If you’re thinking about what to give your Lancer this holiday season, you might want to consider a Longwood class ring.

In addition to being a lasting memento of one of the most pivotal times of their lives, a class ring gives your junior or senior Lancer—as well as their invited guests—the opportunity to participate in Longwood’s Ring Ceremony. It’s a cherished tradition where Longwood President W. Taylor Reveley IV and a member of the Alumni Board present students with their rings, which have spent the previous night in a special locked chest in the Rotunda.

The next Ring Ceremony is set for Saturday, March 25, 2023. The final date to purchase a ring in time for it to be presented at the 2023 Ring Ceremony is Feb. 9, 2023. Everyone who purchases a ring by Feb. 9, 2023, will receive an invitation to the ceremony.

Balfour is the only company to offer the official Longwood ring. Visit the Balfour website to see options and costs.

More information is available online about purchasing a ring and the Ring Ceremony. Or contact Alumni and Career Services at alumni@longwood.edu.

—Sabrina Brown

Student life has been in full swing this fall, and we’ve got the photos to prove it.

From Family Weekend in September to Oktoberfest, from Lip Sync to Halloween and everything in between, your Lancers have been making the most of their extracurricular college experience—always secondary to their academic studies, of course.

Check out the photo albums below, and you might catch a glimpse of your student!

Lip Sync Battle

What could be better than singing and dancing the night away with a group of friends? Add some friendly competition among Greek organizations, and you’ve got a Longwood tradition that rocks.

Nursing White Coat Ceremony

When Longwood nursing sophomores are cloaked in their bright new white coats, they mark an important transformative moment in the life of any pre-service nurse: entrance into clinical practice. The white coat ceremony symbolizes the deep-rooted mission of both the Longwood and the nursing program: commitment to the community and humanistic care.

The Halloween Scene

Have your students outgrown Halloween? One look at these photos will give you the answer to that question. With haunted houses, the baseball team’s Spooky Slugfest, pumpkin carvings and more, students stretched out their Halloween celebration for maximum effect this year.

A Friendly Game of Football

For more than a decade, Longwood’s top intramural flag football team and its counterpart at Hampden-Sydney College, located just down the road, have engaged in a friendly rivalry, alternating hosting duties each year. This year was Longwood’s turn to stage the game on its home turf at Lancer Park, making the Lancers’ victory all the sweeter. Intramural basketball teams from the two schools have a similar annual matchup in the spring.

Oktoberfest

Concerts, Color Wars and Klowns, oh my! Thanks to Hurricane Ian, Oktoberfest 2022 stretched over two weekends, and students made the most of the elongated schedule.

Here Come the Klowns and Other Oktoberfest Merrymakers

Color Wars

“Cowboy Boogie” with Blanco Brown

Oktoberfest Service Walk benefiting Longwood’s Service Dog Training and Education Program

Family Weekend

Students shared their love of campus and Farmville during Family Weekend, which this year coincided with the Heart of Virginia Festival.

—Sabrina Brown

You can be sure your students are counting the days until Thanksgiving break. It’s been a busy semester!

Before I get into some logistical information about the break, I would like to wish you and your family a happyThanksgiving. I think I’m speaking for everyone here when I say that we are very thankful for this wonderful Longwood community we all share. We care deeply about providing your student with a college experience that prepares them for a successful and meaningful life as a citizen leader.

If your student lives in Longwood-managed housing and is staying 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. Tuesday, Nov. 22, and noon Sunday, Nov. 27, 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 must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21.

If your student lives in Longwood-managed housing and is coming home for the holidays, 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.
—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.
—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. Pickup is set for 8 a.m.-8. p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22; drop off is noon- 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. Similar to August move-in and fall break, 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. You will not be able to turn onto Spruce Street from the entrance across from McDonald’s; that access is closed for construction.

If your student asks, please let them know they should not cancel any academic or other personal obligations during the time there will be limited access to Longwood-managed housing. Instead, they should fill out the Intent to Stay form.

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).
• The dining hall will close after dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 22, and re-open for dinner on Sunday, Nov. 27.  Regular hours of operation resume on Monday, Nov. 28. 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. Tuesday, Nov. 22, and will resume at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. 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.
• Campus offices will be closed Nov. 23-25.  
• For general assistance from Campus Police during the break, students can all 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

Longwood is taking the opportunity next week to recognize its first-generation college students in connection with national First Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8.

Representatives from Longwood’s First-Generation Student Success Working Group of faculty and staff will be greeting students and handing out information and treats at a table on Brock Commons on Monday, Nov. 7, and Wednesday, Nov. 9, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

If your student is “first-gen,” defined as the first person in a family to receive a bachelor’s degree, encourage them to stop by for a dose of heartfelt support and encouragement. If your student is not first-gen, this is an opportunity to find out more about some of their fellow students who may face different challenges from those whose families broke the path to college for them.

The inaugural First-Generation College Celebration was held in 2017 as an initiative of the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success. Since then it’s become an annual event on Nov. 8, the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which included programs designed to help first-generation college students be successful.

Support for first-gen students at Longwood is available on a daily basis in many forms, including from the more than 60 faculty and staff members who have self-identified as “First Gen Allies,” a number of them first-gen college graduates themselves.

Of course, Longwood is committed to the success of all of its students and makes numerous resources available to everyone, including the Center for Academic Success, which offers tutoring, writing assistance, coaching groups and more.

“I say regularly that we were all first-gen at some point in our family experiences,” said Dean of Engagement Cheryl Steele, who leads the First-Generation Student Success group established about six years ago. “We want students, faculty and staff to recognize and celebrate the presence of our first-gen students and for those students to feel recognized and affirmed.”

—Sabrina Brown

If your student is saying they don’t know how or where to make friends here at Longwood, we’ve got you covered!

One of the best ways to make friends is to get involved in activities where the group is relatively small, providing opportunities to talk with others in a relaxed environment and who share an interest.

Maybe you’ll see something below (just a few examples of what’s offered here) that would be a great fit for your student. Encourage them to take just a small step outside their comfort zone. It will be worth it!

Celebrating Halloween

Haunted House

Friday, Oct. 28, 8-9:30 p.m., Soza Ballroom, Upchurch University Center
It’s another crazy, scary, scream-worthy Halloween event by Lancer Productions!

Learning Something New

Bowties & Bites

Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Ground Floor Lobby, Upchurch University Center
Have a special event coming up? Attending a job interview? Don’t know how to tie a tie? Stop by and grab a bite while you learn to tie a tie or bowtie.

Irish Dance Workshops

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2-3 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 3, 7-8 p.m., Group Fitness Room, Health and Fitness Center
Bring out your inner Irish with these workshops where you’ll learn some Irish dance steps. No experience necessary! Just bring tennis shoes/socks you can dance in.

Sign Language Club

Alternating Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Participants learn all about ASL and Deaf culture in a stress-free, exciting environment! All fluency levels are accepted—especially beginners! Contact luslc1819@gmail.com for meeting locations and the date of the next meeting.

Staying Healthy—Mentally and Physically

 Well-Being Clinics

Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m., Room 313, Upchurch University Center; Thursdays, 4-5 p.m., on Zoom
These clinics teach students how to manage their mental health through mindfulness, communication skills, preventative behaviors, tolerating difficult emotions and making changes. Email glassjl@longwood.edu for Zoom link (ID: longwoodcaps) and more info.

Group Fitness Classes

Various times and locations, Health and Fitness Center
Classes offered include Spin Express, Dance-versity, Barbells, Spin Bootcamp, Fast Fitness Circuit and Yoga. Schedules: https://www.longwood.edu/recreation/

Longwood Recovers Group Meetings

Fridays, 3 p.m., Room 309C, Upchurch University Center
If your student is in recovery or if they might have a problem with alcohol or drug addiction, Longwood Recovers is here to help. It provides a place for students facing these challenges to come together in a nonjudgmental, noncritical, private forum for discussion and support. Individual meetings with Longwood’s recovery support staff also are available. http://www.longwood.edu/longwoodrecovers/

Eating Out with Friends (For Free!)

Catholic Campus Ministry Dinner

Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Midtown Square (next to Chick-fil-A)
It’s dinner compliments of Catholic Campus Ministry every Tuesday night. The evening also includes a message and games.

Wesley Campus Ministry Dinner

Tuesdays, 5 p.m., 204 High Street
Join this organization sponsored by the United Methodist Church for a free home-cooked meal, fellowship and worship.

Other Ways To Get Involved

Music ensembles: Longwood has numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles that can be taken as classes (or audited) by music majors and nonmajors as well as student organizations focused on making music.

Intramurals and club sports: A wide variety of sports are offered and geared for everyone from beginners to more advanced players.

Theatre productions: From acting to creating scenery to handling lighting—there are many ways to contribute.

The Rotunda: Longwood’s student newspaper is always looking for good writers, photographers and graphic designers.

WMLU: Longwood’s student-run radio station broadcasts 24 hours a day and offers many ways for students to get involved.

Student Employment: Meeting people is easier at work! Student jobs are available across campus.

—Sabrina Brown

 

Today’s post gives you the “skinny” on some opportunities for parents and for students. I hope you find the information helpful.

Need help with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
Attend one—or all—of these webinars

The FAFSA for the 2023-24 year opened Oct. 1. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid—including grants, loans and scholarships—must fill out the form each year.

Many of you are probably old hands at filling out the FAFSA by now, but for others it undoubtedly is still a challenge. Honestly, most of the parents I know who have grappled with this form consider successfully completing it to be a major triumph, something along the lines of climbing Mt. Everest.

However, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Longwood’s Office of Financial Aid is ready to lend a hand. They’re offering a series of webinars to help you prepare for and understand the FAFSA. You can access these virtual webinars here, https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/j/91000769600.

FAFSA Webinar Schedule
Oct. 21              7-8 p.m.
Nov. 12              10-11 a.m.
Jan. 13               7-8 p.m.
Feb. 11               10-11 a.m.
Feb. 25             10-11 a.m.

Keep in mind that Longwood’s priority filing deadline is March 1, 2023. The Office of Financial Aid must receive your student’s FAFSA by this date to determine their eligibility for most federal and state grants. If a student submits the FAFSA after this date, they would miss their opportunity to receive this gift aid.

 If you have a question or concern about the FAFSA that you’d like to address one-on-one with a financial aid staff member, you can make an appointment for a virtual meeting here: go.longwood.edu/finaidappt.

A Great Campus Job
Applications now being accepted for resident assistants

If your student plans to live on campus next year and will have at least one year of campus residence by the beginning of the fall semester, they might want to consider applying to be a resident assistant. Applications, which can be found online here, are being accepted through noon on Friday, Dec. 2.

Resident assistants get free housing and a base meal plan. They also get great leadership, decision-making and event-planning experience that will enhance their resumes when they are searching for that first job after college.

Students eligible to apply must
—Be a full-time student while employed
—Have no judicial record
—Have lived in Longwood-managed housing for one academic year prior to fall 2023
—Have a minimum 2.5 GPA (both semester and cumulative)
—Commit to the entire 2023-24 academic year (fall and spring semesters; this means  student teachers, students studying abroad for a full semester, peer mentors, varsity athletes and students graduating in fall 2023 are not eligible)​​

In addition, the housing office looks for students who
—Are involved and love helping others
—Advocate for their peers and are creative
—Are willing to learn and meet new people

$3,000 Study Abroad Scholarships Available

Longwood’s Center for Global Engagement is offering a new scholarship this year: the ESC Summer Leadership Program Scholarship, which will award $3,000 each to two Lancers to use for participation in this excellent program through the European Study Center in Strasbourg, France. Students in the program can choose between two four-week summer sessions worth 6 credits each.

Applications, which can be found online here, are due no later than Nov. 1. Questions can be sent to studyabroad@longwood.edu.

—Sabrina Brown

Coming up the week of Oct. 17 is Longwood’s Career Week. It’s a week full of helpful job search-related workshops, opportunities to network with alumni and a career fair.

I was surprised to hear in a meeting this week that many students wait until deep into the spring semester of their senior year to start their job searches.

I’m hoping you can encourage your student to be proactive and take advantage of Career Week. And consider passing along this message from Longwood’s Career Services: “The most successful and least stressful job searches start early!”

Career Week is the perfect time for students to get a head start on writing a killer resume and cover letter, honing their job interview skills, making connections with Longwood alumni working in areas they’re interested in, and finding out what they can do now to get the kind of experience and skills that will land the job they want when they graduate.

Also, please let your student know they can get FREE business cards as part of Career Week. Here’s the order form. The last day to order cards is Oct. 14.

And finally, if your student is home this weekend, it’s a good time for them to grab some business casual/professional clothing to bring to campus for the career fair and networking event.

Details of Career Week are below. No registration is required for students for any of the workshops or other activities.

Monday, October 17, 2022

Walk-in Mock Interviews
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Maugans Alumni Center, G04
To make the most of Career Week, students should come to the Office of Alumni and Career Services to practice their answers to common interview questions. These will be first-come, first-serve and will take roughly 30-45 minutes.

Resume and Cover Letter Workshop
4 p.m. | Allen Hall, Room 101
Join us for a Resume and Cover Letter Workshop to prepare yourself to network with alumni and employers during the Career fair on Oct. 20. We will be covering current standards in formatting, appearance, and content, as well as how to highlight your skills and abilities to fit the jobs you want.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Walk-in Mock Interviews
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Maugans Alumni Center, G04
To make the most of Career Week, students should come to the Office of Alumni and Career Services to practice their answers to common interview questions. These will be first-come, first-serve and will take roughly 30-45 minutes.

LinkedIn and Networking Workshop
4 p.m. | Allen Hall, Room 101
Increase your employer visibility and marketability by building a professional, updated, and engaging LinkedIn profile using advice and feedback from industry professionals.

Graduate School Preparation Workshop
6 p.m. | Allen Hall, Room 101
Learn more about how to research and choose a program; get application tips and advice, and assistance in crafting strong personal statements; and gain insight into what graduate school admissions boards are looking for.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Minority Student and Alumni Networking Session
5-6 p.m. | Rotunda
Longwood Career Services would like to invite all minority students to attend a networking session with fellow alumni and career leaders to learn about their career paths and advice, build relationships and develop their professional network. Following this special session, we will move to the general networking session in the Colonnades from 6-8 p.m.

Alumni, Student, and Employer Networking Event
6-8 p.m. | Colonnades
Build your professional network by connecting with alums across dozens of fields and industries at our student, alumni, employer networking event. A professional cocktail-party style will help you feel comfortable at events in the future as alumni help you build toward your career goals.

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Career, Internship and Engagement Fair
1-4 p.m. | Maugans Alumni Center, Blackwell Ballroom
Join alumni, employers and graduate school representatives at our Career Expo to learn more about how to get the career you want, what top industry players are looking for in new hires, and how you can get a step ahead of other applicants. You’ll be able to take a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile, develop your professional network and enjoy learning more about companies that want to #HireLancers.

Events and locations are subject to change. For the latest and most up-to-date information, visit the Career Week website: http://go.longwood.edu/careerweek

—Sabrina Brown

Here’s some happy news!

For the first time, Longwood is a top-five regional public university in the South, according to the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings released on Sept. 12.

Over the last decade, Longwood has charted a steady climb up the annual rankings, this year marking its first-ever appearance as the No. 5 public university in the South regional category and the seventh straight year in the top 10 in the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The rankings rise coincides with a continued investment in small classes taught by full-time professors, a course of action few public universities have taken. More than two-thirds of Longwood classes have 20 or fewer students, the highest percentage of any Virginia public college or university.

Longwood’s latest U.S. News ranking continues the steady upward trajectory that spans the last decade. Since 2014, the university has climbed to No. 5 from No. 14 among public institutions in the South regional category. Among public and private regional universities, Longwood has climbed to No. 16 from No. 31 in that same time period.

The university has also maintained its rising trajectory in the Best Value in the South list, up more than 10 spots from two years ago to No. 35 overall.

You can read the full story, which includes Longwood’s position in some other notable rankings, here: http://www.longwood.edu/news/2022/rankings/

Feel free to deploy any of these “bragging points” when you’re talking with friends and family about universities your children are attending.

Having issues with Emergency Alerts?

We’ve heard from a few parents that they have signed up to receive Longwood emergency alerts but have not seen any so far. We’ve checked, and in almost all cases, there’s some missing information on the account —for example, a phone number or an email.

If you’re experiencing this issue, please check to make sure your account lists your email and cell number. Here’s how to do that:

• Log into https://longwood.omnilert.net using the username and password you have already created
• Make sure your cell phone number and carrier information is correct in the “SMS Numbers” box. You can add multiple cell numbers if you’d like.
• Make sure your email information is correct in the “Email Addresses” box. You can add multiple emails if you’d like.
• If you need to add a new SMS number or email address, make sure to click the “Add New” button or your information will not save.

 If you continue to experience issues, please email questions@longwood.edu, and we’ll help resolve them.

Family Weekend Music Showcase

I hope we’ll see you this weekend for Family Weekend and the Heart of Virginia Festival. If you’re looking for a place to get out of the heat, drop by Jarman Auditorium at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, for a showcase of Longwood student musicians (and a sprinkling of faculty and staff, including me!).

The Chamber Orchestra kicks off the program, which will also include performances by the Camerata Singers, the Wind Symphony and several other musical groups and soloists. The program should conclude about 2:15.

—Sabrina Brown

 

What do Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Leonardo da Vinci and Frederick Douglass all have in common? Each of these famous figures kept a journal or diary to record their experiences, thoughts or feelings.

What do Longwood’s Greenwood Library and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) have in common? They both care about your student’s well-being.

Now, you may be wondering, what’s the connection between journaling, the library and CAPS?

The library and CAPS have teamed up to offer a series of workshops for students aimed at enhancing their well-being and funded by a $19,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Next up is:

Writing for Well-Being: Journaling Workshop
1-2 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, Greenwood Library Children’s Literature Room

At tomorrow’s workshop, students will receive a free journal and learn about the benefits of journaling, which include reducing stress and anxiety. Here’s more from Kaiser Permanente about the benefits of journaling: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.7-benefits-of-keeping-a-journal

Additional workshops scheduled for this semester:

Finding Meaning in Suffering: Authors’ Presentation
7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, Room 105 Radcliff Hall
Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren, a psychologist, and Sara Showalter Van Tongeren, a licensed clinical social worker, will discuss their book The Courage to Suffer: A New Clinical Framework for Life’s Greatest Crises. Their talk will touch on resilience, finding meaning in the struggle and mental health. The first 50 attendees to arrive will receive a free copy of the book.

Connections Through Crocheting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, Room 147 Greenwood Library

Hobbies are great ways to support mental health, and many people find crocheting a relaxing activity. In this class, participants will get started on a project with a simple pattern. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required and should be open online next month. If your student is interested, they can check the library website for the link to the registration form starting in early October. (Encourage your student to sign up even if there’s a waiting list—there will be another class soon!)

If you think your student would benefit from any or all of these programs, please encourage them to attend! And they’re also open to the community, so you are welcome as well!

—Sabrina Brown

 These programs are part of the project Well-Being in the Heart of Campus: Community Connections at Greenwood Library, a partnership between Greenwood Library and Longwood CAPS. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, ARPML-250933-OMLS-22.

Your Lancers have had a busy week and a half, but so has our university photographer, Courtney Vogel.

Take a stroll through these galleries on Facebook, and you just might see a familiar face—most likely lit up with a big smile. There’s a lot of that going around on campus these days, as you can see in these photos from move-in, New Lancer Days, The G.A.M.E. (a favorite Lancer tradition) and more.

We’re so happy to have our students back! This place just isn’t the same without them.

The G.A.M.E. (Greatest athletics march ever)

http://go.longwood.edu/2022thegame

First Day of Classes

http://go.longwood.edu/2022firstdayofclasses

Honor and Integrity Ceremony

http://go.longwood.edu/2022honorceremony

New Lancer Days

http://go.longwood.edu/2022newlancerdays

Move-in

http://go.longwood.edu/2022movein

—Sabrina Brown