Check out these services and activities available to students at no extra charge

They say the best things in life are free.

If you ask me, the next-best things are those that are “included in the price of admission.” (Somehow that “free” glass of wine I used to get at the hair salon always tasted better than the one I’d pour at home.)

So I thought in today’s post I’d let you know about some of the services and activities your Lancers can take advantage of for no additional charge.

Tutoring
The Center for Academic Success offers tutoring in a variety of subjects, which in the past have included accounting, biology, chemistry, computer science, foreign languages, math, physics and psychology. The Writing Center can help with specific assignments as well as overall improvement with writing skills.

Fitness Classes
A variety of in-person fitness classes traditionally are offered throughout the week during fall and spring semesters at Midtown Fitness Center (Longwood Landings) and the Health and Fitness Center on campus. The classes vary by location and can include yoga, Pilates, spin, weight lifting, boxing and cardio. Of course, all students have access to the Health and Fitness Center for individual workouts.

Farmville Area Bus
FAB provides transportation throughout Farmville, including several stops around campus and at shopping areas. A current Lancer ID serves as a pass to ride the bus.

All current students can ride the Farmville Area Bus (FAB) by showing their Lancer ID.

New York Times Digital Subscriptions 
Students can sign up for digital subscriptions to the New York Times using their Longwood email address. The subscription process is managed by  Greenwood Library.

Career and Internship Fairs
Run by Career Services, these virtual events give employers and students the opportunity to connect—with summer internships and jobs after graduation often the result.

Lancer Productions Entertainment
The students who run Lancer Productions are always looking for activities that give their fellow students a chance to relax and have fun. Movie nights, making a stuffed animal, trivia contests, comedians, craft-making sessions and more were on last spring’s schedule of events. This speed painter created an awesome likeness of Longwood’s mascot, Elwood. Lancer Productions also books the entertainment for Spring Weekend, which is a student favorite.

Counseling and Psychological Services
Individual and group counseling are among the services provided by the licensed psychologists at CAPS. CAPS also offers therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Bike Rental
Beach cruiser-style bicycles can be “rented” for up to 30 days at a time through the Health and Fitness Center. No deposit is required, but students are responsible for damage or loss. Helmets and locks also are available, and there are bicycle racks located throughout campus.

 

Bikes are available for “rental” at no charge through the Health and Fitness Center.

Microsoft Office 365
Students are eligible for a free download of Microsoft Office 365 via their Longwood Live Mail account. The software is available to current students only, so access ends with graduation.

Hearing, Speech, Language and Voice Screenings
Each year, usually in May, Longwood’s Speech, Hearing and Learning Services offers free screenings for anyone, including students. SHLS also has sponsored a monthly Hearing Loss Support Group.

Admission to Men’s and Women’s Home Basketball Games
In a normal year, cheering on Longwood’s athletics teams is a popular student activity. All Longwood home games are free except men’s and women’s basketball, which charge admission. Current students, however, also get free admission to home basketball games.

Poster Printing
Any student who needs a poster printed for a class or conference presentation can have the poster printed at no charge in the Office of Student Research. (Some academic departments also provide this service.) Posters must meet size restrictions.

Concerts
Longwood’s numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles, as well as music faculty, present a variety of concerts and recitals each semester.

 

Pass It On: Being a peer mentor is a great leadership opportunity

 

Some of the most influential people at Longwood are the students who serve as peer mentors. Working with small groups, peer mentors usher new students through Orientation and serve throughout the fall semester as a resource, a role model and a “been there, done that” guide. (The peer mentors above were photographed in 2019, before Covid-19.)

The Office of Student Success is currently accepting applications for these highly sought-after positions. Students can serve on either the summer team or the fall team, or during both terms. Deadline to apply is midnight Sunday, Feb. 14.

“Peer mentors give new students—primarily freshmen—the tools and the knowledge they need to be successful,” said Caroline Gibbs, Student Success program coordinator.

Any student in good standing (including having no active judicial/honor sanctions) who has completed at least 12 hours with a 2.5 GPA or higher and who can fulfill the position requirements is eligible to apply. The selection committee is looking for students who are knowledgeable about Longwood, who are active on campus and who want to help their fellow Lancers. 

All peer mentors receive an hourly wage, and summer team members receive free housing and meals during training and summer Orientation programs. 

It truly is a transformative leadership experience and a great addition to a resume. Students often apply to serve a second and even a third year.

Victoria Cascio, a member of the Class of 2021, said being a peer mentor boosted her personal confidence and communication skills. “I have gained experience leading, teaching and making presentations,” said the English major. “It’s definitely a resume builder that will help me in my future.”

If you think your student would be interested, encourage them to take a look at the full position description, responsibilities and compensation information here.

The application can be found here.

To read what students say about what it’s like to be a peer mentor, click here.

—Sabrina Brown