Longwood is taking the opportunity next week to recognize its first-generation college students in connection with national First Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8.

Representatives from Longwood’s First-Generation Student Success Working Group of faculty and staff will be greeting students and handing out information and treats at a table on Brock Commons on Monday, Nov. 7, and Wednesday, Nov. 9, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

If your student is “first-gen,” defined as the first person in a family to receive a bachelor’s degree, encourage them to stop by for a dose of heartfelt support and encouragement. If your student is not first-gen, this is an opportunity to find out more about some of their fellow students who may face different challenges from those whose families broke the path to college for them.

The inaugural First-Generation College Celebration was held in 2017 as an initiative of the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success. Since then it’s become an annual event on Nov. 8, the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which included programs designed to help first-generation college students be successful.

Support for first-gen students at Longwood is available on a daily basis in many forms, including from the more than 60 faculty and staff members who have self-identified as “First Gen Allies,” a number of them first-gen college graduates themselves.

Of course, Longwood is committed to the success of all of its students and makes numerous resources available to everyone, including the Center for Academic Success, which offers tutoring, writing assistance, coaching groups and more.

“I say regularly that we were all first-gen at some point in our family experiences,” said Dean of Engagement Cheryl Steele, who leads the First-Generation Student Success group established about six years ago. “We want students, faculty and staff to recognize and celebrate the presence of our first-gen students and for those students to feel recognized and affirmed.”

—Sabrina Brown

Welcome to Longwood Blogs. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

My name is Alice Flanagan. I am currently a Senior social work major and sociology minor at Longwood University. I am a member of multiple organizations, which include: Lancer Productions, Phi Alpha, Federation of Student Social Workers, Alpha Kappa Delta, and National Society of Leadership and Success. I did hold two leadership positions in Lancer Productions, as a programming director of comedy and cinema, director of traditions. I am in the works of trying to finish my bachelor’s in social work, then hope to receive my master’s in social work with a specialization in children. My goal is to become a child’s advocate.

If you have any questions about anything that I have completed, please reach out to me via email, which is Alice.Flanagan@live.longwood.edu .

Thank you.

If your student is saying they don’t know how or where to make friends here at Longwood, we’ve got you covered!

One of the best ways to make friends is to get involved in activities where the group is relatively small, providing opportunities to talk with others in a relaxed environment and who share an interest.

Maybe you’ll see something below (just a few examples of what’s offered here) that would be a great fit for your student. Encourage them to take just a small step outside their comfort zone. It will be worth it!

Celebrating Halloween

Haunted House

Friday, Oct. 28, 8-9:30 p.m., Soza Ballroom, Upchurch University Center
It’s another crazy, scary, scream-worthy Halloween event by Lancer Productions!

Learning Something New

Bowties & Bites

Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Ground Floor Lobby, Upchurch University Center
Have a special event coming up? Attending a job interview? Don’t know how to tie a tie? Stop by and grab a bite while you learn to tie a tie or bowtie.

Irish Dance Workshops

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2-3 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 3, 7-8 p.m., Group Fitness Room, Health and Fitness Center
Bring out your inner Irish with these workshops where you’ll learn some Irish dance steps. No experience necessary! Just bring tennis shoes/socks you can dance in.

Sign Language Club

Alternating Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Participants learn all about ASL and Deaf culture in a stress-free, exciting environment! All fluency levels are accepted—especially beginners! Contact luslc1819@gmail.com for meeting locations and the date of the next meeting.

Staying Healthy—Mentally and Physically

 Well-Being Clinics

Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m., Room 313, Upchurch University Center; Thursdays, 4-5 p.m., on Zoom
These clinics teach students how to manage their mental health through mindfulness, communication skills, preventative behaviors, tolerating difficult emotions and making changes. Email glassjl@longwood.edu for Zoom link (ID: longwoodcaps) and more info.

Group Fitness Classes

Various times and locations, Health and Fitness Center
Classes offered include Spin Express, Dance-versity, Barbells, Spin Bootcamp, Fast Fitness Circuit and Yoga. Schedules: https://www.longwood.edu/recreation/

Longwood Recovers Group Meetings

Fridays, 3 p.m., Room 309C, Upchurch University Center
If your student is in recovery or if they might have a problem with alcohol or drug addiction, Longwood Recovers is here to help. It provides a place for students facing these challenges to come together in a nonjudgmental, noncritical, private forum for discussion and support. Individual meetings with Longwood’s recovery support staff also are available. http://www.longwood.edu/longwoodrecovers/

Eating Out with Friends (For Free!)

Catholic Campus Ministry Dinner

Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Midtown Square (next to Chick-fil-A)
It’s dinner compliments of Catholic Campus Ministry every Tuesday night. The evening also includes a message and games.

Wesley Campus Ministry Dinner

Tuesdays, 5 p.m., 204 High Street
Join this organization sponsored by the United Methodist Church for a free home-cooked meal, fellowship and worship.

Other Ways To Get Involved

Music ensembles: Longwood has numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles that can be taken as classes (or audited) by music majors and nonmajors as well as student organizations focused on making music.

Intramurals and club sports: A wide variety of sports are offered and geared for everyone from beginners to more advanced players.

Theatre productions: From acting to creating scenery to handling lighting—there are many ways to contribute.

The Rotunda: Longwood’s student newspaper is always looking for good writers, photographers and graphic designers.

WMLU: Longwood’s student-run radio station broadcasts 24 hours a day and offers many ways for students to get involved.

Student Employment: Meeting people is easier at work! Student jobs are available across campus.

—Sabrina Brown

My name is Caroline Smith and I am a Senior at Longwood University graduating in May 2024. I am studying Sociology with a concentration in Family Studies as well as a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality. In my E-Portfolio you will find material from my SOCL 346 statistics course, material from my SOCL 351 Family Violence course, my SOCL 461 course, and my internship experience.

My name is Kaelin Marsili and I am a Sociology major with a minor in Criminal Justice. I have provided a collection of evidence showing my learning journey over time. I had the ability to  conduct researches and analyze findings throughout my projects!

Hello, I am Joshua Burden, and this is my blog to showcase my work in Dr. Pederson’s SOCL 345 Social Research and Program Evaluation Class and SOCL 346 Statistics for the Social Sciences class.