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.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in cunjunction with Rasheed-Ali Cromwell and the Harbor Institute sponsors The Rights of Passage Conference: A Unique Epxerience for the Divine Nine©™.

Cultural Programming & Awareness

• The Rites of Passage Conference: A Unique Experience for the Divine Nine: March 13-15, 2008
  RPC is a regionally based conference designed especially for undergraduate members and advisors of African-American Collegiate Greek Lettered Fraternities and Sororities from both Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) and Predominately White Institutions (PWIs). The conference is developed and sponsored by The Harbor Institute, an educational firm that empowers students to excel. Co-hosted by Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Virginia) the conference targets students, student service professionals and organization advisors in the Virginia and West Virginia area.
• Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated on the campus of Washington and Lee University with a birthday party for the children of the community, a lecture delivered by a distinguished guest who embodies the spirit of Dr. King, and a time of remembrance.