Lancer Quick Guide 2024-26

LANCER Q U I C K G U I D E

In addition to providing resources, this guide describes a typical year at Longwood. While some offerings may change from year to year, Longwood always strives to give students the best experience possible.

GETTING STARTED

Move-in Checklist

June to July:

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Check your Longwood e-mail account regularly. It is the official way for the university to contact you. Contact the Help Desk at 434.395.4357 if you need assistance. Either accept or decline your financial aid awards through the MyLongwood portal (my.longwood.edu).

Submit your completed Student Health record through the Student Health portal (longwood.edu/health). View your bill on MyLongwood (my.longwood.edu) in early July. Contact Student Accounts at 434.395.2067 if you need assistance. Check housing assignment in mid-July.

August until Move-in day:

Check your fall bills! These are due in early August and can be viewed through the MyLongwood portal (my.longwood.edu). More information can be found at longwood.edu/studentaccounts if you need assistance. Register for text alerts at alerts.longwood.edu.

If you are in the Cormier Honors College or the ARO Empowers program, or if you are a Dining Services staff member or a student athlete, you can move in early. Your coach, supervisor or employer will have more information. If you are a new student, purchase your parking decal. Ensure that you are not packing any of the prohibited items on the “What Not to Bring List” in The Answer Book online. Begin looking at the 1839 Experience through the Canvas portal, and look for an e-mail from your peer mentor.

Review your move-in time and other important information at longwood.edu/housing.

Move in!

New Lancer Days

New Lancer Days is a program of events designed to help you transition to your new home away from home. You’ll take part in various activities, including tailgating on Brock Commons, meeting your department chairs and learning about organizations on campus. New Lancer Days is filled with Longwood traditions and making new friends, ensuring that you start your semester feeling right at home on campus. Call 434.395.2414 or email studentsuccess@longwood.edu.

Peer Mentors and Coaching Groups

Peer Mentors are upperclassmen who help new students adjust to life at Longwood. They teach you everything you need to know, from figuring out where your classes are to meeting professors and students, to learning about the resources available on campus.

All incoming students are assigned to a coaching group, each of which has a designated Peer Mentor who works with the group’s student success coach (a faculty or professional staff member) to support their students throughout the fall semester. Coaching groups are organized around students’ shared interests, such as musical theatre, fitness or social justice.

Housing

Student housing at Longwood is run by the Office of Residential and Commuter Life (RCL). The majority of students live on campus. After your first year, you can live in Longwood- managed apartments, Lancer Park and the Landings. Questions? Call 434.395.2080 or go to longwood.edu/housing.

Meal Plans

If you live on campus or in Longwood-managed apartments like Lancer Park, you will have to buy a meal plan. These meal plans are divided into meal swipes and Bonus Dollars. The meal swipes are used at the Dorrill Dining Hall and a few other places on campus. Bonus Dollars supplement meal swipes and can be used on campus as well as at privately owned locations around campus. You can make adjustments to your meal plan until the end of the add/drop period. For additional information, go to longwood.campusdish.com.

Commuters

We have a dedicated space for commuters called the Longwood Student Commuter Lounge in the Upchurch University Center. Resources and amenities available in the lounge include computers, network connections and televisions.

For more information on the resources available to commuter students, visit longwood.edu/housing/commuter-students/.

Transportation

If you don’t have a car, the Farmville Area Bus (FAB) will give you a free ride seven days a week, as long as you have a Lancer ID. FAB picks up and drops off riders every 30 minutes at stops on the Campus Line route. Learn more at go.longwood. edu/transportation.

Each residential area has different parking lots for residents, commuters and visitors. Freshmen who want to bring a car to campus can view rates and learn more at go.longwood.edu/ parking. Parking permits can be purchased at longwood. aimsparking.com.

Majors

Longwood offers more than 100 areas of study. You can explore what you can do with each major with the help of the Center for Career Success at 434.395.2044 or career@longwood.edu

Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences

Art: 434.395.2284, art@longwood.edu

Biological and Environmental Sciences: 434.395.2570, sciencedept@longwood.edu

Chemistry: 434.395.2570

Communication Studies: 434.395.2643

English and Modern Languages: 434.395.2155

Graphic and Animation Design: 434.395.2284

History, Political Science and Philosophy: 434.395.2224, hpsp@longwood.edu

Mathematics and Computer Science: 434.395.2194, mathcs@longwood.edu

Music: 434.395.2504, music@longwood.edu

Physics: 434.395.2570

Psychology: 434.395.2318

Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Studies: 434.395.2241, sacjs@longwood.edu

Theatre: 434.395.2284, theatre@longwood.edu

Women’s and Gender Studies: 434.395.2163, 434.395.2215

College of Business and Economics

Business Administration: 434.395.2042, cbe@longwood.edu (Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems and Cyber Security, Management, Marketing, Real Estate)

College of Education, Health and Human Services

Elementary Education, Elementary and Middle School

Education, Special Education: 434.395.2243, 434.395.2362

Communication Sciences and Disorders: 434.395.4951

Health, Therapeutic Recreationand Kinesiology: 434.395.2533

Nursing: 434.395.2936

Social Work: 434.395.2996

Learn more about Academic Programs at longwood.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/

Academic Success

Located in Brock Hall, the Center for Academic Success provides academic support through free tutoring, study sessions and one-on-one academic counseling. To learn more about services offered, visit longwood.edu/academicsuccess or call 434.395.2050.

Accessibility Resources

If you need to register for disability accommodations, such as testing assistance and note-taker services, be sure to contact the Accessibility Resources Office (ARO) at 434.395.2391 or accessibilityresources@longwood.edu.

Writing

The Writing Center, located in Brock Hall 103, offers tutoring and other services to help students improve their writing. For more information about the Writing Center, visit longwood. edu/academicsuccess/writing-center and check out the Writing Center blog at blogs.longwood.edu/writingcenter/.

The QR Center

The Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Center, located in Allen Hall 111, offers tutoring and support for students taking mathematics, computer science and related courses. This includes homework assistance, helping students understand software programs like Excel and helping students prepare for the Math Praxis exams. For more information, check out the QR Center blog at go.longwood.edu/qr.

Library

The Janet D. Greenwood Library maintains almost 300,000 books, magazines and academic journals. But that barely scratches the surface of the library’s resources. If you need a book not in the library’s collection, staff can get a copy through the Interlibrary Loan program. The library’s electronic resources can be accessed from any computer, anywhere on campus. The library also has both Macbooks and Dell laptops, as well as iPads, available for checkout by students. For more information, call 434.395.2433 or go to library.longwood.edu.

Textbooks

The Longwood Bookstore is located at 200 North Main Street. Visit go.longwood.edu/bookstore for details about textbook purchases, rentals and other information.

Clubs and Organizations

Longwood is home to more than 175 clubs and organizations, including Greek organizations, club sports and special interest groups centered on a variety of political, academic, leadership and hobby interests. You can also create your own club. For more information on the many ways to get involved and have fun on campus, go to go.longwood.edu/clubs.

CHI: Shrouded in secrecy and dedicated to promoting the spirit of Longwood, CHI is the oldest service organization on campus. Members are secret until a grand reveal at each spring’s CHI Burning bonfire.

Princeps: With its seven-pointed crown adorning campus sidewalks and stairways, the secret society Princeps is the protector and promoter of citizen leadership. Like members of CHI, Princeps members are revealed during their senior year.

Longwood Traditions

The G.A.M.E.: At the beginning of each academic year, members of the Longwood community march together to the Athletics Complex to support one of Longwood’s Division I teams. The newest Longwood scarf is also given out at this event.

Oktoberfest: This is a collection of many different events, including Color Wars, where students throw as much red and green paint as they can at each other. There’s also live music and great food.

Thanksgiving Dinner: Served family-style and featuring baked Alaska, Thanksgiving dinner is a cherished part of the Longwood experience.

Late Night Breakfast and Late Night in the Library: These two events make exam week a little less stressful.

Grand Illumination: Watch as the enormous holiday tree in the Rotunda lights up for the season, and enjoy carols and refreshments.

The Big Event: This day of community service underscores the importance of citizen leadership to the Longwood community.

Student Health

Technology

If you have problems with any one of your devices, you can talk to your residence hall’s student support technicians (SSTs), who can either solve your problem or point you in the right direction. Call 434.395.4357 or visit longwood.edu/sst for more information.

You have access to medical care at the University Health Center. Call 434.395.2102 or go to longwood.edu/health for more information.

Fitness Center/Campus Recreation

The Health and Fitness Center, located in Pierson Hall, has an 1/8-mile indoor track, rock-climbing wall and numerous pieces of weight and cardio equipment. Learn more at longwood.edu/recreation.

CAPS

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers just that to its patients. You can set up an appointment with one of our counselors or join a discussion group. Call 434.395.2409 or go to longwood.edu/CAPS for more information.

Homesickness 101

Most students will get homesick at some point during each semester. All of us seek comfort when we are facing stress, and it is natural to miss home. The important thing is to know that homesickness is part of experiencing new and exciting things. So the question is not if a student will struggle with homesickness. The question is how well he or she will manage the new challenge of missing home. It is important to encourage students to keep finding ways to feel comfortable in their new environment. Exactly when students will face homesickness is, unfortunately, unpredictable. Some will face it shortly after their families leave them on campus. Many will face it at the middle of the semester. Whenever they experience these feelings, it’s important for students to know that what they are currently feeling will change. If you experience homesickness, be sure to reach out to support services available to you on campus.

Lancer Card

Your Lancer Card is like a debit card for all things Longwood. You can use Lancer CA$H to buy items from both onand off-campus locations. All students who live on Longwoodmanaged property have meal plans, which are used to purchase food at the dining hall. Bonus Dollars can be used at local retail locations, including Moe’s and Chick-fil-A.

If you lose your Lancer Card, go to the Lancer Card office, located in Eason Hall to get it replaced. Call 434.395.2715 or go to longwood.edu/lancercard for more information.

Safety/Campus Police

Longwood’s Police Department (LUPD) not only works in crime prevention, but also helps with parking services and strives to create better citizen leaders. You can reach LUPD at 434.395.2091 or police@longwood.edu.

Road Map to Student Success

Follow these steps to make sure you fulfill the requirements to graduate in four years and are prepared to launch your career

YOUR FIRST YEAR AND BEYOND

Meet with your Peer Mentor or coach. Establish study routines that will help you meet academic expectations. Apply for financial aid beginning October 1.

Develop test-taking strategies and study skills, and learn about tutoring sessions through the Center for Academic Success. Utilize different study and testing strategies for different types of classes. Use the Writing Center as a resource when writing papers.

Evaluate your study skills and strategies after reviewing mid-semester grades. Review your academic plan in Degree Works.

Schedule an advising meeting with your advisor for the fall in mid-October or early November, and in February or early March in the spring. Prepare for your advising meetings. You will want to discuss your major or major interests and arrange a tentative class schedule.

Enroll in and complete 30 credits per year (15 per semester or take courses during summer or intersession).

Become familiar with your academic catalog found online at catalog.longwood.edu.

Stay on top of all the requirements for your major, including Civitae classes. Explore career interests with the Center for Career Success.

ADDITIONAL STEPS FOR YOUR SECOND YEAR

If you are an Exploratory Studies/ undeclared student and have not declared a major, be sure to do so before you have earned 45 credits. Maintain progress toward your degree by completing 30 credits per year. Remember: It takes 120 credits to graduate!

Stay on top of degree requirements such as PRAXIS, GPA, prerequisites, major field tests, departmental requirements and comprehensive exams. Sign up for any required tests for your major. Maintain a positive GPA. Be sure you understand the difference between your overall GPA and your major GPA. Work with the Center for Career Success to craft a resume.

Explore career options and shadow a person working in your prospective field.

Establish a file or online folder to begin building a portfolio. Check into study abroad options. Discuss with your advisor the possibility of a completing a minor. Begin looking into internships. Attend a job and internship fair and/or a job and internship search workshop. Review summer experiences that will enhance your career potential.

Talk to your professors about research opportunities.

ADDITIONAL STEPS FOR YOUR THIRD YEAR

Re-evaluate your study strategies as you transition fully into your major. Review your plan for completion of your degree in Degree Works. Check in with your advisor and the Office of the Registrar to review your degree plan.

Submit your application for degree when you earn 75 credit hours. Talk to faculty within your major about senior projects.

Attend employment fairs.

Meet with the Center for Career Success about your resume, interviewing tips and networking. Explore graduate and professional school opportunities.

Check into scholarships and grants.

FINAL STEPS FOR YOUR FOURTH YEAR

Confirm remaining degree requirements with your advisor and/or the Office of the Registrar.

Research employment opportunities. Work with the Center for Career Success on your resume, networking and interviewing skills. Prepare and submit graduate and professional school applications. Apply for financial aid beginning October 1 if you are considering attending graduate school.

Check into major field tests and comprehensive exams for your major.

Attend a graduation fair sponsored by the University Bookstore. Prepare and sign up for Commencement.

Produced by Longwood University Office of Student Success