Schedule of Events
Parents and Family Weekend
- First-Year Experience
- Housing and Residence Life
- Dining
- Student Engagement and Leadership
- Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Health and Wellness
- Safety and Security
- Student Services and Support
- Staff Directory
Save the date for next year’s Parents and Family Weekend on October 15–17, 2027.
Parents and Family Weekend: October 2–4, 2026
Registration
Registration is now closed. If you haven’t registered for Parents and Family Weekend 2026, please visit the registration table in the Elrod Commons during registration hours when you arrive on campus. We’ll be happy to help you register in person.
Attire for the weekend is informal.
The Parents and Family Weekend schedule of events is subject to change. Please check back often for updates and upon arriving to Lexington, please check in at the registration table in the Elrod Commons to receive your name tag and any special notices.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 p.m. – throughout PFW | Library Student Advisory Board Book Sale | Leyburn Library, Main Floor | The Library Student Advisory Board (LSAB) is holding its biannual book sale! Books on sale are donated by our patrons and friends. Shop for your new favorite book and do so sustainably! All proceeds go to the initiatives of LSAB. Event runs throughout Parents and Family Weekend. |
| 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | DeLaney Center Spotlight | Watson Pavilion | Washington and Lee’s DeLaney Center encourages civic excellence through the study of Southern race relations, culture, and politics. Over our first four years, student have played a vital role in advancing our mission. Come hear about their contributions to the Freedom Ride pre-orientation trip, the Race and Southern Studies Internship Program, and the DeLaney Center Leadership Cohort. During this event, you will witness a new generation’s passion for intellectual development, social improvement, and honorable citizenship. |
Friday, October 2, 2026
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | Classes Begin | Parents and family members who wish to join their student in classes during Parents and Family weekend should check with their student to find out which classes are open to visitors. Invitations to attend classes are issued at the discretion of the faculty and students will be informed by their professors if parents and family members are invited to attend. | |
| 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Lifelong Learning – Information Table | Elrod Commons | Your student is not the only one that can take advantage of W&L’s educational programs! Join us at the information table during Parents Weekend. Stop by to explore the wide range of educational programs we offer for parents, alumni, and friends of the university. Whether you’re interested in personal enrichment, educational travel, continuing education, or socializing with a community of lifelong learners, we have something for you. Meet our team, ask questions, and discover how you can stay engaged with the university-while your student is here and long after graduation. |
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | World Languages and Cultures Welcome Parents, Families and Friends to Washington and Lee University | Hallways in the Ruscio Center for Global Learning | This is an information table - just for you - to learn more about what we are doing at W&L in the areas of world languages and world cultures. These are an integral part of today’s societies. Mono lingual and monoculture are things of the past. |
| 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Registration | Elrod Commons | Pick up your registration packet and name tags. Your student may pick up your packet for you. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Education Studies Meet and Greet |
Tent beside Newcomb Hall Inclement weather location: Newcomb Hall, First Floor |
The Education Studies Department will host a meet-and-greet outside under a tent, beside Newcomb Hall. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | History Department Open House |
Newcomb Hall Lawn |
Come have refreshments with the faculty of the History Department. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.. | Sociology and Anthropology Meet and Greet |
Tent beside Newcomb Hall Inclement weather location: Newcomb Hall, First Floor |
The Sociology and Anthropology Department will host a meet-and-greet outside under a tent, beside Newcomb Hall. |
| 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Children of Alumni Luncheon |
Hotchkiss Alumni House |
The W&L Alumni Association invites you, your student(s) and your family to a casual lunch at Hotchkiss Alumni House on Friday, October 2 any time between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. |
| 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. | Global Learning at W&L |
Elrod Commons, Stackhouse Theater |
Learn more about semester, summer, and faculty-led study abroad opportunities with the Center for International Education staff. |
| 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Religion Department Open House |
Tucker Hall, First Floor |
The Religion Department will host an open house in Tucker Hall. |
| 1:00 – 2:30 p.m | Cognitive and Behavioral Science Open House |
Parmly Hall 225 |
Meet CBSC faculty and learn more about the opportunities students have with our degrees. |
| 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Law, Justice, and Society Open House |
Tucker Hall, Lemon Reading Room |
Come learn about the Law, Justice, and Society program and meet the faculty. |
| 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Classics Department Open House |
Tucker Hall, First Floor |
The Classics Department will host an open house in the lobby of Tucker Hall. |
| 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Physics and Engineering Department Open House and Physics Fest |
Science Center Great Hall and Howe Hall 204 / Howe Hall 208 |
Join us for an open house to meet Physics and Engineering Faculty and for our Physics Fest where our students will have physics demos set up. |
| 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Special Collections and Archives Open House |
Tom Wolfe Reading Room, Leyburn Library Room 146 |
Special Collections and Archives houses primary source materials that cross multiple disciplines. We invite parents and students to attend our open house displaying rare books, manuscripts, and photographs that highlight the different subject areas we support across the curriculum as well as Washington and Lee’s documentary heritage. All are welcome, but we do ask that you leave food and beverages outside the reading room. |
| 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Journalism and Mass Communications Open House |
Reid Hall, Room 207 |
Join the Journalism and Mass Communications Department for refreshments and conversation. |
| 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Open Hours |
Science Center, Science Addition Third Floor Lounge |
Join us for cookies and a chance to meet the department. |
| 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Philosophy Department Reception |
Washington Hall, Third Floor |
The Philosophy Department welcomes students and families to a reception on the third floor of Washington Hall. |
| 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Pre-Health Professions Open House |
Science Center Great Hall |
Meet Brittany Carr, W&L’s Lead Pre-Health Advisor! |
| 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Meet the Romance Languages Faculty |
Tucker Hall, Third Floor |
Meet the faculty in the Romance Languages Department. |
| 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Shepherd Program Open House |
Mattingly Living Room |
Join us to meet the Shepherd Team and hear from current students about their internships, coursework, and community engagement. |
| 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. | Fraternity Information Session |
Hillel House, Multipurpose Room 101 |
Representatives from the Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Cultural Greek Council will provide an overview of their communities, including joining processes, membership requirements, new member education, housing, and financial considerations, followed by a Q&A. |
| 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. | Sorority Information Session |
Elrod Commons, Stackhouse Theater |
Representatives from the Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Cultural Greek Council will provide an overview of their communities, including joining processes, membership requirements, new member education, housing, and financial considerations, followed by a Q&A. |
| 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
Biology Department Open House |
Science Center, Howe Hall, Third Floor |
Join us for refreshments and a chance to meet the Biology Department faculty. |
| 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | German Department Info Table |
Ruscio Center for Global Learning, Atrium |
Meet with German Department faculty and students to find out more about German Studies and internship, fellowship, scholarship, and study abroad opportunities for students of German! |
| 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Johnson Program Parents and Family Open House |
Center for Global Learning, Tea House Patio |
Meet Johnson Program Director, Dr. Elizabeth Knapp, and Senior Program Coordinator, Haley Richard, to answer questions about your student’s scholarship and upcoming opportunities. |
| 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Student Summer Research Poster Presentation |
Leyburn Library, Main Floor |
Come hear from W&L students who participated in independent or faculty-mentored research this past summer. |
| 2:10 – 3:10 p.m. | Environmental Studies Open House |
Tucker Hall, Lower Level |
The Environmental Studies Program welcomes students and families to an Open House where you can meet our faculty and learn about our program. |
| 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. | Neuroscience Program Open House |
Beneath the trees by the second floor entrance of the Great Hall |
Join us for refreshments and a chance to meet the Neuroscience faculty. |
| 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Williams School Open House |
Childress Hall |
Stop by the lobby of Childress Hall to chat with Williams School faculty! Refreshments will be provided. |
| 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. |
Panhellenic Open Houses |
Sorority Row |
Visit our Panhellenic chapter houses on Sorority Row! |
| 4:15 – 5:15 p.m | Mathematics Talk: What I Did Last Summer |
Chavis Hall |
Undergraduate mathematics students give a talk about the research they completed during Summer 2026. There will be a reception in Chavis Hall foyer at 4:15 p.m., and the talks will start at 4:30 p.m. in Chavis Hall 105. |
| 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | East Asian Languages and Literatures Taste of Asia Open House |
Ruscio Center for Global Learning, Atrium |
Come join the East Asian Languages and Literatures Department for conversation and Asian snacks. |
| 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Mock Convention: The Road to the White House Runs Through Our House |
University Chapel |
Mock Convention cordially invites you to “The Road to the White House Runs Through Our House!” Join us in welcoming Dana Perino and Josh Earnest, former White House Press Secretaries, as we explore politics and modern media. Purchase a VIP ticket. Purchase a regular admission ticket. |
| 6:00 p.m. | Volleyball |
Holekamp Gym, Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center |
W&L vs. Bridgewater College |
| 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Parents and Family Shabbat |
Hillel House |
W&L Hillel is here to provide meaningful Jewish experiences to your students and the campus community! We would like to invite the parents and families of our students to join us for Shabbat dinner. Make a plate, meet our leadership team, and learn all about Jewish life in Lexington! |
| 8:00 – 9:15 p.m. | Parents and Family Weekend Choral Concert |
Wilson Concert Hall, Wilson Hall, Lenfest Center for the Arts |
Come kick off the 2026-27 choral season with the University Singers, Glee Club, and Cantatrici during the Parents and Family Weekend Choral Concert on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Showcasing Lacey R. Lynch, conductor of Cantatrici, and members of the Morgan E. Luttig ’14 Choral Conducting Mentorship Program (CCMP), the first half of the program will feature modern a cappella fun, with a broad variety of works from around the world. The University Singers will then perform a rigorous set that will highlight works they will perform as honored participants in the 2027 Jeju International Choral Festival. Traditional favorites will round out the evening, finally closing with James Erb’s “Shenandoah.” A reception will follow immediately after the concert. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free, but required, and are available only to current W&L students and their families. Tickets can be obtained at the Lenfest Center Box Office or online. The performance will be streamed at go.wlu.edu/livestream. |
Saturday, October 3, 2026
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Registration | Elrod Commons |
Pick up your registration packet and name tags. Your student may pick up your packet for you. |
| 9:00 a.m. | Men’s Swimming | Natatorium, 113 Lewis John Ave. |
W&L vs. Blue/White Intrasquad |
| 9:00 a.m. | Women’s Swimming | Natatorium, 113 Lewis John Ave. |
W&L vs. Blue/White Intrasquad |
| 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | RUF Parents’ Brunch | Village Pavilion |
Students and their families are invited to enjoy a delicious brunch catered by Seasons’ Yield and meet the RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) staff: Willis, LT, and Will. At 10:30 a.m., Willis will briefly share what God is doing through RUF at Washington and Lee. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstrations: Serving traditional sweets and matcha | Watson Galleries, Senshin’an Tearoom |
Did you know W&L has a traditional Japanese tearoom? Sign-up for a moment of peaceful reflection in a beautiful setting. Observe a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony by the W&L Chanoyu Tea Society students and enjoy special sweets and a bowl of whisked “matcha” tea. We will be using tea bowls from our extensive collection. The Senshin’an Japanese Tea Room is located in the Watson Galleries next to Tucker Hall at the end of the Colonnade. Three 30-minute demonstrations will be held: 10:00-10:30, 10:45-11:15, 11:30-12:00. Each session is limited to 20 participants and sign-up is required. Since seating is limited to 20 participants per session and there is no automated wait list, be sure to cancel your reservation if your plans change. Follow us on Instagram: @wlutearoom for updates. Sign up at this Calendly link. Questions about the tea event? Contact Professor Ikeda at ikedaj@wlu.edu. Questions about making or cancelling a reservation? Contact Robert Forsberg at rforsberg@wlu.edu. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Brunch in the Marketplace | Elrod Commons, Marketplace |
No tickets necessary. |
| 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | President’s Address | University Chapel |
President Kenneth P. Ruscio ’76 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Women’s Soccer | Alston Parker Watt Field |
W&L vs. University of Lynchburg |
| 1:00 p.m. | Field Hockey | Turf Field |
W&L vs. Shenandoah University |
| 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Game Day Gathering | Law School Lawn |
The W&L Alumni Association presents a Parent and Family Weekend Game Day Gathering on the Law School Lawn. Join fellow Washington and Lee University alumni, parents, coaches and friends for an afternoon of fun on the Law School Lawn. Bring the entire family to enjoy great company, lively music, and to support Generals Athletics. Be sure to stop by the welcome table for exclusive W&L swag. |
| 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Back Campus Trail Hike | Outing Club Pavilion |
Enjoy exploring the Back Campus trails led by one of our student Key Staff members. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. |
| 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. |
Tailgate Party | Law School Lawn |
Please join us to cheer on the Generals for the football game on the Law School Lawn for this year’s Tailgate Party! |
| 3:30 p.m. | Men’s Soccer | Alston Parker Watt Field |
W&L vs. Roanoke College |
| 4:00 p.m. | Football | Wilson Field |
W&L vs. Averett University |
| 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Student Engagement and Leadership Reception | Cannan Green Tent |
Parents and family members of W&L students are welcome to join members from the Student Engagement and Leadership team for light refreshments and hors’ d’oeuvres during P&FW. |
| 8:00 – 9:15 p.m. | Parents and Family Weekend Instrumental Concert | Wilson Concert Hall, Wilson Hall, Center for the Arts |
Don’t miss the Department of Music’s annual Parents and Family Weekend Instrumental Concert! Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music on Saturday, October 3, 2026, featuring the University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Terry Vosbein; alongside the University Orchestra and the University Wind Ensemble, led by Chris Dobbins. This collaborative concert will feature a variety of contrasting works sure to appeal to our special weekend guests. Come experience the powerful sound of our talented student musicians in action! The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall, at the Lenfest Center for the Arts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. No tickets are required. The performance will also be streamed at go.wlu.edu/livestream. |
Sunday, October 4, 2026
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Parents and Family Weekend Hillel Brunch | Hillel House | W&L Hillel is here to provide meaningful Jewish experiences for our students and the campus community! For anyone who could not join us for Shabbat, or for anyone who would like to stop by again, we invite the parents and families of our students to join us for a bagel brunch at the Hillel House! Schmooze, nosh, and refuel for your trip back! |
Special Events and Exhibits
Staniar Gallery, Wilson Hall
Art Exhibit: Josh T Franco: FERAL (A History of Art)
Artist Josh T Franco first entered art history through an AP course in high school, eventually earning a doctorate in the discipline. His ongoing participation in the field includes making works for museum and gallery spaces while also producing scholarship for publications and lectures.
Additional information can be found at Josh T Franco: FERAL (A History of Art).
University Store
Located in the Elrod University Commons with special Parents and Family Weekend hours of operation:
- Friday, October 2, 2026: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 3, 2026: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 4, 2026: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- First-Year Experience
- Housing and Residence Life
- Dining
- Student Engagement and Leadership
- Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Health and Wellness
- Safety and Security
- Student Services and Support
- Student Affairs Staff
