First-Year Program

Welcome to the First-Year Program website at Washington and Lee University! Our goal is to assist new students as they development academically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. There is a direct connection here between what happens in and beyond the classroom; you will find that our academic and student life programs are complimentary and interrelated.

The First-Year Program is up and running before the beginning of summer of the first year, with mailings such as the New Student Guidebook (PDF) (mailed in mid-May) and information from University Computing to establish a W&L e-mail account  (mailed in early June). New students are strongly encouraged to utilize their new e-mail accounts and to check their e-mail frequently since this is the primary way the University conducts its business with students. New students will receive their residence hall assignment and the name of their initial liberal arts adviser electronically and will also pre-register for academic courses online. You will also  want to make time to review the University Student Handbook.

First-year students have the option of participating in The Leading Edge pre-orientation program (August 30-September 4, 2009), offering a variety of challenging and rewarding service learning and backpacking trips that take place in late August one week prior to Orientation Week. over 200 students from the Class of 2012 participated in the Leading Edge last year and evaluated the program very favorably.

The 5-day Orientation Week (September 5-9. 2009) introduces the newest members of our community to those Washington and Lee traditions which are central, both functionally and philosophically, to the past, present, and future of the University. The Honor system, undergraduate curriculum, student self- governance, clubs and organizations fair, educational and social events, and meeting fellow classmates are just a few of the many highlights of the Orientation program.

The First-Year Program provides new students with resources, information, mentoring, programming and advising. The cornerstone of the FIrst-Year Program is the Residential Life experience, facilitated by the undergraduate Resident Advisors for First-Year Students' staff. RA’s work very closely with first-year students and offer assistance as they learn about their new “home away from home" and provide a variety of fun and interesting programs and events for their residents and serve as wonderful academic and social resources.

Members of our Student Affairs staff take great pride in working as collaborative partners with our students. Please explore our website and feel free to call (540-458-8405) or e-mail us (dleonard@wlu.edu). We would enjoy talking with you!

David M. Leonard
Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Dean of First-Year Students