General Administration

Washington and Lee University is vested with ultimate responsibility for the safety and maintenance of the museum-quality collections that it owns. It is the policy of the University to charge the staff of the University Collections of Art and History (UCAH), under the authority of the Vice President for University Advancement, with the primary functions of collecting, researching, interpreting, exhibiting, preserving, maintaining, and caring for the University’s fine art, decorative art, and significant historical artifact collections, according to the highest museum standards and ethics that finances allow. The University maintains other collections, including those in Special Collections of the Leyburn Library, the Law School Library, and the Department of Anthropology and Sociology. These areas maintain their own policies and collections records, separate from UCAH. However, for pieces of art and for significant historical artifacts, UCAH will provide additional cataloging and oversight. Staff responsible for the UCAH will, to the extent possible, advise, assist, and collaborate with faculty/staff responsible for those other components of the University Collections, but UCAH’s primary responsibility will be for the fine art and historical items.

Washington and Lee University enters into hundreds of contractual agreements each year that involve a wide array of activities, including services, consulting, maintenance, supplies, performances, facilities use, construction, research, and publications, among others. This policy is intended to provide guidance to the W&L community on the need for written agreements, who can sign contracts, the review process, and record keeping for all contracts involving University resources. The goal of this policy is to promote good business practices and controls, see that all contractual agreements meet the University’s legal and compliance requirements, and avoid unintended contractual obligations not in the best interests of the University.

This policy provides for the systematic review, retention, and disposition of documents and records received, created, or maintained by the University in connection with University business. The policy contains a schedule for how long certain documents should be retained and how they should be disposed of (unless they are under a legal or other similar investigation, or are otherwise subject to a litigation hold). This policy is designed to enhance compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, to eliminate accidental or innocent destruction of records, and to facilitate the University’s operations by promoting efficiency and freeing-up valuable storage space.

Washington and Lee University establishes university policies to guide and govern institutional operations and to set standards and expectations across the University. The University seeks to bring consistency to creating and adopting university-wide policies, which will help the University maintain accountability and provide members of the campus community and those doing business with the University a clearer explanation of what governing principles and standards apply University-wide, rather than only to specific departments/schools.

In order to develop a consistent, university-wide approach to processing all name-change requests and coordinating efforts surrounding each person’s documents, the University has adopted the following policy.

Washington and Lee University ("W&L” or “the University") is committed to providing a safe and secure learning and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on all campus properties. W&L has implemented this non-solicitation policy to avoid disruption of operations and the disturbance of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and to set rules for the sale of goods and services on property owned or controlled by W&L.

Washington and Lee University recognizes that some of its community members prefer to identify themselves by a first name other than their legal first name. The University will use preferred first name whenever possible in the course of University business and education, except where the use of legal first name is required by law, for external entity reporting purposes, or otherwise.

W&L has rules of conduct for those members of its campus community who wish to engage in peaceful protest or demonstration ("Protestors").

This document establishes a protocol for receiving official legal documents (including subpoenas and other court orders), site visits, background checks, and other contacts from investigatory or regulatory authorities and attorneys.

Washington and Lee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). As a standard of accreditation (Principles of Accreditation: Foundation for Quality Enhancement, January 2018 edition, Standard 14.2) the University must: 1. Have a policy and procedure to ensure that all substantive changes are reported to the Commission in a timely manner; and, 2. Notify SACSCOC of changes in accordance with the substantive change policy and, when required, seek approval prior to the initiation of changes. See Substantive Change for SACSCOC Accredited Institutions Policy Statement (http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/SubstantiveChange.pdf) for more detailed information. The purpose of this policy is to establish the requirements, procedures and processes necessary to ensure timely coordination and notification of substantive changes involving Washington and Lee University to the university’s regional accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The purpose of this policy is to ensure appropriate use of tax-exempt bond funds as well as university facilities and equipment financed in whole or part with tax-exempt bonds.

The primary purpose of the use of all buildings and grounds owned, leased, or operated by Washington and Lee University (hereinafter collectively referred to as “University Facilities") is to support the University’s educational mission. University Facilities are primarily used for academic courses, educational and University-sponsored events, and programs or activities for University students. The use of University Facilities by external groups or for events that are not affiliated with a University department or group may also be permitted in accordance with this Policy. This Policy is intended to set forth the processes, procedures, and requirements for the use of University Facilities and to facilitate the efficient, safe, and orderly use of such facilities and grounds, consistent with the University’s educational mission. As a private university, Washington and Lee can and does impose conditions for the use of all University Facilities. Individuals or groups not affiliated with the University (including campus visitors) may not use any University Facilities as a platform for their own personal or political displays or statements. Permission given to any individual or group to use any University facilities does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or support by the University of the views, opinions, programs, or activities of the users, speakers, presenters, or organizers.

Washington and Lee University is a residential, in-person teaching institution where direct engagement between faculty and students is central to the educational experience. This approach fosters students’ academic, social, and emotional development while strengthening their sense of connection and community. In-person classroom instruction and regular interaction with students are essential responsibilities of all faculty.