Student Activities and Programs

A student climbs the bouldering wall in the Outing Club Pavilion.

W&L offers students the opportunity to join hundreds of student organizations and attend speakers, concerts, galas, and other events throughout the year, so campus life is never dull. Student Activities and Programs supports student clubs and organizations by providing resources to get started, event planning, and marketing ideas for a successful event. We encourage students to explore interests, get involved, and take on leadership roles.

The following are a few examples of student organizations on campus doing cool things:

Ross Lynch performs during a Contact Committee event in University Chapel.

Contact Committee

The Contact Committee’s mission is “Bringing the World to Lexington” by bringing high-profile guest speakers to campus each year. Past speakers include Ross Lynch, Giancarlo Esposito, and Ben & Jerry. Follow @wlucontact on Instagram for more information!

Students dance at Fancy Dress.

Fancy Dress

The Fancy Dress committee plans and facilitates the university’s most elegant tradition since 1907. Follow @fancydresswlu on Instagram for more information!

Two students perform on stage at a Friday Underground event.

Friday Underground (FUDG)

Located in the ARC House on campus, FUDG provides substance-free events and student performers. Follow @fudgwlu on Instagram for more information!

A crowd of students at a concert sponsored by General Activities Board.

Generals Activities Board (GAB)

GAB provides entertainment to the campus community such as tailgating for home football games, concerts, and comedians. Past concerts include Waka Flocka Flame and Sean Kingston. Follow @wlugab on Instagram for more information!

What Clubs Will You Join?

Our clubs and organizations are active all around campus, city, and even the globe.

Student Activities Fair
First-year students meet with clubs and organizations at the Activities Fair on Cannan Green.
Student Activities Fair
First-year students meet with clubs and organizations at the Activities Fair on Cannan Green.
Student Activities Fair
First-year students meet with clubs and organizations at the Activities Fair on Cannan Green.
Student Activities Fair
First-year students meet with clubs and organizations at the Activities Fair on Cannan Green.
Student Activities Fair
First-year students meet with clubs and organizations at the Activities Fair on Cannan Green.
Pumpkin Pieve-K
Participants in Campus Kitchen’s Turkeypalooza Pumpkin Pieve-K enjoy a slice of pie after the race.
Members of AKA volunteer for Nabors Service Day.
Members of AKA volunteer at the Back Campus Garden for Nabors Service Day.
students volunteer at a school during Nabors Service Day
Students volunteer with Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners at the Natural Bridge Elementary School Garden for Nabors Service Day.
A student pies another student at the Pie an ADPi fundraiser
Pie an ADPi fundraiser in front of Elrod Commons
Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. perform in a Yard Show
Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. perform in a Yard Show during Black Alumni Weekend 2025.
Fancy Dress 2025
Students celebrate at Fancy Dress.
Actor Giancarlo Esposito poses with W&L’s Contact Committee members
Actor Giancarlo Esposito poses for a photo with W&L’s Contact Committee members in Washington Hall.
students play club squash
Students play in a club squash match in the Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center.
Students serve soup at the Souper Bowl in Evans Dining Hall
Students serve soup at the Campus Kitchen Souperbowl in Evans Dining Hall.
Student teaches a CPR class
A student teaches a CPR class as part of the American Heart Association Heart Club in Elrod Commons.

Stories


Tackling the Bucket List

Students in the Outing Club’s new pilot Spring Term program had the chance to step outside their comfort zones one more time before Commencement.

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What the Mountain Gives You

Chris Paudel ’28 set out to challenge himself — and cultural stereotypes — through a mountaineering expedition in his home country of Nepal.

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Poetry in Motion

Aby Joyner ’28 believes in the power of photography and poetry, publishing two books, with another in progress.

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Student Organization Spotlight: International Student Mentors

W&L’s International Student Mentors Program pairs new international students with upper-division students to help them navigate life on campus.

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Looking Forward and Giving Back

The Class of 2025’s Senior Gift Committee co-chairs have already sailed past their monetary goal as they look toward Commencement.

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Members of the Iota Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at JMU participate in the third annual NPHC Step Show Competition on the Keller Theater stage.

Showcasing History, Culture and Community

W&L’s third annual NPHC Step Show Competition invited the campus and local community into a vibrant tradition.

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Meet Elizabeth Barr ’27

Barr’s love of nature led her to a biology major and getting her scuba certification with the Outing Club.

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Rho Gammas Guide First-Years Through Sorority Recruitment

Sorority recruitment counselors, or Rho Gammas, assist first-year women in W&L’s formal recruitment process to join Panhellenic sororities.

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On Our Honor

Past presidents of Washington and Lee University’s Executive Committee reflect on how it prepared them for a life of values-driven leadership.

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‘To Be Where Your Feet Are’

The Kendrick Award, established in memory of Bryant Kendrick ’67, encourages W&L students to experience the natural world.

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Student Organization Spotlight: Native American Student Organization

W&L’s Native American Student Organization (NASO) connects the campus to educational programming, events and resources celebrating Indigenous history, culture and community.

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Impacting Lives Through Words

Veronika Kolosova ’25 has explored the liberal arts experience at W&L through campus involvement and an interdisciplinary approach to her studies.

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