Longwood University
Volume 7 Issue 1
CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services By: Dr. Jenny Glass Campus Advocate/Mental Health Counselor Dear Longwood Parents and Families: I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my position, and the new services being offered at Longwood University. I joined Longwood University in July as the Campus Advocate/Mental Health Counselor in Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) after earning a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology in May 2015. I have experience in multiple settings, including community mental health, in-patient psychiatric units, and college counseling. While on internship with the Veteran’s Affairs, I received extensive training in evidence-based treatment of trauma. Here at Longwood, I serve a dual role. As a Mental Health Counselor, I work with students to help students generate solutions for issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment or relationship issues, and recovery from trauma. Campus Advocates have existed at Longwood for some time; however, due to recent legislation changes by the Commonwealth of Virginia which required advocates to also be mental health professionals, I am now the designated Campus Advocate and provide a number of different services. I am available to assist students who have experienced sexual discrimination and harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, dating and relationship violence, as well as stalking and retaliation regardless of the location of the incident(s). In this role, I provide support, confidential counseling, advocacy services, and assist students in obtaining reasonable and appropriate resources when necessary. Students and responsible employees have been able to report gender-based crimes that fall under Title IX, which initiated a full investigation of the alleged misconduct. The addition of the Campus Advocate/Mental Health Counselor now offers students the opportunity to complete a Limited Report, during which I gather details of the nature, date, time, and general location of an incident, and report that information to the Title IX Coordinator without revealing generally identifiable information about the complainant. It should be noted that if the Title IX Coordinator deems the incident to pose a serious or immediate threat to the University, Longwood Police may be notified to issue a timely warning to the campus community. Any such warning will not include information that identifies the victim). Students who initially pursue a Limited Report may choose to initiate a full investigation at any time and trigger a Title IX investigation. Additionally, students may wish to speak confidentiality about an incident without initiating a report, which they may do with myself, any CAPS providers within the context of counseling, and medical staff at the student health clinic. Besides the new reporting options, I will also be leading a Trauma Support Group beginning in the spring semester of 2016. This group will provide a safe place for those who have experienced trauma to seek support from mental health professionals and peers. My goal with this group, and as the Campus Advocate/Mental Health Counselor, is to provide students with care that is sensitive to their experience and needs. I am honestly thrilled to have been able to join the Longwood community and I enjoy serving our students.
Longwood University 201 High Street Farmville, VA 23909
SNAP SHOT About the Pillar
The Pillar is a newsletter for parents and families published by the Office of First Year Experience and Family Programs. The publication provides Longwood families with information regarding university and community events, student and staff projects, campus programs, and Parents Council updates. The newsletter is a great way for parents and families to stay connected with the happenings at Longwood University. There are four editions of the newsletter each year, releasing in August, November, February, and May. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Office of First Year Experience and Family Programs by phone at 434.395.2414 or email at firstyear@longwood.edu In This Issue Page 1 - CAPS: Campus Advocates Page 2 - Snap Shot Page 3 - Flashback Page 4 - Message from the President Page 5 - Parents Council Page 6 - Longwood Dining Page 7 - Student Spotlight Page 8 - What’s New @ LU? Page 10 - Flashback Page 11 - From the Lancer Clubhouse Page 12 - Congratulations Page 14 - Take a Closer Look Page 15 - For Your Information All articles without a listed author were written by Emily Duke ‘15, Graduate Assistant for the Office of First Year Experience and Family Programs
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Dates to Remember!
February Fed 26th: Pass/Fail Deadline Feb 29th: Midterm Grades Available March March 7th-11th: Spring Break March 14th: Classes Resume March 17th-30th: Advising for Fall Classes April April 29th: Classes End April 30th: Reading Day May May 2nd-6th: Examinations May 9th: Final Grades Available May 13th: Graduate Commencement May 14th: Undergraduate Commencement
FLASHBACK Study Paws Dubbed "Study Paws," at least seven dogs romped with more than a hundred students for a few hours on the first day, and even more playful pups and students took a study break on the second day. Other schools around the country offer time with therapy dogs as a stress reliever, but Longwood is one of the only to make faculty pets available to students. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to come play with the puppies and relieve the pressure of exams with every tummy rub or ear scratch. (Taken from Longwood 2012 new release, Study Paws Gives Students Relief from Exam Stress)
“It brings everybody together at a time when stress and emotions are high. The students take a break from studying, and the faculty take a break from grading — and they love having students play with their puppies.” - Dr. Jake Milne.
Beyond the Numbers In December, a group of students came together in hopes of making a difference in the community through the organization, Beyond the Numbers. This organization provides youth in Farmville and surrounding areas with an opportunity to engage themselves with Longwood students. These students serve as mentors to the youth by helping them develop skills that they need in order to be academically successful. These students also help them with developing good character and citizen leadership skills. Beyond the Numbers also assists the youth in choosing a healthy lifestyle that will help them become the best rounded student and citizen possible!
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Parents and Families, Next October 4th, the eyes of the nation and world will truly focus on Longwood when we host the lone U.S. Vice Presidential Debate. Just four sites August 2011 nationally will arrive host general electionDecember debates2011 and the 18– New students 19– Final registration 2–&Last day are of classes University of Richmond and William Mary the 20– Continuing students arrive 3– Reading Day only otherbegin universities enjoy such 22– Classes at 8am in Virginia ever 5-9– to Examinations 29– day It to is add/drop -5pm 12– All gradesand are due - 8:30am an Last honor. an unprecedented opportunity we’re already shifting into gear to get ready. September 2011 January 2012 aiming much simply 5– LaborWe Dayare Holiday/No classes,higher than 16– Martin L. having King, Jr. Holiday/No University closed classes, University closed the debate go off without a hitch. We want to make 6– Classes resume at 8am 17– Final registration sure theschedule thousands 6– Spring due of visiting media 17–from New around Student Orientation. Clasthe world have a positive experience 8– Convocation ses and beginshare at 4pmwith their readers, listeners, and viewers what 26– Grade estimates due 24– Last day of add/drop - 5pm are. We want to make sure they great places Longwood, Farmville, and Prince Edward County 30– Fall 2012 schedule due appreciate October 2011 our campus, distinctive culture and mission, and historical significance. Above all, we 10-11– Fallengage Break/No classes want to our students and give them experiences that are both unforgettable and 12– Classes resume at 8am resume-worthy. Our mission is to shape citizen-leaders, so this event is a perfect fit. Faculty are 12– Deadline to withdraw with a already “W”5pm designing and re-designing courses to incorporate the debate. 15– Graduate Comprehensive ExRecently, the first communications went out to students about our plans for enlisting amination student volunteers during the run-up to the debate and the debate itself (with more 27– Summer 2010 schedule due communications to follow). These jobs will range from helping visiting media, the Commission PAGE 1 WELCOME FAMILIES November 2011 Debates, or the campaigns on Presidential The Commission on Presidential Debates PAGE 2 Dthemselves. ATES AND DEADLINE 7– Advising & Registration beginPAGEwere 2 THE SPIRIT INITIATI chose2012 Longwood in part because they impressed with our culture of student involvement Spring PAGE NAUGURATION OF 18– ends andAdvising we plan on deploying the energy of3ourIstudents to the fullest. Classes will not be held P RESIDENT FINNEGAN 23– Student Holiday/No classes during the days immediately surrounding the debate, but the campus will be open and full of life PAGE 3 D IVERSITY & INCLUSION 24-25– Thanksgiving Holiday/No AGEon 4 campus SPOTLIGHT : NEW and activities. want students toPbe and hope you will encourage them to stay. Tell classes, UniversityWe closed S TUDENTS 28– Classes at 8am them thatresume at their 25th reunion, when everyone is talking about the 2016 Vice Presidential PAGE 4 MOVE-IN TIPS Debate, they will want to revel in the adventure efforts PAGE 5 NEW Land ANCER DAYSof their time at Longwood. This publication is published & THEdon’t G.A.M.E 2.0 how many Finally, a word about tickets. We simply know tickets, if any, the by the Office of First Year PAGE 6 FAMILY WEEKEND university will receive for individuals to attend the debate in person.Experience. The number of tickets is PAGE 7 TRANSFORM We would like to likely to be small and whatever allotment we get, students will be prioritized. Most media and Welcome Familes, Parents, other visitors won’t be in the small debate venue itself and there will be a wide array of watch ……. parties and activities going on around campus. The main thing to remember is that most of the the Parents fun and excitement will be outside, and it will be fun to be here andThank a partyou of to history. Council, FYE, and…..
Sincerely, President Reveley 2 F2016 ALL 2011 4 FEBRUARY
PARENTS COUNCIL Looking Towards the Future By: Scott Murdock, Parents Council Member In the last Pillar issue we discussed being proactive and guiding your student to strategize for opportunities for their near term goal: targeting internships. Hopefully the message did not fall on deaf ears and their marketing efforts are beginning to bare fruit. As they start getting invitations to explore possibilities, your student is going to need some help if they want to present a positive brand and be recognized as a serious candidate for the position. We need to help them understand that they are one of thousands seeking these prime spots and they must set themselves apart from the pack. An interview begins with the first eye contact, so professional attire is appropriate. This is not a time for date night or club hoping attire. The goal is to have the interviewer looking at their face, not their bodies. Have your student put on their professional attire and wear it for a while. Most interns I’ve seen look like they are wearing a suit of armor and seem uncomfortable. Prepare your student for the three best and three worst traits about themselves, but also suggest areas for improvement as things that are not really negative points. Something like, I am very meticulous when it comes to my work product while balancing the desire for perfection against the ultimate deadline. With that statement the interviewee has said they strive for quality and are conscious of the importance of error free vs deadlines. Advise your student to always ask for a business card. Even suggest your student consider having some personal business cards printed up, nothing elaborate, to include their name, address, contact info and maybe the university and degree program. In professional meetings, this is generally how they begin, so why not get used to it now? Plus, I doubt the other candidates will have thought about that. It's a great investment for less than $10 and you get about 250 – 500 cards. Besides, if you don’t use them all, there is always that fish bowl at restaurants, maybe you’ll get a free lunch! After they complete each interview session, remind your student to jot down a couple of notes about the particular interviewer, not what they were wearing, but key focus points in the interview that can be included in their follow up thank you note or e-mail (NO TEXTING). And during the interview process, help your student polish their responses that focus on their contributions. It's important to demonstrate teamwork, but professionals want to also get a better understanding of specific contributions. “I” led the focus meeting or project, “I” reached out to the Chamber of Commerce to obtain market research, “I” presented the class project to the professor and class or “I” developed the presentation package and briefing notes. So lastly, stand as each interviewer enters and leaves the room, introduce yourself and offer a confident strong, firm (but not bone crushing) handshake. I can’t offer this advice enough. Even if they don’t want to listen to mom and dad, after all, what would you really know, drop hints and notes about Longwood’s Career Center. The folks there are in contact with employers, have tons of resource materials, and a great resource for guidance! (www.longwood.edu/career) THE PILLAR
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LONGWOOD DINING What’s Cooking with Longwood Dining? By: Ashley Jones, Marketing Assistant August“You 2011 Talk, We Listen” is the mantra of Longwood Dining. Your Voice Counts is our online 18– New students comment card arrive system that allows December students 2011 to give their feedback about our dining program. 19– Final registration 2– Last day of classes Students are able to take a short survey on service, quality, and their overall experience. They 20– Continuing students arrive 3– Reading Day are able toatgive about their experience dining on campus. In another 22– then Classes begin 8amopen ended feedback 5-9– Examinations 29– Last to add/drop -5pm 12– All grades are due - 8:30am effort today solicit student feedback, Longwood Dining holds a “Dine with the Director” event each
month. Students are invited to join Senior Dining Director, Grant Avent, for a catered meal, and September 2011 January 2012 are able Day to give feedback, ask questions, or bring upJr.concerns they may have. Based off of this 5– Labor Holiday/No classes, 16– Martin L. King, Holiday/No feedback, we make necessary University closed classes, University closed 6– Classes resume at 8am 17– Final registration changes to our program. 6– Spring schedule due 17– New Student Orientation. ClasOne of the changes we have 8– Convocation ses begin at 4pm recently made over winter break was 26– Grade estimates due 24– Last day of add/drop - 5pm 30– Fall 2012 schedule due at Outta Here, our to-go menu October on 2011the ground floor of Dorrill option, 10-11– Fall Break/No classes dining hall.resume Outta Here is to provide 12– Classes at 8am quick service so students 12– Deadline to withdraw with aare able to “W”5pm get in and out quickly. Students asked 15– Graduate Comprehensive Exfor a way to know what was being amination offered daily atschedule Outta due Here without 27– Summer 2010 having to actually go inside the PAGE 1 WELCOME FAMILIES Novemberand 2011 location look around. So that is PAGE 2 DATES AND DEADLINE 7– Advising & Registration beginexactly what we did. There is nowPaAGE 2 THE SPIRIT INITIATI Spring 2012 PAGE 3 INAUGURATION OF large sign at the entrance of Outta 18– Advising ends P RESIDENT FINNEGAN 23– Student Holiday/Nothe classes Here that features daily options. PAGE 3 DIVERSITY & INCLUSION 24-25– Thanksgiving Holiday/No We also continually promote that PAGE 4 SPOTLIGHT: NEW classes, University closed STUDENTS daily menuresume options are also available, 28– Classes at 8am PAGE 4 MOVE-IN TIPS along with nutritional information, on PAGE 5 NEW LANCER DAYS our website. We have also put this This publication is published & THE G.A.M.E 2.0 by the Office of First Year nutritional information next to the PAGE 6 FAMILY WEEKEND PAGE 7 TRANSFORM Experience. We would like to cooler that holds our grab and go Welcome Familes, Parents, sandwiches and salads, another ……. student request. Thank you to the Parents Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @LongwoodDining to see our Council, commitment action. FYE, in and…..
Menus, nutritional information, contact information, and the latest news and events can be found on our website. Visit us at www.Longwood.CampusDish.com! 2
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT How Longwood Shaped Me By: Mariah McCormick, Longwood Class of 2015 Farmville’s welcome sign greeted me as I drove to Midtown Square. I was a junior in high school and was eagerly waiting to catch up with an old friend who had started her freshmen year at Longwood University. College was right around the corner for me as well, so the idea of applications was fresh on my mind. Ashley’s face as I pulled into the parking lot was beaming and she quickly showed me to her dorm. Everyone I met, students, staff or someone passing me on the street waved with a smile. Even Ashley’s sorority embraced me. For some reason, I knew right then that I had to come to Longwood. My parents tried to convince me that going to college for a sorority was the wrong choice. But instead of listening I was stubborn and only applied to Longwood. Though I ended up joining the sorority, I was still blocking off the idea of making new friends. I felt as if I had already met everyone I needed with Ashley and there was no reason to take the time and effort to make new relationships. It was not until my own pledge class sat me down that it really hit me. This group of girls were strangers to me, yet they already cared so deeply that they took the time to sit me down one night in the library. They told me to be more open-minded. Just because I met a handful of Longwood students in high school did not mean I would know how to handle college. My pledge class became my support system. Whether it was helping me with homework, encouraging me to be involved on campus or being a shoulder to cry on when my grandfather died, these women are the real reason I adjusted to college so well. Today we are all still incredibly close. One of us is due soon to have her first child, another is ending up her term as chapter president and I am Vice President of Public Relations on the College Panhellenic Council. Together we have accomplished so much. They are my best friends. Looking back now, I know that I should have investigated the programs the school had to offer and compare Longwood to other universities. Making life choices based on people is not always the right way, and has certainly never been advised to me. But as silly as it sounds, I’m glad I was stubborn as it brought me to Longwood. THE PILLAR
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WHAT’S NEW @ LU? Ensuring Sophomore Success: “Project Success” By: Onie McKenzie, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Ample research tells us that the amount of time and effort students invest in educationally purposeful activities as well as the degree to which institutions allocate resources and engage their students in those activities, highly impact learning and retention. To provide a foundation for success, the FYE&FP Staff offers a combination of services, programs, and curricular/co-curricular activities to support our incoming students’ transition to college. The subsequent sophomore year poses its own challenges, as students experience increased levels of autonomy and sometimes anxiety, as they navigate choices related to their peer groups, living arrangements, academic major and potential career path, increased academic rigor, and how to become purposely involved. Originally created in 1999 as a leadership initiative by the legendary Phyllis Mable, Vice President for Student Affairs at the time, EDUC 205: Life, Leadership, and Career Preparation (more commonly known as Project Success) is a long standing, one-credit elective course for sophomores that focuses on personal development, civic engagement, career planning, and leadership. Co-taught each fall by three Student Affairs professionals, sophomores work in small groups with pre-selected Senior Mentors to complete a variety of personal reflection activities, a community service project, and a group presentation, all designed to promote a sense of direction, resiliency, and social responsibility as key attributes for success at Longwood and beyond. With no tests or final exam, the graded work requires a personalized academic planning road map, challenge-by-choice group experience, resume critique, mock interview, the Clifton StrengthsFinder Inventory, and multiple personal reflection assignments.
2015-2016 Sophomore Success Leaders F 2012 FALL EBRUARY
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On the fall 2015 class evaluation, over 75% of the sophomores reported that as a result of their experience with Project Success, they had gained or made “very much” or “quite a bit” progress, on the following learning outcomes: Gained knowledge of needs, wants, skills, interests, and values Articulated and learned to apply strengths and preferences to enhance personal and group effectiveness Learned about and utilized career related resources at Longwood Began to develop tools (resume, cover letter, interview skills, etc.) to achieve career goals Articulated personal and work priorities and values to help clarify academic major and career interests Learned various definitions and types of leadership styles Learned the attitudes, skills, and behaviors of an action-based leader and ways to put them into practice to better serve the community Learned how to Step Up! and intervene in problematic situations Explored what it means to be a Citizen Leader at Longwood and beyond Articulated the mission of a partnering agency and the role which it serves within the Prince Edward community Determined the skills practiced through a group service project and explained how they can be transferred to a future career Should your rising sophomore possibly benefit from such an experience, please encourage them to enroll in the fall 2016 EDUC 205: Project Success - Life, Leadership, and Career Preparation when they register for their other courses. For more information, go to the Leadership and Service Learning Website: http://www.longwood.edu/leadership/projectsuccess.htm Onie McKenzie HE PILLAR THE PTILLAR
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FLASHBACK
2 0 1 6 Pictured Above: Sorority Walk, January Snow Day FALL 2012 2016 10 FEBRUARY
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FROM THE LANCER CLUBHOUSE Athletics is in Full Swing By: Chris Cook, Assistant VP, Athletics Communications As the calendar flips to February and campus settles into to its spring semester routine, Longwood athletics enters the very exciting and equally busy time fondly referred to as the “crossover season.” The men’s and women’s basketball teams are fully entrenched in the most crucial stretch of their respective seasons, grinding through the Big South portion of their schedules en route to the climax of their seasons – the Big South Championship Tournament. The Longwood men stormed through the tournament last year, reaching the semifinals after upsetting the conference’s No. 1 team in the quarterfinals. The women, meanwhile, are just three seasons removed from reaching the Big South Championship game in 2012-13. As Longwood students and fans continue to rock Willett Hall, the baseball and softball fields, the lacrosse turf, tennis courts and golf courses that have lain dormant over the past few months are coming to life once more. Longwood’s men’s tennis team already kicked off the 2016 spring campaign at East Carolina back in January, and they will soon be joined by Longwood’s six other spring sports who have already begun practice in preparation for their season openers this month. As the weather warms, we invite you to take in all the different sports Longwood offers in the spring. Whether you prefer to lounge in the sun-soaked bleachers at a Longwood baseball or softball game, watch the fast-paced lacrosse action at the Longwood Athletics complex, cheer on the tennis teams on their home courts in the middle of campus or head to the Johnston Drive range to watch some of the best tee off at the Longwood golf course, Longwood athletics provides no shortage of options for entertainment value this spring. THE PILLAR
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CONGRATULATIONS
2016 Parents Cou Longwood’s Got Talent Global Leaders in the Dominican Republic A Place to Be/Same Sky Performance MLK Celebration Week AIDS Caregiver Kits Funding for the Bedford Gallery Showing of the Documentary: The Hunting Ground Psycho-Geometrics Workbooks and Tests
The Longwood Parent’s Council would like to congratulate these fi because they have shown initiative to educate the students of Lon information about these projects and their future plans, please vis
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uncil Grant Projects Alpha Psi Omega Improv Workshop LCVA Fall into Folk Longwood Legacy: How Will You Leave Your Mark? Love is Louder Hispanic Latino Association Summit Operation Smile Club: Smile Bags P.I.E. Wellness Challenge Tools for the Big Event
fifteen winning projects! These projects will be given money ngwood and serve the citizens of Farmville. For more sit http://www.longwood.edu/newstudent/
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TAKE A CLOSER LOOK MLK Celebration Week By: Taylor Igne MLK Celebration Week is filled with events to honor the man who dedicated his life to fight for equality for all. Longwood held several events to remember and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and all those who have supported his mission for social justice. His dedication to service and the Civil Rights Movement is alive on the Longwood community today. More than 100 students joined together for a day of service. These students gave up their day off from classes to give back to their community. They went to several sites in the area to dedicate their time to honor MLK and then gathered at the Moton Museum for group reflection. Longwood is proud to see students care so much about Farmville. Over 30 students, faculty, and staff members joined together for a vigil honoring black lives lost to violence. After the vigil they marched from main campus to the Moton Museum, where they engaged in small group discussions about the current issues facing Longwood University and the surrounding community. These discussions were focused on how to raise awareness and prevent violence against people of color. Dr. Joy DeGruy spoke with the Longwood community about Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. A true scholar, Dr. DeGruy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, two master’s degrees in Social Work and Clinical Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Social Work. She has published a book about Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome and is currently in the process of writing another. She is an engaging and inspiring speaker and Longwood was lucky to have her share her research and knowledge with our students. Unfortunately due to the snow storm they had to postpone the bus trip to Greensboro, North Carolina. While there they intend to visit the Civil Rights Museum to learn about social justice, its evolution, and its impact on our world. They also had to reschedule the Common Ties reception at the Moton Museum. The reception, now on Friday, February 5th , will provided an opportunity for the Longwood and Farmville communities to come together to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. while also looking to what the future holds for the town. This week is an emotional yet uplifting time on campus as students face the realities of the society in which we live. We hope that this spirit of remembrance and the discussions will continue among our students and the community to make Longwood and Farmville more inclusive for all students, faculty, staff, and community members.
MLK Celebration Week Volunteers FALL 2012 2016 10 FEBRUARY
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION Housing Registration Housing registration is quickly approaching! Be sure to engage and discuss with your student about their plans for next year Housing Information: The continuing student online housing registration and off-campus intent process for 2016-2017 will be conducted during the spring 2016 semester. Off-Campus Intent will be conducted Feb. 1st to Feb. 5th. Longwood Managed Apartment Registration will be conducted Feb. 15th to Feb. 26th. Main Campus Residence Hall Registration will be conducted March 21st to March 29th. For more information please visit the RCL website or take a look at the Family Programs webinar series on the housing registration process: RCL Website: http://www.longwood.edu/rcl/ Link to Housing Webinar: http://www.longwood.edu/familyprograms
Webinar Information Check out the Office of First Year Experience & Family Programs upcoming webinar series!
Financial Aid and FAFSA Tuesday, February 2nd @ 5:30
Resources on Campus to Support Academic Success Wednesday, February 10th @ 5:30 Webinars and instructions on how to access them can be found at www.longwood.edu/familyprograms Questions? Call FYE&FP at 434-395-2414 or reach them via email at firstyear@longwood.edu
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OUTSTANDING FIRST YEAR STUDENT ADVOCATES
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For questions or comments about this newsletter, please contact: Office of First Year Experience & Family Programs 201 High Street Farmville, VA 23909 434.395.2414 firstyear@longwood.edu www.longwood.edu/newstudent/