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