Purple icon of a gear encircling a stylized person and upward arrow. The word “Purpose” curves along the inside of the gear. The arrow rises diagonally, symbolizing growth and direction. Graphic represents Longwood Well-Being’s core value of Purpose.

Career/Purpose Well-Being

Is Important Because

It is how you spend the majority of our time & when you enjoy what you are doing, it will not feel like work.

People with a sense of purpose / a fulfilling career take more time to enjoy life, build healthier relationships, practice more gratitude, and have better overall health.

How Do I Rate?

  • Do I look forward to what I do each day?
  • Do I know my strengths and use them every day (and I continue to work on my weaknesses to be a more rounded person)?

How Can I Do Better?

  • Identify someone I know who enjoys their career (and therefore their life)

Primary Resource at Longwood University

Blue icon of a gear encircling three stylized people. The word “Social” curves along the inside of the gear. Figures are grouped together to represent community and connection. Graphic symbolizes Longwood Well-Being’s core value of Social responsibility.

Social Well-Being

Is Important Because

Your connections with others impact your happiness more than how much money you have

Often the best predictor of success is not what you are doing but who you are doing it with.

How Do I Rate?

  • Do I have strong healthy relationships with others?
  • Does someone in my life encourage and inspire me to be my best?
  • Do I support those close to me?

How Can I Do Better?

  • Increase face-to-face time with people who encourage me
  • Know when and how to let go of an unhealthy or toxic relationship

Primary Resource at Longwood University

  • Longwood is a great place to “find your people” both in and out of classes.
  • CAPS: A team of mental health clinicians dedicated to support your personal growth and development
  • Well-Being 101: Learn about yourself and how to have health relationships with others
Green icon of a gear encircling a piggy bank with a dollar sign. The word “Financial” curves along the inside of the gear. Piggy bank symbolizes savings, investment, and fiscal responsibility. Graphic represents Longwood Well-Being’s core value of Financial stewardship.

Financial Well-Being

Is Important Because

It is not how much money you have, but HOW you use it that improves your well-being

The Key: Learn to set a realistic budget and ask for help when you can’t cover your essential needs

How Do I Rate?

  • Do I have money to do the things I want?
  • Am I able to live within my means?
  • Do I choose experiences over things?

How Can I Do Better?

  • Identify someone in my life who models solid financial decisions
  • Develop a realistic budge and stick to it
  • Track my income and my spending

Primary Resource at Longwood University

  • The Office of Financial Aid: Helps you apply for and receive loans, grants, and work-study
  • Student Employment: Find an on-campus job that fits your schedule and gain work experience for a competitive edge in your post-graduate success
Red icon of a gear encircling a running figure. The word “Physical” curves along the inside of the gear. Runner symbolizes movement, strength, and active living. Graphic represents Longwood Well-Being’s core value of Physical well-being.

Physical Well-Being

Is Important Because

What you eat/drink and how much you sleep and exercise affects everything throughout your day (mood, energy, focus, hunger, confidence, memory …)

The Key: Activity, healthy diet, and sleep allows you to do what you want each day

How Do I Rate?

  • Do I have the strength and energy to live the way I want?
  • Do I feel rested and recharged most days?
  • Am I proud of what my body can do?

How Can I Do Better?

  • Each day, plan ahead for my food choices, activity, and sleep
  • Pay attention to nutritional information on my food and drink
  • Create a
    • sleep schedule of 7-8 hours
    • sleep environment
  • Find a workout buddy and hold each other accountable

Primary Resource at Longwood University

  • Campus Recreation: Be active in the Fitness Center, join a Sport Club team, or compete in Intramurals with your friends.  Campus Rec has so many ways to get and keep you active.
  • Longwood Dining:  With 9 locations, you can plan ahead and make healthy choices
  • University Health Center: Professional medical providers are here to help you achieve well-being
Gold icon of a gear encircling a classical columned building. The word “Community” curves along the inside of the gear. Building symbolizes civic engagement and public service. Graphic represents Longwood Well Being’s core value of Community.

Community Well-Being

Is Important Because

Belonging and meaningful engagement in your community enriches your life by being part of something bigger than yourself

The Key: Being comfortable and connected to your community decreases stress and increases happiness

How Do I Rate?

  • Is Longwood University the right place for me?
  • Do I feel a safe, proud, engaged and included in my community?

How Can I Do Better?

  • Be intentional about what I join and how I serve
  • Share my time and talents by joining others to serve our community and give back

Primary Resource at Longwood University

Departments

Portrait of a smiling woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a black top, standing outdoors with a blurred green and natural background.
Dr. Maureen Walls-McKay
Associate Vice President for Health & Well-Being
Pierson Hall
(434) 395-2409
wallsmckaymj@longwood.edu


Gus Hemmer
Director of Campus Recreation
Pierson Hall
(434) 395-2186
hemmergw@longwood.edu


Ronald Goforth
Clinic Director
Potomac Healthcare Solutions LLC.
Longwood University Health Center
(434) 395-2400