The LU Report

Orrock Says Distractions Must Stop

2012-01-25T15:47:00.001-05:00

If Del. Bobby Orrock(R-Caroline Co.) has his way, you'll have to put down that Big Mac you get at the McDonald's drive-thru. Orrock has introduced H.B. 532 which would outlaw doing any type of distractive behavior behind the wheel of a vehicle such as texting, eating, applying make up or anything similar. Orrock said that most people are guilty of the bill, but that when being distracted, we are at a higher rate to injuy someone on the road. Even though an anti-texting bill was already introduced this session, Orrock's legilsation would further the provisions that would be considered illegal. The bill has been pre-filed in the House.

The much-discussed Sunday hunting bill has made it a step further. Sen. Ralph Northam's (D-Norfolk) sponsored S.B. 464 would allow hunting on private land to take place Sunday. Many Republicans tried to amend the bill so particular localities could allow or restrict hunting, but that move failed. The measure is expected to pass tomorrow when it is brought up to vote.

Child Abuse Bill Passes House

2012-01-24T01:54:00.003-05:00

Abortion is once again begin discussed at the General Assembly. The state's Board of Health is looking at the most proper way to regulate Virginia's abortion clinics. A hearing will be held Friday and the board will continue to accept comments from the public up until Wednesday, Feb. 15. Women's groups are already petitioning the public to sign petitions and contact Governor Bob McDonnell to speak out against the new regulations. If the new regulations continue, Virginia will hold one of the toughest sets of standards in America. The size of exam rooms and record-keeping measures would be more heavily under regulation.

A victory for H.B. 74 came Friday withe the passage of the bill designed to reduce the time limit for reporting believed child abuse or negligence crimes. The bill, sponsored by Del. Richard Bell (R-Staunton) would reduce the current time of 72 hours down to 24 hours that a person has to report such suspected abuses or neglects.

The Side Note: Virginians may go ahead an vote absentee for the two GOP candidates on the state's primary ballot. The primary, March 6, was only able to nab Mitt Romney and Ron Paul as the lone runners since neither Gingrich or Santorum were able to gain enough signatures to be placed on the ballot. Applications are available here.

McDonnell Releases Public Safety Agenda for 2012

2012-01-19T14:35:00.002-05:00

Breaking: 2:35 p.m.
Updated: 2:50 p.m.
__---__

File photo via flickr.com (VDOT post). Labeled for reuse.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) held a press conference this afternoon at 2 p.m. to discuss the Public Safety Agenda for 2012 General Assembly Session. The governor said it is important to ensure that all Virginias remain safe and that he hopes much of the plan can be implemented into law during the session.

Among some of the topics the governor discussed involved more drug courts in the Commonwealth and more funding for public school drug and alcohol awareness programs. A new prisoner re-entry effort was also discussed through HB 1126, the Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE) program, advocated by Del. Robert Bell, will create a special probation program for offenders who are on probation "pursuant to a suspended sentence and have not been convicted of a violent felony." This program will relieve some of the pressures on the system and on overcrowding in jails. On the fourth violation, the defendant would become ineligible for the program.

The Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minor Registry provisions could be amended by SB 559.
The "most aggregate" sex crimes will be sentenced by a mandatory life imprisonment term.

Efforts to establish mandatory minimum sentence for involuntary manslaughter for crimes committed by drunk drivers is also in the works.

It will also be a crime to exploit elderly (60 years) adults or vulnerable adult (anyone who lacks the decision-making process over their own assets) a rising problem via home and insurance scans, driving this crime as a Class 3 felony.

Del. Dave Alba said he was thankful the governor was committing to make safety a "number one priority in the state again."

To view some of the bills, visit the Virginia Legislative System's Webpage

Day 7: Uranium Debate Continues

2012-01-18T16:34:00.001-05:00

The coalition that has been calling for the delay in Southside Virginia uranium mining today took an alternative approach today. They are concerned about the impact on jobs. They claim if the General Assembly decided to lift the ban in the state, employees may be harmed and the possibility of not being able to attract potential employees is a real issue. This news comes after a report released Monday warned of more environmental and health issues regarding the extraction of uranium from what is called one of the nation's largest deposits of uranium. A number of Southside Republicans backed the coalition include Sens. Frank Ruff (R-Clarksville) and James Edmunds (R-Charlotte).

Criticism might be to blame for the Republican's decision today to do away with the so-called loyalty oath which on Primary day would ask voters to pledge to support the republican nominee during his campaign. In the Commonwealth, voters do not register based on party affiliation. This means that democrats who vote in the primary would be pledging to support a candidate they may not support over President Barack Obama.

The Side Note: A bit of a reunion occurred today as former Senator John Warner (R) took the floor in the House of Delegates to celebrate the beginning of Del. Lacey Putney's (I-Bedford) 51st year of service to the House. Warner called the occasion a mark in the history of the Commonwealth. Warner retired from the U.S. Senate a few years ago leading the way for Mark Warner (D) to take his spot. John and Putney attended Washington and Lee together. Maybe Putney's "I" status just shows that voters enjoy the moderate candidate. Or maybe it's because Putney is a wonderful delegate.

Day 6: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke that Cigarette

2012-01-17T17:15:00.001-05:00

If you're a fan of smoking, you're probably not a fan of Richmond Del. Joe Morrisey. You might even want to kick his butt, pun intended, because he wants to kick your butts to the trash can ... not on the street. Morrisey brought out a bill last week that would classify throwing a cigarette on the ground as littering. This equals a Class 1 misdemeanor or a community service charge with $100 tacked on fine.

A tax hike was also introduced today thanks to Del. Vivian Watts (D-Annandale) who wants to increase the gas tax by four percent. The good news? It's unlikely that the gas tax will cause any increase at all on fuel since it will be a separate tax, something regulated by the state and not independent owners or oil corporations.

The Side Note:

According to WTVR (CBS6) in Richmond, there's no hope any more for Rick Perry and the crowd left off the ballot for the presidential primary here in the Commonwealth. Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals (Fourth Circuit) has struck down the appeal requested by Perry and three other GOP candidates who were left off the ballot. The judges cited the reason for denying the appeal refers to the deadline to send out the absentee ballots, which is Jan. 21.

Perry and the other candidates said the rule stating that 10,000 signatures are required to make it on the ballot is simply unconstitutional. Only Mitt Romney and Ron Paul made the ballot.

For more information about the Virginia voting system, visit the Virginia Board of Elections website.

The LU Report is covering news from the Virginia General Assembly this session. A blog post will be updated daily recapping some of the talking points from Richmond. For up to date information, visit the General Assembly's webpage.

Spring Weekend Parking Regulations Announced

2011-04-07T15:56:00.000-04:00

In an e-mail today from Longwood Chief of Police Bob Beach, Spring Weekend parking regulations were announced. In order to make sure pedestrians are safe for the weekend, as well as an effort to provide parking for Admissions Spring 2011 Open House (April 9), a number of streets will be closed or restricted only to certain persons. This mainly effects the Lankford Mall area, but includes other spaces around campus. The list is below:

CLOSING TODAY at 5 p.m.:

** Spruce Street will be closed

** The west exit of the Brock Commons Garage will be closed. (Lankford Mall side)

** Race Street F/S cut-in will be closed

** No parking on Redford Street West

** No parking on Madison Street West

CLOSING FRIDAY at 5 p.m.:

** Madison Street West will be closed

** Jarman Lot will be closed

** Craft Lot will be closed

** Buffalo Street Lot will be closed

** Wheeler Lot will be closed

For any questions, contact campus police at 434-395-2091

Breaking Gen Assem 2011: Senate Approves Absentee Voting Bills

2011-01-24T14:17:00.000-05:00

Breaking News today from Richmond and the General Assembly. The Associated Press is reporting the Virginia Senate has approved Senator Janet Howell's bill that would allow absentee voting for any specified reason in the state. Under current law, only voters who will be out of town or who meet a few other listed reasons.

The Senate voted 24-14 today to pass the bill.

Along with Howell's bill, Sen. John Miller's legislation to allow anyone age 65 and older to vote absentee regardless of the reason also passed in a 32-6 vote.

Delegate Hopes You'll Hang Up When You Drive

2011-01-24T00:08:00.000-05:00

One Virginia Delegate is hoping that you'll think twice before picking up your phone when you're on the road. Delegate Vivian Watts (D-Annandale) hopes to make that urge illegal on state roadways. Watts' proposal, House Bill 1630, was considered last Thursday by a House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee subcommittee.

It's already state law that motorists may not read or send SMS text messages when riving. This however is only a secondary offense, resulting in a $20-$50 fine depending on the amount of offenses. Anyone under 18 is prohibited from using a phone at all when driving. Watts' bill would limit all drivers from using phones during a commute.

Under the bill, violations would still be a secondary offense, but would cost upwards of $500.

GenAssem 2011: VA Higher Education Bill Presented

2011-01-21T15:41:00.000-05:00

Virginia Senator R. Edward Houck (D-17) introduced a bill today in the General Assembly entitled the "Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011." The bill plans to establish the act for fueling economic growth in the Commonwealth while preparing Virginians for top careers. The bill provides for a new funding policy for higher education, the calculation of state general fund share of an institution's operations and need as well as per student enrollment funding. The bill also targets new economic incentives and creates a science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM) partnership in both the private and public sectors.

The bill, SB 1459, was referred to the Committee on Education and Health.

For a complete list of today's presented legislation, beginning with the House, click here to access the VA Legislative Information System.

GenAssem 2011: Guns, Eminent Domain gaining steam

2011-01-19T23:58:00.001-05:00

UPDATE:

HB1438, better known as the Intrastate Commerce Act, was reported out of the House Commerce and Labor Committee today. The vote was 15-6.

Voting Roll:

YEA: Kilgore, Morgan, Byron, Ware, R.L., Hugo, Janis, Marshall, D.W., Cline, Miller, J.H., Merricks, Loupassi, Cosgrove, Johnson, Joannou, Lewis.

NAY: Rust, Alexander, McClellan, Ward, Tyler, McQuinn.

NOT VOTING: Purkey.

Eminent Domain Constitutional Amendment (HJ693)

This Constitutional amendment focuses on the taking and/or damaging of private property for public use.

Announced to House Committee on Privileges and Elections

Brought by: Del. Johnny Joannou

Guns

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today that the longstanding firearm ban at Virginia state parks will be nixed. He cited the Conservation and Recreation Department as not having sufficient authority to enforce the ban. The ban did not affect concealed gun users.

A Year Later: Appomattox Still Trying to Understand

2011-01-19T23:45:00.001-05:00

Why? It was a question many residents of small town Appomattox, Virginia asked this very day last year. It has been a year now since the deaths of eight people in a location just outside of the town itself, only miles from the Prince Edward County line.

The eight victims shot by Speight were Lauralee Sipe, Speight's sister; Dwayne Sipe, Speight's brother-in-law; 15-year-old Morgan Dobyns, Lauralee's daughter; 4-year-old Joshua Sipe, son of Lauralee and Dwayne; Dobyns' friend, 15-year-old Emily Quarles, Dobyns' friend; 16-year-old Ronald "Bo" Scruggs, Quarles' boyfriend; and 43-year-olds Karen and Jonathan Quarles', Emily's parents. The shooter is believed to be 39-year-old Christopher Speight, a relative to four of the victims.

Police believe their deaths were caused by a disagreement between the family and Speight over land property. The violent crime took place nearly four months to the day from the Farmville Murders on Sept. 18, 2009. There, Farmville Police discovered four bodies at 505 First Avenue. The bodies were later identified as Longwood University Professor Debra Kelley; her estranged husband, Pastor Mark Niederbrock; their daughter Emma Niederbrock; and Emma's friend, Melanie Grace Wells who was visiting from W. Va.

Those on the scene said Speight shot down a police helicopter before police caught him. They discovered over a dozen firearms and homemade bombs on the property.

Photo Courtesy: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/01/20/2010-01-20_mystery_surrounds_christopher_speight_suspected_of_shooting_eight_in_appomattox_.html

Since the shootings, Speight has been held in a mental hospital with his lawyers arguing he was unfit for trial. He has now been restored as competent for trial and has a new defense attorney. There is still no trial date set.

GenAssem 2011: Jan. 18 Recap

2011-01-18T23:46:00.000-05:00

Attorney General's Powers

Democrats are targeting the powers of the Commonwealth's attorney general. The lawmakers said that a climate change research investigation last year by the current Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was against academic freedom for the University of Virginia. Three lawmakers, Sen. Donald McEachin, Sen. Chap Petersen, and Del. David Toscano all are bringing forth bills to redistrict the post's ability to file what are called Civil Investigative Demands, which Cuccinelli used against former UVA professor Michael Mann.

Illegal Internet Cafe Gambling

Lawmakers are also looking at ways to watch over Internet gambling establishments across the state. Many of these cafes are not illegal under the current Virginia law, but ofificals hope to change that. The current bill in the General Assembly calls for a store that offers Internet gambling advertising a legal sweepstakes that isn't to be banned in the Commonwealth. Recently, three establishments in Farmville, Va., were busted for such crimes.

Public School Budgets

Today was a lobby day for state school superintendents. They were in Richmond to talk to lawmakers about paying teachers who are making "A's" in their teaching adequate money, even though budget restricitons are adding up. Many school districts were forced to lay off teachers or freeze any pay raises this past year. Many of the superintendents including Chesterfield Superintendent Marcus Newsome said they are not asking for more taxpayer money, but just a revamping of the system so equality can be found.

House of Delegate's Video Stream
Senate Video Stream

GenAssem 2011: One to Watch

2011-01-12T23:20:00.000-05:00

Our GenAssem 2011 coverage continues tonight as we look at two other state politicians. Since we had some posting problems yesterday, we are going to look at two politicians.

First on our list is state Delegate Bill Cleaveland, (R-Botetourt).

Cleaveland is expected to push for legislation regarding an issue that may seem mundane to everyone else in the state, but is rather important to the county to his south, Roanoke Co. It's been a long-standing normality in Roanoke for students to not begin school until after Labor Day. Why? It is a tourism lobbyist push for students not to go back until the summer "business" season is dwindling down. However, the existing system requires school divisions to obtain waivers from the state, according to a recent Roanoke Times article.

The delegate hopes to allow Roanoke Co. to control their calendar without having to worry about the current stipulation. Cleaveland said the change will not cause any problems for tourism in the Roanoke Valley, which is a very important economic aspect to the area.

Second today and third on The LU Report's list is Delegate Ward Armstrong (D-10) who is pursing legislation that might change regulation regarding electric rates in the state. It's been an issue on Armstrong's list to get Appalachian Power Co.'s rates under control. Many Virginians have experienced a double digit rate increase over the past few years after Appalachian Power has increased their rates. He hopes to give state regulators more control over the power company, which expects rates to increase more over this year.

Stay tuned to The LU Report for continuous GenAssem 2011 updates from the Virginia General Assembly starting daily Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Lancer CA$H Can Be Used at Golf Course, Computer Labs

2011-01-11T13:14:00.001-05:00

Dr. Tim Pierson, vice president for student affairs, forwarded an e-mail from LancerCard Center Manager Crissy Sampier on Tuesday explaining new payment locations for the LancerCard system on campus.

The Longwood University Golf Course is now accepting Lancer CA$H, according to the e-mail message. Students can use their cards to pay for golf play or to purchase items from the golf shop.

Greenwood Library printing will now be paid for though the Lancer CA$H system. Campus computer labs will also require use of LancerCard payment if printing off pages.

Sampier explained in the e-mail that the new payment system will reduce '"runaround"' for students. Students will no longer have to incur account holds or student billing for printing through the new method.

For more information, e-mail Sampier at lancercard@longwod.edu or call 434-395-2715.

The changes will begin on January 18 according to the e-mail.

GenAssem 2011 Preview: Senator Obenshain

2011-01-07T15:33:00.000-05:00

Part of The LU Report’s General Assembly 2011 Preview

The start of the 2011 Session of the Virginia General Assembly is just around the corner. To commemorate the January 12 session opening, I’ll be brining you a snapshot of some of the state senators and delegates. I handpicked a selection of five politicians who are outlining some of their top issues this session. I’ll be profiling them today and all next week, exploring some of their top issues for 2011. It’s a new year and possibly a new government, Virginia.

Today, we stop by Senator Mark Obenshain’s (R) office to see what he has in plan for 2011.

Transportation

Obenshain has always been critical of transportation spending in the Commonwealth. Will 2011 be his year for getting transportation spending under wraps? Obenshain hopes so. He has outlined a plan called the “transportation lockbox.” The concept of the proposal is to make sure revenues that are already designated to go to transportation in the Commonwealth actually go to transportation projects. However, Obenshain will likely face opposition from a General Assembly very divided on the issue of state spending, especially since where VDOT funding stands is not clear. Projects such as a new Route 460, a widening of Rt. 220 in the central part of the state, and interstate improvements out east will be hot topics for sure.

Contracting

Oh the red tape of government. In Virginia, when a project contract is put up for bid, chances that the best price will come out is highly unlikely. Thanks to the state’s idea of preferential procurement, nearly 50 percent of the contracts are sent to small business or businesses owned solely and operated by women and minority groups. With no offense toward these businesses, it’s not the clear way to go about the contracting. Obenshain’s plan? Open the bidding to all vendors and make it so agencies are allowed to enter into however many small business, women or minority owned business they want to.

Political Party Subsidies

If you are a registered voter in the Commonwealth, think back to the day you registered. You probably remember that you did not register by a political party. This is because Virginia does not allow voter registration by political parties. However, primaries, designated by party, are still active in the state. The primaries cost money and require all precincts to be open just like in a general election. Why waist all that on the apathetic voters? Obenshain’s outline is to take the burden off the localities who are burdened enough by these costs. Alternatives of a full primary, in case you were wondering, are firehouse primaries, where a number of precincts are opened, or small conventions.

Monday, we’ll stop by the camp of a new face to the General Assembly. You’ve probably heard of him and he brought a big promise to the table. But can he really keep it? We’ll find out in GenAssem 2011.

Remembering Mayberry 50 Years Later

2010-10-07T18:44:00.000-04:00

It's been a few days over 50 years since Mayberry first aired on the tube. It is a favorite show of mine and the basis of my column in this week's issue of The Rotunda. You can catch the column on stands in the paper today. Also, check us out on the interweb. Lots of good stuff.

I've also included a few clips that I remember best. You might call them "favorites." Enjoy.

Barney the Teacher

Andy and Barney Teach How To Sing:

And Who Could Forget Otis?

Two Rules at The Rock

Barney's Gun

Scared Straight

Hello, Doll.

The Best of Barney

Jet Fuel Leak Closes Rts. 460, 307

2010-09-22T13:39:00.000-04:00

Updated: 1:39 p.m.

Farmville/Prince Edward County Dispatch reports Rt. 460 between Rt. 307 and Burkville is closed. Rt. 307 is closed between Rt. 460 and Saylers Creek Rd.

The area is closed due to a tractor trailer accident. The trailer was carrying 8,000 gallons of jet fuel according to reports.

An ALS ambulance is on the scene as standby. Some areas have been evacuated.

----

Part of Rt. 460 in Prince Edward Co. is closed due to a tractor trailer accident.

The trailer was carrying jet fuel.

Local fire departments are at the scene.

Students Urged to be Safe Amid Recent Crimes

2010-09-08T22:43:00.001-04:00

Longwood University Police Department (LUPD) and Residential and Commuter Life (RCL) have stepped up efforts to make the campus safer tonight amid a string of recent crimes on campus and in Farmville.

Sgt. Rick Atristain of the LUPD said all residents of resident halls on campus will be required to sign in any guests they bring into buildings “until further notice.” Desk aides were informed of the change in policy earlier tonight.

Atristain said there was no new incident that caused the policy change, but the university is trying to make students as well protected as possible.

Students are urged to report any suspicious activity, especially large groups of people on campus for non apparent reasons at night. Remember the Student Safety Organization (Formerly Night Walkers) is also available to use from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call the LUPD at 434-395-2091.

The Rotunda will have much more on this policy change and new crime news this coming issue, Sept. 15 and always online at http://www.therotundaonline.com.

Howie Day, Three 6 Mafia to Perform at Oktoberfest

2010-08-30T23:16:00.000-04:00

Mortar Board at Longwood University announced the headliners for Oktoberfest 2010 Monday night. Randy Houser (acoustic), Three 6 Mafia, and Howie Day are the three bands the board selected to perform at the October 1,2, and 3 event.

For more information leading up to Oktoberfest, visit the Mortar Board website.

Here is a sampling of Randy Houser:

Video copyright http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmLXHjuyg0c

Career Opportunities

2010-08-25T16:25:00.000-04:00

Job Opportunities from the LU Academic and Career Advising Center

Town of Herndon Police Officer
Washington Redskins Graphic Designer- Part Time
Region Ten (Charlottesville area) Multiple Openings- Wellness Recovery Center RN, Technician, Clinician, Management; Center for Child and Family Services Director of Educational Support Services; Center for Adult Clinical Services Recovery Support Mentor; Center for Adult Developmental Services Residential Facilitator; various other openings
Henrico County Police Officers
Border Patrol Agent
Inova Health System Registered Nurse
Stafford County Public Schools Multiple Openings- Elementary Counselor, Adaptive PE, Technology Education Teacher, Math Coach, Elementary Teachers, Business Education Teachers, Special Education Teacher
WSET-TV (ABC Affiliate) Video Editor- Part Time

For more information about these opportunities, visit CareerConnect at: https://longwood-csm.symplicity.com/students

Upcoming Events and Contact

Out for Work Conference: The 2010 LGBTQ College Student Career Conference
September 25-26th, 2010 at the Washington Plaza Hotel - Washington, D.CFor more information, visit: http://www.regonline.com/register/checkin.aspx?EventId=874403
City of Roanoke is hosting a discussion panel for accounting/finance professionals- September 23, 2010 from 4-6p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall; this will be a unique opportunity for students to also learn more about governmental accounting and the economic impact on local government. Submit questions for panel by September 13 to angelia.vernon@roanokeva.gov
Southern Virginia Minority Pre-Law Conference: September 25, 2010 at the Washington and Lee School of Law in Lexington, Virginia from 9:30a.m.-4:00p.m.; Gain knowledge about law school admissions process, LSAT preparation, law school from the law student's perspective, and career opportunities for graduates. For more information, visit www.gentrylocke.com/prelaw

Parking Decals Now For Purchase

2010-07-09T14:32:00.003-04:00

From Longwood's Public Safety Department:

BOSSCARS PARKING DECAL ORDERING PROCESS

It is now time to consider purchasing or reserving your parking decal for the upcoming school year! We are using a software system that will allow you to purchase your decal on-line by credit card. If you do not wish to pay on line, you may reserve your decal and pay in person with cash or by check following the steps below. Please use this information as your guide. We recommend that you purchase your decal in advance to avoid lines and confusion during the first week of school.

Parking Services will be open on Saturday and Sunday, August 21-22, 2010, for your convenience.

YOU WILL NEED TO USE A COMPUTER THAT IS CONNECTED TO A PRINTER AS YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRINT YOUR RECEIPT AND TWO COPIES OF YOUR TEMPORARY PARKING PERMIT.

The link for your decal purchase can be found on the myLongwood site. Select the Campus Life tab and scroll down to the bottom. The Parking section will be on the bottom left side of the page. You will access the Campus Automobile Registration System. Following a disclaimer page, you will enter into the Bosscars program where you can view your account, view your ticket history, appeal a ticket, or order/purchase a parking permit. Follow the directions on each page. Remember you will need to print two copies of your credit card transaction receipt, OR two copies of your temporary 7 day parking pass. If you are only reserving your permit, you will not have a receipt but must print two copies of the temporary parking pass.

For those who pay on-line by credit card: Print two copies of your receipt. Keep one for your records. Bring the other copy of your receipt to the Parking Services Office in Graham Hall to receive your permit. If you have not had a car before or if this is a different car than what you have used in the past, you will need to present a current DMV registration card. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR LONGWOOD ID CARD TO OBTAIN THE DECAL! Once you have your decal, you must immediately affix it to your car.

For those who are reserving a decal on-line and want to pay in person: Print two copies of your temporary permit. You will place one copy of the parking pass in your car and bring the other copy to the Cashiering Office in Lancaster Hall. Cashiers will only accept cash or checks if you pay in person. Credit cards will not be accepted for in-person purchases. The Cashier will give you a receipt. Bring your parking pass and this receipt to the Parking Office in Graham Hall. If you have not had a car before or if this is a different car than what you have used in the past, you will need to present a current DMV registration card. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR LONGWOOD ID CARD TO OBTAIN THE DECAL! Once you have your decal, you must promptly affix it to your car. Discard the temporary permit.

Notes to Remember:

1. You MUST HAVE A PRINTER!

2. You must order or reserve your permit using the on-line system.

3. Cashiers cannot assist you if you fail to present your temporary parking pass copy. They cannot access the system to recreate this for you.

4. Cashiers cannot accept credit cards for in-person purchases of decals. You must bring a check or cash if you do not pay on line.

5. You MUST BRING YOUR LONGWOOD ID—other forms of ID will not work as your ID will be scanned at the Parking Office.

6. Freshman students are not allowed to have a car. Exemptions to the policy are handled on a case by case basis by the Parking Manager.

PARKING REGULATIONS ARE ENFORCED YEAR-ROUND. You will be expected to park in the correct decal zone. Commuting students will park in red commuter zones. Resident students will park in the lots designated for resident student use. Parking in faculty zones or in prohibited areas is not allowed even if classes are not in session. FALL DECAL SALES BEGIN FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2010. STUDENTS MUST HAVE DECALS BY THE END OF THE BUSINESS DAY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010. Please contact us if you experience a problem with your transaction. We can be reached at parking@longwood.edu; ricelh@longwood.edu; spainbj@longwood.edu; lingerfeltca@longwood.edu. The On-Line system will shut down on Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

Longwood Becomes Female Only Again--For a Week, That Is

2010-06-17T19:26:00.000-04:00

Girls State at Longwood: A yearly tradition

From Tim Pierson:

It is that wonderful time of the year when we welcome the 2010 Virginia Girls State to campus. The staff members and counselors started arriving today , and on Sunday 620 rising high school senior girls will be here to start their week long program of building a self-governing state. They will learn the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship so they may better understand and participate in the functioning of their government. Participants of Girls State are made aware of the civic responsibilities they must assume when they become adults. This is the 36^th year for Virginia Girls State at Longwood and we are honored to have this long history of partnership with this outstanding program.

Speakers this year include:

The Honorable William T. Bolling, Commonwealth of Virginia Lt. Governor, Wednesday, June 23, 2010 2:30 p.m.

The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell, Commonwealth of Virginia Governor, Thursday, June 24, 2010 1:00 p.m.

The Honorable Marla Decker, Commonwealth of Virginia Secretary of Public Safety, Friday, June 25, 2010 at 11:00 am

The Honorable Kenneth Cuccinelli, Commonwealth of Virginia Attorney General, Friday, June 25, 2010 1:30 pm

All speakers are in the Blackwell Ballroom. Seating is limited and guests may enter and sit in the back of the auditorium after all Girls State participants have been seated.

I have been asked to include this information for changes in dining services next week during Virginia girls State.

Beginning with dinner on Sunday, June 19 through dinner on Saturday, June 26, meals will be served from the Outta Here, located on the ground floor of the Dining Hall. Next week, Girls State will be on campus and eating their meals in the main Dining Hall.

Summer Hours for Dining Services

Monday-Thursday

Breakfast: 7-9 am

Lunch: 11:30 am - 2 pm

Dinner: 5-6:30 pm

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Bunch: 11:30 am - 1 pm

Dinner: 5-6 pm

Java City

Open Monday-Thursday

8 am - 2 pm

Chick-fil-A

Open Monday-Saturday

11 am - 8 pm

LCCLL to Offer Free Speech-Language, Hearing Screenings

2010-05-24T11:29:00.000-04:00

In recognition of Better Hearing and Speech Month, the Longwood Center for Communication, Literacy, and Learning (LCCLL) will offer free speech-language and hearing screenings for children and adults on Wednesday, May 26.

The free screenings will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 8-10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. at the LCCLL, located at Main and Third streets (third floor, above the Daily Grind) in downtown Farmville. For information call 395-2972.

There will be brief presentations at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to address the developmental milestones related to communication skills for children from birth to age five. A question and answer period will follow each presentation. In addition, a representative from the Infant & Toddler Connection of the Heartland will be available to provide information on local early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth to age three) with suspected developmental delays or disabilities.

The screenings will be conducted by certified speech-language pathologists and/or graduate students enrolled in Longwood's speech-language pathology program. Since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has celebrated Better Hearing and Speech Month each May to raise public awareness of speech and language disorders that affect 14 million Americans.

-Longwood University Press Release

VT Latest University to OK Tuition Increase

2010-04-23T16:45:00.000-04:00

From vt.edu News Release page:
Virginia Tech Board of Visitors sets tuition and fees for 2010-11

By Larry Hincker

BLACKSBURG, Va., April 23, 2010 -- The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors Executive Committee today set tuition and fees for the 2010-11 academic year.

Total tuition and mandatory fees for a Virginia undergraduate student will be $9,589, an increase of $854. This amount will be partially offset by a $130 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (or ARRA “Mitigation Grant”) provided to every instate undergraduate for tuition mitigation.

Non-Virginia undergrad students not living on campus will pay $23,217, a $1,339 increase. Total average annual costs for a Virginia undergraduate student living on campus will rise from $14,559 to $15,879. The out of state fees include an increase of $179 per year in the state mandated Capital Fee. All of the monies collected for the Capital Fee are returned to the state. Out-of-state undergrad students will see this figure rise from $27,702 to $29,507. (Note: There are several rates for room and board; individual costs will vary. The university uses an average to calculate suggested room and board for this demonstration.)

Like last year, the university will increase again financial aid by at least $1.2 million. The university’s Funds for the Future program, President’s Scholarship Initiative, and other scholarship programs will be enhanced with the creation of the ARRA Mitigation Grant program. The university will also continue the Horizon loan program for students whose family economic condition has changed due to the economic downturn such as job loss.

Graduate tuition and fees for Virginia residents will increase from $10,228 to 10,933 and move from $17,928 to 19,957 for out-of-state students. Tuition and fees for Maryland and Virginia residents attending the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine will be $19,675, up from $18,415. Non-resident veterinary students will pay $42,704 annually.

Virginia Tech remains an excellent value when compared to comparable institutions. Earlier this year, Kiplinger ranked Virginia Tech 16th nationally among the 100 best values in public universities, and The Princeton Review ranked the university 8th nationally in a similar value ranking.

Virginia Tech’s overall cost to attend remains very competitive as compared to other Virginia schools or as compared to peer colleges and universities. Last year, Virginia Tech ranked 22 of 24 national peer universities (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Benchmark universities) for overall cost to attend for in-state undergraduate students and 18 of 24 for out-of-state undergraduates. It is expected that metrics for the coming year will be comparable.

President Charles W. Steger added perspective to the board’s action by saying, “State support for higher education has slipped significantly in recent times. Virginia Tech receives $37 million less today for instruction than 10 years ago. During that time, undergraduate enrollment of Virginia students increased by more than 2,000, resulting in significantly less support per student from the commonwealth. Indeed, once adjusted for inflation, state support per Virginia student is about half today than at the beginning of the decade.

“Accordingly, students carry a larger percentage of the overall cost of education than in prior years. This cost shift to students and families is unfortunate but unavoidable. After decades of cuts, simple belt-tightening is not an option. In order to continue to provide the quality expected from Virginia Tech, tuition must rise.”

For further information concerning tuition and fees for 2010-11, visit the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors website.

UPDATE: Longwood Not the Only Place Seeing Higher SGA Applicants

2010-04-23T10:31:00.005-04:00

With voting season officially over at Longwood, some will remember this year as one of the more controversial times in the Student Government Associations’ (SGA) history. Others will remember it as a record year for applicants.

The SGA saw a total of 78 candidates on the entire SGA ballot this year. That is including those who ran for upperclassman class council posts. Along with the five executive seats up for grabs, there was ten Honor Board positions, 30 Judicial Board posts, and 12 open Senate seats for next semester. The largest number of candidates for a position, 45, was for Judicial Board. That meant 15 students did not obtain a seat if they lost the election.

Some of the the results from Longwood's SGA Election. Courtesy of Longwood SGA .pdf file.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond saw a similar election year to Longwood’s. Chairman of the VCU Student Body Senate Gonzalo Aida said the SGA saw an “above average” year for applicants. Aida said there were three tickets this year, consisting of a president and a vice president candidate, for the executive positions. He also said there were initially 40 Senate candidates up to grab the 30 seats available. That number was then crunched down to only 35 candidates due to an academic review of the applications. Elections took place from March 30 until April 1. “Relatively, the numbers have stayed the same,” said Aida.

He said two years ago, the number of perspective candidates was way down. Last year, Aida explained they were “much higher than usual.” This spring election brought out the most executive candidates in a while, he said. VCU also broke a voter turnout record this election season. A total of 3,856 votes were cast. That’s fewer than ten percent of the total student body on VCU’s combined campuses.

Just like Longwood SGA President Cam Patterson told The Rotunda earlier this month, Aida said he believed a few pertinent issues on campus and in the state brought more students out to be on the ticket this go around.

“I think it has a lot to do with budgetary motivations,” Aida said. VCU is contemplating increase tuition this coming fall, a fear for many students in just about every university in the Commonwealth. Aida said a lot of students are also showing interest in student government, as they strive to become more involved in campus politics. He said, “People are applying to make changes to the regular on-campus issues.”

However, not everything has been perfect with VCU elections. Over an issue of voter harassment, the Judicial Branch of the SGA found former president-elect Kanwar Bir S. Anand guilty of all charges. In a unanimous decision, the board found Adele McClure, the other presidential candidate, the winner of the elections.

Elections at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg told a somewhat similar tale. They have had two regular elections this semester, plus a runoff for the presidential seat and class council positions on April 14 and 15. The first election, held in February, was for the executive position and cabinet seats. During regular elections, which took place April 8 and 9, Elections Commissions Chair Rob Cellucci said four candidates ended up running for president. The Board of Visitors representative and vice president races were also contested this year.

JMU Senate seats are based on the different colleges on campus. He said there were six seats for the College of Business, six for the College of Arts & Letters, two for the College of Education, seven for the College of Integrated Science & Technology and two for the College of Science and Mathematics. At-large seats are available for the fall semester. “We had on our ballot generally what we expected,” said Cellucci.

He said more than 1,400 votes were tallied last year compared to 1,672 this year. He calculated that to be around 8.87 percent of the entire student body at JMU.

Among the different universities surveyed, Longwood had fewer students come out to vote than any other school. That should come as no surprise since the population sizes are larger than Longwood. Some of the universities have five or six times the number of students. However, Longwood’s election time is a week, compared to only two or three days at JMU or VCU.

Some schools have yet to hold elections. Old Dominion University, for example, is still in the application stage according to their SGA's web site, but has a full ticket. Three candidates are running for president, two for vice president and three for speaker of the Senate.