College can be a big adjustment, and at W&L, we believe that there is a direct connection between what happens in and beyond the classroom. Beginning with the First-Year Program, we offer the guidance, resources and support to help students succeed on both academic and personal levels. A robust academic advising program, coordinated by the Provost's Office, exists to provide students with the guidance of a faculty member in their area of study, while peer tutoring is available free of charge to any student struggling in a particular academic area. Upper-division student tutors are available to all students in most entry-level courses. Specialized assistance with writing and study skills is also available.
On a personal level, students begin life at W&L with a staunch advocate and resource in their resident advisor. Residence Life staff provide a broad range of social and educational programs ranging from an introduction to the student culture at Washington and Lee to bowling and hall dinners at local restaurants. Both professional and peer counselors are available to students in need, while CAIR Resources can help students with issues of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct. The University also sponsors a Safe Space program, which provides students with a network of faculty, staff, and students who are committed to being allies of the GLBTQ community, and offers a robust leadership development program which aims to help student leaders develop effective leadership qualities and a desire to serve society through the productive use of talent and training.
W&L is also committed to helping students navigate Lexington and the surrounding community safely. On-campus parking is available for those students who choose to bring vehicles to W&L, and students are permitted to ride the Maury Express bus, which serves Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County, free with their valid University ID. The Maury Express provides transportation to local shopping destinations including Kroger and Walmart. Transportation to nearby airports, train and bus stations in Roanoke, Charlottesville and Staunton can be arranged through the University's campus classified ads as well as outside vendors.
Finally, Student Affairs maintains an Angel Fund, which provides discretionary funds for the Vice President for Student Affairs to use in the case of extreme emergencies that result in students' needing financial support.
It was great having so many parents and family members on campus with us last weekend. Despite some unusual weather everyone seemed to enjoy their time in Lexington. For those of you who missed President Ruscio’s remarks, you can listen to them here http://www.wlu.edu/x56178.xmlWe know that many of you are now talking with your children about possibly living off-campus in the coming years. Many students sign leases well in advance of the beginning of the lease term. As you begin this process with your student, please be aware that the conditions of student rentals in the City of [...]I recently held the first of a regular series of meetings with senior officers from the Lexington Police Department and the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office to discuss issues of mutual interest. In particular, I wanted to talk about how we can work together to keep our students safe. As a result of this meeting, we have invited [...]
