First-Generation College Students

At Washington and Lee University, a student identifies as a first generation college student if neither parent/legal guardian graduated from a four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the United States of America.

Washington and Lee University recognizes that being the first in your family is a huge accomplishment, and we are excited to cheer you on as you as you embark on this journey. We want to ensure that you have access to all the resources and support you may need as you learn and grow with us. We are here to answer any questions you may have regarding the application process, financial aid, academics, and social life. While we offer year-round events for you and your family to learn about life at W&L and beyond, we recognize that mentors, professors, and peers can serve as valuable resources. Your faculty adviser, professors, resident adviser, peer counselor, and class deans believe in keeping their doors open and are available to talk with you. While college can present many challenges, at W&L you won’t be alone.

We know parents and guardians play an important role in your life and we want to equip them with the tools they need to assist you. We offer sessions for parents of first generation students during parent-orientation, our first-year student move-in weekend, and again during parents and family weekend. Deans Jason Rodocker, Ronda Bryant, and Kyle McCoil were first-generation students who now have graduate degrees. Please contact your class dean if you have any questions or concerns at any time or would like to be connected with other first-generation students. For first-generation programming and support please contact Heidi Bustos.

Programs and Events

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership works collaboratively with different campus partners and student organizations to create intentional and meaningful programs and events for our students. Below are some upcoming events to celebrate first-generation college students.

• September 5, 2025 | First-Generation Student Welcome Reception
  To welcome our first year first-generation students, the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership will host a welcome reception on Friday September 5, 2025 from 3:30-5:30pm in the Great Hall- Science Addition.
  
  
• November 5, 2025 | First-Generation Etiquette Dinner 
  The First-Generation, Low-Income Team (LIFT) in collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership and the Office of Career and Professional Development will host the “First-Generation Etiquette Dinner” on Wednesday November 5, 2025 from 5:15-7:00pm in Evans Dinning Hall.
  
  
• November 8, 2025 | National First-Generation College Day
  In celebration of the annual National First-Generation College Student Day, the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership will host a series of events to celebrate the presence and experiences of our first-generation college students, faculty, and staff at W&L.