W&L actively and intentionally provides leadership opportunities to encourage students realize their potential — not only as students, but as student-leaders. Students find their passion and take charge of it by working as organization presidents, founding clubs, serving on university committees and volunteering in the local community.
The Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity is one of the nation's most ambitious efforts to elevate access to and engagement within higher education. A component of the program the Johnson Scholarship in which students are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and their potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life of the W&L campus and of the world at large in years to come.
The Burish Service-Leadership Internship is a credit-bearing internship through the Education Studies program. Interns are responsible for determining the volunteer needs of an assigned school in the Rockbridge County School System, recruiting and training tutors to fill those needs, ensuring that tutors are responsible for their assigned shifts, and filling in where needed.
The Bonner Program is a national service leadership program that pairs students with local community partners aligned with their academic and professional interests to serve 1800 hours over their four years. As part of this credit-bearing opportunity, students also participate in the Bonner Foundation Student Developmental Model, which ensures students graduate with strong professional and leadership skills, as well as a deep ethic of service and commitment to community.
The Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program is a multi-year, comprehensive leadership program that empowers students to discover their potential and develop skills as leaders. The program enhances student learning and development in areas of self-knowledge and leadership competence through workshops, team-building exercises, roundtable discussions, reflective activities, and service.
Student Self-Governance is a key aspect of W&L and is overseen by the Executive Committee. Students recognize the authority they possess and the communal presumption to behave honorably. Students are expected to abide by the Honor System by representing themselves truthfully and seeking no unfair advantage over their peers. This understanding instills a sense of trust and enriches every aspect of student life.
