The mission of the University of Richmond Department of Athletics is to develop and maintain a Division I intercollegiate athletics program which attracts national recognition to the University by:
"We want to be the best small private university we can be. We don't try to do everything, but everything we do, we do extremely well. In the realm of achievement, Richmond promises much and delivers more."
The University of Richmond is a dynamic university with a growing reputation. Nestled in suburban Richmond, the University is housed on a beautiful campus, just six miles from downtown. The campus and its surroundings offer many exciting opportunities to University of Richmond students, and we hope that you will take advantage of these opportunities during your time here as a Spider.
UNIVERSITY HISTORY
In 1832 the Virginia Baptist Education Society established the Virginia Baptist Seminary north of Richmond. In 1834 the seminary moved from its original location north of town to a building in the western part of the city, where it remained until the present location of the University of Richmond was occupied in 1914.
In 1840, the Society received a charter from the General Assembly of Virginia that transformed the seminary into Richmond College. By the mid 1840's a full liberal arts curriculum was adopted at Richmond College, and the first Baccalaureate degree was awarded in 1849. Classes were suspended during the Civil War, and the campus buildings were used as a hospital for Confederate troops. Classes resumed in 1866 and have continued unabated since that time.
Women were first admitted to Richmond College in 1898, but when the land for the present campus was purchased in 1910 it was decided that a separate liberal arts college should be established at the site. Westhampton College was formed, and began operating as a separate college when the new campus opened in 1914. Richmond and Westhampton Colleges continued operating separately until the faculties of the two colleges were merged to form the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 1975. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences was renamed the School of Arts and Sciences in 1991.
ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
The University of Richmond is divided into five academic schools: The School of Arts and Sciences, the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business, the T. C. Williams School of Law, and the School of Continuing Studies. Undergraduate students may select from numerous majors offered by the School of Arts and Sciences, the Business School and the School of Leadership.
The University is also made up of two residential colleges: Richmond College for men, and Westhampton College for women. This dual system, referred to as the coordinate system, provides expanded opportunities for men and women to be involved in leadership roles within student government. While men and women reside on different sides of Westhampton lake, they eat, study, and go to classes together throughout the campus.
LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
Housing
Approximately 95% of University of Richmond students live on campus. During their first two years, students generally live in the dorms. As discussed earlier, the men's dorms are on the Richmond College campus, while the women's dorms are across the lake on the Westhampton College campus. As upperclassmen, however, most students choose to live in the University Forest Apartments. The apartments offer more spacious living quarters, with four people sharing two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living room and a den.
Food Services
The main food service facility on campus is the Heilman Dining Center, located on Westhampton Lake. The "D-Hall" serves three meals a day Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Meals are also served at Tyler's Grill, a fast food type restaurant located in Tyler Haynes Commons. Also located in the Commons is The Cellar, a late night hot spot open Thursday through Saturday evenings.
All first and second year students living on campus must sign up for the University's 19 meal plan. The plan is good for all meals served on campus. The meal plan can also be used to purchase meals at Tyler's Grill.
LIBRARIES
Boatwright Memorial Library is the main University library.
Located on the Richmond College side of Westhampton Lake, the
library is not only a first class library, but it also provides
many great areas to study independently as well as with others.
There is also a music library located in Booker Hall, the science
library in Gottwald Science Center, and the law school library.
Student Athlete Academic Procedures and Requirements
Academic Support for Student-Athletes
Department of Athletics - Offices, Services and Procedures
Other Campus Resources, Offices, and Information
University of Richmond Student-Athlete Code of Conduct