The Longwood community had the happy task last week of showing new students and their parents the ropes during Orientation.
My job as editor of the alumni magazine and this blog doesn’t directly involve Orientation, but I always enjoy seeing new students and their families during Orientation week.
I hope those of you who are parents of new Longwood students found the answers to your questions and felt reassured that your Lancer will be in good hands when you deliver them to campus next month. In my experience of working at several universities, both public and private, Longwood faculty and staff are among the most caring. They are truly committed to students’ success, both in and outside the classroom.
To the parents of returning students: The excitement surrounding your Lancers’ return to campus is definitely ramping up. We have missed our students this summer!
A traditional kickoff to fall semester
Preparations for the fall semester are in full swing. Especially notable are events on Aug. 25: The G.A.M.E., a march to the sports complex for a game and distribution of this year’s Lancer scarf, and First Friday Back, which will include a pep rally in Longwood’s stunning new Joan Perry Brock Center. (The Brock Center officially opens Aug. 25 and will be the home of our basketball teams and a venue for campus ceremonies and events.)
The new Joan Perry Brock Center, with its arches and white facade, will be the home of Lancer basketball and a venue for ceremonies, concerts and other events.
How to get a Lancer scarf
If you have the chance, please let your student know that to get their Lancer scarf they first need to get a wristband, which can be exchanged for a scarf at the sports complex. Wristbands will be distributed on Aug. 25: New students can get theirs from noon-3 p.m. in front of Lankford Hall; upper-class students can get theirs from 3:15-5:30 p.m. in front of Greenwood Library.
Family Weekend
Also, leaving your student at college for the first time—or even for the last time—can be an adjustment. So mark your calendars for Family Weekend, Sept. 15-16. This is a perfect reason for you to come back to campus—other than just missing your student—to have a few more hours with them and get another hug. Keep an eye on the Longwood website and this blog for more information about registration and planned activities.
Have questions? Get answers here
Finally, if you have questions related to the start of the fall semester (or anything else), send them to questions@longwood.edu and someone will get back to you.
—Sabrina Brown