Approximately W&L

based in 1749, Washington and Lee university is named for 2 guys who performed pivotal roles within the university's records: George Washington, whose generous endowment of $20,000 in 1796 helped the fledgling faculty (then known as Liberty corridor Academy) live on, and Robert E. Lee, who furnished modern academic management at some stage in his transformational tenure as president of Washington university from 1865 to 1870.

The university is located within the historical town of Lexington, Virginia (populace 7,000), a warm, welcoming and historic college town placed inside the first-rate Valley of Virginia between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains. W&L’s 35 foremost homes consist of the picturesque Washington college group forming the Colonnade going through Lee Chapel, where Robert E. Lee is buried. The Colonnade and Lee Chapel are national historical Landmarks.

The ninth oldest organization of higher schooling in the usa, Washington and Lee is composed of  undergraduate divisions, the university and the Williams faculty of commerce, Economics, and Politics; and a graduate faculty of law. offering 37 undergraduate majors and 29 minors, along with some of interdisciplinary applications, the college prides itself on the depth and breadth of our curriculum, in which traditional liberal arts courses are augmented by offerings from the handiest fully-authorized enterprise school and absolutely-approved journalism software a few of the state's pinnacle-tier liberal arts faculties.

project announcement

Washington and Lee university provides a liberal arts schooling that develops students' ability to suppose freely, severely, and humanely and to conduct themselves with honor, integrity, and civility. Graduates might be prepared for existence-long learning, private achievement, accountable leadership, provider to others, and engaged citizenship in a international and diverse society.

Accreditation

Washington and Lee college is authorised through the commission on colleges of the Southern association of colleges and faculties to award the ranges of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of technology, Juris doctor, and master of laws.

Our Strategic Plan: A Liberal Arts training for the 21st Century

Our dedication to the values of liberal training is the thread woven thru Washington and Lee's arts and sciences curriculum, its pre-professional packages and the faculty of law.

Honor Our past, build Our destiny: The campaign for Washington and Lee

Honor Our past, build Our future is the largest fundraising initiative in Washington and Lee's records with an announced intention of elevating $500 million. way to the generosity of alumni, mother and father and buddies, the campaign has raised greater than $400 million less than 3 years after the release of its public section.

records and Traditions

A quick history

Washington and Lee is a small, personal, liberal arts university nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in Lexington, Va. it's miles the 9th oldest group of better studying in the nation.

In 1749, Scotch-Irish pioneers who had migrated deep into the Valley of Virginia based a small classical school referred to as Augusta Academy, a few 20 miles north of what is now Lexington. In 1776, the trustees, fired by means of patriotism, changed the name of the college to Liberty corridor.

4 years later the faculty was moved to the place of Lexington, in which in 1782 it become chartered as Liberty hall Academy by way of the Virginia legislature and empowered to grant tiers. A limestone constructing, erected in 1793 at the crest of a ridge overlooking Lexington, burned in 1803, though its ruins are preserved today as a image of the organization's commemorated beyond.

In 1796, George Washington stored the struggling Liberty corridor Academy whilst he gave the faculty its first major endowment--$20,000 well worth of James River Canal stock. The trustees promptly changed the call of the school to Washington Academy as an expression of their gratitude.

In 1813, the name of the academy changed into changed to Washington college. by then, the college was hooked up on its present grounds in Lexington.

fashionable Robert E. Lee reluctantly ordinary the location of president of the college in 1865. because of his management of the accomplice navy, Lee worried he "may draw upon the college a sense of hostility," but additionally delivered that "I think it the duty of every citizen in the gift situation of the united states, to do all in his power to resource within the recuperation of peace and concord."

After Lee's demise in 1870, the trustees voted to alternate the name from Washington university to Washington and Lee college. as soon as an all-male institution, Washington and Lee first admitted women to its regulation faculty in 1972. the primary undergraduate ladies matriculated in 1985. when you consider that then, Washington and Lee has flourished.

Washington and Lee university found its 250th Anniversary with a 12 months-long, country wide party all through the 1998-99 instructional 12 months.

Our Namesakes

The university is named in honor of the pivotal roles that George Washington and Robert E. Lee performed in its personal history — Washington for his gift that saved the group from monetary smash inside the 18th century, and Lee for his progressive educational leadership as president of Washington college from 1865 to 1870.

Why Washington?

In 1796, Liberty corridor Academy, which were based in 1749 as Augusta Academy, become struggling to stay afloat whilst U.S. President George Washington chose the college because the beneficiary of 100 stocks of James River Canal business enterprise stock. He had obtained the inventory as a present from the Virginia fashionable assembly in popularity of his service to the commonwealth and his support of canal-building. The stock became worth $20,000, which might be well worth hundreds of thousands today.

The story of that present, advised by using historian Gordon S. timber in his 2010 Founders' Day deal with at W&L, offers perception into Washington's man or woman. As wood relates, Washington had a cash-flow trouble of his personal and will have used the inventory. but he also felt that he couldn't take delivery of the shares with out jeopardizing his reputation for virtue and selflessness.

indeed, few decisions in his existence triggered Washington such affliction. need to he accept the inventory or now not? Explaining the quandary, he stated, "I do no longer want to show disrespect to the assembly or to seem ostentatiously disinterested via refusing this present." in line with wooden, Washington wrote to almost each person he knew to searching for their steering and reputedly found the solution in a response from Thomas Jefferson who, timber stated, "instructed him that declining to just accept the stocks would best upload to his popularity of disinterestedness."

consequently, he selected to accept the stocks, thereby not insulting the meeting, and gave them to Liberty corridor Academy. It turned into one of the largest gifts to any instructional organization at the time and contributes to the university's running budget even nowadays.

To explicit their gratitude, the trustees of the academy voted to trade its call to Washington Academy. In reaction, Washington wrote to the trustees: "To sell the Literature on this growing Empire, and to inspire the arts, have ever been the various warmest desires of my coronary heart."

In 1813, the academy's name became changed to Washington college, and the campus became moved to its present day area. In 1844, a statue of Washington (called "old George"), carved via Matthew Kahle from a log observed floating in the close by Maury River, changed into positioned on the pinnacle of the center constructing, now called Washington hall.

Why Lee?

Washington college remained open through the Civil struggle, one of the few southern establishments of better mastering to do so. while the university completed its 1864-65 educational year in June 1864, it had most effective 30 to 45 college students enrolled within the preparatory department and awarded just one A.B. degree. Hunter's Raid on Lexington a 12 months earlier had left the campus in physical disarray as nicely.

On Aug. 4, 1865, 117 days after Appomattox, the Washington university board of trustees voted to pick Robert E. Lee as president of the college. The trustees was hoping and expected that Lee's air of mystery, combined together with his determination to principle and duty, might inspire college students and faculty alike and could assist the college return to the "improved person it has see you later borne." (popular Lee's college, Ollinger Crenshaw)

As Washington had finished in 1796 while pondering what to do with the canal stock, Lee sought the recommendation and suggest of many people before agreeing to simply accept the position. His choice, no much less than Washington's, forever altered the potentialities of the organization for the higher.

because the trustees had was hoping, Lee's presence brought frequently fine attention to the group. some distance extra than serving as a figurehead, Lee proved a innovative educator whose innovations laid the groundwork for each a curriculum and a sense of honor that continue to be distinctive to at the moment.

underneath Lee's management, the college made a series of ambitious actions: annexing the Lexington law college; instituting applications in commercial enterprise guidance that resulted within the founding of the faculty of commerce; inaugurating guides in journalism, which evolved into the department of Journalism and Mass Communications; expanding services in the sciences; and recommending the introduction of implemented arithmetic, herbal and experimental philosophy, and present day languages.

according to Crenshaw's history of the college, the improvements of Lee's presidency drew reward from observers in both the North and South. "The big apple bring in hailed the practical schooling program as in all likelihood to jolt 'old fogy schools simply as general Lee did vintage fogy generals,' " wrote Crenshaw.

now not all of Lee's thoughts got here to fruition. for example, he wanted to set up a school of agriculture, but turned into unsuccessful.

As much because the curricular reform modified the group, Lee's personal person turned into equally vital in putting the tone for the destiny. One story of his presidency underscores the critical position that honor has usually performed at the organization. while a scholar asked Lee for the university's regulations, the president is said to have responded: "we have but one rule right here, and it's miles that every pupil be a gentleman." That principle is part of the inspiration for a campus lifestyle built on civility, obligation, and integrity for the men and women of the student body.

Lee's tenure as president lasted best five years. After he died in 1870, the trustees almost at once added his name to the group — Washington and Lee university.

Our Traditions

the honour device

Washington and Lee is outstanding by using a handful of beliefs-honor, civility, and integrity among them-from which its singular subculture unfolds. Honor pervades each element of lifestyles, deepening relationships and allowing unusual intellectual freedoms. Civility and integrity create the conditions for mutual consider, resulting in an open community and a wealthy, frank change of ideas.

Robert E. Lee is credited with articulating the "one rule-that every pupil must be a gentleman" at some stage in his tenure inside the 1860s as president of what changed into then Washington college. Lee's ideal shaped the foundation for the W&L Honor system, an all-encompassing device of believe. given that a important implication is that scholars will no longer lie, cheat, or scouse borrow, members of the W&L network take one another's phrases and movements at face price within the school room and out.

The gadget is completely self-regulated through the student frame, with no faculty or board of trustees oversight. those located guilty of violating the community's accept as true with are requested to leave the college. inside the classroom, there may be by no means doubt about the authenticity of pupil work. Professors expectantly offer unproctored or self-scheduled exams, college students don't worry about leaving their non-public belongings unattended, and most campus buildings are accessible 24 hours a day. As a Washington put up headline put it in 2012: "Washington and Lee's honor gadget the actual deal."

the honour system has been a principal function of Washington and Lee college for nicely over a century. heaps of college students have lived underneath it at the same time as in house, were morally fashioned through it, and as alumni and alumnae, continue to be guided by way of it in their professional lives. modern students are as devoted to it as were folks who lived and studied here earlier than them, and they keep with firm conviction this different best of the university.

The speakme subculture

by means of longstanding tradition, individuals of the W&L network frequently say "good day" to each other, whether passing at the Colonnade or assembly inside the Commons. This simple courtesy, which influences and reflects the warm temperature and civility of lifestyles on campus, is also prolonged to visitors, who instantly sense part of the network.

Mock conference

Washington and Lee's well-known Mock conference draws countrywide attention when it is held inside the winter time period of every presidential election yr. The complete scholar body participates on this political workout geared toward deciding on the presidential candidate of the birthday celebration out of electricity in the White residence. The Mock convention has performed a excellent report of accuracy and is considered to be the most sensible event of its kind in the state. each scholar has an opportunity to participate in as a minimum one Mock conference for the duration of a 4-yr career at Washington and Lee.

Fancy dress Ball

the largest social event of the year is the flowery dress Ball. The lifestyle of Fancy dress dates lower back to 1907. The Warner Athletic center and Doremus gym are transformed with complicated props and decorations right into a setting appropriate to the subject matter for the year. amusement regularly consists of a dance orchestra, present day musical amusement, and other entertainers and performers who provide moments of marvel. visitors get dressed formally for the event, and a few take part in costumes derived from the theme.

Academics

A Washington and Lee education combines the pleasant factors of each college and college existence. students experience small instructions and near relationships with professors, whilst choosing from a top notch type of majors and minors, publications, and in-depth look at possibilities--a spectrum of options generally found best at massive universities.

additionally, W&L college students have access to observe abroad opportunities, approved journalism and business applications, law faculty resources, and investment for unbiased or collaborative research. out of doors of class, on a beautiful and historic campus, they shape a energetic network, pursuing rich residential and co-curricular lives.

The W&L difference

In a global transformed by way of science and technology, globalization and new economic, political and cultural realities, the answers to issues require ethical insight as well as analytical and technical abilties. Washington and Lee prepares its students to meet this daunting set of challenges thru applications that educate and nurture strong leaders, visionary thinkers, compassionate citizens and ethical decision makers.

Our method is subsidized via our timeless values of civility and integrity, and greater through our commitment to honor the vital Washington and Lee lifestyle: educating college students for lives of consequence, inspired by means of a choice to serve others.

instructional assets

educational Advising

the educational advising system is fundamental to undergraduate training at Washington and Lee, providing assets for college students as they seek not best to satisfy commencement necessities, however also to end up liberally educated people with properly-developed mind and individual. educational advisors inspire students to take obligation for his or her very own educations and academic actions, have interaction in communication past the school room and help students to explore and serve a larger global via examine overseas, network provider, postgraduate schooling, and the commencement of efficient careers.

Peer Tutoring

the instructional peer tutoring application is to be had to all college students at Washington and Lee university, freed from rate. upper-department scholar tutors are to be had to all students in maximum entry-degree publications. college students can request a show thru a college member, college adviser, resident adviser, or the Assistant Dean for First-year revel in. All peer tutors undergo a rigorous departmental software and screening process, accompanied via a education software to assist them check the excellent manner to work with college students.

resorts for students with Disabilities

it's miles the coverage of the Washington and Lee university and its faculty of regulation to offer equal access to academic opportunities to certified college students with physical or mental disabilities, according with segment 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the americans with Disabilities Act.

profession improvement center

The profession improvement middle enhances the academic revel in of college students with the aid of providing the steerage and sources had to broaden and put into effect their educational and profession plans. The center affords a supportive surroundings encouraging man or woman duty, creativity, open-mindedness, and integrity, with complete offerings emphasizing collaborative relationships with employers, alumni, faculty, peer institutions and the Washington and Lee university network.

Pre-professional Advising

The liberal arts education provided at Washington and Lee is a robust basis for any expert aspiration. our educational catalog gives unique coursework hints and advice on preparing for a profession in architecture, engineering, health professions, regulation, ministry and coaching.

educational assist facilities

college students in search of help with mathematics, writing, overseas languages, research and generation will find support inside the Math center, the Writing center, the Tucker Multimedia center, the Williams college Communications middle and the statistics desk.

Libraries

The Washington and Lee college Library includes Leyburn Library and the Telford technological know-how Library. The Wilbur C. corridor regulation Library is located within the law college and is administered one by one. Leyburn Library, Telford Library, and the law library are open 24 hours a day while training are in session. college id playing cards are needed to get right of entry to the buildings among 10:00 PM and six:00 AM.

information generation services

The era surroundings at Washington and Lee gives a wealthy array of era assets for college students, faculty and body of workers, including subject-specific software program for guidance and research, route management software program, non-public and shared network storage, and dedicated guide for scholar technology needs.

colleges and centers

Washington and Lee's  undergraduate divisions percentage a unmarried admissions manner, and all undergraduate students, whether they intend to pursue majors in the university or within the Williams college, are enrolled in the university at some point of their freshman 12 months. although every has its personal school and is run through its personal dean, there may be a near courting among the 2 divisions, and college students are free to take electives in each in the course of their time at Washington and Lee.

The faculty of law, with about 400 students, gives each the Juris physician and master of laws ranges. The faculty's modern third 12 months application expands upon the classes and law of the first- and 2d-yr curriculum, transferring college students out of the study room and into the real global of felony practice.