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First Generation Students

First-Generation (First- Gen) students are the first in their family to complete a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university. Longwood recognizes and supports the needs of First-Generation students.

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 80
    Longwood faculty/staff identify as first-generation and serve as First Gen Allies.
  • 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.

The image is a logo featuring the text

Longwood recognizes and supports the needs of First-Generation students and has been recognized for its commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation students through its selection as a First Gen Forward Network member.

Financial Aid and Tuition

Financing a college degree can be confusing for us all.

Students participate in Research DayWe'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.

First-generation student scholarships resources:

VA Higher Education Fund

How to Find Scholarships as a First-Generation College Student

 

Housing and Commuter Life

As you adjust to living on campus or with a new commute there is assistance.

Boy reading in dormroom

Residential & Commuter Life staff can support your transition. They will help you navigate living on 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. Learn more about how to take charge of your academic experience and keep the drive that got you here.

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) (434) 395-2409 can help you maintain your well-being.

The Tri Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha) National Honor Society for First Generation Students recognizes the academic accomplishments of students based on the following criteria:

  • A student has earned at least 30 credit/semester hours towards a Baccalaureate degree (including half-time)
  • An undergraduate student has achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
  • Neither of the student's parents, nor step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a Bachelor's degree

Community Connections

We're a community that encourages connections!

Three students sit at a table and talk.

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.

Check out the First Generation Student Lounge on the third floor of the Upchurch University Center, Suite 309— space dedicated to you! Study, hang out, charge your electronics and learn about campus resources.

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.

We celebrate First Gen students at these special events:

  • Welcome Ice Cream Social for new students
  • National First Gen Celebration in early November
  • First Gen Graduation Celebration the night before Commencement
Students walk on campus in a group. The person out front is wearing a blue 3OA Beach Beach Happy shirt, aviator sunglasses and is smiling.

First Gen Allies

Longwood's First-Gen Allies understand the unique challenges faced by first-generation students and are available for guidance, information, and resources. 

First Gen Allies

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.

See First Generation FAQs.

Cheryl Steele
Cheryl Steele

Associate VP for Student Engagement and Initiatives
Upchurch University Center 309A
(434) 395-4988
steelecl@longwood.edu