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, Kyle McCoil and Megan Hobb 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.
The Office of Inclusion and Engagement works collaboratively with different campus partners and student organizations to create intentional and meaningful programs and events for our students.
Here are some upcoming events to celebrate our first-generation college students.
To welcome our first year first-generation students, the Office of Inclusion and Engagement will host a welcome reception on Thursday September 12, 2024 from 4:00-6:00pm in Evans Dinning Hall.
Join us for the inaugural First Friday lunch, a special event series dedicated to first-generation college students! Our first gathering will be held on Friday October 4, 2024 from 12:00-1:30pm in Leyburn 119, during Parents and Family Weekend. We warmly invite parents to attend! This month's discussion will focus on the transition from high school to college, offering insights and support to help students and their families navigate this important journey. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build a strong community together!
The First-Generation, Low-Income Team (LIFT) in collaboration with the Office of Inclusion and Engagement and the Office of Career and Professional Development will host the "First-Generation Etiquette Dinner" on Wednesday November 6, 2024 from 5:30-7:00pm in Evans Dinning Hall.
In celebration of the annual National First-Generation College Student Day, the Office of Inclusion and Engagement will host a series of events to celebrate the presence and experiences of our first-generation college students, faculty, and staff at W&L.
Join us for the First Friday lunch, a special event series dedicated to first-generation college students! Our second gathering will be held on Friday December 6, 2024 from 12:00-1:30pm in Leyburn 119. This month, we're focusing on how to prepare for finals season. Whether it's your first time facing college exams or you're looking to refine your study strategies, this lunch will provide valuable tips and tricks to help you succeed. Connect with peers, share experiences, and enjoy a supportive environment as you gear up for finals.
If you are a first-generation college student, faculty or staff member and would like to get email updates of upcoming events please fill out the link: https://wluniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0VC84MH1LrkRYN0
We are excited to announce the launch of the First-Generation and Low-Income Mentorship Program, presented by LIFT and QuestBridge student organizations and sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement and Office of Inclusion and Engagement.
Learn more about LIFT - the Low-Income, First-Generation Team @ W&L! The Low-Income, First-Generation Team (LIFT) is led and comprised of W&L students who are passionate about providing resources for first-generation and/or low-income students as well as creating a supportive community on campus.
We acknowledge that universities may have an intricate language of their own. We have provided a list to some college-related terminology that you may encounter throughout your time at W&L.
Our support for First-Gen students come from a good place - within our own ranks. There are faculty and staff members within the W&L community who themselves were first generation college student and they are available as a resource and support structure for others.