Students talk on campus

Pioneers

The first in their family to complete a bachelor’s degree First-Gen students are setting a new course for their generation.

  • 31%
    of Longwood students are first-generation.
  • Over 50
    Longwood faculty/staff identify as first-generation.
  • All Lancers
    want to help you navigate the college experience!

First-Gen All In

 

We're successful when you're successful. 

You’ve used your challenges as opportunities and we're here to help and support you as you take your next steps into your future.

Longwood offers mentoring and support programs to provide guidance and assistance—in school and in life.

Longwood’s Diversity Resources and Strategic Plan can be found here.


Financial Aid and Tuition

Financing a college degree can be confusing for us all.

Students participate in Research Day

We've all had to learn about Financial Aid processes, Tuition costs and Scholarship applications. 

Student Accounts will help you understand a tuition bill.

Financial Aid will help you understand scholarships and loans.


Housing and Commuter Life

Transiting to the Lancer Community comes with support.

Boy reading in dormroom

As you adjust to living on campus or with a new commute there's support and help a few steps away.

Residential & Commuter Life staff can help ease your transition. We'll walk you through what you need to know about living and commuting to campus. 


College Readiness

Let's get organized.

students change classes

You've taken your challenges and turned them into opportunities. 

We know you're ready for the rigor and expectations of the college curriculum. 

First, you'll need to be organized and proactive.

  • Plan to be read your email daily
  • Visit faculty during their office hours

Use support services. It's not a secret that two heads are better than one. Contact the Center for Academic Success and the Writing Center - They're ready to help support you and your learning.

Register at Accessibility Resources (434)395-2391 if you have a documented disability.

Ask questions. Manage your stress. Take care of yourself and advocate for your needs. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (395-2409) can help you maintain your well-being.

Learn more about how to take charge of your academic experience and keep the drive that got you here. 

Take advantage of opportunities with Collaborating with Lancers for Academic Success Program (CLASP).

Designed with a focus on first generation students, transfer students, racial/ethnic minority students and low-income students, the Collaborating with Lancers for Academic Success Program (CLASP) specifically targets development in the areas of cultural engagement, academic success & career services. 


Community Connections

We're a community that encourages connections!

Students sit together on a couch

We all help each other succeed and we're here to help you too. 

New Lancers get their very own Coach!

During New Lancer Days you'll meet your Coach and learn about all the ways you can plug into the community. Questions before then? Contact Student Success.

Discover new friends and interests.

Get involved with an on-campus organization or in the local Farmville community. Get involved with something you know you love or branch out with something new.


Want to know more about First-Generation Student Success?

The National Center for First-Generation Student Success has additional resources.

Online Guide for First Generation College Students


Get In Touch

We're here to help.

Cheryl Steele
Cheryl Steele

Dean of Student Engagement
Upchurch University Center 309A
(434) 395-4988
steelecl@longwood.edu