![Laura Ulmer celebrates Halloween with students in Elrod Commons. Photo courtesy of Laura Ulmer](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1000033141-e1699300904564-1200x872.jpg)
Get to know Laura Ulmer, director of student activities
Ulmer said she finds much to love about Washington and Lee, but she also has plenty on her plate
![Signs endorsing conservative candidates are posted outside the Republican Party Headquarters in Lexington. Similar signs were disallowed at the Activities Fair in September. Photo by Lilah Kimble, ’23.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Screen-Shot-2021-11-09-at-5.33.47-PM-900x879.png)
W&L in conflict with student clubs over political endorsements and tax law
Both the College Republicans and College Democrats demand more transparency and consistency from the university in their regulation of student speech
![After a year of remote Zoom meetings and dwindling club participation, students can now meet in person to pursue their passions in new and old clubs alike.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Image1-900x600.jpeg)
New year, new student organizations
New student organiations include Native American Student Organization, Film Society and NAACP chapter
![Both the first edition (front) and the centennial edition (back) of the Ring-tum Phi are shown here. The first issue was released Sept. 18, 1897.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210922_155420-806x900.jpg)
New organization emerges, aims to explore and preserve local history
Students for Historical Preservation started ‘in the midst of a controversy.’
![Let the games begin](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LMK_1498-900x600.jpeg)
Let the games begin
If conducted in a smart and safe manner, the existence of athletic competition at W&L is a priority.
The Marriage Pact was a success, or at least the hype leading up to it was
The 50-question survey brought a few first dates and much needed excitement to our campus.
![Student organizations set up tents to replace typical tabling in commons](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_8769-900x675.jpg)
Student activities go virtual
Club leaders get creative to engage students on and off campus
Natatorium reopens after months closed due to COVID-19
Students must sign up in advance using an online scheduling tool
![A night at Friday Night Underground, a popular party alternative for students, in January 2019. Photo by James Ricks, 21.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Screen-Shot-2019-01-21-at-12.46.39-PM.png)
Student Activities seeks to maintain the ‘social’ in distancing
Organizations like FUDG and RUF are staying connected online