Global Posts

The start of the school year has always been exciting for me, starting when I was a kid and then extending through my daughter’s school years and my long career in higher education.

But I’ve honestly never seen any place do “Back to School” better than Longwood.

The next few days are loaded with activities for your Lancers. If your student is the type who’s inclined to stay in their room—encourage them to get out there and mingle, say “hello” to people, join a group going to an event, smile!

This is such an important time—especially for freshmen—to meet people and make friends. Everyone is in the same boat at the beginning of the year, so students are very open to forging new connections.

Shark-invested campus? Carnival-type rides have traditionally been part of back-to-school activities.

If you’re wondering what your student will be (or could be) up to as they settle in, I’ve included below details about some upcoming activities. Encourage them to join in!

Also, on the academic side, fall semester classes start Monday, Aug. 23. Add/drop deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31. Here’s some information about add/drop in case you’re not familiar with that process.

Mission IMPROV-able 

Friday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m., Jarman Auditorium
A night of improv comedy put on by Lancer Productions, a student organization.

New Lancer Days Tailgate 

Saturday, Aug. 21, 7-9:30 p.m., Brock Commons
Carnival games, snow cones, cotton candy, music, Longwood swag, a photo booth and more.

Snow cone, anyone? These icy treats and cotton candy will sweeten the Tailgate event on Saturday.

Meet the Greeks 

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 6-8 p.m., Brock Commons (Soza Ballroom, Upchurch University Center, in case of rain)
Everything anyone could want to know about Greek life at Longwood can be found at this event. Representatives from all 22 organizations will be there to share information about their groups. Fraternities and sororities can be a great way to connect with other students.

First Friday Back and The G.A.M.E 

Friday, Aug. 27, 3:30-9 p.m., Multiple Campus Locations
Longwood scarf wristbands for freshmen handed out noon-3 p.m.; wristbands available to upperclassmen starting at 3:15 p.m. while supplies last
After some fun activities, students get their Lancer spirit going at a pep rally and then march together to the Athletics Complex to pick up their Longwood scarves and cheer for the men’s soccer team.

Every Lancer’s favorite accessory is the Longwood scarf. A new design is revealed each year, with freshmen given priority when the scarf is given out in the fall.

Involvement and Volunteer Fair 

Thursday, Sept. 2, 4-6 p.m., Brock Commons
This is the perfect opportunity for your Lancer to find fellow students who share their interests and to get involved!

Finally, I’d like to extend a heartfelt welcome to all the new parents who have joined Parent Pipeline via email or the Facebook group over the summer. I hope you’ll feel more connected to your student’s experience through this blog and find some helpful information, as well.

Most of all, I hope your student has a fun and successful fall semester!

—Sabrina Brown

My name is Rachael McDonald and I have been working in education since 2013. I taught for one year in Prince William County and 8 years in Manassas City Public Schools. I have worked in general education and special education. My role has since expanded to include Child Study, developmental testing, mentoring, and observing teachers. 

I received my bachelor’s of science in Anthropology in 2003. My greatest interest in that field was learning more about the cultures and languages of the world. I am fascinated by all the ways that people are the same as much as the amazing ways in which we are different. This passion led me to an opportunity to visit an elementary school in Japan. That experience as well as my experiences volunteering with local students, increased my love of working with children, especially those of diverse backgrounds. In 2013, I graduated from George Mason University with a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Early Childhood for Diverse Learners. I received my Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education in 2015 and my TESOL certificate in 2015. I completed my School Leadership Certificate with Longwood University in August of 2021.

Less than a month from now many of you will be moving your students into their Longwood-managed residence hall or apartment. Move-in is set for Aug. 18-22.

I know some of you have this process down to a science, and I’ve seen you sharing your expertise on the Longwood parents Facebook page. I know your fellow parents are extremely grateful for your help.

The move-in schedule is designed to minimize crowds and traffic as much as possible, but let’s be honest, moving a student into a campus residence can be hard work. It probably will be hot, there will be a lot of people and, on top of that, it will probably be a little emotional. Saying good-bye to your “baby” can be hard, even if they are (mostly) all grown up.

In line for the elevator

Having a smooth move-in means having a plan, and having a plan depends on having good information.

So here are answers to some FAQs about what to do—and what not to do—for move-in, as well as some helpful links and contact information for the Residential and Commuter Life office.

Q: When can my student move in?
A: That depends. Below is a pared-down, basic schedule. Be sure to check for your student’s specific date(s) and time(s), which are based on their individual housing assignment and status. Your student received an individualized email with this information. That information and more also can be found in an online, printable info sheet here.
—New Students in Johns and Moss Halls: Aug. 18-19
Specific dates and times are determined by the student’s housing assignment.
—New Students in Wheeler (non-Honors students), Sharp and Register Halls: Aug. 19
—Transfer and Readmitted Students in Residence Halls and Longwood Apartments: Aug. 19-22
—Continuing Students in Residence Halls: Aug. 20-22
—Continuing Students in Longwood Apartments: Aug. 20-22

Q: What if my student can’t move in at their designated date/time?
A: Early arrival is limited to certain groups of students, but your student can move in after their designated date/time. Notify Residential and Commuter Life in writing at housing@longwood.edu of your planned arrival date/time.

Q: Where is the unloading area for my student’s residence hall/apartment complex?
A: Each residence hall and Longwood-managed apartment complex has a specific unloading area. Directions to each unloading area can be found here.

Unloading at Moss Hall

Q: How many family members and friends can help my student move in?
A: Students are encouraged to limit assistance from family and friends to three helpers in an effort to promote social distancing. Everyone participating in move-in should bring their own face coverings, gloves and other safety items (PPE).

Encourage your student to think twice—or three or four times—about what they will really need because it all has to be taken inside.

Q: Will there be any volunteers from Longwood helping with move-in?
A: To uphold social distancing and safety, the university will not be providing volunteers to help new students moving into main campus housing.

Q: Will the university provide carts or dollies for move-in?
A: Due to Covid-19 sanitation requirements, these items will not be provided. Families are encouraged to bring their own dollies or carts.

On move-in day, a dolly is a girl’s—and a dad’s—best friend.

Q: Are there any items that are not allowed in Longwood-managed housing?
A: For safety and other reasons, there are some items that students are not allowed to bring on campus. The “What Not To Bring” list can be found here. You’ll also find lists with suggestions for what you can and should bring. Please be sure to check these lists BEFORE packing.

Q: How long are we allowed to remain in the unloading area? Where should we move our car after unloading? Is it OK to park in lots of nearby businesses?
A: As soon as your car is unloaded, you should move it immediately to the designated parking area for your student’s residence hall or apartment complex. This allows others to advance into the unloading area. Directions to the designated parking area for each residence hall and apartment complex can be found here. There will be staff on site to assist with directing families where to unload and park. Do not park in private business lots. Towing is enforced.

Be ready for the emotional side of move-in day, too.

Q. What if my student has not paid all of their tuition or fees prior to move-in?
A. You can make your final payment on move-in day, but it must be before your student unloads and checks in. If your student has an outstanding university balance when you arrive for move-in, enter campus at Wynne Drive and take the provided shuttle from the Wynne Parking Lot to Student Accounts and Financial Aid to complete the payment process. This will prevent you from experiencing interruptions during check-in. If at all possible, it’s best to make sure your student’s balance has been paid before move-in day.

Additional information about move-in can be found here. 

If you still have questions, feel free to call Residential and Commuter Life at 434-395-2080 or email housing@longwood.edu.

We’re counting the days until our students are back on campus!

—Sabrina Brown

Hello! My name is Amber Blackett and I am currently a senior at Longwood University. I am pursing my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. I then plan on getting my Master’s degree in mental health counseling, and then becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. I plan to be a clinician and work with all different types of diverse clients. My hope is to provide clients with professional services in order for them to receive the help they need and live successful lives.

Welcome to my eportfolio. There are a few things that I would like to highlight about myself. I am currently attending Longwood University where I am pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. One of my favorite things to do is help people. I take pride in assisting people with everyday life problems the best I can. This is the main reason I want to become a social worker. When I start practicing as a social worker, I will be able to aid individuals and families better.

Welcome to my E-Portfolio! My name is NaRayel Daniels. I’m currently attending Longwood University where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. My hope is to work with children in the mental health and trauma-informed field. I chose this field because I want to empower individuals with mental illness to help them lead independent, fulfilling lives.

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