MISSION STATEMENT

Longwood University and Its Programs

MISSION

Longwood University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to the development of citizen leaders who are prepared co make positive contributions to the common good of society. Building upon its strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, Longwood provides an environment in which exceptional teaching fosters student learning, scholarship, and achievement. As the only four-year public institution in south central Virginia, Longwood serves as a catalyst for regional prosperity and advancement.

VISION

Longwood University will be recognized as the top comprehensive public institution in the South through its focus on.attracting and retaining a diverse faculty recognized for excellence in teaching, attracting outstanding students, providing challenging instruction of the highest quality and providing an academic and residential life environment that develops citizen leadership skills. To achieve this vision, all members of the Longwood community will be dedicated to the highest standards of academic distinction and quality of life, and will examine, reaffirm, and refine those aspects of the college experience chat collectively make Longwood an exceptional learning community.

To ensure the vitality of the learning community, Longwood will increase enrollments while maintaining its inherent character and enhancing its academic quality. The learning community will provide high levels of faculty directed research; student-faculty interaction; active and collaborative learning experiences; enriched educational offerings, including internships and cross-culcural opportunities; and engagement with technology.

Dynamic teaching and superior scholarship that directly influence student learning and increase academic achievement will characterize the Longwood University learning community. Student accomplishments will be defined by es.tablished competencies that demonstrate a sound grasp of the liberal arts and sciences as well as the ability to think critically, respond creatively, and apply knowledge to the resolution of practical issues. Assessment of these competencies will be used to ensure continuous improvement of the educational experience.

The curriculum, incorporating the appropriate use of instructional technology, will be refined to ensure its relevance to the mission of developing citizen leaders. It will continue to provide a rigorous foundation in the liberal arts and sciences and elevate Longwood's exceptional professional programs, such as teacher education and business, to the highest regional and national standards.

The University embraces all members of the diverse campus community, leading to a collegial climate where divergent ideas are respected. Longwood will be committed to community service and outreach devoted to local, regional, national and global advancement.

The improvement of learning and quality of life will permeate all institutional practices including the design of co-curricular programs, which foster integration and coordination of academics and student life; supportive student services; and the creation of physical facilities that contribute to the overall development of students.

Longwood's careful and responsible stewardship of human, fiscal, and environmental resources will be continuously improved to incorporate the most effective methods and practices in supporting the institution's v1s10n. Approved by the Longwood Board ofVisitors, December I, 2001

Location

Longwood University is located in historic Farmville, Virginia - 65 miles west of Richmond and Petersburg, 48 miles ease of Lynchburg, and 60 miles south of Charlottesville. U.S. Highways 15 and 460 intersect in town. Commercial bus systems provide service to the town.

Farmville is a pleasant college town with a population of 6,500; it is the business and education center of the area. Located in and near town are churches, hotels, motels, a country club, a municipal airport, and a community hospital. Hampden-Sydney College, a liberal arts college for men, is five miles south of the campus. Many points of interest are within a short distance of Farmville, including Appomattox Courthouse and Sailors Creek Bacdefield.