:Washington & Jefferson College

{{Main|History of Washington & Jefferson College}}

File:McMillan Hall W&J College 4.jpg), showing the original central portion and the two wings added in 1818.]]

Washington & Jefferson College traces its origin to three log cabin colleges established by three frontier clergymen in the 1780s: John McMillan, Thaddeus Dod, and Joseph Smith. The three men, all graduates from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), came to present-day Washington County to found churches and spread Presbyterianism to what was then the American frontier beyond the Appalachian Mountains.Coleman 1956 pp. 4–7 John McMillan, the most prominent of the three founders because of his strong personality and longevity, came to the area in 1775 and built his log cabin college in 1780 near his church in Chartiers. Thaddeus Dod, known as a keen scholar, built his log cabin college in Lower Ten Mile in 1781. Joseph Smith taught classical studies in his college, called "The Study," at Buffalo.{{Cite book| last = Wickersham| first = James| title = A History of Education in Pennsylvania, Private and Public, Elementary and Higher| publisher=Inquirer Publishing Company| year = 1886| location = Lancaster, Pennsylvania| pages = [https://archive.org/details/ahistoryeducati00wickgoog/page/n432 400]–401| url = https://archive.org/details/ahistoryeducati00wickgoog| access-date = September 12, 2010}}

Washington Academy was chartered by the Pennsylvania General Assembly on September 24, 1787.Coleman 1956 pp. 21–44 The first members of the board of trustees included Reverends Dod and Smith. After a difficult search for a headmaster, in which the trustees consulted Benjamin Franklin, the trustees unanimously selected Thaddeus Dod, considered to be the best scholar in western Pennsylvania. Amid financial difficulties and unrest from the Whiskey Rebellion, the academy held no classes from 1791 to 1796. In 1792, the academy secured four lots at Wheeling and Lincoln street from William Hoge and began construction on the stone Academy Building. During the Whiskey Rebellion, portions of David Bradford's militia camped on a hillside that would later become home to the unified Washington & Jefferson College.

In October 1792, after a year's delay from its official incorporation resulting from "trouble with Indians," McMillan was chosen as the headmaster and Canonsburg was chosen as the location for the "Canonsburg Academy."Coleman 1956 pp. 45–58 At a subsequent unknown date, McMillan transferred his students from the log cabin to Canonsburg Academy. Canonsburg Academy was chartered by the General Assembly on March 11, 1794, thus placing it firmly ahead of its sister school, Washington Academy, which was without a faculty, students, or facilities. On January 15, 1802, with McMillan as president of the board, the General Assembly finally granted a charter for "a college at Canonsburgh."

File:Jefferson College 1830 EDITED.jpg

In 1802, Canonsburg Academy was reconstituted as Jefferson College, with John McMillan serving as the first President of the board of trustees.Coleman 1956 p. 59 In 1806, Matthew Brown petitioned the Pennsylvania General Assembly to grant Washington Academy a charter, allowing it to be re-christened as Washington College.Coleman 1956 pp. 102–107 At various times over the next 60 years, the various parties within the two colleges pursued unification with each other, but the question of where the unified college would be located thwarted those efforts. In 1817, a disagreement over a perceived agreement for unification erupted into "The College War" and threatened the existence of both colleges.Coleman 1956 pp. 68–73 In the ensuing years, both colleges began to undertake risky financial moves, especially over-selling scholarships. Thanks to the leadership of Matthew Brown, Jefferson College was in a stronger position to weather the financial storm for a longer period.Coleman 1956 pp. 78–85 Desperate for funds, Washington College accepted an offer from the Synod of Wheeling to take control of the college, a move that was supposed to stabilize the finances for a period of time.Coleman 1956 pp. 130–131 However, Washington College then undertook another series of risky financial moves that crippled its finances.Coleman 1956 pp. 133–142

File:Old Main W&J 1880s.jpg symbolize the 1865 union of Jefferson College and Washington College.]]

Following the Civil War, both colleges were short on students and on funds, causing them to join as Washington & Jefferson College in 1865.Coleman 1956 pp. 143–149 The charter provided for the college to operate at both Canonsburg and Washington, a position that caused significant difficulty for the administration trying to rescue the college amid ill feelings over the unification. Jonathan Edwards, a pastor from Baltimore who had been president of Hanover College, was elected the first president of the unified Washington & Jefferson College on April 4, 1866.Coleman 1956 p. 149-155{{cite web| title = Jonathan Edwards (1866–1869)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,31| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120716025022/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,31| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 16, 2012| access-date = June 3, 2010}} Edwards immediately encountered significant challenges, including the difficulties of administering a college across two campuses, as well as old prejudices and hard feelings among those still loyal to either Jefferson College or Washington College. Edwards resigned in 1869, as the two-campus arrangement was declared a failure and all operations were consolidated in Washington. Before the merger could be completed, Canonsburg residents and Jefferson College partisans filed a lawsuit, known as the Pennsylvania College Cases, sought to overturn the consolidation plan.Coleman 1956 pp. 155–156 Leadership of the college during this time fell to Samuel J. Wilson, a local pastor, and James I. Brownson, who had earlier been interim president of Washington College.{{cite web| title = James I. Brownson (Pro Tem. 1870)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,25| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120716122238/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,25| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 16, 2012}}{{cite web | title = Samuel J. Wilson (Pro Tem. 1869) | work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives | publisher = Washington & Jefferson College | date = September 4, 2003 | url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,36 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715164233/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,36 | url-status = dead | archive-date = July 15, 2012 }} By 1871, the United States Supreme Court upheld the consolidation, allowing the newly configured college to proceed.

File:Hayes Hall.jpg, named after George P. Hays, was built in 1903 and demolished in 1994.]]

George P. Hays, who had assumed the presidency amid the court battle and the unification controversy, led the newly unified college until 1881.{{cite web| title = George P. Hays (1870–1881)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,28| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715164351/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,28| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 15, 2012| access-date = June 2, 2010}} His successor, James D. Moffat, led the college through a period of growth where the college constructed the Old Gym, Hays Hall, Thompson Memorial Library, and Thistle Physics Building, as well as purchasing the land known as the "old fair ground," now used for Cameron Stadium.{{cite web| title = James D. Moffat (1881–1915)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?%2Fp4019coll8%2C32| access-date = July 22, 2010| archive-date = July 18, 2012| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718065317/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,32| url-status = dead}} Towards the end of his term, Moffat personally paid for the 1912 renovations of McMillan Hall.{{cite web| title = McMillan Hall| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_mcmillan.php| access-date = June 30, 2010| archive-date = July 17, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090717231242/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_mcmillan.php| url-status = live}} In 1914, Frederick W. Hinitt was elected president. His tenure was dominated by the United States' entry into World War I, with an enrollment drop of 50%.{{cite web| title = Frederick W. Hinitt (Pro Tem. 1915–1918)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,40| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718133413/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,40| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 18, 2012}}

William E. Slemmons, a college trustee and adjunct professor, succeeded Hinitt and served as interim president from May 1918 to June 1919.{{cite web | title = William E. Slemmons (Pro Tem. 1918–1919) | work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives | publisher = Washington & Jefferson College | date = September 4, 2003 | url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,37 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120719161122/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,37 | url-status = dead | archive-date = July 19, 2012 }} After the war ended in 1919, Samuel Charles Black took over and helped to stabilize the enrollment. While on a honeymoon tour of national parks, Black became ill and died.{{cite web| title = Samuel Charles Black (1919–1921)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,35| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120719054232/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,35| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 19, 2012}} His successor, Simon Strousse Baker, was well liked by the college's trustees and by "many a townsman", but the student body felt that Baker was "autocratic" and held an "unfriendly attitude toward the student body as individuals."{{cite magazine| title = Strike Won | magazine = Time | date = May 25, 1931 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,787739,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081215021327/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,787739,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = December 15, 2008 | access-date = September 13, 2010}} Baker defended himself, saying that the perceived ill-will towards students was unintentional and a misunderstanding. Nonetheless, the student body held a strike and general walkout in 1931, prompting Baker to resign.{{cite web| title = Simon Strousse Baker (1922–1931)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,34| access-date = July 22, 2010| archive-date = May 24, 2024| archive-url = https://archive.today/20240524213931/https://www.webcitation.org/5okj4MAyE?url=http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php%3FCISOROOT=/p4019coll8&CISOPTR=34| url-status = live}}

File:TheBurnettCenter.jpg, the Burnett Center was constructed in 1998.]]

Baker's successor, Ralph Cooper Hutchison, was much more popular with the student body.{{cite magazine | title = W. & J.'s Hutchison| magazine = Time | date = April 11, 1932| url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,743543,00.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101027092058/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,743543,00.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = October 27, 2010}} In an effort to strengthen the college's science department, Hutchison extended and expanded the southern portion of the campus, adding the Lazear Chemistry Hall and purchasing McIlvane Hall.{{cite web| title = Ralph Cooper Hutchison (1931–1945)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,33| access-date = November 10, 2021| archive-date = December 16, 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191216011352/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?%2Fp4019coll8%2C33| url-status = dead}} When World War II broke out, the campus was opened to the Army Administration School, where hundreds of soldiers received their "training in classifications."{{cite web| title = Old Gym| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_oldgym.php| access-date = June 30, 2010| archive-date = August 16, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090816192347/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_oldgym.php| url-status = dead}} Hutchison resigned in 1945 to take the presidency of his alma mater, Lafayette College. James Herbert Case, Jr., who was president from 1946 to 1950, constructed several new dormitories to handle the influx of veterans under the G.I. Bill.{{cite web| title = James Herbert Case, Jr. (1946–1949)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,30| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130102041156/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,30| url-status = dead| archive-date = January 2, 2013}} In 1950, Boyd Crumrine Patterson assumed the presidency and oversaw curriculum revisions and the construction of a number of buildings, including the Henry Memorial Center, 10 Greek housing units in the center of campus, the U. Grant Miller Library, the Student Center, the Commons, and two new dormitories.{{cite web| title = Boyd Crumrine Patterson (1950–1970)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,26| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120724145708/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,26| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 24, 2012}} His fundraising abilities grew the college's endowment expanded from $2.3 million to nearly $11 million.{{cite news | title = Boyd C. Patterson, college President, 86 | work = The New York Times | date = July 16, 1988 | url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DEFD91239F935A25754C0A96E948260 | access-date = September 18, 2017 | archive-date = November 10, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211110222045/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/16/obituaries/boyd-c-patterson-college-president-86.html | url-status = live }} Patterson retired in 1970, the same year that the trustees authorized the admission of women as undergraduate students. Howard J. Burnett took office as president that year and hired the college's first female faculty members and the first female dean.{{cite web| title = Howard Jerome Burnett (1970–1998)| work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 4, 2003| url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p4019coll8&CISOPTR=39&REC=12| access-date = November 10, 2021| archive-date = July 16, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090716171557/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fp4019coll8&CISOPTR=39&REC=12| url-status = live}} The college also adopted a new academic calendar to include intersession and expanded its academic programs to include the Entrepreneurial Studies Program, the Freshman Forum, and several cooperative international education programs. Student enrollment grew from 830 in 1970 to 1,100 in 1998. Burnett retired as president in 1998.

Under Burnett's successor, Brian C. Mitchell, who served as president from 1998 to 2004, the college experienced a growth in construction and an effort to improve relations with the neighboring communities.{{cite web|title = Brian C. Mitchell (1998–2004)|work = U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives|publisher = Washington & Jefferson College|date = September 4, 2003|url = http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,41|archive-url = https://archive.today/20120717175424/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/u?/p4019coll8,41|url-status = dead|archive-date = July 17, 2012|access-date = July 22, 2010}} In 2004, Tori Haring-Smith became the first woman to serve as president of Washington & Jefferson, undertaking an effort to improve the science curriculum and to construct the Swanson Science Center.{{cite web|title=Science Initiative Details |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=October 31, 2008 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/science/projectdetails.html |access-date=May 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527131446/http://www.washjeff.edu/science/projectdetails.html |archive-date=May 27, 2010 }}{{cite web|title=Congratulations and Welcome to President Haring-Smith |work=W&J: Inauguration |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |year=2004 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1352&menu_id=378&crumb=649&id=3196 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602062824/https://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1352&menu_id=378&crumb=649&id=3196 |archive-date=June 2, 2010 }} After 13 years of service, Haring-Smith retired from her position on June 30, 2017. John C. Knapp was named Haring-Smith's successor on April 21, 2017, and became the college's 13th president on August 1, 2017.{{cite web |title=Dr. John C. Knapp Named 13th President of Washington & Jefferson College |work=W&J |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |year=2017 |url=https://www.washjeff.edu/dr-john-c-knapp-named-13th-president-of-washington-jefferson-college |access-date=July 31, 2017 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028172002/https://www.washjeff.edu/dr-john-c-knapp-named-13th-president-of-washington-jefferson-college/ |url-status=live }} On February 27, 2024, the college announced the selection of Elizabeth MacLeod Walls as the 14th president. MacLeod Walls and began her tenure on June 30, 2024.{{Cite web |title=Washington & Jefferson College names next president |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2024/02/27/washington-jefferson-college-will-get-a-new-president-in-june/stories/202402270090 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304230046/https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2024/02/27/washington-jefferson-college-will-get-a-new-president-in-june/stories/202402270090 |url-status=live }}

{{See also|List of Washington & Jefferson College buildings}}

File:McMillan Hall western front.jpg, built in 1793, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.]]

The campus of Washington & Jefferson College is located in the city of Washington and the East Washington Borough, small-town communities about {{convert|30|mi|km}} south of Pittsburgh.{{Cite news|last=Miller |first=Barbara S. |title=Universities, colleges gear up for census |newspaper=Observer Reporter |location=Washington, Pennsylvania |date=April 1, 2010 |url=http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/localsports/04-01-2010-census-day |access-date=May 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100517182416/http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/localsports/04-01-2010-census-day |archive-date=May 17, 2010 |url-status=dead }} The {{convert|60|acre|ha|adj=on}} campus is home to more than 40 academic, administrative, recreational, and residential buildings. The northern edge of campus is bound by East Walnut Street, the western edge by South College Street, the southern edge by East Maiden Street, and the eastern edge by South Wade.{{Cite map|publisher=Office of Communications, Washington & Jefferson College |title=Washington & Jefferson College Campus Map |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/About_WandJ/Visit_Us/Getting_Here/CampusMap%283%29.pdf |edition=April 2010 |section=Whole |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527200202/http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/About_WandJ/Visit_Us/Getting_Here/CampusMap%283%29.pdf |archive-date=May 27, 2010 }} Portions of the campus extend into the East Washington Historic District. Four historic gates mark four traditional entrances to campus at East Maiden Street, Wheeling Street, South College Street, and Beau Street.{{cite web| title = Maiden, Wheeling, College, and Beau St. entrances| work = Historic Campus Architecture Project| publisher = Council of Independent Colleges| url = http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1910| access-date = May 16, 2010| archive-date = July 25, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725193426/http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1910| url-status = live}} In 1947, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission installed a historical marker noting the historic importance of the college.{{cite web | title = Washington and Jefferson College – PHMC Historical Markers | work = Historical Marker Database | publisher = Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission | url = http://search.pahistoricalmarkers.com/ | access-date = December 9, 2013 | archive-date = December 7, 2013 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20131207041235/http://search.pahistoricalmarkers.com/ | url-status = live }}

The oldest surviving building is McMillan Hall, which dates to 1793 and is the oldest college building west of the Allegheny Mountains.{{cite web| title=McMillan Hall| work=U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher=Washington & Jefferson College| url=http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_mcmillan.php| access-date=July 22, 2010| archive-date=July 17, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717231242/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_mcmillan.php| url-status=live}} The main academic building is Old Main, which is topped with two prominent towers.{{cite web|title=Old Main |work=U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_main.php |access-date=May 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717011959/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_main.php |archive-date=July 17, 2009 |url-status=dead }} The Old Gym houses a modern exercise facility.{{cite web| title=Old Gym| work=U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives| publisher=Washington & Jefferson College| url=http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_oldgym.php| access-date=May 18, 2010| archive-date=August 16, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816192347/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_oldgym.php| url-status=dead}} McIlvaine Hall, which was originally home to a female seminary, was demolished in 2008 and replaced by the Swanson Science Center.{{cite web| title = McIlvaine Memorial Hall| work = Historic Campus Architecture Project| publisher = Council of Independent Colleges| access-date = May 16, 2010| url = http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1908| archive-date = July 25, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725193237/http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1908| url-status = live}}{{Cite news| last = Ramirez| first = Chris| title = Enrollment inspires expansion at Washington & Jefferson| newspaper = Pittsburgh Tribune-Review| date = May 9, 2010| url = http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_680249.html| access-date = May 12, 2010| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120906204934/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_680249.html| archive-date = September 6, 2012}} Davis Memorial Hall was once a dormitory and private house.{{cite web| title = Davis Memorial Hall| work = Historic Campus Architecture Project| publisher = Council of Independent Colleges| url = http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1909| access-date = May 16, 2010| archive-date = July 25, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725193128/http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1909| url-status = live}} The Lazear Chemistry Hall, and the Dieter-Porter Life Sciences Building all cater to the scientific curriculum. The Burnett Center and its sister building, the Technology Center, were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s.{{cite web| title = W&J:Howard J Burnett Center | publisher=Washington & Jefferson College| url = http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2788&menu_id=624&crumb=625&id=9475| archive-url = https://archive.today/20070703090210/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2788&menu_id=624&crumb=625&id=9475| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 3, 2007| access-date =May 6, 2010 }}{{cite web|title=W&J: Information Technology Leadership |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=926&menu_id=254&crumb=229&id=616 |access-date=May 10, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029051328/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=926&menu_id=254&crumb=229&id=616 |archive-date=October 29, 2007 }}

The first dormitory on campus was Hays Hall.{{cite web|title=Hays Hall |work=U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_hayshall.php |access-date=April 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717232350/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/build_hayshall.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 17, 2009 }} Wade House, Carriage House, and Whitworth House are Victorian homes housing older students.{{cite web| title = Victorian houses (Admissions House and President's House)| work = Historic Campus Architecture Project| publisher = Council of Independent Colleges| url = http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1911| access-date = May 16, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725193400/http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1911| archive-date = July 25, 2011| url-status = dead}} The recently constructed Chestnut Street Housing complex provides housing for the college's Greek organizations.{{cite web|title=W&J: Chestnut Street Housing |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=465&menu_id=144&crumb=138&id=5050 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909200622/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=465&menu_id=144&crumb=138&id=5050 |archive-date=September 9, 2007 }} The Presidents' Row is a cluster of ten buildings in the center of campus, several of which are dedicated to theme housing.{{cite web|title=W&J: President's Row |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=1734 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060921005607/https://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=1734 |archive-date=September 21, 2006 }} Two sister dormitories, New Residence Hall and Bica-Ross Hall, feature suite-style living arrangements.{{cite web|title=W&J: New Residence Hall |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=228 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829214219/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=228 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 }}{{cite web|title=W&J: Bica Ross Hall |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=889 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829214124/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=889 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 }} Mellon Hall houses female freshman, and Upperclass Hall houses male freshmen.{{cite web|title=W&J: Mellon Hall |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=1437 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829214241/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=1437 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 }}{{cite web|title=W&J: Upperclass Hall |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=1809 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829214159/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=1809 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 }} Other dormitories include Alexander Hall, Cooper Hall (formerly Beau Hall), Marshall Hall, Penn House, and the currently unused North Hall.{{cite web|title=W&J: Alexander Hall |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=184 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829214210/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=184 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 }}{{cite web|title=W&J: Beau Hall |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=189 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829214115/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=189 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 }}{{cite web|title=W&J: Residence Halls |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=1441 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211061127/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=1441 |archive-date=December 11, 2008 }}{{cite web|title=W&J: North Hall |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=564&crumb=563&id=9369 |access-date=May 16, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The college administration utilizes several buildings, including the Admissions House, the Alumni House, and the President's House, which are all modified Victorian homes. The Clark Family Library, formerly known as the U. Grant Miller Library, is the modern library; its predecessor, Thompson Hall, is now used for administrative purposes.{{cite web|title=W&J: Library FAQ |work=About the Library |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1333&menu_id=368&crumb=339&id=1368 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528000300/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1333&menu_id=368&crumb=339&id=1368 |archive-date=May 28, 2010 }}{{cite web| title = Thompson Hall| work = Historic Campus Architecture Project| publisher = Council of Independent Colleges| url = http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1906| access-date = May 16, 2010| archive-date = July 25, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725193351/http://hcap.artstor.org/cgi-bin/library?a=d&d=p1906| url-status = live}} The Hub, The Commons, and the Rossin Campus Center provide recreational and dining facilities for students.{{cite web|title=W&J: The Hub |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=7059 |access-date=May 16, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|title=W&J: Rossin Campus Center |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2788&menu_id=624&crumb=625&id=8414 |access-date=May 16, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The athletic and intramural teams utilize Cameron Stadium for football and track.{{cite web|title=W&J: Cameron Stadium |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=648&menu_id=163&crumb=200&id=449 |access-date=June 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529033540/https://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=648&menu_id=163&crumb=200&id=449 |archive-date=May 29, 2010 }} The Henry Memorial Center is used for basketball, wrestling, swimming, and volleyball.{{cite web|title=W&J: Henry Memorial Center |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=648&menu_id=163&crumb=200&id=454 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022113416/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=648&menu_id=163&crumb=200&id=454 |archive-date=October 22, 2008 }} Other athletic facilities include Brooks Park, Ross Memorial Park and Alexandre Stadium, and the Janet L. Swanson Tennis Courts.{{cite web|title=W&J: Brooks Park |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=648&menu_id=163&crumb=200&id=458 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030050053/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=648&menu_id=163&crumb=200&id=458 |archive-date=October 30, 2007 }}{{cite web|title=Ross Memorial Park/Alexandre Stadium |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=648&menu_id=163&crumb=200&id=457 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030050151/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=648&menu_id=163&crumb=200&id=457 |archive-date=October 30, 2007 }}

Washington & Jefferson is the setting for the Netflix programs The Chair and ''Mindhunter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/chair-netflix-filming-locations-pembroke-real-life-college-1622466|title=Where Was 'The Chair' Filmed?|newspaper=newsweek.com|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110222012/https://www.newsweek.com/chair-netflix-filming-locations-pembroke-real-life-college-1622466|url-status=live}}

File:WandJCollege-OldMain.JPG]]

As a liberal arts college, Washington & Jefferson College focuses exclusively on undergraduate education. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.{{cite web|title=Statement of Accreditation Status – Washington & Jefferson College |publisher=Middle States Commission on Higher Education |date=June 11, 2010 |url=http://www.msche.org/documents/SAS/532/Statement%20of%20Accreditation%20Status.htm |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610151159/http://www.msche.org/documents/SAS/532/Statement%20of%20Accreditation%20Status.htm |archive-date=June 10, 2011 }} The college's teaching environment reflects the liberal arts tradition of small group instruction by maintaining an average class size of 17 and a student/faculty ratio of 12:1.{{cite web| title =Staff Handbook | publisher = Washington & Jefferson College | date = November 30, 2005| url = http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Human_Resources/Human_Resources/UpdatedWJh11-30-05%284%29.pdf| access-date = September 13, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=November 2012}} 85% of faculty have terminal degrees and no classes are taught by teaching assistants. The college has a strong science program, with 35% of students majoring in one of the scientific departments. Within those areas, all 32 professors hold terminal degrees. The most frequent class size is between 10 and 19 students.{{cite web| title = Washington & Jefferson College: Faculty & Class Information| publisher = The Princeton Review| url = http://www.princetonreview.com/schools/college/CollegeAcademics.aspx?iid=1023836| access-date = July 21, 2010| archive-date = September 3, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903022544/http://www.princetonreview.com/schools/college/CollegeAcademics.aspx?iid=1023836| url-status = live}}

The college has a focus on preparing students for graduate school and professional programs.{{cite web|title=W&J: College Facts |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=372&menu_id=133&crumb=137&id=55 |access-date=March 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230000508/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=372&menu_id=133&crumb=137&id=55 |archive-date=December 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Across all disciplines, 85% to 90% of students who apply to such programs receive offers of admission.{{cite web |title=About our graduates |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College – Office of Career Services |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Student_Life/Career_Services/ABOUT+OUR+GRADUATES.pdf |access-date=July 22, 2010 |archive-date=June 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601232355/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Student_Life/Career_Services/ABOUT+OUR+GRADUATES.pdf |url-status=dead }} Among students who apply to medical school or related health graduate programs, 90% of students gain admission.{{cite web|title=W&J Science @ a Glance |work=W&J Science Initiative |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/science/ataglance.html |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421080924/http://www.washjeff.edu/science/ataglance.html |archive-date=April 21, 2011 }} Approximately 11% of all current W&J alumni are physicians and engineers, making the college third in the nation per capita for producing doctors and scientific researchers.{{cite web|last=Trifaro |first=Emily |title=The Science Initiative: Investing in the Future |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Spring 2008 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/Spring08Mag.pdf |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602063844/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/Spring08Mag.pdf |archive-date=June 2, 2010 }}{{cite web|last=Haring-Smith |first=Tori |author-link=Tori Haring-Smith |title=President's Message |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Winter 2010 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/WJMagazineWinter2010.pdf |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602170957/http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/WJMagazineWinter2010.pdf |archive-date=June 2, 2010 }} Among students who apply to law school, approximately 90% of students gain admission.{{cite web|title=Pre-law general information |publisher=PRE-LAW COMMITTEE, Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academic_Departments/Political_Science/Pre-law%20Gen%20Info.pdf |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602052409/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academic_Departments/Political_Science/Pre-law%20Gen%20Info.pdf |archive-date=June 2, 2010 }}

The college recently added The English Language Institute which is a pre-academic program designed to equip multi-lingual learners with the English and academic skills to be prepared for undergraduate study.

{{Infobox U.S. college admissions

|year = 2023

|admit rate = 81.54%

|admit rate change =

|yield rate = 11.97%

|yield rate change =

|test optional = yes

|SAT Total = 1030–1250
(among 40% of FTFs)

|SAT Total change =

|ACT = 26
(among 10% of FTFs)

|ACT change =

|GPA = 3.5

|float = right

|ref ={{cite web|url=https://www.washjeff.edu/files/common-data-set/ |title=2023-2024 Common Data Set |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College Office of Institutional Effectiveness |access-date=September 24, 2024 }}

}}

Admission to Washington & Jefferson College is classified as "inclusive" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The Princeton Review gave Washington & Jefferson an "Admissions Selectivity Rating" of 85 out of 99.{{cite web|title=Washington & Jefferson College |publisher=The Princeton Review |url=https://www.princetonreview.com/college/washington---jefferson-college-1023836 |access-date=September 24, 2024 }}

In 2023, the college received 3,218 applications. It extended offers of admission to 2,624 applicants, or 82%. 314 accepted students chose to enroll, a yield rate of 12%. Of the 40% of incoming students in 2023 who submitted SAT scores, the interquartile range was 1030–1250; of the 10% of incoming students in 2023 who submitted ACT scores, the average composite score was 26. Of all matriculating students, the average high school GPA was 3.5. In 2009, the college developed an SAT-optional admissions program.{{Cite news| last = Goodman| first =Dawn| title = SAT or ACT scores now not problem at W&J | newspaper=Observer-Reporter| page = B1| date = September 26, 2009 }}{{cite web|title=W&J: Score Optional Policy |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1356&menu_id=379&crumb=354&id=15331 |access-date=July 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529185241/https://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1356&menu_id=379&crumb=354&id=15331 |archive-date=May 29, 2010 }}

{{Infobox US university ranking

| Forbes = 430

| USNWR_LA = 90

| Wamo_LA = 108

| THE_WSJ = 208

}}

In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report college rankings, Washington & Jefferson is ranked 90th (tied) of 211 liberal arts colleges nationwide.{{cite web| title=Overview : Washington and Jefferson College| work=Best Colleges 2010| publisher=U.S. News & World Report| year=2010| url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/washington-pa/washington-and-jefferson-college-3389| access-date=March 23, 2010| archive-date=March 23, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323081848/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/washington-pa/washington-and-jefferson-college-3389| url-status=live}} In Forbes' List of America's Best Colleges for 2010, the college was ranked #100 out of the nation's institutions of higher education.{{cite web| title = #100 Washington and Jefferson College| work = Forbes Magazine's List of America's Best Colleges| url = https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/94/best-colleges-10_Washington-Jefferson-College_94536.html| access-date = August 15, 2010| archive-date = April 9, 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180409110546/https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/94/best-colleges-10_Washington-Jefferson-College_94536.html| url-status = live}} The Washington Monthly ranked the college #132 among all American liberal arts colleges in terms of social mobility, research, and community service.{{cite web| title = College Guide: 2009 Liberal Arts| work = The Washington Monthly| year = 2009| url = http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings/liberal_arts_rank.php| access-date = July 3, 2010| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091217103228/http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings/liberal_arts_rank.php| archive-date = December 17, 2009}} The rankings listed the college as #30 in the nation in terms of Federal Work-Study Program money spent of community service.

As president of the college, Tori Haring-Smith has specifically criticized the U.S. News & World Report rankings system, noting that the "financial resources" portion of the rankings formula favors colleges that have higher tuition, even without providing any educational benefits, saying that this has harmed the college's ranking because it charged $5,000 to $7,000 less in tuition that its peer institutions.{{cite web| last = Jaschik| first = Scott| title = Potemkin Rankings| work = Inside Higher Ed| date = January 17, 2008| url = http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/01/17/usnews| access-date = July 3, 2010| archive-date = January 12, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100112060925/http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/01/17/usnews| url-status = live}} She also questioned the "peer assessment" portion of the rankings and suggested that college presidents are rarely aware of educational improvements in their peer institutions; she noted that Washington & Jefferson College's ranking has remained the same for a number of years, even while the college made significant improvements in terms of its acceptance rates and overall selectivity, the addition of academic programs, and the construction of additional buildings. Haring-Smith's criticism of the rankings spurred Bob Morse, the founder of the U.S. College Rankings system to respond to the criticisms directly in an article.{{cite web| last = Morse| first = Bob| title = About That Article on Washington and Jefferson College...| work = U.S. News & World Report| date = January 17, 2008| url = https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-rankings-blog/2008/01/17/about-that-article-on-washington-and-jefferson-college| access-date = July 3, 2010| archive-date = November 28, 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181128110234/https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-rankings-blog/2008/01/17/about-that-article-on-washington-and-jefferson-college| url-status = live}} She has signed the "Presidents Letter," a nationwide movement asking fellow college presidents to decline participation in the U.S. News & World Report reputation survey, a subjective evaluation where college administrators score their competition.{{cite web| title = Presidents Letter| publisher = Education Conservancy| date = May 10, 2007| url = http://www.educationconservancy.org/presidents_letter.html| access-date = July 3, 2010| archive-date = December 15, 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171215091351/http://www.educationconservancy.org/presidents_letter.html| url-status = live}}

The curriculum is centered on the traditional liberal arts education and pre-professional classes.{{cite web| title = Washington & Jefferson College – Washington, Pennsylvania| work=Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education| publisher=Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching| url = http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/lookup_listings/view_institution.php?unit_id=216667| access-date = July 22, 2010}} All first-semester freshmen must complete the "First Year Seminar" class, which introduces new students to a variety of lectures, concerts, plays, and trips to museums or galleries based on a different course theme selected each year.{{cite web|title=Washington & Jefferson College 2008–2010 Catalog |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |year=2008 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academics/Deans_Office/w&j%20college%20catalog%202006-2008%20pgs%201-219%282%29.pdf |access-date=June 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603004957/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academics/Deans_Office/w%26j%20college%20catalog%202006-2008%20pgs%201-219%282%29.pdf |archive-date=June 3, 2010 }} In addition to completing an academic major, students must satisfy the college-wide general education requirements, which include classes in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, foreign languages, cultural diversity, and academic skills classes including writing, oral communication, quantitative reasoning. Students may choose to complete an academic minor, participate in interdepartmental concentrations, or to focus on an intra-departmental emphasis.{{cite web|title=W&J: Additional Courses of Study |publisher=Washington & Jefferson |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=638&menu_id=152&crumb=150&id=2541 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602062036/https://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=638&menu_id=152&crumb=150&id=2541 |archive-date=June 2, 2010 }} Additionally, all students must complete a physical education requirement, amounting to one full semester class, making W&J one of the few liberal arts colleges without a physical education major to have such a requirement.{{cite web| title = College-Wide Requirements| work = Student Handbook| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 1, 2010| url = http://wiki.washjeff.edu/display/COURSES/College-Wide+Requirements| access-date = September 13, 2010| archive-date = September 2, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110902100920/http://wiki.washjeff.edu/display/COURSES/College-Wide+Requirements| url-status = live}} The college maintains a number of combined degree programs, allowing students to attend graduate or professional school in lieu of senior year.

The college follows the 4–1–4 academic calendar, which includes a four-month fall term, a three-week Intersession term in January, followed by a four-month spring term. During the Intersession term, students have the choice of studying abroad, completing an external internship, or taking a specially-designed Intersession course. These Intersession courses are more focused than regular courses and provide professors with an opportunity to teach non-traditional subjects.{{cite web|title=W&J: Intersession |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=640&menu_id=155&crumb=150&id=1614 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602021135/https://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=640&menu_id=155&crumb=150&id=1614 |archive-date=June 2, 2010 }} Past Intersession courses have included "Emerging Diseases: Global and Local" in the biology department, "Corporate Failures, Frauds, and Scandals" in the business department, and "Vampires and Other Bloodsuckers" in the English department, "Holocaust Survivor Narratives" in the German department, and "Alternative Radio" in the communications department.{{cite web|title=Intersession 2007 |work=Intersession Catalog |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academics/Deans_Office/Intersession%20Catalog%202007.pdf |access-date=June 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527175714/http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academics/Deans_Office/Intersession%20Catalog%202007.pdf |archive-date=May 27, 2010 }}{{cite web|title=Intersession 2008 |work=Intersession Catalog |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academics/Deans_Office/Intersession%20Catalog%202008.pdf |access-date=June 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527175838/http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academics/Deans_Office/Intersession%20Catalog%202008.pdf |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |url-status=dead }} At various times, the faculty organizes an "Integrated Semester," where professors organize regular departmental courses, specialized projects, and public events dealing with a common interdisciplinary theme.{{cite web |title=W&J: Integrated Semester |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=640&menu_id=155&crumb=150&id=1619 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602021046/https://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=640&menu_id=155&crumb=150&id=1619 |archive-date=June 2, 2010 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College}} While W&J has not had a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program since 1991, the college has a relationship with the University of Pittsburgh's Army and Air Force ROTC programs, allowing W&J students to prepare for an active or reserve commission following graduation.{{cite web|title=ROTC—A Cross-Town Venture |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Summer 2002 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedfiles/external_relations/for_the_media/sum2002rising.pdf |access-date=September 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917092021/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/sum2002rising.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }} In the 2010–2011 school year, 58% of W&J students studied abroad.{{cite web | title =W&J Ranks High in Percentage of Students Who Study Abroad | publisher =Washington & Jefferson College | date =November 13, 2012 | url =http://www.washjeff.edu/news/wj-ranks-high-percentage-students-who-study-abroad | access-date = February 20, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130403010939/http://www.washjeff.edu/news/wj-ranks-high-percentage-students-who-study-abroad | archive-date =April 3, 2013 }}

As of fall 2021, the student body totaled 1,156 undergraduate students.{{cite web| title = U.S. News Best Colleges| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = May 25, 2010| url = http://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/washington--jefferson-college-3389

}} The student body is highly residential, with 98% of students residing in campus housing. The number of transfer students joining the student body each year is relatively low, compared to other institutions.{{cite web| title = Classification Description – Undergraduate Profile Classification| work = Profile Descriptions| publisher = Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching| url = http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/descriptions/undergraduate_profile.php| access-date = September 9, 2010| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120713073224/http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/descriptions/undergraduate_profile.php| archive-date = July 13, 2012}} Approximately 18% of the student body receives federal Pell Grants. Prior to entering college, 82% of the student body attended public high schools. Roughly 86% of the each freshman class returns to the college for their sophomore year. The overall graduation rate is 70% About 25 to 30% of each incoming class is the first in their family to attend college.{{cite news | last =Hanford | first =Emily | title =The YES Prep Story | newspaper =American Radio Works | url =http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/tomorrows-college/grit/yes-prep.html | access-date =September 22, 2013 | archive-date =April 16, 2014 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140416134320/http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/tomorrows-college/grit/yes-prep.html | url-status =live }}

The male to female ratio is 54% to 46%.{{cite web| title = General Student Body Information: Washington & Jefferson College| work = Best Colleges 2010| publisher = U.S. News & World Report| url = http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/washington-pa/washington-and-jefferson-college-3389/@@Index_SB.html| access-date = July 22, 2010| archive-date = March 23, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100323072741/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/washington-pa/washington-and-jefferson-college-3389/@@Index_SB.html| url-status = live}} Like the population of Pennsylvania and the United States as a whole, the largest ethnic group at the college is White American, making up about 82% of the student population.{{cite web| title = Washington & Jefferson College: Student Body| publisher = The Princeton Review| url = http://www.princetonreview.com/schools/college/CollegeStudents.aspx?iid=1023836| access-date = July 21, 2010| archive-date = September 3, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903022716/http://www.princetonreview.com/schools/college/CollegeStudents.aspx?iid=1023836| url-status = live}} Roughly 10% of the student population does not specify their ethnicity. Other ethnicities, including African American, Asian American, Native American, and Hispanic Americans collectively comprise about 6% of the student body. International students make up 2.05% of the student body.

In 2006, Men's Fitness named W&J the "14th Fittest College in America," a ranking that weighed the college's fitness offerings and the student body's culture of fitness and behavior.{{cite web| title = W&J Recognized as One of the Fittest Colleges In America| publisher=Washington & Jefferson College| date = September 27, 2006| url = http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2210&menu_id=517&crumb=518&page_title=2006%20Press%20Releases&id=7354| access-date = July 15, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=November 2012}}{{cite web|last=Millado |first=Nate |author2=The Princeton Review |title=Fittest Colleges in America |work=Men's Fitness |url=http://www.mensfitness.com/college_rankings/79 |access-date=July 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220113149/http://www.mensfitness.com/college_rankings/79 |archive-date=February 20, 2010 |author2-link=The Princeton Review }}{{cite web|title=REPORT CARD: Washington & Jefferson College |work=Men's Fitness |url=http://www.mensfitness.com/college_rankings/67 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226205438/http://www.mensfitness.com/college_rankings/67 |archive-date=February 26, 2008 |access-date=July 16, 2010 |url-status=dead }} In 2009, the college was named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, in recognition of the student body's commitment to community service.{{cite web|title=Honor Roll |publisher=Learn and Serve America |year=2009 |url=http://www.learnandserve.gov/pdf/10_0225_lsa_honorrollfulllist.pdf |page=9 |access-date=July 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015051754/http://www.learnandserve.gov/pdf/10_0225_lsa_honorrollfulllist.pdf |archive-date=October 15, 2011 }}{{cite web| title = Washington & Jefferson College Named to Presidential Honor Roll| work = Today @ W&J| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date = March 2, 2010| url = http://blogs.washjeff.edu/inthepress/2010/03/02/washington-jefferson-college-named-to-presidential-honor-roll-2/| access-date = July 4, 2010| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120708204337/http://blogs.washjeff.edu/inthepress/2010/03/02/washington-jefferson-college-named-to-presidential-honor-roll-2/| archive-date = July 8, 2012}} The college's spends 22% of its Federal Work-Study Program funds on community service projects.

The college has joined the YES Prep School IMPACT Partnership Program to provide support to low-income students from the YES Prep Public Schools.{{cite news | last =Crompton | first =Janice | title =Washington & Jefferson joins program to educate underprivileged students | newspaper =Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date =March 4, 2010 | url =http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/washington/washington-jefferson-joins-program-to-educate-underprivileged-students-236180/ | access-date =September 22, 2013 }}

The college offers "Theme Community Living," where students with common interests live in a single living unit.{{cite web|title=W&J: Theme Community Living |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=870&crumb=563&id=16534 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528003124/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2459&menu_id=870&crumb=563&id=16534 |archive-date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead }} Past themes have included the "Intensive Study," the "Service Leadership Community," the "International House," "Music House," the "WashPA Radio Theme Community" for students who participate in the WNJR college radio station, and the "Pet House".{{cite web|title=W&J: Theme Communities |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=5116&menu_id=730&crumb=729&id=5231 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829213911/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=5116&menu_id=730&crumb=729&id=5231 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news| last = Taylor| first = Lynda Guydon| title = Home Showcase: In tune with being together – W&J offers living quarters to like-minded music lovers| newspaper = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette| date = November 13, 2005| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05317/604281-58.stm| access-date = July 22, 2010| archive-date = November 10, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211110222057/https://old.post-gazette.com/pg/05317/604281-58.stm| url-status = live}} Students proposing a theme community must develop an educational plan centered on the theme. The college does not typically allow students to live in off-campus housing.

File:Obama W&J College 4-15-2008.jpg campaigning at W&J in 2008.]]

Students may organize new clubs by presenting a constitution and a list of members to the college administration and the student government for approval.{{cite web|title=College Policy on Campus Organizations |work=Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership, & Student Organizations Resource Manual |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=October 2009|page=13 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Student_Life/Student_Activities/Resouce%202009-2010.pdf |access-date=July 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603004819/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Student_Life/Student_Activities/Resouce%202009-2010.pdf |archive-date=June 3, 2010 }} This approval process does not authorize any club to act on behalf of the college, nor does approval indicate any the college's agreement with the club's purpose.

The college recognizes over 70 student clubs on campus.{{cite web|title=W&J: Clubs and Organizations |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=3253 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527153650/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=3253 |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }} A number of student clubs are dedicated to encouraging interest in a specific academic discipline, including the "W&J Denominators" mathematics club, the Society of Physics Students, and the Pre-Health Professions Society. Others are organized along ethnic and cultural lines, including the Black Student Union and the Asian Culture Association. Both major American political parties have chapters at the college, in the form of the "W&J College Democrats" and the Young Republicans. Some clubs take the form of non-varsity athletic teams, including the Men's Rugby Club, the Women's Rugby Club, the Equestrian Club, Men's Volleyball Club and the Ultimate Frisbee Club. Several clubs create volunteer opportunities though Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the United Way. Many religious faiths are represented, including the Hillel Society, Newman Club, and the Student Christian Association, as well as an Interfaith Leadership Club which organizes interfaith events.{{Cite web|url=https://www.washjeff.edu/religious-life|title=Religious Life|date=September 23, 2019|website=Washington & Jefferson College|access-date=September 23, 2019|archive-date=April 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426053411/http://www.washjeff.edu/religious-life|url-status=live}} Many other clubs encourage interests in various academic and non-academic activities, including the Green Club (the college's environmental club), the Outdoors Club, and others which are mainly inactive like the Bottega Art Club, the Franklin Literary Society, and the Chess Club.

Student media offerings at Washington & Jefferson College include a college newspaper, a college radio station, a yearbook, and a student-edited literary journal.{{cite web|title=W&J: Student Media |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=3276 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829154827/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=3276 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }} All students, regardless of academic major, are eligible to contribute to these media organizations.

Founded in 1909, the Red & Black student newspaper has a weekly circulation of 1,250 copies. The student staff handles all aspects of the production, including writing, editing, graphic design, layout, and advertising sales.{{cite web|title=W&J: Red & Black |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=276 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419170116/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=276 |archive-date=April 19, 2009 |url-status=dead }} The Red & Black features local and national news, student opinion, and college athletics coverage. During the 1860s, students published a satirical newspaper called The Bogus Tract.{{cite book| last =Coleman | first =Helen Turnbull Waite| title = Banners in the Wilderness: The Early Years of Washington and Jefferson College| pages=[https://archive.org/details/bannersinthewild012852mbp/page/n203 154]–155| publisher = University of Pittsburgh Press| year= 1956| url = https://archive.org/details/bannersinthewild012852mbp| oclc = 2191890}}

The college radio station, WNJR broadcasts on the FM broadcast band. Assisted by a faculty advisor from the Department of Theater and Communication, the student-run studio broadcasts in a freeform format with both nationally syndicated programs and Pittsburgh-based independent programs.{{cite web|title=W&J: WNJR |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=707&menu_id=762&crumb=471&id=275 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709015100/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=707&menu_id=762&crumb=471&id=275 |archive-date=July 9, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Student on-air personalities produce radio programs including music, news, talk, and sports.{{cite web|title=A recent history of radio at W&J |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/users/afleury//wnjr/About.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210211192819/https://www.webcitation.org/5mmO81zqz?url=http://www.washjeff.edu/users/afleury/wnjr/About.html |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |url-status=dead }} It serves the Pittsburgh Designated Market Area, reaching north to the northern Pittsburgh suburbs, east to Monessen, south to Waynesburg and west to the West Virginia Panhandle.{{cite web |title=WNJR Washington, PA: Full-service FM, Channel 219 (91.7 MHz) |url=https://fccdata.org/?facid=&call=WNJR |access-date=October 19, 2024 |work=FCCData.org |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207193257/https://fccdata.org/?facid=&call=WNJR |url-status=live }}

The Wooden Tooth Review is a student-edited literary journal, featuring short fiction and poetry submitted by members of the student body.{{cite web|title=The Wooden Tooth Review Submission Deadline is Dec. 19 |work=W&J Messenger |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=6430&crumb=138&id=16094 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602191847/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=6430&crumb=138&id=16094 |archive-date=June 2, 2010 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite book| title = Wooden Tooth Review| via=WorldCat| oclc=54060125}} The editorial board is organized as a recognized student club, with a faculty advisor.{{Cite journal| title = Editor's Note| journal = The Wooden Tooth Review| volume = 10| page = 0| publisher = Washington & Jefferson College| date =Spring 2009| url = https://issuu.com/woodentoothreview/docs/woodentooth09| access-date = July 22, 2010| archive-date = February 24, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210224172257/https://issuu.com/woodentoothreview/docs/woodentooth09| url-status = live}} The journal was founded in 1999, with V. Penelope Pelizzon, Coordinator of Creative Writing, serving as the first faculty advisor.{{cite web| last = Pelizzon| first = V. Penelope| author-link = V. Penelope Pelizzon| title = V. Penelope Pelizzon, Associate Professor, Department of English| publisher = University of Connecticut| url = http://english.uconn.edu/directory/uploads/cvs/pelizzon.pdf| access-date = July 22, 2010| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100611085623/http://english.uconn.edu/directory/uploads/cvs/pelizzon.pdf| archive-date = June 11, 2010}} The college's yearbook, Pandora, is produced annually by a student staff.{{cite web|title=W&J: Pandora |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=277 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901155309/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=3251&menu_id=644&crumb=645&id=277 |archive-date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Literary societies at Washington & Jefferson College}}

File:W&J Contest 1893.jpg

The history of literary societies at Washington & Jefferson College dates back to the 1797, when the Franklin Literary Society and the Philo Literary Society were founded at Canonsburg Academy.{{Cite book| last = McClelland| first = W.C.| chapter = A History of Literary Societies at Washington & Jefferson College| chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=t1QyAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA111| publisher = George H. Buchanan and Company| title = The Centennial Celebration of the Chartering of Jefferson College in 1802| year = 1903| location = Philadelphia| pages = 111–132| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=t1QyAAAAYAAJ| access-date = March 13, 2016| archive-date = August 13, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200813042618/https://books.google.com/books?id=t1QyAAAAYAAJ| url-status = live}} Two other literary societies were founded at Washington College, the Union Literary Society in 1809 and the Washington Literary Society in 1814. Typical early activities include the presentation of dialogues, translations of passages from Greek or Latin classics, and extemporaneous speaking. Later, the literary societies began to present declamations. Each society maintained independent libraries for the use of their members, each of which rivaled the holdings of their respective colleges.{{Cite book| last = Rhees| first = William Jones| title = Manual of public libraries, institutions and societies in the United States and British provinces of North America| publisher = J. B. Lippincott & Company| year = 1859| location = Philadelphia| page = 637| chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=SRkCAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA637| chapter = List of Libraries, Washington, Pennsylvania| access-date = March 13, 2016| archive-date = June 27, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140627022322/http://books.google.com/books?id=SRkCAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA637| url-status = live}} These four college literary societies had intense rivalries with each other, competing in "contests", which pitted select society members against another in "compositions, speaking select orations and debating", with the trustees selecting the victor. Because the two colleges never met each other in athletic contests, these literary competitions were the main outlet for their rivalry.{{Cite journal| last = Scarborough| first = David Knowles| title = Intercollegiate Athletics at Washington and Jefferson College: the Building of a Tradition| journal=Ph.D Dissertation| publisher=University of Pittsburgh| location = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania| year = 1979|page=15}} In the years after the union of the two colleges, these four literary societies merged with the Franklin Literary Society, which survives today.{{cite web|title=Organizations at W&J – Franklin Literary Society |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Spring 2006 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829214709/http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2006 |access-date=April 29, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

Washington & Jefferson College is home to a vibrant student art and musical scene. The artistic center of campus is the Olin Fine Arts Center, with an art gallery and a 486-seat auditorium.{{cite web|title=W&J: Olin Art Gallery |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1489&menu_id=432&crumb=433&id=3108 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901053732/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1489&menu_id=432&crumb=433&id=3108 |archive-date=September 1, 2009 }} On the academic side, the Department of Art offers majors in studio art and art education, as well as a concentration in graphic design.{{cite web|title=W&J: Art |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=894&menu_id=232&crumb=229&id=1544 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029052253/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=894&menu_id=232&crumb=229&id=1544 |archive-date=October 29, 2007 }} The Department of Music offers majors and minors in music.{{cite web|title=W&J: Department of Music |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=676&menu_id=185&crumb=471&id=190 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231071143/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=676&menu_id=185&crumb=471&id=190 |archive-date=December 31, 2008 }} The Department of Theatre and Communications offers a major and minor in theatre.{{cite web|title=W&J: Theatre |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=966&menu_id=275&crumb=229&id=1490 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029052016/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=966&menu_id=275&crumb=229&id=1490 |archive-date=October 29, 2007 }} Current musical organizations include the W&J Wind Ensemble, the W&J Jazz Ensemble, the W&J Choir and the Camerata Singers.{{cite web|title=Music Department Concerts |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1489&menu_id=432&crumb=433&id=3164 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307103230/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1489&menu_id=432&crumb=433&id=3164 |archive-date=March 7, 2009 }} Former musical organizations include the Banjo, Mandolin & Guitar Club and the College Band.{{cite web |title=College Band (1961) |work=U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section+2852&menu_id=629&crumb=138&id=9385 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409212237/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section+2852&menu_id=629&crumb=138&id=9385 |archive-date=April 9, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web| title = Banjo, Mandolin & Guitar Club| work = Offsite Digital Storage Facility| publisher = U. Grant Miller Library| url = http://www.washjeff.us/forum/groups/Banjo_Ma1890_002.html| access-date = May 13, 2010| archive-date = March 8, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120308025059/http://www.washjeff.us/forum/groups/Banjo_Ma1890_002.html| url-status = live}} Every year since 2003, the Theatre and Communication Department has produced the Winter Tales series, an annual production of one-act plays written by members of the W&J community, students, alumni, faculty, administration, and staff, and produced by the W&J Student Theater Company.{{cite web|title=W&J: Past Productions |work=Olin Fine Arts Center |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1489&menu_id=432&crumb=433&id=11691 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527165210/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1489&menu_id=432&crumb=433&id=11691 |archive-date=May 27, 2010 }}{{cite web|title=W&J Student Theatre presents...Winter Tales VI |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |year=2008 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Olin_Fine_Arts_Center/wintertales.pdf |access-date=May 15, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In addition to student-produced art and music, the college provides a number of opportunities to view art and music from the larger art community. The college holds a collection of paintings by distinguished regional artist Malcolm Parcell, which are displayed in several locations on campus.{{cite web|title=Washington & Jefferson College 2008–2010 Catalog |work=Course Catalog |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |year=2008 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academics/Deans_Office/w&j%20college%20catalog%202006-2008%20pgs%201-219%282%29.pdf |access-date=May 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327075506/http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/Academic_Affairs/Academics/Deans_Office/w%26j%20college%20catalog%202006-2008%20pgs%201-219%282%29.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 }} The most prominent location is the Malcolm Parcell Room in The Commons, which is part of the student dining area.{{cite web|title=Rossin Campus Center |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2788&menu_id=624&crumb=625&id=8414 |access-date=May 15, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The W&J Arts Series is an annual collection of musicians, singers, and other artistic performers appearing at the Olin Fine Arts Center.{{cite web|title=W&J Arts Series Information |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/arts_series.aspx |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527122813/http://www.washjeff.edu/arts_series.aspx |archive-date=May 27, 2010 }} Past shows have included Di Wu, Habib Koité, Chris Potter, The Aquila Theatre Company presenting The Invisible Man, Eroica Trio, Oni Buchanan, Tommy Sands, Cavani String Quartet, Sergio and Odar Assad, and Sandip Burman.{{cite web|title=W&J Arts Series Events |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?content_folder=642§ion=1622&menu_id=453&crumb=433&id=2258 |access-date=May 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/60WpP3EgE?url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?content_folder=642§ion=1622&menu_id=453&crumb=433&id=2258 |archive-date=July 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|title=2006–2007 Arts Series Announced |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Spring 2006 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917091017/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }}{{cite web|title=2002–2003 Vilar Distinguished Artist Series and 2002–2003 W&J Arts Series |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Winter 2002 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/W2002back.pdf |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917090823/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/W2002back.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }}{{cite web|title=2007–08 Arts Series Announced |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Spring 2007 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/Spring07Mag.pdf |access-date=May 15, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|title=Arts Series Announced for 2004–2005 |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Spring 2004 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/mag_s04_campusnews.pdf |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917090709/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/mag_s04_campusnews.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }} In 1999, billionaire W&J alum and well-known opera philanthropist Alberto Vilar sponsored the Vilar Distinguished Artist Series.{{Cite news| last = Druckenbrod| first = Andrew| title = Review: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra| newspaper = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette| date = May 6, 2003| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/20030506shorttakes0506fnp6.asp| access-date = May 15, 2010| archive-date = November 10, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211110222051/https://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20030506shorttakes0506fnp6.asp| url-status = live}} During its run, the series hosted, among others, Lorin Maazel conducting the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev conducting the Kirov Orchestra, Camerata Salzburg with Murray Periaha, St. Petersburg Classic Ballet, Vienna State Opera Ballet, Susan Graham, Jennifer Larmore, Samuel Ramey, Barbara Bonney, Katia and Marielle Labèque, Angelika Kirchschlager, Simon Keenlyside, Gil Shaham, and Jessye Norman.{{Cite news| last = Kanny| first = Mark| title = Review: Russian conductor makes energetic local debut at college| newspaper = Pittsburgh Tribune Review| date = December 3, 2001| url = http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/music/s_6572.html| access-date = May 15, 2010| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130131105343/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/music/s_6572.html| archive-date = January 31, 2013}}{{Cite news| last = Zlatos| first = Bill| title = W&J alum accused in $5M scam| newspaper = Pittsburgh Tribune Review| date = May 28, 2005| url = http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_338791.html| access-date = May 15, 2010}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In 2003, amid Vilar's falling fortunes, the series went on a hiatus,{{Cite news| last = Druckenbrod| first = Andrew| title = W&J College to re-evaluate Vilar Distinguished Artist Series| newspaper = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette| date = July 31, 2003| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/20030731vilarae4.asp| access-date = May 15, 2010| archive-date = August 2, 2003| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030802143746/http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/20030731vilarae4.asp| url-status = live}} and Vilar's 2005 indictment for financial fraud ended the series.{{Cite news| last = Schackner| first = Bill| title = Philanthropy carries a whiff of scandal| newspaper = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette| date = June 5, 2005| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05156/516074-85.stm| access-date = May 10, 2010| archive-date = November 10, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211110222053/https://old.post-gazette.com/pg/05156/516074-85.stm| url-status = live}} In Fall 2003, the W&J Arts Series, the college's other art series, was expanded to partially compensate.{{cite web|title=Vilar Distinguished Artist Series On Hiatus |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Summer 2003 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/sum2003campusnews.pdf |access-date=May 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917092655/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/sum2003campusnews.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }}

{{main|Greek organizations at Washington & Jefferson College}}

File:Phi Kappa Sigma 1872 W&J College.jpg pose for a chapter photo in the early 1870s.]]

43% of women and 40% of men of the student body participating in Greek life.{{cite news|title=Washington and Jefferson College Student Life |newspaper=U.S. News & World Report |year=2012 |url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/washington-and-jefferson-college-3389/student-life |access-date=August 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012070323/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/washington-and-jefferson-college-3389/student-life |archive-date=October 12, 2011 }} The Princeton Review named Washington & Jefferson College 12th on their 2010 list of "Major Frat and Sorority Scene" in the United States.{{cite web | title = Social Scene: Major Frat and Sorority Scene | work = The Princeton Review | year = 2010 | url = http://www.princetonreview.com/schools/college/CollegeRankings.aspx?iid=1023836 | access-date = September 21, 2010 | archive-date = September 3, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903042930/http://www.princetonreview.com/schools/college/CollegeRankings.aspx?iid=1023836 | url-status = live }} As of 2022, there were four fraternities and four sororities.{{Cite web |url=https://www.washjeff.edu/student-life/organizations-activities/fraternity-sorority-life/ |title=Fraternity & Sorority Life - Washington & Jefferson College |access-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501030024/https://www.washjeff.edu/student-life/organizations-activities/fraternity-sorority-life/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=Washington & Jefferson College Student Handbook |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |year=2009 |url=http://wiki.washjeff.edu/download/attachments/19496964/Student+Handbook.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1265225474000 |format=PDF |access-date=April 10, 2010 |pages=29–30 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} All Greek organizations occupy college-owned houses on Chestnut Street.{{cite web|title=W&J: Chestnut Street Housing |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=465&menu_id=144&crumb=138&id=5050 |access-date=April 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909200622/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=465&menu_id=144&crumb=138&id=5050 |archive-date=September 9, 2007 }}

Two national fraternities were founded at Jefferson College, Phi Gamma Delta in 1848 and Phi Kappa Psi in 1852.{{Cite book|author=William Raimond Baird|last2=Brown|first2=James T.|title=Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities|publisher=G. Banta Company|year=1920|edition=9th|oclc=17350924|page=255|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1qoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA255|chapter=Phi Gamma Delta|author-link=William Raimond Baird|title-link=Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities|access-date=March 13, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101061535/http://books.google.com/books?id=1qoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA255|url-status=live}}. Baird's Manual is also available online here: [https://www.library.illinois.edu/slc/welcome/fraternity-sorority-almanac/ The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610014203/https://www.library.illinois.edu/slc/welcome/fraternity-sorority-almanac/ |date=June 10, 2021 }}.{{Cite book|last1=Baird|first1=William Raimond|last2=Brown|first2=James T.|title=Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities|publisher=G. Banta Company|year=1920|edition=9th|oclc=17350924|page=270|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1qoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA270|chapter=Phi Kappa Psi|title-link=Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities|access-date=March 13, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101045655/http://books.google.com/books?id=1qoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA270|url-status=live}} A third fraternity was founded at Jefferson College, Kappa Phi Lambda, but it dissolved after a decade of existence amid a dispute between chapters.{{Cite book|last1=Baird|first1=William Raimond|last2=Brown|first2=James T.|title=Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities|publisher=G. Banta Company|year=1920|edition=9th|oclc=17350924|page=737|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1qoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA737|chapter=Kappa Phi Lambda|title-link=Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities|access-date=March 13, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101050922/http://books.google.com/books?id=1qoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA737|url-status=live}}. Baird's Manual is also available online here: [https://www.library.illinois.edu/slc/welcome/fraternity-sorority-almanac/ The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610014203/https://www.library.illinois.edu/slc/welcome/fraternity-sorority-almanac/ |date=June 10, 2021 }}. In 1874, a fourth fraternity was founded at W&J, the short-lived Phi Delta Kappa.{{Cite book|last1=Baird|first1=William Raimond|last2=Brown|first2=James T.|title=Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities|publisher=G. Banta Company|year=1920|edition=9th|oclc=17350924|page=741|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1qoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA741|chapter=Phi Delta Kappa|title-link=Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities|access-date=March 13, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101060504/http://books.google.com/books?id=1qoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA741|url-status=live}} The new fraternity grew to several chapters before falling apart in 1880.

{{Main|Washington & Jefferson Presidents}}

Image:WashJeffFootball.JPG since 1890.]]

W&J competes in 26 varsity sports at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III level. As of the 2009–10 academic year, the Presidents have won more than 108 Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) championships, 40 students were selected as conference Most Valuable Player, more than 300 athletes were awarded First Team All-Conference recognition, 75 received All-American honors, and 25 achieved Academic All-American status.{{cite web|title=W&J: Athletics |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/athletics.aspx |access-date=July 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630230240/http://www.washjeff.edu/athletics.aspx |archive-date=June 30, 2010 }} During the 2005–2006 season, 34 percent of the student body played varsity-level athletics.

The football team has been very successful, winning 18 out of the last 21 PAC Championships and advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs 17 times. W&J played to a 0–0 tie in the 1922 Rose Bowl against the California Golden Bears and were named to a share of the national championship by the Boand System. In 1923, John Heisman coached the W&J football team. The men's ice hockey team won the 2008 College Hockey Mid America Conference championship, a Division I regional league of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.{{cite news| last = Adamski| first = Chris| title = Washington Sunday: W&J gets revenge, wins league championship| work = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette| publisher = PG Publishing Co., Inc.| date = March 2, 2008| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08062/861188-134.stm| access-date = July 22, 2010| archive-date = May 2, 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080502233420/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08062/861188-134.stm| url-status = live}} W&J also fields teams in field hockey, men's wrestling, baseball, softball, and women's volleyball, as well as men's and women's cross country running, soccer, tennis, water polo, basketball, swimming and diving, golf, lacrosse, and track & field. Men's volleyball and women's wrestling will be added in the 2026–27 school year.

The intramural sports program is one of the most consistently popular activities at Washington & Jefferson College, providing non-varsity and recreational athletic activities for all students, faculty, and staff of the college.{{cite web|title=W&J: Intramural Sports |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=649&menu_id=570&crumb=650&id=1314 |access-date=April 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221154442/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=649&menu_id=570&crumb=650&id=1314 |archive-date=December 21, 2008 }} Vicki Staton, a former varsity women's basketball and volleyball coach, manages the intramural program.{{cite web|title=Professors Who Inspire |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Fall 2008 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/Fall08Mag.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527155915/http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/Fall08Mag.pdf |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=April 15, 2010 |url-status=dead }} In 2002, 60% of students participated in intramural sports.{{cite web|title=Tradition Meets Ambition |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Fall–Winter 2002 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/W2002mag.pdf |access-date=April 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917092620/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/W2002mag.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }} In 2006, more than 40% of the student body participated in intramural athletics. In 2007, the intramural activities included 3-on-3 basketball, billiards, bowling, flag football, kickball, tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, wallyball, ping pong, and Texas hold 'em.{{cite web|title=Intramural Activities |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |year=2007 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=649&menu_id=570&crumb=650&id=2945 |access-date=April 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517214548/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=649&menu_id=570&crumb=650&id=2945 |archive-date=May 17, 2007 }} Intramural champions win a T-shirt celebrating their victory.

While the varsity athletics program was struggling during the 1930s, intramural participation topped 84% of the student population.{{Cite journal| last = Scarborough| first = David Knowles| title = Intercollegiate Athletics at Washington and Jefferson College: the Building of a Tradition| journal=Ph.D Dissertation| publisher=University of Pittsburgh| location = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania| year = 1979|page=113}} During that time, the management of intramural activities was transferred to the athletic department, allowing the intramural program to use the college's varsity facilities. In the 1930s and 1940s, groups of students competed for the "Big Cup," a trophy given to the most outstanding team, as judged by a cross-sport point system.

{{main|Traditions of Washington & Jefferson College}}

File:Pushball W&J.jpg between the freshman and sophomore classes.]]

One of the oldest traditions at Washington & Jefferson College was the "Freshman Rules," a system of rules and restrictions on freshmen. Failure by freshmen to follow these rules would subject them to beatings by upperclassmen or other punishments doled out by the "Freshman Court."{{cite web|last=DeFrancesco |first=Joyce |title=Rich in History, Ripe With Promise – Welcome to Jay |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Spring 2006 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |access-date=April 15, 2010 |pages=17–21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917091017/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }} During the 1870s and 1880s, the students engaged in organized athletic competitions, pitting the freshman versus sophomore classes in the "Olympic Games" that involved elaborate opening ceremonies and the smoking of a "Pipe of Peace."{{Cite journal| last = Scarborough| first = David Knowles| title = Intercollegiate Athletics at Washington and Jefferson College: the Building of a Tradition| journal=Ph.D Dissertation| publisher=University of Pittsburgh| location = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania| year = 1979|pages=16–17}} Another form of physical contest between the freshman and sophomore classes were the annual "color rush," where the teams fought over control over strips of fabric, the "pole rush," where the teams battled to raise a flag up a flagpole, and the "cane rush" where the teams fought over control over a ceremonial cane. These contests generally devolved into outright gang violence.

The college cheer, Whichi Coax, is so pervasive in college history and culture that in addition to being shouted during academic ceremonies and football games, it is also used as a salutation in correspondence between alumni.{{cite web|last=Haring-Smith |first=Tori |author-link=Tori Haring-Smith |title=2007 Convocation Address |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=September 3, 2007 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1352&menu_id=378&crumb=649&id=10104 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528015804/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1352&menu_id=378&crumb=649&id=10104 |archive-date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Haring-Smith |first=Tori |author-link=Tori Haring-Smith |title=Matriculation of the Class of 2009 |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=August 21, 2005 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1352&menu_id=378&crumb=649&id=3672 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829190145/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1352&menu_id=378&crumb=649&id=3672 |archive-date=August 29, 2006 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |url-status=dead }} The college's fight song, "Good Ole W&J" is sung to the tune of "99 Bottles of Beer" and makes fun of a number of rival colleges, including the University of Pittsburgh, but was modified sometime before 1958 to laud Washington Female Seminary. For a large portion of the college's history, there was no official alma mater, but there were a number of other tradition hymns and songs.{{cite web|last=DeFrancesco |first=Joyce |title=Rich in History, Ripe With Promise – Miscellaneous W&J Traditions |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Spring 2006 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |pages=24–27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917091017/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }}

File:WandJShield.svg

The college's coat of arms features a two-part shield based on the coats of arms of the Jefferson and Washington families.{{Cite book| title = The Centennial celebration of the chartering of Jefferson College in 1802| publisher = George H. Buchanan and Company| year = 1903| page = 2| chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=t1QyAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA2| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=t1QyAAAAYAAJ| chapter = The Coat of Arms| access-date = March 13, 2016| archive-date = August 13, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200813042618/https://books.google.com/books?id=t1QyAAAAYAAJ| url-status = live}} The top portion, showing two towers, representing Washington College and Jefferson College, and three stars, representing the McMillan, Dod, and Smith log cabins. The lower portion, showing an interlocked design that in heraldry is called a fret, is adapted from Jefferson's coat of arms and the colors, red and black, is taken from the Washington coat of arms.{{cite web|title=Symbols of Jay |work=W&J Magazine |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |date=Spring 2006 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |page=20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917091017/https://www.washjeff.edu/uploadedFiles/External_Relations/For_the_Media/spring%2006%20mag%201.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2006 }} The coat of arms may appear with a banner underneath showing the college motto. The design was adopted in 1902 in celebration of Jefferson College's centennial. It was designed by Rev. Harry B. King, class of 1891. Upon its adoption, it was described as "a happy combination, and makes a very neat appearance when worn as a pin or button."

The college seal displays two brick towers, with one labeled "1802," representing Jefferson College, and the other labeled "1806," representing Washington College. The union of the two colleges is represented by a bridge between the two towers, with Roman numerals reading 1865, the year of union. Banners hanging from the towers show the college motto of "Juncta Juvant." The creation of the seal is unknown, with the first known use occurring during the 1902 centennial celebration of Jefferson College's founding. The seal is used in official documents, including diplomas and certificates.{{cite web|title=W&J Graphic Standards Guide – Seal |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1363&menu_id=385&crumb=386&id=1319 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901214731/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1363&menu_id=385&crumb=386&id=1319 |archive-date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=July 24, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

The college's current logo features a stylized version of the two towers of Old Main, symbolizing the 1865 unification of Washington College and Jefferson College.{{cite web|title=W&J: W&J Graphics Standards Guide – Logos and Typefaces |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1363&menu_id=385&crumb=386&id=1306 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901214745/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=1363&menu_id=385&crumb=386&id=1306 |archive-date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=July 29, 2010 |url-status=dead }} The logo may be displayed in several versions: with the entire name of the college, the shortened form of "W&J", or without any text. Prior to the adoption of this logo, the college's graphic identity consisted of a variety of conflicting logos and type styles.

{{Main|City of Washington–Washington & Jefferson College relations}}

Relations between the city of Washington, Pennsylvania and Washington & Jefferson College span over two centuries, dating to the founding of both the city and the college in the 1780s.{{cite web|title=History of the City |publisher=City of Washington |url=http://www.washingtonpa.us/general_info-history.html |access-date=June 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100517062036/http://www.washingtonpa.us/general_info-history.html |archive-date=May 17, 2010 }} The relationship between the town and college was strong enough that the citizens of Washington offered a $50,000 donation in 1869 to the college in a successful attempt to lure the trustees to select Washington over nearby Canonsburg as the consolidated location of the college. The relationship encountered challenges the 20th century, with disagreements arising between the college and residential neighborhoods as the college pursued an expansion plan.{{Cite news | last = Taylor| first = Davison|author2=Patti Murphy | title = W&J's Building Plans Putting Residents on Guard| newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press| date = March 31, 1991}} Preservationists unsuccessfully attempted to pass laws prohibiting the college from demolishing certain buildings that were listed on the East Washington Historic District.{{Cite news | last = Templeton| first = David| title = W&J President Answers Critics of Expansion| newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date = July 24, 1994 }} Local preservationists also unsuccessfully tried to block the demolition of Hays Hall, which had been condemned.{{Cite news | last = Robertson| first = Bob| title = E. Washington Demolition Delayed| newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date = August 21, 1994}}{{Cite news | last = Robertson| first = Bob| title = Council Reconsiders W&J Demolition Permit| newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette| page = W2| date = July 3, 1994}} In the 1990s, the city of Washington made several unsuccessful attempts to challenge the college's tax-exempt status. In 1993, Washington appealed the Washington County Board of Assessment's determination that the college was exempt from the city's property tax.{{cite court |litigants= City of Washington v. Board of Assessment Appeals of Washington County, Pennsylvania and Washington & Jefferson College|vol= 550|reporter=Pa. 175|court=Pennsylvania Supreme Court |date= November 20, 1997|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/pa-supreme-court/1331787.html }} That case went to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the college. In response, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a new law clarifying that colleges were exempt from taxation, including from local property taxes.{{cite news| last = Marino| first = Gigi| title = What a Ride It Will Be| work = Bucknell World| publisher = Bucknell University| date = September 2004| url = http://www.bucknell.edu/Documents/BucknellWorld/BWSept04.pdf| access-date = July 22, 2010| archive-date = June 2, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100602071854/http://www.bucknell.edu/Documents/BucknellWorld/BWSept04.pdf| url-status = live}} Separately, the city of Washington passed an ordinance that levied a municipal "service fee" against the college students, which was ruled to be illegal and was struck down.{{Cite court|litigants = City of Washington v. Washington & Jefferson College|vol = 25|reporter = Pa. D. & C.4th 13|court = Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania|date = June 15, 1995}} In the late 1990s, the college and town created the Blueprint for Collaboration, a plan with detailed goals and benchmarks for the future to help the college and the city work together on economic development, environmental protection, and historic preservation.{{cite press release|title=College and Community Present Cooperative Plan |publisher=Washington and Jefferson College |date=November 22, 2002 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2210&menu_id=517&crumb=518&id=493&page_title=2002%20Press%20Releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829180639/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2210&menu_id=517&crumb=518&id=493&page_title=2002%20Press%20Releases |archive-date=August 29, 2006 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite press release|title=Blueprint for Collaboration Applauded |publisher=Washington and Jefferson College |date=June 26, 2003 |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2210&menu_id=517&crumb=518&id=470&page_title=2003+Press+Releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829183906/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=2210&menu_id=517&crumb=518&id=470&page_title=2003%20Press%20Releases |archive-date=August 29, 2006 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|List of Washington & Jefferson College alumni}}

File:JamesGBlaine.png served as U.S. Congressman, Speaker of the House, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and almost won the 1884 presidential election.]]

As of 2009, Washington & Jefferson College had about 12,000 living alumni.{{cite web|url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=372&menu_id=133&crumb=137&id=55 |title=W&J: College Facts |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230000508/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=372&menu_id=133&crumb=137&id=55 |archive-date=December 30, 2008 |access-date=February 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }} Before the union of the two colleges, Washington College graduated 872 men and Jefferson College graduated 1,936 men.{{cite web|title=Washington College 1806–1865 |work=U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/wash.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716210909/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/wash.php |archive-date=July 16, 2009 |access-date=February 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Jefferson College 1802–1865 |work=U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/jeff.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106012122/http://washjeff.cdmhost.com/cdm4/jeff.php |archive-date=January 6, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2010 |url-status=dead }} These alumni include Henry A. Wise, Governor of Virginia, and James G. Blaine, who served in Congress as Speaker of the House, U.S. Senator from Maine, two-time United States Secretary of State and the Republican nominee for the 1884 presidential election. Other graduates have held high federal positions, including United States Secretary of the Treasury Benjamin Bristow and United States Attorney General Henry Stanbery, who successfully defended Andrew Johnson during his impeachment trial.{{Cite book|last=Perrin|first =William Henry |author2=Battle, J. H. |author3=Kniffin, G. C. |title=Kentucky: A History of the State|publisher=F. A. Battey|year=1888|page=[https://archive.org/details/kentuckyhistoryo00perr/page/n610 569] |url=https://archive.org/details/kentuckyhistoryo00perr|access-date=February 23, 2009}} As a U.S. Congressman, Clarence Long was a key figure in directing funds to Operation Cyclone, the CIA's effort to arm the mujahideen in the Soviet–Afghan War.{{cite web|title=Long, Clarence Dickinson, (1908–1994)|work=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress|publisher=United States Congress|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=L000413|access-date=February 23, 2009|archive-date=November 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121052401/http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=L000413|url-status=live}} James A. Beaver served as Governor of Pennsylvania and as acting president of the Pennsylvania State University; he is the namesake of Beaver Stadium.{{cite news|first=Ron|last=Musselman|title=Why is it called Beaver Stadium?|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912571-215.stm|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=September 16, 2008|access-date=September 17, 2008|archive-date=December 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216052426/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08260/912571-215.stm|url-status=live}} Blake Ragsdale Van Leer, was the fifth president of Georgia Tech and first president to allow women to enroll there. He also had a prominent military career.{{cite web|title= Georgia Tech Library|url= https://finding-aids.library.gatech.edu/repositories/2/resources/445|access-date= February 18, 2020|archive-date= December 17, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191217023844/https://finding-aids.library.gatech.edu/repositories/2/resources/445|url-status= live}} William Holmes McGuffey authored the McGuffey Readers, which are among the most popular and influential books in history.{{Cite book|last=Eaton|first=Samuel John Mills|author2=Woods, Henry|title=Biographical and Historical Catalogue of Washington and Jefferson College|publisher=G.H. Buchanan and Company|year=1902|location=Philadelphia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x8ggAAAAMAAJ|access-date=April 4, 2010|oclc=2379959|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x8ggAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA299|chapter=McGuffey, William H.|page=299|archive-date=January 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103090232/http://books.google.com/books?id=x8ggAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}} Thaddeus Dod's student, Jacob Lindley, was the first president of Ohio University.{{Cite book|last=Beard|first=Richard|title=Brief Biographical Sketches of Some of the Early Ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church: Second series|publisher=Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication|year=1874|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_HgoAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA45|location=Nashville, Tennessee|chapter=Rev. Jacob Lindley, D.D. 1803–1856|page=45|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_HgoAAAAYAAJ|access-date=February 23, 2010|archive-date=June 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627022329/http://books.google.com/books?id=_HgoAAAAYAAJ|url-status=live}} Astronaut and test pilot Joseph A. Walker became the first person to enter space twice.{{cite web|title=NASA – Joseph A. Walker|work=NASA People|publisher=NASA|date=September 17, 2009|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/Biographies/Pilots/bd-dfrc-p019.html|access-date=February 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128142506/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/Biographies/Pilots/bd-dfrc-p019.html|archive-date=November 28, 2010}} Other graduates have gone on to success in professional athletics, including Buddy Jeannette, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, and Pete Henry, a member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame.{{cite web|title=Harry E. "Buddy" Jeannette|work=hoophall.com|publisher=Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|year=2007|url=http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/tag/harry-e-buddy-jeannette |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831073419/http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/tag/harry-e-buddy-jeannette|archive-date=August 31, 2009|access-date=February 24, 2010}}{{College Football HoF|id=1330|name=Wilbur "Fats" Henry|access-date=February 24, 2010}}{{cite web|title=Wilbur (Pete) Henry|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=94|access-date=February 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424222406/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=94|archive-date=April 24, 2009}} Roger Goodell has served as the Commissioner of the NFL since 2006.{{cite web|title=W&J: Roger S. Goodell |work=People Profiles |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/roger-goodell-1 |access-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108003222/http://www.washjeff.edu/roger-goodell-1 |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |url-status=dead }}

Among graduates who entered the medical field, Jonathan Letterman is recognized as the "Father of Battlefield Medicine." William Passavant is recognized as a saint within the Lutheran Church. James McGready, who studied with Joseph Smith and John McMillan was a leading revivalist in the Second Great Awakening.{{Cite book|last=Beard|first=Richard|title=Brief biographical sketches of some of the early ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church|publisher=Southern Methodist Pub. House|year=1867|page=7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=caWfPyLByyAC|chapter=Rev. James M'Gready|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=caWfPyLByyAC&pg=PA7}} Successful graduates in the business realm include Richard Clark, President and CEO of Merck, John S. Reed, the former chairman of Citigroup and the New York Stock Exchange.{{cite web|title=W&J: Richard T. Clark |work=People Profiles |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=12952&menu_id=827&crumb=828&id=10707 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623090904/http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=12952&menu_id=827&crumb=828&id=10707 |archive-date=June 23, 2009 |access-date=February 23, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=W&J: John Reed |work=People Profiles |publisher=Washington & Jefferson College |url=http://www.washjeff.edu/content.aspx?section=12952&menu_id=827&crumb=828&id=10732 |access-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6WUu5zKy9?url=http://www.washjeff.edu/john-reed-1 |archive-date=February 21, 2015 |url-status=dead }}

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