On Saturday, Feb. 4, Dr. Jamie Riley, director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and co-chair of the Student Diversity and Inclusion Council, spoke to prospective students and their families in the annex of Dorrill Dining Hall in an effort to share Longwood University's dedication to and recognition of differing races, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic classes and any other characteristics that create uniqueness in the community.
Set up alongside Dr. Riley's presentation was a tri-fold poster board featuring the mission, goals and core values of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, including various clubs and organizations dedicated to promote diversity, such as the Black Student Association, PRIDE and the Hispanic Heritage Club. To further prove Longwood's active student body, a video recording of last year's Color Wars was presented on an iPad.
Also attending the event were current Longwood students and Longwood Ambassadors, available for conversing with prospective students to answer any questions and to share his or her own experiences as a Lancer.
Earlier that morning, prospective students toured the campus and attended academic sessions in the Winter Open House. The prospective students who attended the presentation of Dr. Riley's were already accepted for admission into the fall semester of 2012.
Olander Fleming, senior admissions counselor for emerging populations recruitment territory, commented that the purpose of the presentation was "to take the next step and try to get them to see a different view they might not see on a day tour, weekend tour or weekend information session."
He further stated, "Even a big event like this, an open house, is something unique where they can feel a little more comfortable and ask questions if they wanted to in a smaller setting."
Ashley Woodard, assistant director of admissions for transfer, stated, "We hoped that prospective students would make a connection." She explained that having students find someone similar to themselves in some way would better influence each prospective student to feel like Longwood could potentially be a place to feel at home in, to fit in and succeed in.
"This is a place for you … Longwood is a place where you are welcome," said Dr. Riley to the students.
Further describing the role of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in campus life, Dr. Riley said, "We try to infuse diversity across the campus and educate the campus about various cultural and identity differences."
"At Longwood, the way we kind of look at diversity is the acknowledgement, appreciation and celebration of the many identities and differences that make us all unique … It is important for students to come to a university and engage and interact with faculty and staff who they can identify with and who are always involved in conversations about how we can improve the conditions to better attract faculty from diverse backgrounds," he added.
In his presentation, Dr. Riley listed different opportunities students are offered to further their knowledge and experience, noting the Women & Gender Studies Minor, the ethnic literature classes, and the various clubs and organizations available to further entrench oneself in campus life.
Johnice Brown, associate director of admissions, described the current Longwood students who attended the presentation as "actually living the Longwood experience. They're in the dorms, the academic classrooms, [and] involved in the campus life."
The invitation process for the current Longwood students was through a "blanket email" directed to those students who had, during the application process, identified themselves as minorities.
Ending the presentation, Dr. Riley described Longwood as "a very inclusive, very welcoming place." He added, "I feel our students come here and really strive and develop well and really make those social connections necessary to go forth in their life."
To learn more about the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, go online at www.longwood.edu/diversity to view more information.
