Understanding that diversity strengthens the academic enterprise, the University commits itself to welcoming and nurturing all members of the community. The Office of Multicultural Affairs supports the University mission by identifying and implementing initiatives to achieve an increased minority presence at the University and a more inclusive community. Additionally, the OMA attempts to act as a catalyst for all students wishing to explore critical issues on campus related to race, class, ethnicity, gender, nationality and sexual orientation.

The Associate Dean of Students assists the Dean of Freshmen in orienting multicultural students to W&L, and is the key student affairs contact for diversity initiatives. In addition to providing oversight of Black Greek Life and serving as advisor to several multicultural student organizations, the Associate Dean provides personal counseling and advising to individual students and acts as a liaison to other university and community resources.

Cultural Programming & Awareness

• Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
  May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and at Washington and Lee, the Pan Asian Association for Cultural Exchange sponsors a host of events that are entertaining as well as educational as a means of showcasing the history, culture, and achievements of Asians and Pacific Islanders. Events include lectures, karaoke, displays, and Asian heritage dinners in the Marketplace.
• Black History Month
  Historian Carter G. Woodson is credited with creating the concept of a period of reflection on the accomplishments, history, and culture of African Americans. Established on February 12, 1926, the celebration was just a week long and occurred that week to honor the births of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the celebration was expanded to an entire month to celebrate the country’s bicentennial. In 2000, President Bill Clinton proclaimed February as National African American History Month. As a part of W&L’s celebration of Black History Month, the university invites a prominent African American to campus to lecture.
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• Chavis Lecture Series