1839 Collection Bourbon is Back: Sign Up Now for Release Alerts

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Longwood’s newest Homecoming tradition is back for the third year, and it’s specifically for parents, alumni and friends of the university!

On the heels of its spectacular debut in 2023, Longwood’s 1839 Collection bourbon—the product of a partnership between the university and nearby Sandy River Distillery— became a record-setter last year, posting the largest single-day sale ever by a Virginia distiller.

Now Longwood and Sandy River Distillery are poised for the 2025 release of 1839 Collection and expect the single barrel bourbon aged and bottled in Prince Edward County to better last year’s performance of 750 bottles, which sold out in just 44 minutes. (Making the 2025 Reserve bottles even more desirable are this year’s distinctive metallic silver labels!) It’s all happening in time for Longwood’s third annual Homecoming & Alumni Weekend celebration set for Nov. 14-16.

Anyone who is interested in purchasing the limited 2025 Reserve bottles of 1839 Collection can sign up at go.longwood.edu/1839collection to receive email and text alerts when the sale goes live, which could be as early as Monday, Oct.  27.

Sales are limited to two bottles per customer, and 1839 Collection is expected to sell out quickly. So sign up as soon as possible to ensure you’re among the first to know when it goes on sale.

Parents are encouraged to attend Homecoming and experience Lancer spirit firsthand—tailgating, basketball games in the Joan Perry Brock Center and the chance to meet some of your student’s friends. Find out more and register here.

If you purchase 1839 Collection, there are three ways to get your bottle:

Note: There is no shipping outside Virginia at this time.

If you have questions, please contact 1839Collection@longwood.edu.

Here’s a toast to Longwood and our families!

—Longwood Marketing, Communications and Engagement

Midterm Grades: What They Mean and How You Can Help

By Waleed Ahmed
Director of Student Achievement and Support at Longwood

Midterm grades for the fall semester will be posted no later than this Friday, Oct. 24. For many students, they offer the first real academic checkpoint of the semester. These grades don’t go on a transcript and they aren’t the final word, but they can be a useful signal.

As someone who works closely with students, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when parents and families know how to talk about midterm grades with care and curiosity rather than panic or pressure. Whether your student is thriving or struggling, this is a great moment to check in, offer encouragement and help them make the most of the second half of the semester.

What Midterm Grades Are (and Aren’t)

Midterm grades are exactly what they sound like: a snapshot of how your student is doing around the halfway point in the semester. They’re not permanent, and they won’t appear on a transcript, but they are important. They’re designed to give students an early sense of where they stand before finals approach and before the full weight of a course grade is determined.

It’s also important to know that midterm grades don’t always reflect the full picture. In many classes, especially ones with major final projects or cumulative exams, only a few assignments or tests may be graded by midterm. So, while the grade is useful feedback, it might not be the final outcome.

At Longwood, faculty are required to submit midterm grade estimates for all first-year students, ROTC cadets, students on academic notice and upperclassmen earning a D or F. Not every student will receive midterm grades in every course. If your student doesn’t see a midterm grade posted, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. It’s still a great opportunity to encourage them to check in with their professors and ask how they are doing.

Midterm grades are not a judgment. They are a tool. The most successful students are often the ones who take feedback seriously and respond with action.

What to Look For: Red Flags, Yellow Flags and Green Lights

Midterm grades can offer helpful clues about how the semester is unfolding, but knowing how to interpret them is key.

  • Green Light: If your student has mostly A’s and B’s, it’s a good sign they’ve found their footing. Encourage them to keep doing what’s working—attending class, managing their time well and using campus resources proactively. Even students with solid grades benefit from feedback and support, especially in higher-level courses.
  • Yellow Flag: A midterm grade in the C range might not be cause for concern, but it is worth watching. It could reflect a tough first exam, a missed assignment or early struggles with course content. In many cases, there is still time to recover, but it is important for your student to make a plan and reach out for help.
  • Red Flag: D’s or F’s at midterm usually mean your student is at risk of not passing the course. These grades signal the need for immediate action. Visiting professors during student hours, meeting with a tutor or talking to a Student Success coordinator can make a big difference. In some cases, withdrawing from a course might be the best choice, but students should always speak with their academic advisor before making that decision because it can affect financial aid and graduation plans.

Considering Withdrawing from a Course?

If a student is really struggling in a class, it might make sense to withdraw and retake it later. Just keep in mind:
—Dropping below 12 credit hours can affect financial aid.
—Talk to your academic advisor first. They can help you understand your options and plan your next steps. You’ll find your advisor listed in DegreeWorks.
—Withdrawing from a required course could delay graduation.

Can Longwood Give Parents Access to Their Student’s Grades?

Students’ records are protected by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), and we follow those policies. That means we can’t give out grades unless the student has signed a release. If students have signed a release for their academic records, we are able to discuss their academic progress with parents, but we have to do so in a way that’s in the student’s academic interests.

Typically, if a parent calls wanting grades, we’ll respond by asking the student to share them, or we’ll offer to serve as moderators in a conversation in which the student and parent discuss the grades together. We think this approach is in the student’s best interests.

We treat the students as the legal adults they are and help them learn to have the grownup conversations that will continue to be part of their lives.

How Parents Can Support Their Students

As a parent or family member, your approach to midterm grades can make a big difference in how your student responds—especially if the grades weren’t what they hoped for. This is a moment when encouragement, curiosity and partnership go a long way.

Here are a few ways to support your student without taking over:

Ask open-ended questions
Instead of jumping straight to “What happened?” try
—What have you learned about yourself as a student this semester?
—What’s your plan for the rest of the term?
—What resources do you think could help you right now?

Point them toward support, not solutions
Longwood has a wide range of resources. You don’t have to know all the details, but it helps to remind your student that they don’t have to figure it out alone.
Professors’ Student Hours: Faculty are often the first and most helpful resource. Every professor holds regular student hours, which are listed in the course syllabus. These are designated times when students can stop by to ask questions, review material or get clarification directly from the instructor.
Academic Advising: Longwood’s academic advisors support students in more than just course planning. They help students explore majors, stay on track for graduation and navigate academic decisions. Advisor information is available in DegreeWorks.
Tutoring Services: Longwood provides free, peer-led tutoring across a wide range of subjects. Tutors are trained to help students understand difficult material, prepare for exams and improve study strategies. Students can schedule appointments online. Visit the Tutoring Services website
The Writing Center: The Writing Center supports students at any stage of the writing process—whether they’re brainstorming, outlining, revising or polishing a final draft. It’s a valuable resource for all majors, not just English. Visit the Writing Center
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Center: Need help with math, data or Excel? The QR Center offers support for Civitae QR courses, graphs, formulas and more. Visit the QR Center
Student Success Coordinators: These professionals work with students on academic skills including time management, study habits and personal accountability. Their goal is to help students build strong foundations for long-term success. Learn more about Student Success Services

Focus on effort and learning
—College is a major transition. Some students are adjusting to new academic demands, others to independence and many to both. Use this moment to talk about time management, study habits and the value of learning through challenges.

Respect their autonomy while offering a steady hand
—Your student is in the driver’s seat. But like a GPS that helps recalculate the route when needed, your voice can help them refocus without panic.

Questions Students Can Ask Themselves After a Low Midterm Grade

If your student receives a low midterm grade, it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. The key is to reflect honestly and make a plan. Here are a few questions that can help them figure out if—and how—they can recover:

  • How many points are still available in the class?
    (Look at the syllabus or ask the professor to understand what’s left.)
  • Can I realistically earn the grades I need on the remaining assignments or exams?
  • Am I willing and able to increase the time I devote to studying or getting help?
  • Are there personal habits or choices I can change to support a fresh start?
    (This might include managing time better, limiting distractions or improving sleep.)

Encourage your student to be honest but hopeful. A low grade at midterm can be a turning point if it leads to action.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Midterm grades can stir up a range of emotions, both for students and families. Whether your student is feeling confident or concerned, this is a good moment to pause, reflect and make a plan for the rest of the semester.

If the grades are strong, celebrate the habits that led there. If the grades are lower than expected, remind your student that this is not the end of the story. There is still time to improve, and Longwood is here to help.

Your student is learning how to handle challenges, ask for help and take ownership of their education. These are skills that will serve them well long after college. If you ever have questions or want help pointing your student in the right direction, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re here to support them—and you—every step of the way.

Homecoming 2025 will be an exciting weekend for the whole family!

Tailgating with your student and their friends. High-energy basketball games in our top-notch arena. Live music that will keep you dancingCampus tours that will give you a glimpse into your student’s Longwood experience.

All this and more is just a month away at Longwood’s third annual Homecoming & Alumni Weekendset for Nov. 14-16. If you haven’t registered, we’d hate for you to miss it! And we’d love for you to bring the whole family. Lancer spirit will be over the top with the more than 700 alumni, current students, family members and friends expected to attend.

We especially want to make sure you have priority access to purchase tickets to the men’s and women’s basketball matchups in our state-of-the-art arena. Register before Oct. 15 for access to tickets before they’re released to the general public, giving you the first opportunity to secure the best seats for these high-demand games.

So don’t worry, you still have time to get in on the energy and excitement by registering now:

  • Register before Oct. 15 for priority access to purchase basketball tickets in our beautiful Joan Perry Brock Center arena. Please Note: If you want your student to sit with you at the game(s) you’re attending, you’ll need to purchase them a ticket as well. (Students are admitted free to games, but their seating is in a different area from the tickets available to Homecoming attendees.) Current Longwood students do not need to register for Homecoming & Alumni Weekend.
  • Register by Oct. 15 to receive this year’s Go Wood shirt, FREE!
  • All the fun starts on Friday, Nov. 14, with a picnic-style Homecoming Kickoff dinner (including one free drink ticket at the cashless bar) and a pep rally where we’ll unveil this year’s Longwood Scarf. Then we’ll parade together to the Joan Perry Brock Center for the women’s basketball game against Bluefield College. Each Homecoming registrant will receive this year’s Longwood Scarf FREE at this event. Spooky ghost tours of campus cap off Friday night.
  • It wouldn’t be Homecoming without the Lancer Family Tailgate on Saturday, Nov. 15. Be sure to bring your chairs, pack some food and fill your cooler (alcohol is allowed for 21+ within the tailgate area) for one of Longwood’s newest traditions, which starts at 10 a.m. From there, we’ll head to the basketball game as our men take on Binghamton University. Want to reserve your own tailgate space? See your registration confirmation email for more details.
  • After the game, join us for a Lancer Block Party Saturday night featuring food trucks, exclusive discounts for registered guests with Homecoming credentials and live music at North Street Press Club by The Porch Gliders, one of Farmville’s most popular dance bands.
  • Also on Saturday, at 8 p.m., your registration includes a mind-blowing performance by acclaimed illusionist Mike Superwinner of NBC’s Phenomenon and finalist on America’s Got Talent. Brought to campus by Lancer Productions, Super is known for his jaw-dropping illusions and captivating stage presence. He promises to deliver a high-energy, family-friendly evening of entertainment.

Need more details about why this is a weekend you don’t want to miss? View the full Homecoming & Alumni Weekend schedule and register today at go.longwood.edu/homecoming.

Adults: $35 (through Oct. 31); children (ages 6-17): $15; children (5 and under): FREE.

We hope to see you there!

Please contact the Office of Alumni and Career Success if you have any additional questions. They can be reached at (434) 395-2044 or alumni@longwood.edu.

—Sabrina Brown

 

 

Consider giving your student a lasting symbol of their time at Longwood

During my 13-plus years at Longwood, I have heard so many students and alumni say how much they love Longwood and how important their years here are to them—even decades after they graduate.

The biggest gift-giving season of the year will be here soon. Here’s one idea: Give your student a lasting symbol of one of the most important experiences of their life—a Longwood class ring.

Longwood makes your gift even more special with its spring Ring Ceremony, where families are invited to campus to be part of the moment when students receive their rings.

Next week and in the coming months, students can look at class ring styles, try them on, find their ring size and even place their orders. (Or you can place your order online here.)

Your student can meet with a representative from Balfour, provider of Longwood’s official class rings, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the dates below in the first floor lounge of the Upchurch University Center.
Oct. 13-15, 2025
Nov. 10-12, 2025
Dec. 2-3, 2025
Jan. 27-28, 2026

Orders placed through Feb. 5, 2026, are eligible to be presented at the Ring Ceremony, set for Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the Rotunda.

Putting your college class ring on your finger for the first time is an important moment, and Longwood’s Ring Ceremony marks the occasion with the emotional richness it deserves.

The day before the ceremony, staff from the alumni office place all rings in a treasure chest designed and decorated by members of CHI, Princeps and CAHOOTS, three of Longwood’s oldest secret societies. The chest remains in the Rotunda overnight under the watchful eye of “Joanie on the Stony,” one of the university’s three statues of Joan of Arc, to infuse the rings with blue and white Longwood spirit. During the ceremony the next day, students are presented their rings as they hear from a member of Longwood’s administration and a representative of the Alumni Board. Following the ceremony, students and their families are invited to the Rotunda lobby for photos and a special reception hosted by the Longwood Alumni Association.

—Sabrina Brown

Career Week: Helping your student navigate to a successful career

The Career Engagements

We know that parents see a college education as an investment in their children’s future. That’s why Longwood has invested heavily not only in its academic programs but also in services that help students navigate to a successful career.

Career Week, being held next week from Sept. 29-Oct. 3, is a prime example of the services Longwood’s Center for Career Success offers your student.

From workshops demonstrating how to dress for a professional interview to career panels and networking events with Longwood alumni in a wide range of professions, Career Week offers practical, boots-on-the-ground advice. And it’s not just for seniors. Students who start planning their career strategy in freshman year will reap many rewards.

Please encourage your student to take advantage of Career Week. Students are encouraged but not required to pre-register for events. (They are eligible for prizes if they pre-register and attend).

Your student can find all the Career Week details and links to register here: https://www.longwood.edu/career/careerweek/

Here are a few highlights of the week:

Monday: Walk-in Hours: resume and cover letter review, interview preparation and practice, job and internship guidance, and more
Tuesday: Dress for Success Workshops
Wednesday: Five Career Panels with Professional Alumni; Student-Alumni-Employer Networking Session
Thursday: Career, Internship and Graduate School Fair
Friday: Center for Career Success Porch Party/Open House

 —Sabrina Brown

Planning for Fall Break

It feels as if the semester just started—but it’s already time to get ready for fall break. Whether your student is planning to come home for the break or stay on campus, I hope this information will be helpful.

Fall break is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, through noon Sunday, Oct. 12.

If your student lives in Longwood-managed housing and plans to stay 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. Wednesday, Oct. 8, and noon Sunday, Oct. 12, 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 becomes available today, Monday, Sept. 22, and must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Filling out this form gives students uninterrupted ID card access to their housing (where applicable) and notifies Campus Police that they will or may be staying on campus during all or part of the break.

If your student asks, please let them know they should not cancel any academic or other personal obligations during the break period. Instead they can have continued access to their assigned living space by submitting the Intent to Stay form.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students planning to stay on campus in Sharp, Register and Stubbs halls during fall break should be aware that hot water will not be available during part of the break due to repairs and upgrades to the steam plant lines. Steam is expected to be shut off from late afternoon Wednesday, Oct. 8, at least through Friday, Oct. 10.

If your student lives in Longwood-managed housing and is coming home for the break period, 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. Apartment thermostats should be set with the fan in the AUTO position so that it will continue to operate during students’ absence. Apartment residents should NOT put the thermostat/fan in the OFF position. Adjust the temperature and the heat/cool settings based on the expected temperatures.
—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. Exception: Lancer Park residents should leave the porch light on.
—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. Similar to the one-way traffic flow of August move-in, 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. Use Redford Street (McDonald’s intersection) only to EXIT campus.

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).
  • No guests are allowed in university housing during the break.
  • The dining hall will close after dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and re-open for dinner on Sunday, Oct. 12.  Regular hours of operation resume on Monday, Oct. 13. 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. Wednesday, Oct. 8, and will resume at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. 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.
  • For general assistance from Campus Police during the break, students can call 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

The Evidence: 2025-26 is off to a great start!

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If your student hasn’t filled you in about what’s happened so far this fall—or even if they have—you might enjoy seeing proof that there’s been plenty going on here since classes started in August. From one of Longwood’s most beloved traditions to the newest restaurants in town, here’s a generous helping of photos, videos and information to help keep you in the Longwood loop. You might even catch a glimpse of your student!

Convocation
With celebration and caps decorated to the max, Convocation marked the start of seniors’ final year. Everyone loves Convocation, and parents are invited!
See the photos
Watch the video
Read all about it

Family Weekend
Family Weekend brought laughter, “missed you” hugs, and families experiencing their students’ home away from home.
See the photos

Future Educators Pinning Ceremony
Our future educators received their pins, and they’re ready to make an impact—marking the next step in their campus-to-classroom journey.
See the photos

Involvement and Volunteer Fair
Longwood is built on connections. This event helped your Lancers find out the many ways they can get engaged and find their people. With 120 clubs and organizations, there’s something for everyone.
See the photos

What’s New on the Menu in Farmville
We’ve got some delicious new neighbors in town. Hear what students have to say about the fare at Farmville’s newest restaurants—from hot honey bacon pizza to roasted-right-here coffee. (Plus there’s a popular burrito chain on the way!)
Watch the video

First Friday Back
TGIF! First Friday Back was the perfect blend of campus spirit and community vibes for the entire student body!
See the photos

New Lancer Days
“Welcome” doesn’t even begin to say it all. Our newest students got their first taste of what it means to be part of the Longwood family.
See the photos

Want to See More Photos—and Download Your Favorites?
Longwood’s photographers take literally hundreds of photos at many student events, including the ones mentioned above. If you’d like to look through our archive and download your favorites—you can!  Just click here and enter the password lancers1839. If you see a photo you’d like to download, just click on it. Then look for the download arrow in the top right corner of the black area above (or to the right) of the photo. Click on the arrow, and the photo will download to your computer. Enjoy!

—Sabrina Brown

Family Weekend, Sept. 12-14: Check in, hug your student, have fun

Come Sept. 12 it will have been about three weeks since you moved your student into their residence hall or other housing on campus or in Farmville.

Are you missing them? Are they missing you?

If you answered “yes” to either of those questions, then think about taking advantage of Family Weekend, Sept. 12-14, to check in, see how your student is doing and get a hug. Lots of other parents and families will be heading to Longwood, too, so you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with them.

Registration deadline is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. The cost is $25 per adult and children 6 and up. (Children 5 and under and Longwood students attend free of charge.) Register here.

Another great thing about Family Weekend is that so much is going on that weekend. Almost all events are free or included in your registration. For the full Family Weekend schedule, click here. Here’s a sampling:

            Friday Evening

            5-8 p.m. Opening reception for the latest exhibits at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts. The Fishin’ Pig will provide complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and other beverages! free 
            6-8 p.m. Farmville Fridays in Riverside Park featuring live music and local food trucks. free admission
            8:15-10:15 p.m. Game Night in Upchurch University Center’s Soza Ballroom. Can you say “BINGO!” OR head to Stubbs lawn at 8:30 to watch Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning under the stars (free popcorn and beverages; bring your own blankets and lawn chairs). included in registration

            Saturday

            9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Heart of Virginia Festival offers crafts, children’s activities, fair food favorites, live music and more, much of it taking place right on Longwood’s front doorstep. free admission
            1-3 p.m. Hands-on pottery class. Create your own ceramics piece under the guidance of a Longwood art professor. (separate pre-registration and additional fee required; 30-person capacity)

             Saturday Evening

            8 p.m. Mentalist Tom Kennedy will astonish you, make you laugh and keep you on the edge of your seat—all in a family-friendly format. included in registration

Now is the time to register and make your plans! Hope to see you the weekend of Sept. 12-14!

—Sabrina Brown

How to help your student get off to a great start

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

BookBundle: The convenient, no-worries choice for your student’s course materials

With the first day of classes less than a month away, I’m sure many of you are deep into preparations for bringing your student to campus later this month for the 2025-26 academic year.

Part of those preparations may involve making sure your student has the books and other course materials they need for their fall semester classes. As you think about that, please keep in mind the benefits of our new BookBundle program, which is designed to make accessing required course materials easier and often more affordable. Students will receive an email next week with the subject “Access Your Materials” that will provide instructions for accessing their course materials via BookBundle. 

Some students have already decided not to participate in BookBundle, which we understand is a carefully considered and individual decision. For those of you who are still considering your options, here is some information you may find helpful.

BookBundle Benefits 

  • Convenient: All required materials based on your student’s course schedule are prepared by the Longwood University Store. No scouring the internet or worries about materials arriving in time. If your student decides to drop a course on or before the last day of the add/drop period, they will receive a full refund automatically.  
  •  All Inclusive: With BookBundle, all of your student’s required materials are included in one all-inclusive, no-surprises price that is charged to your student’s account for easy payment each term.
  • Digital Access: Digital course materials will be automatically available to your student in Canvas by the first day of class. 
  • Print Materials: If physical materials are required, your student will receive an email at their live.longwood.edu address with instructions and information about picking up their materials.  
  • Easy Out, Easy Back In: Students not interested in participating in the program can opt out with no penalty by 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (If you have trouble opting out, please contact the Longwood University Store at bookstore@longwood.edu or 434-990-6716.) If your student has already opted out and wants to opt back in, they can do so until the opt-out deadline of 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. 

If your student decides to opt out, please keep in mind that they are opting out of receiving required materials for all their courses and are responsible for sourcing their own required course materials through the Longwood University Store or elsewhere.  

Need more info or have questions? Visit our BookBundle page and FAQs or reach out to the team at the Longwood University Store at bookstore@longwood.edu or 434-990-6716.

We can’t wait to welcome your student to campus in a few weeks!

 —Sabrina Brown