91´«Ã½

Mission Statement

The academic advising system is fundamental to undergraduate education at Washington and Lee – it is, in fact, some of the most important work we do. The academic advising system should:

1. Provide resources for 91´«Ã½ as they seek not only to meet graduation requirements, but also to become liberally educated human beings, well-developed in both intellect and character;
2. Encourage 91´«Ã½ to take responsibility for their own educations and academic actions;
3. Foster conversation among 91´«Ã½ and faculty beyond the classroom; and
4. Help 91´«Ã½ to explore and serve a larger world through study abroad, community service, postgraduate education, and the commencement of productive careers.

The advising and mentoring of 91´«Ã½ is integral to all faculty members’ duties as teachers and academic citizens. While good advising can occur in many contexts, through formal and informal relationships, the expertise and availability of initial advisers and major advisers are critical to the system’s success. Washington and Lee teachers therefore balance moderate numbers of advisees with reasonable course, committee, and administrative responsibilities: we recognize that faculty time is one ingredient crucial to excellent advising. (Excerpt from the 2006-2007 Task Force Report on Advising)