Washington and Lee University, Private university in Lexington, United States
Washington and Lee University is a private university in Lexington, Virginia, that spreads across 326 acres (132 ha) in the Shenandoah Valley. The colonial-style buildings house classrooms, laboratories, and residence facilities for approximately 1,850 students.
The institution was founded in 1749 as Augusta Academy and received a major donation from George Washington in 1796. After several name changes, it adopted its current name honoring two important benefactors.
The student-run Honor System shapes daily life on campus and shows itself through unlocked doors and unproctored exams. This trust agreement is maintained by a student panel and applies to all academic and social situations.
The campus sits in downtown Lexington and is walkable, with historic buildings connected through footpaths. Visitors can explore the colonial architecture and green spaces during opening hours, with some buildings open to the public.
The institution maintains one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios at 8:1, allowing direct collaboration in seminars and research projects. Professors often know their students personally and work closely with them throughout their studies.
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