood University policy, any student with an outstanding bill will not be permitted to move into Longwood-managed housing or to use their meal plan.

Questions regarding outstanding bills can be directed to Cashiering and Student Accounts at 434-395-2067 or Financial Aid at 434-395-2077.

—Sabrina Brown

Nobody knows Commencement like Judith Campbell knows Commencement. As the director of university events and ceremonies at Longwood, she is in charge of all Commencement planning/logistics/communications, etc.

So I thought it might be helpful if I asked her some questions that could be on the minds of parents and other guests who plan to attend the ceremony on Saturday, May 17.

First and foremost: “My biggest tip is that parents make sure their student has been reading (and sharing with them) the emails we send every month with updates,” Campbell said. “Be sure to ask your student to share with you the last email, which goes out on Monday, May 12.”

Below are Campbell’s answers to some other pertinent questions.

What time should students arrive at Willett Hall prior to the ceremony?
Graduating students, dressed in their academic regalia, need to report to Willett Hall, through the Brock Commons entrance, at 8 a.m. Saturday. The undergraduate ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. Graduates will line up in Willett and process from there to Wheeler Mall for the ceremony.

Can parents come with students into Willett Hall?
To facilitate a smooth and quick check-in process, it is imperative that guests proceed directly to Wheeler Mall. Please do not go with your student into Willett Hall.

How can I help my student Commencement morning?
Ask your student if they would like you to hold onto any items for them before they go to Willett. There will be nowhere to store totes, purses or backpacks in Willett, so your student should hand those items off to you or one of their other guests before they go into Willett.

Are tickets required?
Tickets are not required, and there is no limit on the number of guests a graduate can invite to the outdoor ceremony on Wheeler Mall. (Information about inclement weather plans has been shared with your graduate in those emails mentioned earlier in this post.)

What time should parents and other guests arrive at Wheeler Mall?
We ask that all guests be seated by 9 a.m. When the ceremony starts, we ask that guests stay clear of the walkways so that those processing can easily pass by. People jumping into the walkways to take pictures holds things up!

Is there assigned seating?
Designated seats are reserved for graduates. Other than that, seating is open and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where are the best places to park to catch a shuttle to Wheeler Mall?
Shuttle service will run loops between two off-campus locations from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and from noon to 1 p.m. Guests are welcome and encouraged to park in the lots noted below for easy and close drop-off access to the ceremony location. The shuttle will run loops through the Sunchase Apartment complex.
—Sunchase Shopping Center, 215 Sunchase Boulevard, Farmville, VA 23901
—Lancer Park, 200 Cormier Drive, Farmville, VA 23901

What other parking is available?
Multiple central campus lots will offer both general parking and ample ADA-accessible specific parking. All parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and no reservations are required. Parking lots are shown on this map: Undergraduate Commencement Parking Map (pdf). There is no need to make a reservation.

What if a member of our party is handicapped?
Attendees who have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specific needs should park in a central campus-accessible-identified lot because shuttle vehicles are not equipped with lifts. See the parking map for the location of these lots: Undergraduate Commencement Parking Map. Golf carts will be available from the ADA lots for those with accessibility needs in getting to and from the ceremony area.

What should guests wear?
Virginia weather can be tricky. Also, there is very little shade on Wheeler Mall. We recommend dressing for the weather, wearing sunscreen and bringing a hat.

What should guests bring with them to the ceremony?
We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and water.

What should guests NOT bring to the ceremony?
Please do not bring to the ceremony umbrellas, alcohol, air horns, beachballs, bubbles or any other items that may become distractions for other attendees and disrupt the reverence of the ceremony. We have 7,000 chairs set out in  the ceremony area, so there’s no need to bring lawn chairs.

About how long will the ceremony last?
The ceremony usually lasts about 3 hours.

Is there somewhere on campus guests can watch the ceremony in an air-conditioned space?
Guests are welcome to watch the ceremony in Jarman Auditorium, Blackwell Ballroom (in the Maugans Alumni Center) or Soza Ballroom (in the Upchurch University Center). The ceremony will be live-streamed in these locations.

If I’m not able to attend the ceremony, is there a way I can watch it live from where I am?
Yes! On the morning of the ceremony, you can watch the ceremony live on the Commencement homepage or you can go to go.longwood.edu/live .

Will there be a lot of traffic after the ceremony?
Generally, we don’t find there to be heavy traffic after the ceremony because parking is equally distributed across campus. Also, many guests and graduates stay after the ceremony to take photos. All this makes exiting campus after the ceremony relatively easy.

Additional information about Commencement can be found online here: https://www.longwood.edu/commencement/undergraduate-ceremony/ 

—Sabrina Brown