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Washington and Lee University

New-Student Guidebook

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Non Incautus Futuri

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Table of ContentsWelcome, Class of 2016 ...............................................................................................2Information For Parents ................................................................................................5 University Offices and Services ..........................................................................6 Business Office .....................................................................................7 Career Services .....................................................................................7 Dining Services.....................................................................................7 Financial Aid ........................................................................................8 ITS (Information Technology Services) ................................................8 Mail Services ........................................................................................9 Student Health and Counseling .........................................................10 University Card ..................................................................................10 University Registrar ............................................................................10The W&L Experience..........................................................................................11 The Leading Edge Pre-Orientation ....................................................12 First-Year Program ..............................................................................14 Orientation Week ...............................................................................14 Academic Advising .............................................................................15 Registration ........................................................................................15 Traditions............................................................................................16 Generally Speaking ............................................................................17 Residential Life ..................................................................................19 Social Networking .............................................................................. 21

go.wlu.edu/newstudent go.wlu.edu/GHQ

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Welcome

April 1, 2012

Dear Member of the Class of 2016,

Congratulations on your decision to attend Washington and Lee University, and welcome to our wonderful community! At W&L, faculty and staff work together to help students succeed. There is a strong connection here between what happens in and out of the classroom, and you will find that our academic and student life programs are complementary and interrelated. This guidebook is designed to link you to the people, programs and places that make W&L such a special University. Hopefully, you’ll utilize the guidebook to become familiar with our first-year website and to learn much more about what will soon become your home away from home. You’ll notice that the guidebook is full of URL’s to our website. If you remember only one address for your summer, make it go.wlu.edu/newstudent. There you will find links to all of the websites listed here in the New-Student Guidebook as well as the link to Generals’ Headquarters (go.wlu.edu/GHQ) where you will find all required first-year forms. Again, welcome to Washington and Lee! I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Jason Rodocker Assistant Dean for First-Year Experience

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Class of 2016

April 1, 2012

Dear Member of the Class of 2016,

On behalf of the student body, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Washington and Lee University. These next four years will be immensely formative, offering a unique opportunity for growth as intellectuals and individuals of honor. The notion of honor at W&L is embodied by our Honor System, which is “based on the fundamental principle that a spirit of trust pervades all aspects of student life.” The student body, through its Executive Committee (EC), has administered the Honor System since 1905, although the concept of the Honor System is much older. The myriad freedoms that students enjoy here, such as leaving belongings unattended and taking exams unproctored, are secured by the responsibilities that students owe in keeping the Honor System intact. All students are expected to uphold the spirit of the Honor System at all times. In addition to administering the Honor System, the Executive Committee of the Student Body serves as the general student government for the University. The EC funds and supports student clubs and organizations and serves as intermediary between students and the administration, while also representing students to the broader community. On behalf of the EC, we hope that each of you will find your ideal place in student life here at W&L, and we look forward to one of your classmates joining us on the EC in the Fall. I wish you all the best as you begin life here in Lexington.

Sincerely,

Scott McClintock ’12 President of the Student Body

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Information for ParentsThis summer will be defined by excitement, both as

your student prepares for college and as you prepare to see your student off. Understandably, students and their parents have different questions in mind throughout this process. To that end, we have created a website specifically for you—a resource for the months and years to come. Please make it a point to visit the Parents’ Dashboard: it contains much of the information new parents and guardians at Washington and Lee will need to know.

go.wlu.edu/parents

Your student will follow the path set for him or her on Generals’ HQ at go.wlu.edu/GHQ. Once your student logs in using the same account access used during the application process, there will be a Student Affairs link on the left side of the page. The Student Affairs link to “First-Year Forms” outlines required and optional forms, deadlines and programs. For parent access to information about required and optional forms, deadlines and programs, please see the “First-Year Program and Orientation” website and the New-Student Summer Timeline enclosed in this mailing.

go.wlu.edu/newstudent

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University Offices and ServicesEvery first-year student should know the basics of how to

get around at W&L. Where do I eat? How do I get mail? What if I get sick? Here are some of the essentials of living on campus.

Each section gives a quick overview of university offices and services. Additional information can be found at the webpage provided or by contacting the appropriate office. Contact information can be found on each web page.

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BUSINESS OFFICE

The Business Office prepares monthly bill statements and processes payments on your account. All of your account information is available on the Generals Payment System (GPS) which is accessed by students via WebAdvisor. Initial bills are released on July 16 and due by August 10.

go.wlu.edu/businessoffice

CAREER SERVICES

The Career Services office is conveniently located on the top floor of the Elrod Commons, and it’s the place to go for resumé advice, practice interviews, networking tips and career assessments.

Through one-on-one career advising and targeted programming, Career Services provides the guidance and resources you’ll need to develop and implement both your academic and career plans. This office fosters an environment that encourages individual responsibility, creativity, open-mindedness and integrity when searching for the right job, internship or graduate program.

go.wlu.edu/careerservices

DINING SERVICES

First-year students are enrolled in an “all you can eat” meal plan. You are allowed unlimited entries into the Marketplace at Elrod Commons so you can get a full meal or just a snack between classes. There’s also a wide variety of choices including an extensive salad bar, deli bar, and vegetarian and vegan options.

The Marketplace is open 7:15 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. If you miss dinner there is also a “meal equivalency” available at the Café ’77 in Elrod Commons which is open 7:30 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.-midnight Sunday.

Your meal plan includes flex dollars you can use at the Café ’77 or the E.Cafe at Hillel House, a kosher vegetarian dining facility open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. You will also receive guest passes to the Marketplace with your meal plan so you can share a meal with friends.

Dining Services is an important part of W&L’s sustainability initiatives, serving locally grown foods including some from the campus garden and using only fair trade coffee. We offer all meal plan holders a reusable to-go container to take meals out. We also use compostable paper products. We participate in recycling and composting efforts and donate leftover food to Campus Kitchen.

Please see the Dining Service web page for daily menus, upcoming special events and more details on your meal plan.

go.wlu.edu/diningservices

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FINANCIAL AID

With $32 million in undergraduate grants and scholarships, financial aid can help meet the needs of qualified students. A complete financial aid package usually consists of a combination of grant or scholarship, student and/or parent loan and campus work study. The combination of grant, loan and work study provides the typical aid recipient with a financial aid package equal to the educational costs related to attending W&L.

go.wlu.edu/financialaid

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ITS)

ITS publishes its recommendations for student-owned computers on the ITS website. Nearly all students bring computers for use at W&L. IT resources provided for W&L students include:

• MicrosoftOfficeandantivirussoftwareforWindowsandMacavailablefordownload from ITS site

• WirelessandwiredInternetconnectionsavailablethroughoutcampus,including residence halls

• TheStableprovidesvirtualWindowsdesktops,includingaccesstocourse-specific software and network storage, and is available from many types of devices with the use of a high-speed Internet connection

• LifelongOutlookLiveaccountsprovideemail,calendar,datastorageandother tools

• Mostclassroomsequippedwithdigitalprojectors,documentcameras,andothertoolstoenhanceinstruction• Videoconferencinganddigitalvideo-recordingofclasssessionsavailableinmanylocations• Supportofferedfordigitalvideoediting,creatingandprintingposters,creatingdigitalmaps,analyzingdataandotherIT

needs• Computerlabsandprintersavailablearound-the-clock

go.wlu.edu/ITS

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MAIL SERVICES

LETTER MAILSince the Lexington Post Office is only a block away from campus, we do not have a university-run mail room for students. To rent a P.O. Box for the school year (something most students do), sign up over the summer using a form from your local Post Office.

PACKAGESFORMOVE-INNeed to mail a large package to meet you at school for

move-in day? No problem, just follow these guidelines: do not send your package before August 17, make sure that it can be carried by one person, that it weighs less than 50 pounds and that it’s labeled (with your name, residence hall and room number) on every side. Here’s how to address it:

Your Namec/o Campus Mail ServicesResidence Hall and Room NumberWashington and Lee University204 W. Washington StreetLexington,VA24450-2116

PACKAGES DURING THE YEARWhile the Post Office handles all of your letter mail,

the University’s mail room handles any packages you might receive during the school year. If your parents want to send

you a care package or you’ve done some online shopping, have the package addressed like the example below. You’ll get an email from mail services when you need to pick something up.

Your NameResidence Hall and Room NumberWashington and Lee University204 W. Washington StreetLexington,VA24450-2116

go.wlu.edu/campusmail

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STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

The Student Health Center, on the lower floor of Gilliam Residence Hall, provides outpatient care, inpatient care of non-critical illnesses and injuries, and on-call urgent care during academic terms. Emergency medical situations beyond the scope of care at the Student Health Center are evaluated and treated at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital, just one mile from campus.

go.wlu.edu/healthcenter

UNIVERSITY COUNSELING

W&L students can receive counseling for any social, academic or emotional problems. First-year students are encouraged to seek assistance from the Assistant Dean for First-Year Experience, the staff of the Office of the Dean of Students, the academic deans, a faculty adviser, the University Registrar, physicians and/or counselors. Counseling is useful for a broad range of issues including, but not limited to, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, sexuality, anger management, academic achievement, grief and family issues.

go.wlu.edu/counseling

UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR

The University Registrar’s staff “gets faculty and students together and reports on the results.” AP, IB, transfer credit, course schedules, academic offerings and policies, transcripts, verifications of enrollment, grading and graduation all start here.

registrar.wlu.edu

WASHINGTON AND LEEU N I V E R S I T Y

204 W. Washington Street

Lexington, Virginia 24450-2116

UNIVERSITY CARD

Your University Card is essential to everyday life on campus. It will be used as your:

• W&LstudentID• cardaccesstoresidencehallsandcampus

buildings• mealcard• debitcardfor“generaldebit”andfood

purchases• creditcardintheUniversityStore,Auxiliary

Services, Copy Center and with approved organizations

http://go.wlu.edu/universitycard

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The W&L ExperienceWhile every student’s time at Washington and Lee is unique, there are several formative experiences that bind the undergraduate student body together. These shared experiences form the foundation of your college career. From the very beginning of Orientation Week you will feel like part of a family—the sense of community that permeates the atmosphere of the University. This section provides the details about first-year orientation, an overview of residential life and a taste of what you’ll encounter in the years to come.

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THE LEADING EDGE PRE-ORIENTATION

You should consider The Leading Edge as an exciting beginning to your college experience. Students who participate in one oftheprogram’sthreetracks—VolunteerVenture,AppalachianAdventure,LeadershipVenture—rememberthatweekasoneoftheir fondest college memories. These pre-orientation trips are small and inviting, and give you the chance to hone your teamwork and leadership skills while encountering unique challenges. Upper-division students lead the pre-orientation trips. You will also experience the sense of community that will define your time at Washington and Lee.

The Leading Edge pre-orientation trips take place the week before first-year orientation begins. The University subsidizes the program;yourcostof$200forVolunteerVentureandAppalachianAdventureand$250forLeadershipVenturewillbebilledtoyour student account in August.

HOW TO APPLY

LeadershipVentureTheonlineapplicationisavailablenow(onGHQ)andisduebyMay18.BecauseLeadershipVentureislimitedto5menand

5 women, you will be notified May 31 if you are accepted to this pre-orientation trip.

VolunteerVentureandAppalachianAdventureTheonlineapplicationperiodopensJune5at11a.m.EDTandclosesJune13at4p.m.EDTforVolunteerVentureand

Appalachian Adventure. The application will appear on GHQ under Student Affairs when the application period begins. Over 230studentsfromtheClassof2015appliedlastsummer,sobesuretoapplyassoonasregistrationopens!VolunteerVentureandAppalachian Adventure are assigned to applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis.

go.wlu.edu/theleadingedge

LEADERSHIP VENTURE

Spend a week in sessions on campus and on a multi-day trip to Washington, D.C., to meet and talk with W&L alumni who are leading in all walks of life. This trip will help you understand what leadership is, what it does and doesn’t look like, what skills you have and what skills you need to develop.

go.wlu.edu/leadershipventure

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VOLUNTEER VENTURE

Spend a week in one of six cities becoming a part of the community by living, learning and working with the individuals whose lives are affected by poverty.

go.wlu.edu/volunteerventure

APPALACHIAN ADVENTURE

Spend five days hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, your trip will be unforgettable.

go.wlu.edu/appalachianadventure

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FIRST-YEAR PROGRAM

The First-Year Program provides you with resources, information, mentoring, programming and advising. The cornerstone of the First-Year Program is the residential life experience, facilitated by the undergraduate resident advisers (RAs) for first-year students. RAs work closely with first-year students and offer assistance as new students learn about their new “home away from home.” They provide a variety of fun and interesting programs and events for their residents, while serving as wonderful academic and social resources.

go.wlu.edu/newstudent

ORIENTATION WEEK

Orientation Week will introduce you, one of the newest members of our community, to the Washington and Lee traditions which are central to the past, present and future of the University. The Honor System, undergraduate curriculum, student self-governance, clubs and organizations fair, educational experiences, social events and meeting fellow classmates are just a few of the many highlights of the orientation program. Orientation Week takes place September 1-5.

go.wlu.edu/oweek

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ACADEMIC ADVISING

Starting your academic career at Washington and Lee will be both exciting and challenging. Your initial faculty adviser will explain Foundation and Distribution Requirements (FDRs), help you finalize your schedule for Fall term, and support you as you start to choose a major. This relationship begins over the Summer, when you fill out an information form for your future adviser detailing your academic and extra-curricular interests. Orientation Week is full of opportunities to get to know your adviser, one of which is a meal together.

go.wlu.edu/academicadvising

REGISTRATION

During June, you will hear from the University Registrar’s Office about how to prepare for Fall registration during Orientation. Watch for email announcements of how to plan using your AP, IB and language-placement results. In the meantime, begin reviewing the W&L web catalog at catalog.wlu.edu and the curricular advice document at go.wlu.edu/curricular-advice.

go.wlu.edu/registrar

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THE SPEAKING TRADITIONThe Honor System

Putting a Penny on Traveller’s Grave

Nabors Service DayScience Society and the Arts

(every other year)

Mock Convention(every 4 years)

Fancy DressSpring time on the Maury RiverH i k i n g o n t h e W o o d s C r e e k T r a i l

Studying on the front lawnQuality time with professors

Parents & Family Weekend

TRADITIONS

Traditions are what bring the student body together as fellow Generals. We all come from so many different places, we all have different values and beliefs, and we all spend our time differently. The following are just a few examples of the many customs, stories and concepts that set W&L apart and bring students closer.

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GENERALLY SPEAKING

Every campus has its own language and W&L is no different. You’ll pick it up in no time once you get here, but here are a few to get you started.

D-hall the Marketplace, located on the bottom floor of Elrod CommonsCo-op/Café Café ’77/Emporium, located on the main floor of Elrod CommonsCommons Elrod Commons, the entire building or the Living RoomC-School Huntley Hall, the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and PoliticsE.Cafe located in the Hillel HouseJ-School the Journalism department and building (Reid Hall)“On the hill” on campusThe Colonnade made up of Newcomb, Payne, Washington, Robinson and Tucker HallsThe Quad the area between Baker, Davis

and Gilliam residence halls—also known as BDG Quad

EC Executive CommitteeSJC Student Judicial CommitteeHV honor violationFD Fancy DressSciLi Science LibraryBob and George Robert E. Lee, George WashingtonCadavers a secret societyLex Vegas LexingtonTraveller safe-ride bus system

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RESIDENTIAL LIFE AT W&L

All first-year students live on campus in one of four residence halls: Graham-Lees, Davis, Gilliam or Gaines. A resident adviser serves as a resource to a small group of students on a residence hall floor. RAs are upper-division students who want to help make your first year at W&L an unforgettable experience. The Residential Life staff are among the best and most approachable student leaders on campus, so you’ll be in good hands while you’re learning the ropes at W&L.

John W. Davis Hall • Location: BDG Quad • Floors: 3 • Coed: by floor except 2nd floor, co-ed by room • Air-Conditioning: No • Room Types: Double • Residents: 84

Frank J. Gilliam Hall • Location: BDG Quad • Floors: 4 • Coed: by floor • Air-Conditioning: No • Room Types: Singles and Doubles • Residents: 90

Graham-Lees Hall • Location: Across from BDG Quad • Floors: 4 • Coed: by floor • Air-Conditioning: No • Room Types: Singles and Doubles • Residents: 251

Francis P. Gaines Hall • Location: Behind BDG Quad • Floors: 4 • Coed: by suite • Air-Conditioning: Yes • Room Types: Singles and Doubles • Residents: 80 first-year students

go.wlu.edu/residentiallifeHousing rates are available online.

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Social Networking

STAY CONNECTED

FacebookClass of 2016 Group PageUniversity Fan PageCampus Activities Fan PageUniversity Registrar Fan Page

WordpressWhat’s News BlogStudent Affairs BlogFrom the Sidelines Blog

TwitterJeff Hanna, Executive Director of CommunicationsScott Dittman, University Registrar

EmailGenerally Speaking Monthly e-Newsletter@

go.wlu.edu/social_media

go.wlu.edu/newstudent

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First-Year Program, Orientation and Residential Life

(540) 458-8405

WASHINGTON AND LEEU N I V E R S I T Y

Lexington, Virginia