Washington and Lee University
Q: When will I get the forms that have to be completed before my son/daughter enrolls (for example, the medical forms, etc.)?
A: The New Student Guidebook will be mailed to all new students on June 1, 2008 and contains all the forms that need to be completed before enrolling. Within the Guidebook is additional information that will be helpful when planning the first year at Washington and Lee. Information will also be available in PDF format so students have an exact copy of the Guidebook to access forms necessary for matriculation.
Q: May I choose my residence hall?
A: You may state a preference but, as stated on your Housing Contract, no housing assignment can be guaranteed. If you want to state a preference, you may do so on your housing contract, or send a letter to the Office of the Dean of First-Year Students.
Q: When will I receive my housing assignment?
A: After August 1. We cannot begin housing assignments until all students confirm and return their housing forms.
Q: What size sheets should I bring?
A: Bed sizes in the first-year residence halls are extra-long twin size beds.
Q: When is Parents' Weekend?
A: October 24-26, 2008
Q: I've heard local accommodations are already filled during Parents' Weekend. What can I do?
A: Local accommodations tend to book a year in advance for Parents' Weekend (which is good advice when making plans next year). Your best bet now is to look in Staunton or Roanoke. However, our student affiliate of Habitat for Humanity has a fund-raiser called Habitat Hotel in which over 40 parents took part last year. Habitat Hotel raises around $10,000 towards the construction of a Habitat House in Lexington. Faculty and staff open their homes to families for the weekend, and families donate $100 a night to the local Habitat chapter in exchange. To make a reservation or to ask a question about Habitat Hotel, contact Nellie Rice at nrice@wlu.edu.
Q: As a parent, I want to know more about what the substance abuse policies are at W&L?
A: Washington and Lee believes strongly in providing an environment that stresses personal and academic growth for students. Read University Initiatives for Substance Abuse for complete information.
Q: My daughter wants to participate in one of the Leading Edge pre-orientation programs. We cannot come to campus twice to assist with her move-in as we live on the west coast. What do you recommend?
A: I recommend that you accompany your daughter only once on the trip east. You can either do that on August 24 which is the day of arrival for students participating in Leading Edge programs or August 30 if you want to send her separately and then meet with her the next week. There is a parents' orientation on August 24 for those parents not wishing (or live too far) to come back on August 30. The two parents' orientation sessions are identical. She will have access to her room on August 24 but will not really be able to settle her room until Friday, August 29. She should have plenty of time to make sure she's fully settled before classes begin.
Q: Tell us about booking flights home during the holidays.
A: For Thanksgiving Break, you are safe to make flight arrangements for late afternoon the Friday before Thanksgiving. The same does not hold true for Winter Holiday as students can leave as soon as their last exam has ended. Most exams are scheduled by the students - some are actual in-class exams. Many students decide to take all their exams early in the week so they can leave early. Others spread it out over the entire exam period. I recommend this second option but, really, students may not feel prepared to have this conversation before arriving and talking with professors.
Q: How does the University Card work?
A: Currently the university charges money to the University Card, both General Debit and food debit. The recommended amounts are $200 and $100, respectively, per semester. The food debit must be used this school year. Increments of $25 can be placed on the card. The student can bring in the card to the Business Office after school begins and put money on, or you can call or e-mail the Business Office and it will be charged to the student's account. The Bookstore takes Visa, MasterCard or Discover for book purchases.