Month: October 2023

Fall is a great time to be a Lancer! So many traditions happen in the fall, including New Lancer Days, the G.A.M.E., Convocation, Family Weekend and Oktoberfest.

You can get a taste of what these experiences are all about through the photos and videos below. They’re in approximate chronological order from the beginning of the semester through the beginning of October.

You just might see your Lancer having the time of their life!

Move-in Video

New Lancer Days Photos

Longwood Scarf Reveal Photos

Longwood Scarf Reveal and Pep Rally Video

First Day of Classes Photos

Convocation in the Amazing New Joan Perry Brock Center Photos

Convocation Video

Voter Registration Day with alumnus Mike Burns ’05 Photos

Family Weekend Photos

Oktoberfest Bonfire Photos

Color Wars Photos

Color Wars Video

Oktoberfest Saturday Photos

Oktoberfest Highlights Video

—Sabrina Brown

 

Longwood is planning one of its biggest get-togethers ever—it’s also the university’s first Homecoming weekend—and you’re invited!

Parents and other family members are welcome to join in the fun with Longwood alumni and other members of the Lancer family. Your student may already be involved in some of the activities, like the Lancer Family Tailgate, or planning to attend one of the basketball games that weekend, which will be the first in Longwood’s amazing new Joan Perry Brock Center.

There also will be a Flapper Fashion art exhibition opening and reception, a mentalist who will display his extrasensory powers, a postgame party with a live band and baked Alaska (your chance to try Longwood’s signature dessert), a Rolling Stones tribute band at a local restaurant/club and more.

All this is less than a month away!

But don’t worry—you still have time to get in on the energy and excitement by registering now: go.longwood.edu/homecoming
Adults: $35; children (ages 6-17): $15; children (5 and under): FREE.

Here are more of the details.

Register by THIS MONDAY (Oct. 23) for priority access to basketball tickets. You’ll be provided with instructions on how to purchase tickets after you register and before tickets are released to the public, when they’re expected to sell out. The men play on Saturday; the women on Sunday.

Park in one of the nearby lots on campus and walk in to the Lancer Family Tailgate on Saturday, where you’ll be welcomed as part of the Lancer family. Bring your own chairs, food, beverages (alcohol is allowed within the tailgate area), games, etc. There will be a spirit tent with face painting, giveaway Lancer swag and more.

Baked Alaska for Energy—a Great Dance Band to Burn It Off. The excitement from Saturday’s game will spill over into the after-party that evening, where you can rely on baked Alaska to fuel a night of dancing. We’ve booked a high-energy, nine-piece party band—BOUNCE!—that will play tunes proven to get you moving and challenge you to stand still! Registrants 21+ will receive one complimentary drink ticket.

TGIF—It All Starts on Friday. You can get the party started on Friday evening, Nov. 10, at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts with the 5:30-8 p.m. opening reception for Flapper Fashion from the 1920s, an exhibition guest curated by alumna Ashley Webb ’07. At 8 p.m. mentalist Craig Karges will display his extrasensory powers in Jarman Auditorium. Then wrap up the evening at the North Street Press Club, where you can rock out to the iconic music of the Rolling Stones courtesy of cover band Mother’s Little Helpers starting at 9 p.m. Looking for something different? Conclude your evening with a (fun, yet spooky) campus ghost tour instead (hot chocolate and apple cider provided).

For a full schedule of Homecoming & Alumni Weekend activities and to register, visit go.longwood.edu/homecoming

The more the merrier! Hope to see you there!

—Sabrina Brown

 

Students’ success in their academic programs is, of course, important to Longwood faculty and staff—and even alumni—but our commitment doesn’t stop there.

Students’ success after graduation is high on the Longwood community’s list of priorities, as well.

Longwood puts significant resources into providing students with the guidance, experience and skills they need to conduct successful job searches and establish meaningful careers.

These efforts are ongoing throughout the year, but one of the biggest events is happening next week. Career Week is set for Oct. 16-19, and it’s not just for seniors. Any student would benefit from participating. It’s never too soon to start sharpening the skills that can help your student land their dream job or put them solidly on that path.

An encouraging word from you might be all that’s needed to get your student to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Here are just a few activities coming up next week and what your student can gain from them.

Resume and Cover Letter Workshops
—Learn how to present their experience and skills to best advantage
—Get tips on writing a cover letter that will get noticed

Mock Interviews
—Practice answering common job interview questions
—Get feedback on the impression they make

LinkedIn and Networking Workshop
—Learn how to build a professional, engaging LinkedIn profile
—Find out how to increase their visibility with employers

Networking Event with Alumni and Employers
—Practice speaking with potential contacts in an informal setting
—Make networking connections
—Find out about career pathways in their fields of interest

Career, Internship and Engagement Fair
—Have a professional head shot photo taken (free)
—Speak with employers (including those offering internships)
—Find out about graduate school programs

For more information, check out the full schedule of Career Week activities.

—Sabrina Brown

Note: Today’s post is from Waleed Ahmed, associate director of enrollment management and student success at Longwood.

Fall break starts this evening, and I’m sure every freshman is looking forward to taking a deep breath after the last few months that have been packed with a lot of “firsts.”

All of those “firsts” typically cause a whirlwind of emotions—some positive and some challenging—and, as a parent, it’s not always easy to know how to help your student handle the newfound independence of college life and the challenges of higher-level classes.

I’d like to share some resources with you that may help as you welcome your freshman back with loving arms and support them over the break.

• How to Help Your Child Seek Out Support for Common Problems in College
• How to Help Your College Freshman When They’re Homesick
• A Parent’s Guide to College Student Mental Health

If your child is experiencing a lot of emotional and psychological strains, please encourage them to contact Longwood Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) when they return next week. CAPS is a valuable resource dedicated to providing support for students in need.

• Longwood Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

—Waleed Ahmed