Academic Success

A hallmark of the University is the close interaction between students and faculty both in and outside the classroom. This relationship forms the foundation for your academic success. You should make sure to talk with your adviser about academic aspirations, questions and concerns. You should also go talk to your professors when you have questions in a course you are taking. In addition to the faculty, there are many other administrators, staff, peers, and resource programs that are here to support you in your academic progress.  Washington and Lee Undergraduate College, Williams School and Student Affairs deans serve as support resources for students both in and beyond the classroom.

The transition from high school to post-secondary education can be a challenging one. However, the University's goal is not only to help you grow as a student, but also to become a more well-rounded person. This involves challenges that vary for each individual. The following links and helpful hints will assist you in overcoming similar trials that other students have faced, as well as direct you towards personalized guidance in your search for academic success.  

Faculty Adviser Match

The Faculty Adviser Match is used to assist us in assigning you an initial liberal arts faculty adviser with whom you are likely to have common interests and with whom you will be able to plan your courses of study. We realize that at this time you may not be sure of your immediate academic plans, but nevertheless we ask that you provide us with as much information as possible.

Peer Tutoring Program

The Peer Tutoring Program provides assistance for students with the academic content of their courses. Highly trained and dedicated peer tutors are available to support students in most lower-level courses at the University, free of charge. Students can schedule a peer tutoring session using Penji.

Academic Coaching

Whether students are experiencing challenges with their studies or just want to perform better in college, academic coaching can help. Through one-on-one academic coaching, students will develop their studying and learning, as well as confidence in using a range of strategies and techniques to reach their full potential. Students can meet with either a professional or peer academic coach using Penji.

Articles of Interest

These articles are provided to offer a snapshot of some current trends in higher education. Parents are encouraged to use these articles to discuss the college experience with their student.

Career and Professional Development

Career and Professional Development is not only here to help you with your future career, but it also offers guidance when you are indecisive about your major or about possible alterations you might like to consider for your future. They provide you with the resources and guidance needed to assess your interests and values, recognize and use your skills and talents, promote the strengths of your liberal arts education, and develop and implement your academic/career plans.

Library Services for Students

The library and ITS have integrated their services and share the centrally located Information Desk. From this desk, they deliver many services, including: library item checkout, digital cameras, laptop computers, and presentation equipment, help with research projects, troubleshooting computers, preparing presentations, creating and printing posters, digitizing/editing audio and video, using scanners, editing digital images, analyzing data sets, using GIS, and making maps.

Student Health and Counseling

The Student Health Center is located at 200 Generals Lane. The Student Health Center is used for outpatient care, and the Infirmary is used for inpatient care of non-critical illnesses and injuries that occur during the year, excluding holiday and vacation periods. A physician and a counselor are on call to assist with after-hours urgent care when the Student Health Center is open.

The Successful First-Year Student

The academic success of a First-Year student begins with the academic advising process. First-Year advisers are trained to work with students in all of their Foundation and Distribution requirements (FDRs) and to assist the First-Year student as they begin to choose a major. Each First-Year adviser has no more than six other first-year advisees.