Global Posts

I have been seeing some questions about Commencement from parents on social media, so I thought it might be a good time to provide answers to some frequently asked questions now, even though Commencement is still more than a month away.

If you have questions that aren’t covered in this post, please don’t hesitate to email commencement@longwood.edu or visit the Commencement website, which has more information than I’ve included below.

When and where is the undergraduate ceremony?

The undergraduate Commencement ceremony for students receiving undergraduate degrees will take place Saturday, May 20, outside on Wheeler Mall. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. (Information about the ceremony for students receiving graduate degrees can be found on the Commencement website.)

When do students need to arrive on campus?

Graduates are expected to arrive at Willett Hall gymnasium at 8 a.m. in their academic regalia on May 20 to receive instructions and line up. Guests should proceed directly to Wheeler Mall and may not accompany students to line up.

Do guests need tickets to attend Commencement?

No, tickets are not needed. Seating for guests is on a first-come, first-served basis. There usually are lots of people in attendance, so arriving early is a good idea.

Where can guests park?

Commencement parking is available in several locations, some on campus and some off campus.
Central campus parking
Multiple central campus lots will offer both general parking and ample ADA-specific parking. A pdf of a parking map identifying the lot locations is available on the Commencement website.
Off-campus parking
Shuttle service will run loops between two off-campus locations noted below. Those with ADA specific needs should park in a central campus ADA-identified lot as shuttle vehicles are not equipped with lifts.
Sunchase Apartments, 501 Sunchase Blvd., Farmville, VA
Lancer Park, 200 Cormier Drive, Farmville, VA

Will shuttle service to and from campus be available at area hotels?

Guests staying at local hotels are encouraged drive to the shuttle stop at either Lancer Park or Sunchase Apartments. Shuttle pickup and drop-off at hotels is not planned.

What about accessible parking?

Accessible parking is available in multiple lots on campus. Please refer to the parking map on the Commencement website for locations. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are required. Golf carts will be available from the ADA-identified lots for those with accessibility needs in getting to and from the ceremony area.

What if I have other questions related to access or accommodations related to a disability?

If you have questions concerning access or need accommodations related to accessibility, please contact the Accessibility Resources Office at 434-395-2391 or email accessibilityresources@longwood.edu. Accessible parking and seating will be available at a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to make a reservation.

What is the plan in case of rain or inclement weather?

In the event of extreme conditions, including thunderstorms, tornadoes or other severe weather events, the university will activate the rain/inclement weather plan. The announcement about activating the plan will be made on Friday, if possible, and no later than 6 a.m. on the day of Commencement. Please check the Commencement website or call 434-395-2000 for the latest weather-related information.

What are students required to wear for the ceremony?

Students participating in Commencement must wear a gown, hood and mortarboard of the style and color designated by the university. Students also should wear dark shoes. Regalia can be purchased here. Volunteers will be available in Willett Hall to assist students with putting on their regalia. Students who are not able to purchase regalia can check with Martha Butler (butlermh@longwood.edu) in the SGA office, which has a limited number of gowns, caps and hoods available to borrow at no cost. Students can also “pass down” their regalia for use by future graduates after the Commencement ceremony at the Info Desk in Upchurch University Center.

Will I be able to purchase photos of my student from the ceremony?

Yes. Professional photographers from Grad Images will take pictures of each graduate during the ceremony. They will have proofs available by July 1 on their website: www.GradImages.com. Graduates and their families are invited to pre-register their contact information to receive notifications at the following link: http://gradimages.com/Preregistration.

What about a video of the ceremony?

Yes, a copy of the Commencement ceremony will be available for purchase on a DVD or Blu-ray. The video can also be downloaded post-ceremony through Memories Videography. You can order here.

Is there a way friends and family can watch the ceremony from a remote location?

Yes, there will be a livestream link available closer to the date of the ceremony. You’ll be able to find it on the Commencement website.

Is there any way I can offer my congratulations to the Class of 2023?

Yes, Longwood is doing something new this year. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and other family members have the opportunity to let graduating seniors know how proud we all are of their achievements and to wish them the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives. For each gift of $20.23, you can write a personal message that will be printed and attached to the back of the chair in front of a graduate. Anyone who gives 5 or more messages (or makes a gift of $100 or more) will be entered in a drawing for exclusive VIP seating at the undergraduate Commencement ceremony. If you’d like to find out more about participating in this show of support or make a gift and create a message, click here. You can participate through April 21.

—Sabrina Brown

Sociology courses that dealt specifically with the area of inequality:

• SOC 233: Intro to Social Inequality Differences

This course covers causes, consequences, and justifications of social inequalities people face in the United States. Social categories including race, ethnicity, gender, social class, physical ability, and more affect the types of inequalities faced. Inequalities are seen through policy and societal norms.

• SOC 320: Sociology of Education

This course focuses on the structure of education in society, with a primary focus on US public education. A major topic in this course are inequalities faced in education. Many Americans lack access to quality education for a wide range of social reasons, which is analyzed and evaluated in this course.

• SOC 333: Race & Racism in the United States

This course talks about how race and ethnicity plays a role in society through various forms of racism. Some major topics in this course include slavery, racial ideologies, mass incarceration, job discrimination, and housing inequality.

• SOC 341: Balancing Work & Family Life

This course talks about the demands of balancing the work and family life. There are government policies that help alleviate some of the stress and issues that go along with the balance, but not everyone has equitable access, depending on race, gender, and other social constructs.

Papers that reflect my learning in these courses:

How has my thinking changed from these classes to today?

Hello! My name is Hailee Shania Banks, and I am a Senior Biology major, Neuroscience Studies minor at Longwood University! Upon completing my degree in May 2023 and receiving a Bachelors degree in Biology, I have completed a variety of courses that have challenged me to develop essential skills for my future academic and career goals. I planned to attend medical school where I want to pursue the field of neurology! I enjoy research on complex topics like cancer, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. I plan to take a gap year after graduating in May 2023 and am interested in medical technician and/or medical lab assistant jobs to gain more clinical experience for medical school applications!

I am originally from Dinwiddie, Virginia and chose to attend Longwood University due to my mother attending here, the beautiful campus, and the small-town feel. Throughout my studies here, I have been able to form great relationships with faculty and other students who are interested in the same route of medical school. I have also been able to participate in various internships and research to professionally develop my academic and experience skills. In addition, I am an executive member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Pre-Med Scholar and a Longwood University Transfer Ambassador!

As you click throughout my site, you will find a wide variety of documents that include reflections, artifacts from previous courses, and professional documents. For any comments, questions, or concerns, please email me at hailee.banks@live.longwood.edu. 

Teaching for Civic Learning and Engagement

10th Annual Teaching and Learning Institute

Longwood University
8:30am-5:30pm, May 9, 2023
Blackwell Ballroom, Rotunda Hall

Registration NOW OPEN @ https://forms.gle/MVqBwqfD1XpLgMvh9

The Center for Faculty Enrichment (CAFE) and the Civitae Core Curriculum Committee invite ALL faculty and staff to a full-day workshop focused on best practices for developing students into engaged members of the community. Beginning with the keynote address, participants will be invited to co-create a definition of civic learning that will be used as a framework for future discussions. Following the keynote, participants will choose concurrent sessions to attend and learn more about key concepts and skills related to teaching civic engagement. For faculty specifically engaged in the teaching of Longwood’s signature core curriculum program, Civitae, there will be opportunities to meet and discuss assessment and professional development pertinent to their courses. 

By the end of this workshop, all participants will be able to:

• define civic learning and civic engagement in an academic context;
• apply civic learning concepts to specific activities, assignments, and/or classes;
• describe how pedagogical approaches such as critical reflection and experiential learning can provide students with the tools to become effective, contributing members and/or leaders of their community; and
• communicate civic responsibility to multiple audiences, especially students.

This year’s keynote speaker is Patti Clayton, Ph.D. Dr. Clayton formerly served as founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Curricular Engagement at NC State University and as a Faculty Fellow with National Campus Compact’s Project on Integrating Service with Academic Study. In all aspects of her work she seeks to support intellectual, personal, and civic development through co-creating mentoring communities grounded in reflective practice, leadership, and scholarship. Beyond community-engaged teaching, learning, and scholarship, her academic interests include environmental philosophy and environmental studies, leadership development, and the history and philosophy of science. She earned her Ph.D. (1995) and M.S. (1992) from the Curriculum in Ecology at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

Teaching for Civic Learning and Engagement

10th Annual Teaching and Learning Institute

Longwood University
8:30am-5:30pm, May 9, 2023
Blackwell Ballroom, Rotunda Hall

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON

The Center for Faculty Enrichment (CAFE) and the Civitae Core Curriculum Committee invite ALL faculty and staff to a full-day workshop focused on best practices for developing students into engaged members of the community. Beginning with the keynote address, participants will be invited to co-create a definition of civic learning that will be used as a framework for future discussions. Following the keynote, participants will choose concurrent sessions to attend and learn more about key concepts and skills related to teaching civic engagement. For faculty specifically engaged in the teaching of Longwood’s signature core curriculum program, Civitae, there will be opportunities to meet and discuss assessment and professional development pertinent to their courses. 

By the end of this workshop, all participants will be able to:

• define civic learning and civic engagement in an academic context;
• apply civic learning concepts to specific activities, assignments, and/or classes;
• describe how pedagogical approaches such as critical reflection and experiential learning can provide students with the tools to become effective, contributing members and/or leaders of their community; and
• communicate civic responsibility to multiple audiences, especially students.

This year’s keynote speaker is Patti Clayton, Ph.D. Dr. Clayton formerly served as founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Curricular Engagement at NC State University and as a Faculty Fellow with National Campus Compact’s Project on Integrating Service with Academic Study. In all aspects of her work she seeks to support intellectual, personal, and civic development through co-creating mentoring communities grounded in reflective practice, leadership, and scholarship. Beyond community-engaged teaching, learning, and scholarship, her academic interests include environmental philosophy and environmental studies, leadership development, and the history and philosophy of science. She earned her Ph.D. (1995) and M.S. (1992) from the Curriculum in Ecology at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice President

with CAFE, Center for Faculty Enrichment

WIN PRIZES!  Every time you attend one of the well-being activities listed below, your name will be entered in a raffle for gift cards and apparel. 

HEALTHY SNACKS (until they are gone!) Stop by the CAFE kitchen (310A Allen Hall) and grab some snacks to go. 

MEDITATIONS
Faculty Mindfulness & Meditation Group
Monday, March 27, 3:15 to 4:00pm
Allen 310 (CAFE lounge)

Please join us as we gather with friends and colleagues interested in meditation and mindfulness.  This group is open to all, from the never-before meditator to the well-practiced guru.  We will meet to share about our lives and sit for 1-2 brief meditation sessions.  The goal of these meetings is to build a community of mindful friends. 

Tuesday and Thursday Meditations
Tuesday, March 28 and Thursday, March 29 from 11:30-11:50
https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/j/95744314696?pwd=N2FsTEtpQTA1c2RrUGU1YzB0dDR1UT09
Join Renee Gutiérrez for a short mediation session via Zoom.

FACULTY WELL-BEING LUNCH CHATS

Finding and living a healthy life-work balance can be challenging and navigating the needs of others with our own can be stressful. Join Dr. Maureen Walls-McKay and Dr. Jenny Retallick for an informal discussion about YOUR well-being including tips for how to be well. Press Club lunch is provided, so registration is required to help us plan.
Tuesday, March 28 (almost full)
Dr. Maureen Walls-McKay, Dean of Well-Being
12:30 – 1:30PM
CAFE Lounge
Registration: https://forms.gle/zq4omKpyinSM1Q9G6

Wednesday, March 29 (going fast)
Dr. Jenny Retallick, Trauma Specialist
12:00 – 1:00PM
CAFE Lounge
Registration: https://forms.gle/zq4omKpyinSM1Q9G6

CHAIR MASSAGES
Come to the Allen 304 for a 12-minute chair massage with Dr. Ruth Holliday, D.C. and licensed massage therapist.
Thursday, March 30 11:00-4:00pm (only 2 spots left)
Spaces are limited, and registration is required.  Register @ https://forms.gle/mwFkm6XgXDpGt1AL8
Friday, March 31 10:00-3:00pm (going fast)
Spaces are limited, and registration is required.  Register @ https://forms.gle/mwFkm6XgXDpGt1AL8

STROLLS WITH DR. BRENT ROBERTS
Thursday, March 30
3:00, 3:30, and 4:00pm
Meet Dean Roberts in front of Greenwood Library for a 30 minute stroll around Longwood’s campus.

FRIDAY WIND DOWN RECEPTION AND GATHERING
Friday, March 31 from 4:00-5:00pm
CAFE Lounge (310 Allen Hall)
It’s 5:00 somewhere! Start your weekend a little early unwinding with your colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

I am a Biology major, with a concentration in Pre-Med and minors in both Chemistry and Criminal Justice. I’m in the Honors College and a Life STEM scholar. I also play for the women’s soccer team here. My biggest goal right now is to get into medical school and eventually become a medical examiner! If you don’t know what that is, have fun reading about it ;). If that fails, then I would like to work in a lab or become a physician assistant! Hope you like looking through my page.  :)) 

There is significance between the means at the .003 level.

Standard (300 hours/semester), Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

The GA will be exposed to being able to work with a variety of classes and professor completing a variety of different tasks not limited to grading, class set up, data entry and helping with research and data collection.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Dan Michael, michaelrd@longwood.edu

Standard (300 hours/semester; $3,000 in tuition coverage and a $4,500 stipend)
Academic/Research Assistant Position
College of Education & Human Services
Funding Source:  CGPS
Status: Closed