Campus and Facilities

FEI is situated on a 14-acre campus in Charlottesville, VA, immediately adjacent to the Barracks Road Shopping Center and near the University of Virginia (UVA) campus. (See the FEI campus map for more information)

The landscaping is among the finest in the area. The huge old trees, pink and white dogwoods, and azaleas are originals to the property. The Autumn Purple White Ash trees that line the driveway and other plantings (e.g., foster hollies, yew plants, and stewartia) were later enhancements.

The campus consists of four buildings containing 86 bedrooms, 40 offices, 17 classrooms, two dining rooms, a kitchen, a fitness center and two multipurpose rooms. These spaces are described in greater detail below.

Main Building

FEI’s iconic Main Building dates to the original Thomas Jefferson Inn. The lobby was once much larger and included space that is now used for offices. The front office was a gift shop and the double glass doors and small windows on either side were part of the original design.

Alumni Room and Lounge

This informal lounge area is the social center for participants and the scene of conversations among small groups and one-on-one discussions. It was furnished through a gift of the FEI Alumni Association (FEIAA).

Throughout the program, participants gather around the large television for early and late breaking news, movies, and sporting events as well are read several national newspapers.

Freshly brewed coffee, water bar, and a selection of teas are always available in the room adjacent to the Alumni Lounge. Juice, fruit, and snacks are also made available in this area at various times during the day.

John W. Macy Wing

The John W. Macy Wing is a three-story addition to the Main Building. It was built in October 1989 and contains several guest rooms and multiple classroom spaces.

Rotunda Dining Room

The Rotunda Room is FEI’s main dining room. The mural on the east wall of this room depicts Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, which he designed and built on a hill overlooking Charlottesville. The site of his home offered a vantage point that he used, via telescope, to view the construction of the University of Virginia. The mural on the west wall represents Jefferson’s “Academical Village,” which he designed along with the grounds of the University in accordance with his democratic theories about education. The central building is, as he envisioned it, for students and professors to share meetings and classes. The students’ rooms are interspersed amongst the faculty homes along the lawn and offer views of the Appalachian Mountains to the West.

Virginia Study

Located at the top of the stairs off the main entrance, the Virginia Study is decorated in Jeffersonian period furnishings, and reflects a quiet, comfortable study. The large portrait of Jefferson, mounted above the mantel, and the crystal chandelier are originals from the former inn.

Photographs of LDS classes are displayed in binders in the left alcove of the Virginia Study.

The Virginia Study also houses FEI’s collection of books. Most of the collection focuses on subjects related to the curriculum of its various programs (e.g., leadership, management, federal policy, and public service). Participants are encouraged to browse the library and take books to read during their stay.

Old Dominion and Albemarle Rooms

The Old Dominion (OD) and Albemarle (AB) rooms are located on the bottom floor of the Main Building. The largest of FEI’s multipurpose spaces, these rooms are the primary locations for holding large-group sessions, meetings, fitness classes, and ceremonies.

Administration Building

The Administration building is one of the newest on campus. It is located between the Main Building, and Pendleton and Gwin Halls. It houses the Fitness Center on the first floor and the faculty office spaces on the second.

Fitness Center and Group Fitness Room

The Fitness Center and Group Fitness Room        are located on the first floor of the Administration building. The Fitness Center is equipped with strength equipment and several cardio machines. Both rooms also offer space and equipment for stretching, yoga, and other fitness activities.

Use of the fitness facilities is restricted to individuals who are actively participating in a program or course, or are serving on a permanent or temporary basis at FEI.

UVA Recreational Facilities

Participants may use the UVA Recreational Facilities while at FEI for a fee. Instructions, fees, and directions to the UVA recreational facilities will be provided to you at the beginning of your program.

Information on these and other recreation facilities in Charlottesville will be provided at the start of the program.
 
Faculty Offices

Faculty offices and a Collaboration Lab are located on the second floor of the Administration building. These spaces are accessed by either the elevator or stairwell.

Pamela B. Gwin Hall

This building is named in honor of the former Deputy Director who launched FEI’s highly regarded open-enrollment and custom programs. The building includes the Highland, Susan B. Anthony, and Montpelier rooms; the Mount Vernon board room; the Monticello dining area; and 16 guest rooms.

William H. Pendleton Hall

Perched above the pool and perimeter tree line, this building includes 20 guest room and a boxing and shipping center for participants (located in the bottom floor).

Swimming Pool

The outdoor swimming pool is located adjacent to Pendleton Hall. Surrounded by a tall hedgerow, the pool is in service daily from 6:00 a.m. to dusk. It opens in mid-May and is closed on Labor Day.

Use of the swimming pool is for the exclusive use of the individuals who are actively participating in a program or course or are serving on a permanent or temporary basis at FEI. No glass is allowed in the pool area. Swim at your own risk, as there is no lifeguard.

Parking

All parking is free and unassigned, except for designated handicapped spaces that require the appropriate sticker or license plate.

Although FEI is a secure facility, participants are advised to lock their cars and store their valuables out of sight. Participants and visitors will be given an FEI Parking Pass which must be displayed on the dashboard throughout the stay on campus. Please discard the parking pass upon departure.

Recycling and Sustainability

FEI actively seeks ways to recycle, reuse, and reduce our footprint. Recyclable materials are collected at receptacles placed throughout the campus. The food service vendor composts on campus and have implemented other sustainability measures.