Founded in 1749, Washington and Lee University is named for two of the most influential men in American history: George Washington, whose generous endowment gift of $20,000 in 1796 helped the fledgling school (then known as Liberty Hall Academy) survive, and Robert E. Lee, whose presidency and innovative leadership brought the University into the national limelight. Under Lee's leadership, then-Washington College instituted curricula in commerce, engineering, and journalism, distinguishing itself from other liberal arts institutions of the time because of its remarkable curricular breadth. This is a distinction Washington and Lee University still enjoys today. Click here to learn more about W&L's history.

When you’ve been around for 260 years, it might be tempting to dwell in the past. But at W&L our future is looking pretty bright! Washington and Lee’s motto, “non incautus futuri,” was taken from Horace’s Satires and is translated to mean “not unmindful of the future.” The motto was printed on the Lee family’s crest and, as W&L’s own crest is a blend of both Washington’s and Lee’s family crests, we adopted the phrase as our school motto. It reminds us that, though much of our strength comes from our history and important traditions, we should always be forward-thinking as we prepare our students for life beyond W&L.

Imagine being able to choose when and where to take a test. Finding your forgotten wallet right there in the library where you left it. Or letting yourself into the science lab with the key your professor gave you at the beginning of the term. W&L's most revered tradition, the Honor System, allows these freedoms and many more. Its guiding precept, passed down from Robert E. Lee during his time as the institution's 8th president, is that students should conduct themselves at all times "as gentlemen." Of course, today's student body has both men and women students, but the simplicity of Lee's vision still resonates.

Our Honor System is not a cumbersome book of rules, but is instead a common understanding that all students uphold: the community's trust is the foundation of Washington and Lee University. Violations of that trust will not be tolerated and result in dismissal from the University. Behaviors such as lying, cheating, and stealing are commonly understood as violations of W&L's Honor System.

Living under the Honor System has many benefits that extend throughout academic and non-academic life on campus. Click here to learn more about how the Honor System shapes life on W&L's campus.

It’s really pretty simple. W&L tradition suggests you should say “hi” to people you pass around campus. It’s another manifestation of Lee’s insistence that civility should prevail in our community. Don’t worry, between classes and at other busy times you don’t have to say “hi” 150 times on your way from one place to another. But at other times, participating in the Speaking Tradition is one of the little things that makes W&L your home away from home.

The Executive Committe of the Student Body (EC)  is the main arm of W&L's student government. The EC's main charges are The Honor System, and oversight and budgetary control of W&L's student organizations, clubs, and activities.

Visit the EC Site, or the Student Body Constitution for more information about Student Government at W&L.

Since 1908, W&L students have gathered every four years and conducted a mock political nominating convention - just like the Republican or Democratic National Conventions you've seen on TV - with the goal of predicting who the non-incumbent political party will choose as its nominee for President of the United States.

The pundits can only marvel at W&L students' record of accuracy - they have made correct predictions an astonishing 18 of 24 times, and they've only missed twice since 1948! Sadly, one of those misses was last year, when they predicted that Hillary Clinton would receive the Democratic nomination. Nonetheless, the Washington Post and CSPAN, among others, want to know what W&L thinks!

In all, over 95% of the W&L student body gets involved in planning and conducting Mock Con. Not interested in politics? That's okay. At your Mock Con, you can help raise or manage the funds needed to pay for the convention. Or how about playing host to the the powerful and famous guest speakers? Over the years, luminaries such as Jimmy Carter, Newt Gingrich, Bob Dole, Bill Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, and Jesse Jackson have spoken at Mock Con. Maybe you'd rather be in charge of the Presidential Gala (black tie ball) or the Mock Con parade. There's something for everyone to do to ensure the convention's success! Click here to learn more about Mock Convention and its fascinating history.

The Ruins, as they're called by W&L folks, connect us with our past. They are the remains of the oldest building of Liberty Hall Academy, W&L's first incarnation at our present site in Lexington, Virginia. Dating from 1793, the Ruins are on W&L's back campus, overlooking the IM fields and Watt Field. The view of the mountains from here is outstanding, and the area around the Ruins is popular for concerts, receptions, or just hanging out with friends playing Frisbee golf. Learn more about our anthropology students' archaeological excavations of the Liberty Hall Ruins here.

Plenty. For instance, when going to or from Graham-Lees residence hall on the Washington Street side, students know not to pass through the center of the portico. Legend has it that to do so means certain failure on your next exam. Instead, walk between the columns with the worn down stone step, in the literal footsteps of generations of superstitious W&L students. When Robert E. Lee was president of Washington College, he had the stable for his trusty horse Traveler built right next to his house. Lee was known to leave the doors of the stable open all the time so Traveler could come and go as he pleased. Today, residents of the Lee House (always W&L’s current president and family) continue leaving the door open so that Traveler’s ghost will have free reign about campus. Traveler’s remains are buried beside Lee Chapel, where he rests faithfully beside his master. And then there are the ghosts of W&L. Disembodied footsteps in Robinson Hall. Cape-wearing specters in Payne Hall and in the old Troubadour Theater. Our buildings are nearing two centuries old – plenty of time to acquire a few restless spirits! Stonewall Jackson’s ghost is said to pine for his first wife, Ellie, who preceded him in death. Numerous guests in the Lee-Jackson House have been awakened by the form of a man leaning over them…at exactly 2:13 a.m. And don’t forget the Lee House. Traveler’s is not the only ghost lurking around. Occupants of the house have experienced inexplicable gusts of wind moving through the house, from the front of the house to the spot where Robert E. Lee laid on his deathbed. Perhaps Mary Custis Lee’s ghost rushing to her husband’s side? And some claim to have heard the ghost of Mrs. Lee rocking in her favorite chair on the porch, back and forth, back and forth, even when no one is there.

Yes, it’s true. You’re not a full blooded W&L graduate unless you take it all off & run the length of our 160-year old Colonnade. Don’t worry, most people do it at night. Little known fact: the world’s first recorded streaker was George William Crump, who did the deed in 1804 while attending then-Washington College. He went on to serve in the U.S. Senate and as U.S. Ambassador to Chile.

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Think that other school down the road has a cool librarian? Think again! Fancy Dress is W&L's annual black tie ball that was started 102 years ago by the campus librarian, Annie (the library card catalog system is also named after this hip librarian!). Over the years we've seen everything from Colonial balls to this year's "A Dark Night" which featured W&L's own incarnation of Gotham City. And with a budget rumored to total $80,000 it's no wonder party goers forget they're still in Lexington. Regardless of the theme, one thing is for sure, Fancy Dress is W&L's favorite social event!