W&L students are engaged citizens of a global and diverse community.
Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement Tamara Futrell
It is a pleasure to introduce you to The Office of Inclusion and Engagement. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and supportive atmosphere as students integrate into the educational, cultural and social environment of the University. In concert with Washington and Lee's educational mission, my staff and I seek to foster "harmonious relationships" by providing opportunities for the campus community to enhance its knowledge about issues of diversity and social justice, cultivate and promote an inclusive community and challenge prejudicial attitudes and behaviors that are contradictory to our core values.The Office of Inclusion and Engagement
Understanding that diversity strengthens the academic enterprise, the University commits itself to welcoming and nurturing all members of the community. The Office of Inclusion and Engagement supports the University mission by identifying and implementing initiatives to achieve an increased diverse presence at the University and a more inclusive community. Additionally, the OIE attempts to act as a catalyst for all students wishing to explore critical issues on campus related to race, religion, class, ethnicity, gender, nationality and sexual orientation.
Statement of Commitment to Diversity
Washington and Lee affirms that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhance our community. We are committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of students, faculty, and staff who embody many experiences, cultures, points of view, interests, and identities. As engaged citizens in a global and diverse society, we seek to advance a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue.
LGBTQ
The LGBTQ Resource Center supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning students through peer counseling, programming, education and advocacy, and students can participate in several LGBTQ campus organizations which also offer programming, support and education.
Religious Life
While Washington and Lee University is a non-sectarian institution, we realize that spirituality is a part of a student's holistic development. We provide programs, resources and spaces for all students to learn, grow, and explore.
Academics
The academic life at Washington and Lee is defined by diversity. What, after all, does one study at a liberal arts college, but difference? The point is to engage difference and learn through that experience. The faculty at Washington and Lee place supreme value on the free and respectful exchange of knowledge, ideas, and thought, whether that takes place in the classroom, the laboratory, the lecture hall, or the many crucial exchanges that happen in the hallways and walkways of a great university.
International Education
International students are jointly supported by the Office of Inclusion and Engagement and the Center for International Education, which assists with the transition to life in the U.S., helping students attain Visas, prepare tax returns and find a host family for their time in Lexington. There are a number of international student organizations on campus, open to all students, which focus on global awareness and cultural exchange. Students who are interested in global learning and service learning are eligible to live in the University's Global Service House, a theme house that sponsors international- and service-based events throughout the year.
Accessibility
Washington and Lee University is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities. The University is also committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to information and information technology associated with administration and services, courses of instruction, departmental programs and University-sponsored events.
Admissions and Recruitment
The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid is committed to recruiting and enrolling students with diverse backgrounds and interests by engaging with high schools and community-based organizations around the world, as a dedicated QuestBridge partner, and by providing an immersive look at student life with the Diversity & Inclusion Visit Experience (DIVE).
The Angel Fund
The Student Affairs Angel Fund provides discretionary funds for use in the case of extreme emergencies that result in students' needing financial support. Examples of events that may qualify for such emergency fund are the major loss of personal property as the result of a fire or flood, death or severe illness of a member of the immediate family that may result in travel requirements, or sudden loss of parental support as the result of a major natural disaster.
Affordability
The W&L Promise is part of Washington and Lee's strategic initiative to make the distinctive W&L experience affordable to qualified students. Washington and Lee always meets the full demonstrated financial need for any admitted student using a combination of grants, scholarships, and student employment, regardless of the family level of income.
First Generation Students
Washington and Lee University is committed to ensuring the success of our students who are first in their family to attend college. We are here to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding the application process, financial aid, academics, and social life.
Campus Food Pantry
The W&L Campus Food Pantry aims to alleviate food insecurity among students by providing emergency food to those in need. The Food Pantry is open 24 hours a day and when Elrod Commons is open during breaks and holidays.
Student Organizations
Our student organizations ensure that W&L has a global perspective. Through participation in student organizations, students can build community, engage in social justice, develop leadership skills, and become holistic learners.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA)
Washington and Lee University is a community that celebrates and honors students from diverse backgrounds. Our University, along with hundreds of other universities across the country , is committed to supporting all students and their academic pursuits regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
Alumni Mentorship
Mentorship has been found to be one of the most personally and professionally rewarding relationships a college student can have. The support, guidance and advice a mentor can provide a mentee as they navigate the university environment and prepare for life beyond an institution is invaluable. The Office of Inclusion and Engagement in partnership with Alumni Affairs has established a mentoring program that connects current Washington and Lee African-American / Black students with alumni. Learn more about this program and apply to serve as a mentor.
Black Greek Life
Since their inception in the early 20th century, Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations have enhanced the lives of African American students in higher education. Founded on the principles of service, brotherhood and sisterhood and scholarship, these organizations have developed some of the world's greatest leaders, who are committed to developing their communities and making the world a better place.
Programs and Events
W&L's commitment to diversity is operationalized through intentional programming. The Office of Inclusion and Engagement as well as various student organizations work to organize programs and events that speak to issues of justice, global citizenship and diversity.
Trainings
Understanding that knowledge is power, W&L offers myriad trainings that empower students, faculty and staff to create inclusive environments and lead important discussions surrounding race, class and gender, in and out of the classroom.
Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development offers a wide range of support services to guide students in self-assessment leading to decisions for postgraduate pursuits, and planning experiences and coursework to support those decisions. This office also helps students prepare by assisting with professional documents, networking, internship and employment searches and interview practice.
Task Forces and Committees
At W&L, inclusion and engagement is a community effort. Various committees and task forces of faculty, staff, and students come together regularly to discuss issues relating to diversity, equity, and social justice and to create innovative solutions to building an inclusive campus climate.
Diversity & Inclusion Contacts
Tamara Futrell
Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement
Tamara Futrell services as the Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Tamara is responsible for providing leadership and vision for student diversity and inclusion programming, services and initiatives within the division of Students Affairs. She collaborates with the Office of Inclusion and Engagement, The Office of Jewish Life, the LGBTQ Resource Center, religious and spiritual development, first generation programs and campus diversity trainings. She has a passion for working with all parts of campus to create a truly welcoming and inclusive community that provides support for all students. Tamara also acts as an ex-officio member of the University Committee on Inclusiveness and Campus Clime,, as well as the Dean of the Senior Class. 
Crasha V. Townsend
Director, Office of Inclusion and Engagement
Crasha Townsend serves as the Director of the Office of Inclusion and Engagement. Her primary role is to provide campus-wide cultural programming and events, while also supporting students in building an inclusive community where they can actively engage. With more than 14 years of professional experience in social and leadership education, Crasha plays a key role on campus in assisting student organizations that span a wide diversity spectrum. Cultural, religious/faith-based, social justice, and gender identity all fall under the OIE umbrella. Crasha works in concert with the Director of Greek Life to provide support for the historically Black Greek Letter Organizations represented on the campus, and serves as an advisor of the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC). She also oversees the Office of Inclusion and Engagement Advisory Board and is a member of the Diversity and First Generation Working Group. 
Maggie Shapiro Haskett
Director of Jewish Life
Maggie Shapiro Haskett serves as the Director of Jewish Life. In her role, she is responsible for advising Jewish student organizations and developing programming that enhances the Jewish student experience. Maggie serves as a member of the university's campus ministry team, and works collaboratively with many other areas of campus, including the Office of Admissions and the Development Office. She also oversees the day-to-day operation of Hillel House. 
Rallie Snowden, LCSW
University Counselor and LGTBQ Coordinator
Rallie Snowden serves as the University Counselor and LGTBQ Coordinator. As a licensed clinical social worker, Rallie is part of the University Counseling Center, acts as the LGBTQ Coordinator, and oversees the LGBTQ Resource Center. Arriving to W&L in 2014, Rallie brings the experience of running her own private practice, performing critical incident stress debriefings, and working as a Clinical Supervisor for an intensive in-home agency. Her professional interests include social justice, LGBTQ issues, and the process of coming into one's own. 
Chad Baron
Director of Catholic Campus Ministry
Chad Baron serves as the Director of Catholic Campus Ministry. With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Chad strives to support the spiritual growth and nourishment of the university's students.
Jennifer Hagin
Area Director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Jennifer Hagin serves the Area Director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. For the past 15 years, Jennifer has worked with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowships to support and develop student leaders. She instructs students in personally studying the Bible, engaging with and investigating Christianity, and applying faith to the modern world. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and has a MA in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. 
Lewis Lovett
Reformed University Fellowship Campus Minister
Lewis Lovett serves as the Reformed University Fellowship Campus Minister. Student Contacts
Ayo Ehindero
Head Student Intern
Ayo Ehindero is a Nigerian American, sophomore student from Fort Myers, Florida. Here on campus, Ayo is a Resident Advisor for First Year Students as well as a member of Chi Omega, Reformed University Fellowship, and Co-Chair of Concert Operations for the General's Activity Board. She is excited to continue to explore the endless possibilities offered at W&L through study abroad, a wide variety of classes, and extracurricular activities. She understands that since we live in a global world, heterogeneous with different backgrounds and cultures, it is imperative that we prioritize the importance of not only diversity, but also creating an inclusive campus climate. Ayo is honored to work with the Office of Inclusion and Engagement as the Head Program Assistant to promote the importance of diversity on W&L's campus!