First-Year Experience
First-Year Experience
First-year programming at W&L allows first-year students to bond before they ever step into the classroom. Through this programming, they are able to participate in memorable and meaningful experiences like community service, outdoor exploration and experiential trips. Then, when classes begin, students have access to class deans, peer tutors and counselors, faculty advisors and others to ensure success inside and outside of the classroom.
Pre-Orientation
Pre-orientation (Pre-O) begins the week before orientation. Pre-O provides students the opportunity to begin their college career with friends, a sense of community, sharpened teamwork skills and a memorable, meaningful and challenging experience. Choose one of five tracks: Appalachian Adventure, Volunteer Venture, Archaeology, Sustainability Leadership, or Civil Rights.
Students often say Pre-O week is one of their best college memories.
Orientation Week
Before classes start, Orientation Week introduces new students to W&L traditions, the undergraduate curriculum, student organizations, and educational and social events. And it’s a great way to meet new friends.
Student Support
Academic Advising
Each first-year student is matched with a faculty adviser to assist with course scheduling and degree requirements. After declaring their major, students may select a major adviser for more specialized academic, career and graduate school advice.
Peer Tutors
The Peer Tutoring Program provides academic assistance for students through their peers. This program is available to all students, free of charge. Upper-division students are available to all students in most entry-level courses. The program is designed to help students who may be struggling in their class, and also those looking for an extra boost of academic success.
Class Deans
Each class is assigned a class dean who provides advice and counsel as students develop intellectually, socially and emotionally throughout their college careers. Class deans provide programming and support tailored to the unique opportunities and challenges that students face during each step of their W&L education.
The Office of Inclusion and Engagement
OIE fosters a culture at W&L in which all members of the community feel welcome and able to participate in everything W&L has to offer. OIE develops programs that explore, promote and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty and staff.