New Cadet Handbook 2021–22 Contents

Preface ...... 1 Cadet Government ...... 18 VMI—An Overview ...... 3 Expectations for Cadet Conduct ...... 21 Pre-Matriculation ...... 5 Support Services and Information ...... 27 Matriculation Week...... 11 Academics and Related Support ...... 33 The Rat Line and Life as a Rat...... 13 Glossary of Common VMI Terms ...... 39 Cadet Life...... 15 VMI Telephone Quick Reference List. . . . 43

Preface

The purpose of the New Cadet Handbook contact the Director of Intercollegiate is to provide information necessary for the Athletics at 540-464-7251. Information is transition from civilian life to life as a new also available at www.vmi.edu. cadet at Virginia Military Institute. It is The three major components to life intended to present information not found at VMI are academics, military, and in other VMI publications, such as the athletics. This handbook focuses on the VMI Catalogue, which is provided to cadets Corps of Cadets military component and, at matriculation. If you have detailed specifically, the Rat Line. It is important questions on academic programs and that you fully understand all aspects of the academic support, tuition and financial Corps of Cadets so that you can prepare aid, or the Reserve Officer Training yourself for success. New cadets at VMI Corps, please refer to the VMI Catalogue. embark on a road less traveled. Use this If you have questions regarding National handbook to plan your journey. Good luck! Collegiate Athletic Association sports,

1 Rat Mass of 2022+3,

First and foremost, I wish to congratulate you on your pressure of the Institute is at its peak, you must remember appointment and commend you on your decision to that for 182 years before you cadets have been faced with attend the Virginia Military Institute. By accepting this the same challenges and have prevailed. The difficulty of honor, you have made a dedicated and deliberate effort the system we have will prove to be too overwhelming to set yourself apart from your peers. Your decision for some of you. However, some of you will distinguish exemplifies the depths of your maturity and character and yourselves as exemplary individuals who have the presents your desire to grow as a person of character and perseverance to succeed above and beyond initial as a servant leader. Your conscious decision is one of grit expectations. With that, you will be honored to earn the and dedication, setting yourself apart from the ordinary. distinguished title of a VMI cadet. It is these very successes that give our diploma its worth. A prosperous future is in Those who seek to attend VMI do so out of a desire to front of you, and the decision to accept the challenge is improve their sense of leadership and dedicate their up to you. lives to service and growth. With this being said, the Rat Line will push you mentally, physically, and emotionally, Your reward is a transformation that will set you up for beyond the normalcy you have experienced. Do not success not just at VMI, but for the rest of your life. Those falter from these hardships. Rather, use these adversities that have completed this transformation enter into the and hardships as motivation to be a better person: one permanent brotherhood of the Institute and its legacy of character, determination, and integrity. Use these of producing the best leaders and citizen soldiers in the moments of hardship to mold yourself into the image of a country. There is no other place like VMI in the world and VMI cadet, improving the standards for years to come. earning the title VMI cadet is an honor you have never experienced and one held with great pride and respect. The moment you enter barracks, your slate is wiped clean. The achievements you have earned in the past do not Stay true to the reasons why you chose VMI. The standards follow you here. Rather, you must generate your own you are expected to live by will consistently increase successes and accomplishments through the direct effort with each year. Maintain these standards, improve upon you put into the system and the cohesion you create with them, and never let yourself forget them. Consistently set your brother rats. The training you will receive does not goals for yourself that you can and will succeed. If you discriminate. It is in this adversity that you and your fellow have the privilege of joining the VMI ranks, prove to those classmates will be equals and will lean on each other to who do not know VMI why it is the most successful and succeed, as you cannot traverse this journey alone. There distinguished military college in the nation. I will never will be support to accomplish whatever you set your mind expect anything but the absolute best from each and to, but nothing will be given to you. You will be provided every one of you. a blank slate; you must decide how to fill it in. Your reputation will be marked by your willpower, integrity, and Very Respectfully, the tenacity you show during your cadetship. Cadet First Captain Kasey Meredith The path you choose to travel, the bonds you choose to Regimental Commander create, and the goals you set yourself to achieve from this point forward will define your success here. When the

2 VMI—An Overview

The Mission of Virginia Vision 2039 Military Institute www.vmi.edu/vision2039 Virginia Military Institute, founded in In 2003 VMI began a journey that will th 1839 and now in its 182nd year, has remained culminate in the year 2039, VMI’s 200 true to its mission to produce educated birthday. This journey involves physical and honorable men and women by change in the form of renovation and new preparing them with an education for the construction. It also involves cultural future. VMI combines the studies of a full changes—a move toward more civility college curriculum within a framework of within the Corps of Cadets and across the military discipline, with emphasis placed VMI post. on the qualities of honor, integrity, and responsibility. VMI is a state-supported Academic Program college, organized under the laws of the A four-year undergraduate college, Commonwealth of Virginia. The Institute is VMI is recognized as one of the nation’s governed by a Board of Visitors appointed top institutions of higher education. by the governor. In accordance with the Acknowledging VMI’s total educational provisions of the Code of Virginia, the value as well as the high demand for VMI cadets constitute a military corps. Most graduates in the job market, major ratings of the members of the faculty and staff publications name VMI in their lists of are commissioned in the Virginia Militia top undergraduate programs. U.S. News (Unorganized) by the governor acting as and World Report consistently ranks VMI commander-in-chief. among the nation’s top five public liberal We at VMI believe that the measure of a arts colleges. college lies in the quality and performance Almost 100 percent of full-time faculty of its graduates and their contributions to hold either a doctorate or the terminal society. Therefore, it is the mission of VMI degree in their field. Over 1,700 cadets to produce educated and honorable men pursue B.A. or B.S. degrees in 14 major and women, prepared for the varied work fields of study: Biology; Chemistry; Civil of civil life, imbued with love of learning, Engineering; Computer and Information confident in the functions and attitudes Sciences; Economics and Business; of leadership, possessing a high sense of Electrical and Computer Engineering; public service, advocates of the American English, Rhetoric and Humanistic Studies; democracy and free enterprise system, and History; International studies and Political ready as citizen-soldiers to defend their Science; Applied Mathematics; Mechanical country in time of national peril. Engineering; Modern Languages and To accomplish this result, VMI seeks to Cultures; Physics; and Psychology. provide qualified young men and women Civil engineering, a subject rarely taught an undergraduate education of the highest in colleges and universities before 1839, quality, that embraces engineering, was the cornerstone program at VMI’s science, and the arts, all conducted in, and founding. The first industrial chemistry facilitated by, the unique VMI system of course in the South was offered at VMI, military discipline. and, in 1868, modern courses in physics and meteorology were developed. Today

3 the Institute’s engineering program to 1866 with the formation of a baseball remains nationally recognized for its team. In 1892, Cadet Walter H. Taylor quality. In fact, in its most recent rankings, served as captain and coach of the first U.S. News & World Report again ranked football team. VMI engineering among the nation’s best VMI fields 18 teams on the NCAA undergraduate programs. Division I level: baseball, basketball, VMI’s demanding academic program men’s and women’s cross-country, reflects the established needs and the football, lacrosse, men’s and women’s emerging trends of a constantly changing rifle, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and society on the local, regional, national, and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s international levels. VMI’s global outreach indoor track & field, men’s and women’s includes student/faculty exchanges outdoor track & field, women’s water polo with a number of foreign academies and and wrestling. universities, internships, numerous VMI also boasts a thriving club sports semester-abroad programs, and summer- program. While the sports vary from year abroad programs. Each year, more than 100 to year based on the interests of the cadets, cadets are involved in VMI’s international the standard sports include lacrosse, rugby, programs. VMI also offers outstanding ice hockey, basketball, running, trap and academic enrichment programs in writing, skeet, triathlon, powerlifting, equestrian, undergraduate research, and honors. and wrestling. New cadets may join a club Successful completion of VMI’s unique sport in full member status after the Rat educational system enables cadets to Line ends. enter many civilian professions, the armed forces, or to continue at graduate Corps of Cadets Program and professional schools. VMI produces The challenging military-based portion leaders for all walks of life: business, of the VMI program is a distinctive aspect industry, public service, education, the of the VMI experience. All cadets are part professions, and the military. One reason of the Corps of Cadets and participate in the Institute is held in such high regard is officer training programs associated with that approximately 98 percent of each class one of the three ROTC units on post: Army, has full-time employment or has entered Naval (which includes the Marine Corps), graduate school within five months of and Air Force (which includes the Space graduation. Approximately 50-60 percent Force). New cadets are called “rats” until of graduates take a commission, and they break out of the Rat Line in the spring about 18 percent of VMI graduates make semester and earn their cadet status. the armed forces a career; however, the Cadets live together in barracks, eat percentage of cadets who take commissions together in Crozet Hall, and wear the per class is growing every year. historic cadet uniforms. Cadets’ daily lives and conduct are regulated by the Athletic Program—NCAA traditions and rules of the Institute and the and Club Sports Honor Code. VMI believes that all cadets are athletes and all athletes are cadets. Athletics at VMI form an integral part of the mission to develop the whole person. VMI’s proud intercollegiate athletic history dates back 4 Pre-Matriculation

Packing name. If you are driving to VMI, consider While bringing a trunk to VMI is bringing some of your items in a cardboard allowed, they’re highly discouraged due to box that can be recycled or a plastic bin that limited storage space. Each cadet is allowed can go back home after you are dropped off one piece of luggage. The dimensions of a at VMI. large suitcase are between 28 and 32 inches Use the following list to pack for VMI. long and approximately 19 inches wide and Most items should be brought from 12 inches deep. Smaller luggage pieces/ home, but some items may be purchased stored belongings must fit inside the at the VMI Bookstore (540-464-7637 or large piece of luggage because there isn’t www.bkstr.com/vmistore). The bookstore unlimited space in the trunk rooms located accepts all major credit cards. The number in the concourse area of the barracks. It is of clothing items recommended is the recommended that the luggage be lockable. minimum based on having to change Sensitive and expensive items should not clothes two or three times a day during the be stored in the barracks trunk room. VMI August heat. Laundry is sent out once a is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft week so plan accordingly. of personal property stored in the barracks New cadets may purchase shower shoes, trunk room, barracks cadet rooms, or hydration system, shirt stays, mouth other areas on post. It is recommended that guards, and academic bags at the VMI personal items be labeled with the cadet’s Bookstore on Matriculation Day.

Mandatory and Optional Items Clothing—MANDATORY

Black 1.5-liter (50 oz.) hydration system, i.e. Camelbak, Blackhawk, or equivalent—very important to have before matriculation

❑ 1 Each Watch, black, athletic style recommended. Rats cannot wear smart watches during the Rat Line. ❑ 1 Each Running shoes, predominately white or black

❑ 2 Pair Please visit www.vmi.edu/auxservices for information regarding purchasing approved military-style boots, breaking them in, and other details.

❑ 1 Pair

5 White pillow

❑ 1 Each Compression shorts (reduces chafing), black

❑ 7 Pair Underwear, must be white (males: boxers OR boxer briefs OR briefs); females do not need male underwear

❑ 14 Pair Crew neck t-shirts, must be white (v-neck or tank top style not authorized)

❑ 14 Each Females—Sports bras (minimum), must be white, high-impact recommended

❑ 7-10 Each Shower shoes (rubber thong sandals)

❑ 1 Pair Plain white, ankle or crew length athletic socks with no visible logos

❑ 14 Pair Long (over the calf) black boot/hiking socks to be worn with combat boots

❑ 10 Pair

6 Plain black dress socks to be worn with low quarter shoes

❑ 14 Pair One pair civilian clothes and shoes

❑ 1 Set Swimsuit, conservative one piece or traditional swim trunks, navy or black

❑ 1 Each Mouth guard (for boxing class)

❑ 1 Each Plain white bath-size towels (minimum)

❑ 5 Each Plain white wash cloth (minimum)

❑ 1 Each Blanket (comforter), dark solid color, twin XL size

❑ 1 Each Twin XL white flat sheets (no elastic)

❑ 3 Each

7 White pillow cases

❑ 3 Each Personal Hygiene—MANDATORY ❑ 1 Each Toothbrush ❑ 1 Each Toothpaste ❑ 1 Kit Razor and Shaving Cream (non-electric) ❑ 1 Each Sunscreen, tube or bottle ❑ 1 Bottle Shampoo/conditioner ❑ 1 Bar Soap ❑ 2 Pair Eyeglasses, if needed ❑ 1 Each Body/foot powder ❑ 1 Each Deodorant School Supplies ❑ 1 Each Academic Planner ❑ 1 Each Laptop Computer or iPad ❑ Black fabric brief case style computer bag (not a backpack) ❑ Pens/Pencils ❑ Notebooks ❑ Binders ❑ Calculator ❑ Highlighters ❑ Flash drive Miscellaneous—Highly Recommended ❑ 1 Set Dusting supplies (Swiffer) ❑ 1 Each Lint roller ❑ 1 Set Shirt stays ❑ 1 Each Floss ❑ 1 Each Lotion ❑ 1 Each Lip balm ❑ 1 Each Shower Caddy Lockbox—can be purchased from 3rd Class Finance Committee on ❑ 1 Each Matriculation Day ❑ 1 Each Desired personal hygiene products not listed

8 Prohibited Items

Weapons of any type

Appliances including microwave ovens, hot pots, heating elements, etc.

Plants and Pets

Flammable materials including candles, fireworks, incense, etc.

TVs or any other type of entertainment media

Alcohol, illegal drugs or associated paraphernalia

Prohibited Items Until After Breakout

Electric razors

DVDs, CDs, computer games

iPods or similar devices, MP3 players, and Computer speakers

Clothing with emblems/logos, to include socks, underwear, t-shirts, linens, and towels

Transition lens in eyeglasses

Smart watches that can access social media, email or can text

9 Rats of 2022+3:

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Virginia aspects of your life. Upon your arrival at VMI, you will Military Institute, a school that will not only challenge quickly learn that you are going to have many obligations you to do things you have never done before, but more and that your free time will be limited. Developing a sense importantly, demand you to perform at the highest of organization and time management is the first step to standard. With your acceptance, you have already success. Failure to adhere to all aspects of the VMI system identified your desire for the pursuit of excellence and will ultimately result in failure. have begun to meet the standards that will be demanded of you for the next four years. You should be proud of Lastly, you must develop a sense of humility, respect, and your decision to attend this challenging yet rewarding selflessness. Any success you have obtained up to this institution. The system you are about to enter will point will be irrelevant once you set foot on VMI grounds. transform you into men and women who display the You must learn to be humble and always place your highest level of character, honor, and respect. Do not brother rats before yourself. You will arrive at VMI as an let excuses derail you from your goals and aspirations to individual and leave as a class. In order to excel in the VMI better yourself. system, you must lean on and care for your brother rats.

I urge you to remember that in choosing to pursue While preparation in these three aspects will help this track of a unique lifestyle, you will need to get contribute to your success, becoming a VMI cadet is comfortable with being uncomfortable. While you get a long and difficult process that does not happen on excited and ready for August, remember one thing: failing Matriculation Day. You must demand nothing less than to prepare is preparing to fail. In order to ensure you arrive your best effort. If you display actions of perseverance prepared for one of the most rigorous schools in the and determination throughout the training that my cadre country, there are several areas in which you must begin and I will lay out before you, then and only then will you to train prior to matriculation. become a VMI cadet. Prepare yourself and embrace the system which you are about to enter, for if you succeed First, you must arrive at VMI physically fit. The physical you will become a part of the noble line of people who challenges and standards you will be met with are far have the honor to call themselves a VMI cadet. from easy. It is crucial that you begin to train now. If you arrive unprepared for the fitness tests that you will be Cadet Captain Robert T.C. Hoeft tasked with, it will be clear to myself and to my cadre Regimental Executive Officer that you have already begun to fail yourself. Without proper physical fitness, you will find the day-to-day tasks of being a rat to be harsh and unforgiving. I encourage you to focus on building core, upper body, and cardiorespiratory strength.

Second, and of critical importance, you must understand that VMI is an institution that will not only challenge you physically, but mentally and academically as well. Begin to learn how to properly balance academics with other

10 Matriculation Week

Matriculation Week Overview routines, learn about the history of VMI, After you say goodbye to your family and become familiar with the requirements and form up with your company for the of cadet life. You will also purchase first time, you will march into barracks textbooks, so ensure funds are available. to meet your cadre. Fourteen upper class Matriculation Week concludes with an cadets from each company known as event called the Rat Crucible. cadre are responsible for the training new cadets undergo to become VMI cadets. Uniform Issue Collectively you are known as a rat mass Fitting and issuing of many uniform and the Class of 2022 plus 3. You will not items is done during Matriculation Week. earn the status of 4th Class cadet, Class of Identification of clothing is made by a 2025, until after Breakout. laundry number assigned by the VMI Meeting your cadre will be the first in Laundry Department. New cadet bags a long series of events designed to train containing various supplies issued during and test you as you prepare for assuming the first week include a marking pen. New the responsibilities of cadetship. During cadets are given time to mark all washable Matriculation Week, you will participate items they bring with them. These issued in numerous training activities, get your items are subject to change. rat haircut, engage in daily physical fitness

11 12 The Rat Line and Life as a Rat

During the first several months at VMI, initiates the contact with a new cadet for new cadets are called “rats,” the accepted a possible dyke relationship. This contact term (since the 1850s) for a new cadet. You may be based on common background, will be part of a tradition and encounter sports team, or shared hometown with the challenges that VMI cadets who came the new cadet, or it may be facilitated by before experienced—the Rat Line. The a member of the faculty, staff, or a coach. purpose of the Rat Line is to assemble a New cadets are closely monitored to ensure class imbued with honor, discipline, pride, they receive a dyke. and respect. The Rat Line is conducted in phases of development, employing A Typical Rat’s Day supporting virtues such as cohesion, Initially, new cadets are awakened by humility, physical fitness, knowledge, and their cadre. After classes begin, they learn self-reliance, while teaching self-control, to wake up in time to get properly dressed, self-discipline, time management, and roll up their “hay” (mattress) and complete followership as prerequisites for becoming chores in their dykes’ rooms before a VMI cadet. Even those who matriculate Breakfast Roll Call (BRC). with advanced academic standing or prior At BRC and all other formations, squad military service must go through the Rat corporals (3rd Class cadets) inspect new Line. To achieve success, new cadets must cadets for personal appearance. They then depend on their mental and physical skills, march down to Crozet Hall for breakfast. and the help and support of classmates After breakfast, classes begin at 0800. (brother rats). With persistence and All cadets must be on time and prepared determination, new cadets will get through for class. the Rat Line. It is through the rigors of the After Supper Roll Call (SRC) and the Rat Line that the bonds of brother rat spirit following dinner, cadets must be in an are forged. approved study area such as barracks, the library, or an academic building. The end The Dyke System of the duty day is signified byTaps (lights A new cadet’s greatest ally during out) at 2330 Sunday–Thursday. Saturdays and after the Rat Line is his or her st1 are filled with various activities including Class mentor, known as a dyke. The military duty and academic meetings. On phrase originated in the 19th-century Sunday mornings, cadets are offered the mispronunciation of the term “to get opportunity to attend services at one of decked out,” or to dress up in one’s finery, the local churches. On Sunday evenings, as it takes two cadets to “dyke out” (put on VMI’s full-time chaplains hold a non- the white cross belts) for the dress uniform denominational service in Memorial Hall. worn at parades. In exchange for certain tasks performed by the new cadet, the dyke offers good advice, moral support, and a haven on the first stoop (“floor”) of barracks. New cadets learn that the dyke, as a mentor, will not allow avoidance of duties, but will help them through the rat year. Normally, the upper-class cadet 13 To the Rats of 2022+3,

First, I would like to congratulate all of you for your change your lives for the better. Enjoy your summer and acceptance into VMI. You had the opportunity to apply come ready to face the challenges on the horizon. to any college/university across the country, yet you chose to attend one of the toughest military colleges in Very Respectfully, the nation. This alone speaks volumes of your character John D. Delaney and desire to embrace new challenges. I hope you all Honor Court President choose to pursue the various opportunities for improving yourselves that will arise throughout your four years here; furthermore, I hope this will allow you to develop into the competent military leaders of which I know all of you are capable.

VMI stands apart from other universities for many reasons, but our Honor Code is by far the most unique feature in our possession. Honor is more than just a word or an empty concept. It is a lifestyle here at the Institute. Our Honor Code is simple: “A Cadet will not Lie, Cheat, Steal, nor Tolerate those who do”. These words constitute the compass that will come to guide your actions over your next four years at the Institute and those extending well beyond this time. You will realize very soon upon your arrival here at the Institute that your word is your bond, and once you sign the Matriculation Book, you will have signed on for a life full of honor, integrity, and commitment.

During your time at VMI, the honorable path will not always be the easiest one to follow. In fact, it may be the hardest, but your adherence to it can, and must, always be achieved. It is your responsibility to hold yourselves to the higher standard that we as cadets of the Virginia Military Institute strive to embody. Stonewall Jackson said that you may be whatever you resolve to be. I hope you resolve to live a life of honor.

That said, I am excited to see you all begin your cadetships this August. Be proud of your accomplishments up to this point and be prepared to embrace the system that will

14 Cadet Life

The VMI Honor System men and women of honor and integrity On arrival at VMI, new cadets and who can always be trusted. They live by parents will realize that it is indeed a the VMI Honor Code, which simply states unique place with a culture and a life all that “A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor its own. The life of a VMI cadet is one tolerate those who do.” The Code pervades of self-denial, self-control, and strict all aspects of a cadet’s life. A cadet’s honor discipline. Nevertheless, as generations of is his/her most guarded possession. The cadets have discovered, it is possible not education of new cadets about the honor only to survive, but to thrive within these system is the responsibility of the Honor stone walls. Aiding and guiding cadets Court. The Honor Court is comprised of st nd are several systems at the Institute that fourteen 1 and 2 Class cadets elected by regulate and advocate for cadets. their classmates. In addition to education, The VMI educational system provides the Honor Court is also responsible for cadets with a constantly changing set adjudicating reported violations of the of academic, military, physical, and Honor Code. The VMI honor system is psychological challenges. These diverse unique in that it is a single-sanction system. challenges are designed to provide each The system does not recognize degrees cadet with the opportunity to develop of honor. The sanction for any breach of life skills that will contribute to his/her honor is dismissal. So when new cadets success regardless of endeavor. Paramount sign the book on Matriculation Day, they among those skills and the common thread are committing themselves to a life of that ties all aspects of the VMI experience honesty and integrity. If their commitment together is honor. Above all else, cadets are is not complete, their stay at the Institute may be short.

15 To the Matriculating Rat Mass of 2022+3,

I would like to start off by saying congratulations. The what lies beyond the gates of barracks, I can personally decision to attend the Virginia Military Institute is not assure you that there will be surprises. In this lies the one be taken lightly, and this decision is empowered beauty of VMI: every day at this Institute will be exactly even more by the tumultuous state of the union today. what you make of it. In every difficulty, find opportunity. In By taking the first steps into your cadetships, you have every dark day, find a light. In every failure, find a lesson. separated yourself from many who chose to take the You have chosen to come to VMI for a myriad of reasons, easier path. The path you have chosen reflects highly and if I can offer one piece of advice, work every day to on your personal character and desire to serve the find a new reason to stay. This Institute will test you at community. Take this fact with pride, but also with every turn. It will not, however, force you to fulfill your humility. To make it through the hardships of VMI is to join untapped potential. The decision to make your time at the ranks of thousands of illustrious alumni who have trod VMI worth it rests with every single one of you, and it is a the same path as us. choice you must make every single day. Make your voice heard through your actions, and never forget where you The Virginia Military Institute is a unique experience, one have come from. you will not find at any other school in the world. The challenges you face, decisions you make, friends you find, Rah VA Mil, and subjects you study will have the potential to impact Noah Ericson Kirk so much more than you realize. The four years you spend General Committee President here will develop a citizen-soldier, prepared to step into VMI Class of 2022 the community ready to serve in any way that is needed.

You are embarking on a journey of transformation, and it will not come to all of you easily. There will be hard times. There will be dark days, and I can personally guarantee that there will be times you want to quit. At these times, I implore you to take a moment to look at the brother rats that surround you and remember what you are fighting for every single day. Perhaps the most important piece of this journey is the unbreakable bonds that you will form with your brother rats, a bond forged in blood, sweat, and tears. I for one can say that my brother rats, my classmates, have become so much more. I look around and see my brothers and sisters looking back at me. These are the people who will push you to your personal limits and beyond. This is the family who will inspire you to become more than you ever thought possible.

For many of you, the days ahead are full of confusion, anxiety, and hardship. For those who believe they know

16 The Class System companies into battalions under the At VMI, rights and privileges as well as command of yet more cadet captains; responsibilities depend on class. There finally, battalions into the regiment, are four classes: rats (who eventually commanded by the cadet first captain. This become 4th Class cadets [freshmen] after structure, along with other cadet officers Breakout), 3rd Class cadets (sophomores), and noncommissioned officers, makes 2nd Class cadets (juniors) and 1st Class cadets up the military structure of the Corps of (seniors). There are also some fifth-year Cadets. It is important to note that at VMI, cadets who require additional time to rank is not given freely by class; each cadet complete their degree requirements, or with rank has applied and been selected for remain for a 9th semester to participate in rank based on demonstrated performance athletics resulting from a redshirt year and leadership potential. or injury. New cadets enjoy only one privilege: to Company Transfer Policy strain. First class cadets, however, having The Commandant of Cadets has the completed three years at the Institute, authority to assign and transfer cadets enjoy many privileges, including the use to and from any company within the of any arch to enter and exit barracks and Corps of Cadets for the purpose of health, operating a vehicle in Rockbridge County. welfare, morale, safety, security, or The class system is upheld by the General any other reason deemed necessary by Committee, which is a board of cadets voted the Commandant. into office by each class and oversees the student government of VMI. Each class Regimental Band and Pipes has a president, a vice president, and a The Regimental Band is organized as its historian, who are elected for life. The own company, comprised of approximately th new 4 Class will elect its officers after 150 full-time members. The Regimental spring furlough. Band, along with the Pipe Band, performs at over 150 events annually and in the past Regimental System five years they have appeared at the Rose The regimental system should not be Bowl Parade in Pasadena, Pearl Harbor confused with ROTC. The regimental Commemoration in Hawaii, and at the system administers the military New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade. They also component of the Corps of Cadets. perform at home and away athletic events. Consisting of three battalions composed of While representing VMI to the public, three companies each (nine line companies they are still required to participate in the plus a Regimental Band), this system is, duties and activities required of every VMI after the Honor Code, the most enduring rat and cadet. aspect of VMI. The regimental structure of the Corps of Cadets parallels that of Club and Service Opportunities a regular infantry regiment. Cadets are www.vmi.edu/cadet-life/ grouped into squads led by corporals, clubs-and-activities (selected 3rd Class cadets); squads into Opportunities for cadet engagement platoons led by sergeants (selected 2nd and volunteerism include the Cadet Equity Class cadets) and lieutenants (selected 1st Association, Promaji Club, International Class cadets); platoons into companies Club, VMI Theatre, and Building BRIDGES. commanded by 1st Class cadet captains;

17 Cadet Government

VMI has several governing committees organization through which the Corps run by cadets under the supervision polices its own, dealing with offenses from of the assistant commandant for cadet the most trivial to the most important. government. These committees handle the This organization, among other things, issues of the Corps and enforce regulations is charged with enforcing VMI’s anti- of the Institute. hazing policies. The OGA consists of 1st The General Committee (GC) makes up Class privates. the cadet leadership of the school. The GC The Cadet Equity Association (CEA) upholds the standards and traditions of promotes the Superintendent’s Statement the Corps. It is the guardian of the class on Equity at VMI, and monitors a post- system through its enforcement of class wide climate of respect and equitable privileges, and it is the officially recognized treatment for cadets. The mission of these voice for cadets when interacting with cadets is to receive reports of incidents the administration. The GC consists of of discrimination or sexual harassment, the nine class officers and one electedst 1 to investigate these matters when Class secretary. appropriate, and to protect the privacy The Officer of the Guard Association of the individuals involved insofar as it (OGA) maintains order and harmony is possible. CEA cadets receive training within the Corps. This is the main in matters and procedures related to

18 investigations and legal issues that courses, rappelling, and swims. New Cadet involve gender, racial, religious, sexual Military Training (NCMT) teaches basic orientation, and ethnic discrimination. military skills, marksmanship, first aid, and land navigation. Physical Fitness Cadets have to take the VMI Fitness Test Privileges and Leaves (VFT) every semester. The VFT is gender- Privileges and leave are based on normed and consists of pull-ups, sit-ups General Committee (GC) class and and a 1.5 mile run. It is highly encouraged are tempered by a cadet’s academic that rats begin to get themselves into shape performance and/or conduct record. A as soon as possible. VMI is notorious for cadet’s GC class is the class with which he/ ample stairs and never-ending hills. This she matriculated unless the cadet has left is very important to keep in mind while and returned to VMI. Only 1st Class cadets preparing for the Rat Line. Following is a with full class privileges are authorized basic workout outline. Make sure to modify to register, maintain, and operate a motor it to your ability. vehicle in Rockbridge County. New cadets » Day 1: 1 mile run at a fast pace/ 3 sets are authorized one weekend leave after of 15 body weight squats/ 3 sets of Breakout if they have full class privileges. lunges 10 each leg/ 4 sets of 30 seconds Emergency leave of 72 hours may be flutter kick then 25 crunches then 30 granted because of serious illness, death, seconds plank or other emergency in a cadet’s immediate » Day 2: max set of pull ups/ 3 sets (1 family. The emergency leave must be min between sets). Diamond push- approved by the commandant’s office or ups till exhaustion wait 30 seconds. officer-in-charge and recommended by Regular grip push-ups till exhaustion the chaplain. A time limit of 72 hours is wait 30 seconds Wide grip push-ups stipulated for this furlough, but may be till exhaustion. extended with the commandant’s approval. » Day 3: 3 mile run/ 4 sets of pull ups Special leaves are granted by permit. A till exhaustion cadet must have full class privileges and » Day 4: rest/ stretch a cumulative 2.0 GPA to take advantage of » (Repeat) special leaves. Cadets may submit a permit Cadets are also required to take seven to attend religious conferences, retreats semesters of physical education classes. or encounter weekends off post. Religious Cadets are also involved with several permits may be submitted through the programs that encourage physical chaplain to the commandant and will fitness. Physical Training Time (PTT) is require use of a weekend, unless the event administered by the respective ROTC is Institute sponsored or approved. A departments and the Commandant’s staff. cadet may be placed on medical leave if These sessions are mandatory. PTT is he/she has a medical condition requiring conducted twice each week and consists an absence from duties at VMI. Medical of a variety of physical training activities. permits are submitted through the Additionally, rats will engage in NCAA Institute physician to the commandant. sports or Rat Challenge. This is where Other permits must be submitted by the they will learn teamwork and leadership cadet. Parents should not be involved in the principles while doing many physical permit process. tasks such as runs, rope climbs, obstacle

19 Women’s Health at VMI period during Matriculation Week can be The VMI Infirmary staffs a physician frustrating, but here is what to expect if and nurse practitioner who offer full that happens. gynecological services while you are at During that time, all 4th stoop bathrooms VMI. Most of these services are free or at will be stocked with pads and tampons for very low cost. The physician and nurse rats if needed. All EMTs will be carrying practitioner are available Monday–Friday pads and tampons for rats if needed while from 0700–1700 and Saturday at sick call not in barracks. If you get your period, let (0700). an EMT know, so that you have additional Nurses are available at the VMI support. A woman having her period will Infirmary 24 hours a day while cadets are be given additional time for showers and in barracks. hygiene if an EMT is aware. What extra items might women need to Some women have irregular periods bring to VMI? or miss their periods completely during » Pads, tampons, or other times of high stress or intense exercise. Let hygiene products the Infirmary know if you miss more than » Sports bras three periods in row. » Any prescriptions or over-the-counter If you get painful cramps or have medications you use regularly questions, go to the Infirmary. There is » Neutral colored hair clips & bobby a medicine you can take to decrease the pins (elastics not permitted after cramping. Many women at VMI use birth rat haircut) control pills, not just to prevent pregnancy, It is not uncommon to get your period but for painful periods, irregular periods, during Matriculation Week. Getting your or acne treatment.

20 Expectations for Cadet Conduct

General everyone with dignity and fairness and Cadets are expected to conduct encouraging others to do the same. In that themselves as men and women of character light, cadets must understand the impact at all times. Exemplary conduct both at of their behavior on others and strive to and away from the Institute reflects credit uphold the values outlined in the Code of on the cadet, the Corps, and the Institute. a Cadet. A cadet is always considered to be of good conduct and honorable under all Dating Among Cadets circumstances, unless proven otherwise by Dating within the Corps is acceptable the cadet’s own actions. among the three upper classes as long as it Conduct unbecoming of a cadet is any is in accordance with policy. Typical cadet behavior which compromises, or can friendships based on shared backgrounds, reasonably be expected to compromise, academic or extracurricular interests, the character of the cadet, or the name and or organizational associations do not reputation of the Institute. Actions which constitute dating. Cadets are not allowed to constitute improper conduct are described date within their own chain of command. in the Blue Book (regulation on standards New cadets may not date another member and behavior) or established as such by the of the Corps during their entire first year traditions of the Institute. Unacceptable at VMI. conduct of a cadet may result in dismissal or other disciplinary action on a case-by- Dangerous and Destructive Behavior case basis. VMI is committed to the well-being and safety of cadets and the VMI family Alcohol as a whole, as well as to the integrity of The VMI post is commonwealth of its learning environment. A cadet who Virginia property and subject to its laws presents a serious danger to self or others, concerning consumption of alcohol and or who substantially disrupts the learning illegal drugs. Consumption of alcohol on environment on post, may be required to post by cadets, regardless of age, is strictly engage in a psychiatric evaluation followed prohibited. There are severe penalties by treatment on post if possible, and if not, for all cadets who violate VMI’s policy while at home on a medical furlough. regarding alcohol. All visitors to post should be aware of VMI’s rules regarding Drug Testing Program, Controlled alcohol and illegal drugs and that they Substances, and Drug Paraphernalia must absolutely refrain from providing www.vmi.edu/drugtestpolicy alcohol or illegal drugs to cadets anywhere, VMI General Order Number 53 is to include “tailgate” parties. The Institute the Policy on Prohibiting Controlled closely monitors the Parade Ground and all Substances and Drug Paraphernalia. on-post activities. VMI does not tolerate the possession, solicitation, distribution, sale, or use of Civility controlled substances, and/or of drug VMI expects every cadet to be committed paraphernalia. VMI prohibits all cadets at to respectful living, while treating any time or place, whether on- or off-post,

21 from possessing or using any controlled member of its community and that is free substances or other drug paraphernalia from harassment and discrimination based as defined in sections 18.2-250 (included in on any protected status, against otherwise schedule I through VI of the Drug Control qualified persons with disabilities, or Act, Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400)) and 18.2-265.1 based on any other status protected by of the Code of Virginia, unless authorized law. In pursuit of this goal, any question by legal prescription for such substance of impermissible discrimination on these or otherwise specifically permitted by bases will be addressed with efficiency law. Any cadet knowingly and willfully and energy and in accordance with GO-16, possessing or using such a substance or which includes VMI’s Discrimination item in violation of this policy will be Grievance Procedures (Appendix A of dismissed from the Institute. However, GO-16). Retaliation against those who have if the possession or use is not knowing alleged violations of this policy, those who and willful, the cadet will be subject to a have filed complaints or reports under penalty up to and including dismissal from this policy, and those who have testified or the Institute. otherwise participated in enforcement of VMI may conduct unannounced this policy will be addressed in a separate random drug tests of members of the General Order. Corps of Cadets for the presence of illegal Sexual harassment is a form of drugs and other controlled substances discrimination based on sex. It is defined periodically during the academic year. as unwelcome sexual advances, requests All matriculating at VMI do so with the for sexual favors, or other conduct of understanding that they are subject to a sexual nature including: verbal (e.g., requirements of VMI’s random drug specific demands for sexual favors, testing policy. In addition, the Commandant sexual innuendos, sexually suggestive may direct members of the Corps of Cadets comments, jokes of a sexual nature, sexual to be tested when a reasonable suspicion propositions, or sexual threats); non- of drug use exists. Refusal to provide verbal (e.g., sexually suggestive emails, a specimen for testing upon request in other writings, articles or documents, accordance with the provisions of VMI objects or pictures, graphic commentaries, policy may be treated as the equivalent suggestive or insulting sounds or of a positive test and turned over to the gestures, leering, whistling, or physical Commandant for appropriate disciplinary (e.g., touching, pinching, brushing the action. A positive finding of the presence of body, any unwelcome or coerced sexual a prohibited substance shall be treated as activity, including sexual assault). Sexual confirmation of possession and use of the harassment, including sexual assault, can prohibited substance in violation of VMI involve persons of the same or different policy and will result in dismissal. sexes. Sexual harassment may also include sex-based harassment directed toward Go-16 Discrimination, stereotypical notions of what is female/ Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, feminine v. male/masculine or a failure to Retaliation Policy conform to those gender stereotypes. Virginia Military Institute is committed Bystander Intervention Training to providing an environment that VMI adopted the “Step UP! Bystander emphasizes the dignity and worth of every Intervention program” beginning in 2014.

24 As new cadets, you will receive training person found guilty thereof shall be in a small group setting to maximize your guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any understanding of the program and the need person receiving bodily injury by hazing to be proactive in helping others. or mistreatment shall have a right to The goals of Step UP! are to: sue, civilly, the person or persons guilty » Raise awareness of helping behaviors thereof, whether adults or infants. The » Increase motivation to help president or other presiding official of any » Develop skills and confidence when school, college or university, receiving responding to problems or concerns appropriations from the State treasury » Ensure the safety and well-being of shall, upon satisfactory proof of the guilt of self and others any student hazing or mistreating another Most incidents on college campuses student, sanction and discipline such involve bystanders. Step UP! training student in accordance with the institution’s provides a framework explaining the policies and procedures. The institution’s bystander effect, reviews relevant policies and procedures shall provide for research and teaches skills for intervening expulsions or other appropriate discipline successfully using the 5 Decision Making based on the facts and circumstances of Steps, and the S.E.E. Model (Safe; Early; each case. The president or other presiding Effective). A survey at three universities official of any school, college or university (The University of Arizona, University receiving appropriations from the state of California, Riverside and University treasury shall report hazing which causes of Virginia), revealed that students bodily injury to the attorney for the are encountering multiple situations Commonwealth of the county or city in where bystander intervention would be which such school, college or university appropriate including, among other things, is, who shall take such action as he alcohol abuse, hazing, eating disorders, deems appropriate.” sexual assault, and discrimination. Almost 90 percent stated a problem could have Marriage and Parenthood been avoided with intervention and up to All VMI cadets must live in barracks 85 percent of the student-athletes indicated and participate in a demanding and they would like to learn skills to intervene. rigorous military program that does not The bottom line is that many, if not most, permit attention to the duties implied by unfortunate results are preventable. marriage or parenthood. Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Visitors, any Hazing cadet who marries or becomes a parent is The Rat Line and cadet life is difficult, expected to resign from the Corps. Absent but the conduct of cadre is absolutely voluntary resignation, should the Institute, professional and hazing is prohibited in its reasonable judgment, conclude that under Virginia law. Rats cannot choose to a cadet is married or the parent of a child, be hazed. Section 18.2-56 of the Virginia such cadet shall be separated from the Code states: “Hazing is unlawful; civil Corps, for failure of eligibility, at the end and criminal liability; duty of school, of the semester in which the information etc., officials” is as follows: “It shall be is received and investigated. For the unlawful to haze, or otherwise mistreat purpose of the policy, the responsibilities so as to cause bodily injury, any student of parenthood are deemed to begin upon at any school, college or university. Any a cadet’s learning that a child has been

25 conceived as a result of his or her conduct. Punitive Restrictions All cadets shall, upon matriculation Restrictions placed on a cadet affect and return each fall, sign a statement his/her status by redefining limits confirming their knowledge of this policy. and negating privileges. Cadets given restrictions will be fully aware of the Penalties limits of their restrictions. Ignorance is Penalties that may be assigned for not an acceptable explanation for breach violations are demerits, confinement, of restriction. Restrictions include arrest, penalty tours, and suspension or dismissal room confinement, barracks confinement, from the Institute. In addition, cadets may conduct probation, and physical be declared ineligible for privileges or training probation. be placed on conduct probation. Appeals for reconsideration of a penalty assigned The Blue Book as a result of a special report must be The Blue Book outlines the regulations submitted in writing to the Commandant governing the Corps of Cadets and provides within one week of the date of the special broad guidelines for cadet standards and report. Appeals of disciplinary dismissals conduct. Cadets adhere to the provisions of may be heard only in the most unusual the Blue Book at all times including during of circumstances. The president of the furloughs (including summers) and while United States and the governor of Virginia on and off post. VMI cadets are subject to may suspend confinement and penalty this regulation from the time they sign tours through the granting of amnesty. the Matriculation Book and become a Amnesty does not affect demerits or cadet until relieved of duty at graduation. any probationary status, i.e., conduct or Violations of the Blue Book that occur, for academic probation. example, during the summer furlough and off post, may result in action being taken for misconduct.

26 Support Services and Information

Campus Security company, and each company is supervised www.vmi.edu/police by a member of the commandant’s staff. 540-463-9177 Cadets and parents with questions or The Jeanne Clery Act requires all concerns can also contact the appropriate institutions of higher education to publicly tactical officer for assistance. disclose three years of campus crime statistics and basic security policies. In Emergency Management addition, federal regulations require www.vmi.edu/cadet- disclosure of graduation rates for each life/health-and-safety/ institution. VMI has chosen to include emergency-management its sexual harassment and sexual assault VMI is committed to informing the policies with this information. community of an emergency, disaster The personal safety of cadets and the or potential disaster immediately upon security of the community are of vital determining the nature of the emergency. concern to Virginia Military Institute. It is important for you to take an active role A copy of the Institute’s annual security in staying informed. report is available upon request. This VMI takes a proactive approach to report includes statistics for the most effective communication through the recent three-year period concerning VMI Mass Notification system, which reported crimes that occurred on post, allows VMI to instantly send emergency in certain off-post buildings, on property information to users via text messaging, owned or controlled by VMI, and on the email, and a phone call to its community. public property within or immediately This is a no-cost service. Cadets, faculty, adjacent to and accessible from the post. and staff have the opportunity to The report also includes information participate in or opt-out of this program regarding the law enforcement authority during the registration process. VMI of the post police and policies concerning encourages everyone in the VMI campus security, such as crime prevention, community to sign up for this service to alcohol and drug use, sexual assault, and receive immediate alerts when threatening reporting of any crimes that may occur situations arise such as natural disasters, on campus. fires, bomb threats, or acts of violence.

Commandant’s Office VMI Reach Out app 540-464-7962 VMI has developed the VMI Reach Out Overseeing cadet life in barracks is the app for safety and security information. responsibility of the commandant and his The home page on the app displays icons staff. There are at least two experienced that direct users to information, reporting individuals on duty within the barracks contacts and services they may need. 24 hours per day. Their most important Users only need to tap the icon to access responsibility is to ensure the health and information concerning police, emergency well-being of cadets. The officer in charge services, the Title IX coordinator, chaplain, can be contacted at 540-464-7962. In infirmary, and cadet counseling. The app addition to this, each cadet is a member of a also provides direct hotlines for support organizations such as Project Horizon, 27 which assists victims of dating, domestic, and to offer library services to the and sexual violence. The app can be community at large. downloaded free of charge from the Apple Renovation of Preston Library App Store and from Google Play. Search was completed in spring 2021. The for the “Reach Out-College Edition” app, library’s collections include books download it, and select “Virginia Military and journals in print and electronic Institute” when prompted. VMI encourages formats, non-print items such as DVDs, all cadets to have this safety app on their and databases covering a wide range of mobile phones. academic fields. Preston Library is also a selective depository of U.S. government Barber Shop publications. Patrons interested in doing www.vmi.edu/auxservices primary source research involving Each rat receives a “rat haircut” during rare books and photographs, along with Matriculation Week at the Institute’s own Institute historical records and growing barber shop, located in the concourse of digital archives, can find those materials in New Barracks. New cadets are required the VMI Archives in Preston Library. to get a haircut every week during the Cadets may check out books, videos, Rat Line. New cadets should not get a and other materials for their research regulation haircut before matriculating. and study needs and can access materials The quartermaster charge covers the cost on course reserves. Preston Library of all haircuts. also offers cadets free interlibrary loan service, which provides access to materials Preston Library not owned by our library. Personalized www.vmi.edu/library research consultations are available by 540-464-7129 appointment or on a drop-in basis. The mission of Preston Library is to Workstations with access to the internet, provide library materials and services of the library’s online catalog, discovery the highest quality; to teach skills needed tools, databases, digital resources, for academic inquiry and lifelong learning; Microsoft Office and local network drives to support faculty and undergraduate are available in the library and the open research; to provide access to and promote computer lab. Wireless network access and the use of Institute historical materials; FindMe printing are available throughout

28 the building. Study and learning spaces Sunday chapel service in Memorial include study carrels, group study Hall with contemporary worship, cadet rooms, large study tables, whiteboards, testimonies, and inspirational preaching and gallery areas on each floor with and teaching from the scriptures. Cadets comfortable seating. are encouraged to mature in their faith More information about Preston through prayer, Bible study (small Bible Library and its resources, services, study groups meet on each stoop weekly), staff, and facilities is available at fellowship (numerous religious groups www.vmi.edu/library. assemble on and off post each week), worship (local churches offer weekly Lejeune Hall services), community service (students Food Court (also called “The X” or “PX”) are encouraged to participate in activities is located in Lejeune Hall and is adjacent benefiting those in need), and missions to Third Barracks. It is open seven days a (spring and summer furlough mission week, from 0830–2300, Monday–Saturday; trips are made available). The chaplain 1100–2300 on Sunday. An assortment of also provides personal counseling and food, from salads to pizza, is available. Sales mentoring. The chaplain’s office liaisons are for cash, check, or major credit card. with local denominational churches that Orders can also be taken for special event include Episcopal, Lutheran, Baptist, items (birthday cakes, exam packs, etc.). Presbyterian, Catholic, Pentecostal, Methodist, etc. Support is provided VMI Bookstore through a local Hillel group for Jewish www.bkstr.com/vmistore cadets. The chaplain provides religious 540-464-7637 support for all faith groups based upon The VMI Bookstore, located in Lejeune availability of local churches, mosques, Hall, sells textbooks, authorized supplies, and synagogues. For any questions, please and toiletry items. For the convenience contact Col. Robert “Bob” Phillips ’87, of cadets, the Bookstore also carries Institute chaplain, at his office. stationary, paperbacks, greeting cards, post cards, imprinted sportswear, grooming Telephones supplies, and souvenirs. Free gift wrapping New cadets are not authorized to have is provided. New cadets will make several a cell phone in their possession. They will purchases in the Bookstore during often keep their cell phones in their dykes’ Matriculation Week. These purchases rooms until the end of the Rat Line. Since must be paid for at the time of sale by cash, rats are difficult to directly contact, parents check, or major credit card. Cadets may should contact their son or daughter’s dyke order books online and pick them up at a if they want to reach their cadet quickly. later time. In the event of a true emergency, parents should call the Commandant’s Office Religious Support during normal duty hours at 540-464-7313 540-464-7390 or the officer in charge of barracks at The chaplain to the Corps of Cadets 540-464-7293. provides religious support and opportunities for spiritual development to the members of the Corps. The chaplain leads a vibrant, growing

29 Uniform Laundry, Cleaning, counseling, psychiatric services, crisis Pressing, Alterations and Repairs intervention and consultation. Counseling www.vmi.edu/auxservices services are confidential and conducted by Laundry service is provided once a licensed mental health professionals. week. Each cadet is assigned a laundry number on Matriculation Day. New cadets Post Infirmary will receive a permanent laundry marker www.vmi.edu/infirmary in their rat-bag to mark their laundry 540-464-7218 number on all of the non-issued clothing. An infirmary, with 24-hour nursing Uniforms are cleaned and pressed in provided, is located on post. The infirmary the VMI Laundry Department. The cost offers full primary care services in of laundering, cleaning and pressing of a confidential setting. A doctor and regulation uniform items is included in nurse practitioner are available daily. the quartermaster charge. The VMI Tailor Emergencies are referred to the local Shop alters and repairs uniforms. There is hospital, Carilion Rockbridge Community no charge for normal uniform alterations Hospital, which serves the Lexington- and repairs due to fair wear and tear. Rockbridge County area. Medical conditions that must be treated off-post are Military Store treated at the cadet’s expense. Cadets are www.vmi.edu/auxservices permitted to keep personal prescriptions 540-464-7303 and over-the-counter medications in The Military Store, located in their rooms. Richardson Hall, stocks regulation uniform It is strongly recommended that any items. Additional and replacement uniform cadet not covered by the parents’ health items may be purchased, but must be paid insurance purchase a personal health for at the time of purchase by cash, check, insurance policy. or credit card. Hours: Monday–Friday If you have specific questions, please from 0730–1100 and 1200–1530. email: [email protected].

Health Services Information Technology Department www.vmi.edu/it COVID-19 The Information Technology www.vmi.edu/COVID Department serves as the management For the most up-to-date information on and support group for all technological COVID-19, see www.vmi.edu/COVID. services offered at VMI. From maintenance to training courses, the continually Center for Cadet Counseling modernizing program provides many www.vmi.edu/counseling courses aimed at promoting learning 540-464-7667 and assisting faculty and staff. The IT The Center for Cadet Counseling Department’s home page contains links to (CCC) offers services that help develop many helpful resources. awareness, knowledge and skills necessary for cadets to make healthy choices, meet Wireless Network Connectivity future challenges and lead meaningful www.vmi.edu/it lives. Services include educational VMI provides wireless network access programming, individual assessment, and in many classrooms and general access 30 areas around post, giving cadets ample in Virginia. It preserves and exhibits the opportunity to use laptops equipped history of the Cadet Corps and is located with wireless network adapters in the in the lower two levels of Memorial Hall. completion of academic obligations. The Jackson House Museum is an historic There are two IT help desks located at house museum located at 8 Washington VMI. One help desk is located in room Street in Lexington that interprets 315 of Nichols Engineering building, Jackson’s domestic life of the late 1850s. and the other help desk is located in the Purchased by then professor Maj. Thomas barracks study room. Office hours are Jackson in 1858, Jackson owned the home Monday–Friday, 0700–1200 and 1300–1600. until his death in 1863. The New Market Instructions for gaining access to the Battlefield State Historical Park is a 300- wireless network can all be found on the IT acre battlefield park commemorating the Department’s homepage. Battle of New Market and participation by the VMI Cadet Corps on 15 May 1864. The Museum System Virginia Museum of the Civil War is the VMI operates three historic sites: Commonwealth’s only state-owned Civil the VMI Museum, the Jackson House War museum and is located on the grounds Museum, and the Virginia Museum of of the park, just off Interstate 81 at Exit 264. the Civil War and New Market Battlefield All three museums are open daily, 0900– State Historical Park. Founded in 1845, 1700. Parents and current cadets receive the VMI Museum is the oldest museum free admission at all three sites.

31 Rat Mass of 2022+3,

All of you have opted to take a road less traveled. Your pursuit of the grades you are capable of earning, and to decision is admirable, but only one small step in the take your success into your own hands. My staff, and every journey that is a VMI cadetship. What lies before you is the other resource the Institute has to offer, cannot help you hardest undergraduate experience in the nation. While if you do not first reach out for support. You will never your peers at conventional universities coast through their be given anything at the Virginia Military Institute. Here, years in college, you will be tested emotionally, mentally, you must win every grade through your own efforts. My and physically in ways inconceivable to you. Shortly, you staff’s mission is to open every door you could need to will have the opportunity to prove your determination to be successful at VMI. Yours is to walk through those doors withstand the challenges before you. from your own volition and to act on your own definition of academic success. The transition from high school-level academics to college-level academics is demanding. While there are Very respectfully, many things demanded of you at the Institute, your Alex N. Rice academics will be under your own control. Your unique S-2 Captain AY 21–22 burden will be to manage your time efficiently in order to balance the many trials and tribulations you will face every day as a VMI cadet. This ownership, however, does not come with a lack of support. Side by side, you and your brother rats will all be undergoing these unique challenges within the Rat Line. As you feel the stress overwhelm you, I ask that you recall that you are never alone at VMI. Rely on your brother rats for support and seek help. Additionally, my S-2 staff, composed of cadets that have mastered the academic systems of the Institute, exists to support your transition into and continued success in the rigorous academic environment of VMI. It is our mission, in tandem with the Miller Academic Center, to provide you with access to a network of cadet peer tutors, group study sessions, and professionally staffed organizations devoted to promoting the educational development of all VMI cadets. Your S-2 company representative will work with you personally to determine your needs and the resources that are most applicable to your academic situation.

It is my personal promise to you that my staff and I will do everything in our power to provide you with every opportunity for success. However, remember that it is contingent on you, the individual rat, to seek help in

32 Academics and Related Support

S-2 Staff Description » Place your academics first. It’s easy to The S-2 staff serves as academic get so caught up in the Rat Line that advisors to the Corps of Cadets, and you put your homework off. You don’t representatives of the Corps to the VMI get kicked out for unshined shoes, but faculty. Each company is assigned an S-2 you can easily get kicked out for bad academic representative who monitors grades. the company’s academic performance and » Familiarize yourself with the helps struggling cadets in need of academic Academic Handbook to find out more help. The S-2 staff is particularly focused about academic policies, in working with rats and ensuring that departmental information, program they have a successful academic transition requirements, and opportunities by from high school to college academics. reading through the course catalog on Additionally, the S-2 staff serves as scribes the website for cadet meetings and writes permits (www.vmi.edu/majors). relating to academics. » Start off strong. At VMI, you are starting fresh and developing/ Recommendations for Incoming Rats maintaining a strong work ethic will » New cadets need to be aware that be important for succeeding later courses in colleges are much more in life. difficult than courses in high school, » New cadets need to be aware that they especially here at VMI, where new have a lot of academic resources they cadets need to learn how to manage can use, and we are here to help. their time between the Rat Line (Writing Center, Group Study and academics. Sessions, Miller Academic Center, and » It is better to over-prepare than especially the tutor system). under-prepare. Academic Advising » Be ready to create and maintain good Upon entry into VMI, each cadet is relationships with your professors. assigned an academic advisor who, Introducing yourself to your unless the cadet subsequently changes professors at the beginning of the academic major, will work with the cadet semester will be beneficial to your until graduation. During the first year success throughout the course. there is extensive contact between the » Use your allotted free time wisely. advisor and cadet in order to facilitate the Triage assignments according to their cadet’s transition into the VMI culture, length and importance. For example, assist the cadet in mastering the academic do a worksheet during a free hour, but policies and regulations, and assist use the uninterrupted Dean’s evening the cadet in coordinating the demands hours to work on a long paper. of a multi-faceted academic and co- » Seek help as soon as you feel you’re curricular experience. struggling—even if only a little bit. It’s The academic advising program is a better to get help as soon as something pivotal element of the broader program is unclear so that you don’t fall behind of academic support services provided by even more. Virginia Military Institute and is a major force in ensuring a successful progression 33 through the VMI program. Cadets are » The completion of the FAFSA—the encouraged to take full advantage of the Free Application for Federal Student Institute’s commitment to the academic Aid (#003753) advising process. Deadline: March 1 of each year for new and returning cadets. Failure to submit Financial Aid materials by the deadline may affect VMI’s www.vmi.edu/financialaid ability to provide financial assistance. The mission of the Office of Financial The completion of these two forms Aid is to provide financial assistance and determines the level of need-based aid for counseling to cadets and prospective which a cadet qualifies. In addition to aid cadets, so as to reduce the financial awarded by VMI (need-based grants, merit barriers that could hinder enrollment, scholarships, and ROTC scholarships), retention, and success at VMI. The assistance may also be received through office strives to provide responsible Federal Direct Loans and Parent PLUS and courteous service and functions in Loans. All aid received by a VMI cadet, compliance with all federal, state, and regardless of the source, will be processed VMI policies. through the Office of Financial Aid. Please The application process for financial aid visit www.vmi.edu/financialaid to find consists of two important steps: additional details regarding VMI’s » The completion of the VMI Financial Financial Aid program, as well as contact Aid Application information for staff members.

34 Special Academic Programs International Programs www.vmi.edu/ip Office of Disabilities Services. Broadening global perspectives and www.vmi.edu/ds increasing cultural awareness is an The Office of Disabilities Services inherent component of VMI’s mission (ODS) is committed to meeting the ethical of educating citizen-soldiers. The Office and legal responsibilities to ensure of International Programs (OIP) offers equitable educational access for cadets a complete portfolio of study abroad with documented disabilities. We support opportunities designed to prepare young cadets’ development of academic, life and men and women for successful service leadership skills in a manner that fosters in an increasingly global community. self-awareness, self-determination, and VMI’s study abroad opportunities include self-advocacy. ODS also serves as a resource programs at both civilian and military to the VMI community by promoting institutions around the globe. Because awareness and understanding of disability cadets are not permitted to study abroad issues in higher education. during their first two semesters at VMI, Cadets with documented disabilities the summer following the rat year presents are encouraged to schedule a meeting cadets with their first chance to take with the director of ODS as early as advantage of this remarkable opportunity. possible to allow adequate time for Cadets may study abroad one semester review of documentation, to allow for during their cadetship and as many a thorough assessment of academic summers as they like. Faculty-led summer needs, and to familiarize new cadets with programs occur during the same time administrative procedures. frame as the VMI summer sessions and are intended not to conflict with regular Institute Honors Program duties during the year, such as ROTC www.vmi.edu/honors training, intercollegiate athletics, or other This program exists to enrich the responsibilities within the Corps. academic experience of VMI’s outstanding cadets through activities that encourage an Open Math Lab (OML) affinity for intellectual inquiry and develop www.vmi.edu/oml the capacity for sophisticated engagement The Open Mathematics Laboratory of issues and problems, whether ethical, (OML) is designed to allow cadets to freely civic, or professional. In all of its elements, seek and find as much help as needed for the program stresses peer leadership, any of VMI’s mathematics core curriculum strong oral and written communication courses. The model for the lab is one skills, and the highest standards of wherein tutors are prepared to help cadets academic integrity and excellence. The in an open and shared setting. Walk-ins Institute Honors Program recognizes a are welcomed. OML tutors are trained, broader range of achievement than honors knowledgeable, and current on the specific earned in any particular major. Attainment techniques and problems taught by VMI of Institute Honors is viewed as the highest mathematics teaching faculty. The OML is academic achievement at VMI. meant to complement and support, but not replace, course activities within the VMI mathematics curriculum.

35 Miller Academic Center Academic known that VMI requires cadets to have Success Programs at least 6 semesters in residence at VMI to www.vmi.edu/mac graduate, with a 75% rule requiring that The Miller Academic Center (MAC) at least 75% of all credits a cadet graduates helps cadets transition to college academics with were earned at VMI. In regards to and college life. Cadets can learn how to AP credit and college credit transfer, VMI effectively manage their time through the requires students to earn a C or better in use of the VMI College Success Planner. order for the credit to transfer. Group Study Sessions (GSS) are available for a number of core courses including science, math, history, and foreign languages. The GSS meetings are a weekly opportunity for new cadets to discuss coursework and strategies with successful upper-class cadets. Academic Saturday workshops provide new cadets with valuable information on effective study skills and strategies to optimize their time. Staff will also meet with individual cadets to discuss concerns or questions about academic success at VMI. New cadets are encouraged to learn more about the MAC programs and services designed with them in mind by visiting www.vmi.edu/mac.

Writing Center www.vmi.edu/iwp The Writing Center complements and extends the writing instruction cadets receive in the classroom by providing help with a full range of activities to improve their writing, at any level and in any discipline. Professional tutors work with cadets in one-on-one conferences on every aspect of the writing process, from planning a paper to polishing a final draft. For further information, contact Colonel Christina R. McDonald, Institute director of writing, or visit the Institute Writing Program’s website.

Transfer Credit www.vmi.edu/ admissions-and-aid/apply VMI has stringent rules in regards to transfer credit approval. It should be

36 VMI Center for Undergraduate Research cadet has selected. If a cadet is interested www.vmi.edu/academics/research in earning a commission, scholarship The VMI Center for Undergraduate and non-scholarship commissioning Research (VCUR) is both a program and programs are available in each of the four a centralized office with the mission service branches. of promoting and facilitating faculty- New cadets are required to select a ROTC mentored undergraduate research at branch during the summer scheduling VMI. VCUR operates on the premise that process. In attempting to determine which some of the most enduringly meaningful ROTC branch they should enroll, new academic experiences of college students cadets can contact representatives of each come through opportunities to be branch through their departmental emails. mentored one-on-one by faculty outside Each ROTC department will be available the classroom, while also believing in the at matriculation to answer additional merit of research and other inquiry-based questions. In order to enroll in the Air experiences within a more traditional Force or Naval (Navy or Marines) ROTC classroom setting. VCUR simultaneously programs, new cadets must express a nurtures existing mentoring efforts and desire to commission and meet individual coordinates new institutional support service requirements. Cadets who are for joint investigative projects by faculty not anticipating commissioning will be members and cadets. Programs include assigned to Army ROTC. an annual Undergraduate Research The Army National Guard and United Symposium held on post; a Summer States Army Reserve Simultaneous Undergraduate Research Institute; cadet Membership Programs are avenues that a travel grants to present at professional cadet may take for additional income and meetings or conduct research in the field; possible tuition assistance. While these Wetmore Fund for supplies for cadet are great programs, prospective cadets are academic year research; and awards to strongly encouraged to contact the Army encourage and acknowledge faculty who ROTC Department (USAR or ARNG Liaison engage cadets in undergraduate research Officers) before enlisting, as Basic Training experiences. For more information, contact and School dates could prevent the cadet Col. Scott Frein or visit VCUR’s website. from completing a semester, which could result in disenrollment from VMI. There ROTC could also be some conflict when applying In order to graduate from VMI, every for an ROTC scholarship. For more cadet is required to take eight semesters information contact Mr. Thomas Atkinson of ROTC classes and successfully pass (Army) 540-464-7680, [email protected]; each semester. Each ROTC unit prepares Retired Chief Yeoman Rick Schemehorn cadets to receive a commission in their (Navy) 540-464-7277, [email protected]; Ms. respective branch, whether a cadet chooses Diane Fishburn (Air Force) 540-464-5354, to commission or not. Throughout the [email protected]. year, there are two scheduled training exercises during which it is likely that cadets will leave post to train in the field for a weekend. These weekend Field Training Exercises (FTXs) provide experience specific to the service the

37 To best protect cadets, faculty, staff, and visitors against COVID-19, and ensure a safe and productive academic year, VMI will require cadets to be fully vaccinated by their report date.

Allen Xu ’21, Cadet EMT Chief Vaccine confirmation must be shared with VMI before arrival.

Visit www.vmi.edu/safereturn for details about the submission process and other COVID-19 protocols.

38 Glossary of Common VMI Terms

1857 Limits Gates: Brick pillars on Letcher Citizen-Soldier: The goal of a VMI Avenue near Mallory Hall denoting education; modeled on the actions of an old boundary between VMI and Cincinnatus, the legendary Roman the town. farmer/warrior/statesman who Barracks: Where cadets live; dominant fought to save Rome, then returned to architectural feature of VMI; original civilian life. section completed in 1851; a National Class: First class (senior); second class Historic Landmark. (junior); third class (sophomore); fourth Barracks Study Room: Room in the class (freshmen); rats become fourth concourse of barracks with study class cadets after the Rat Line ends carrels, computers, and printers (following Breakout). available to all cadets, including rats, CLE: Center for Leadership and Ethics for studying. CMD: Completion of Military Duty. This The Bomb: The VMI yearbook; the is when the cadet is finished with all oldest college annual in the South, first required responsibilities for the day. published in 1885. Coatee: Woolen jacket with tails and many Boned: The act of being placed on report buttons; part of full-dress uniform. for an infraction of the rules; Bone: the Commandant: Senior administrative specific punishment for being boned. officer responsible for the supervision Boxed Lunches: A to-go lunch hand made and training of the Corps. for cadets during times they can’t make Concourse: Underground level it to Crozet. of barracks. BRC: Breakfast Roll Call; the first Confinement: A restriction to room, formation of the day. barracks, or post; results from being Breakout: Culminating event signaling boned for a rules violation. the end of the Rat Line. CCQ: Close Call to Quarters. This is when Breach of Permit: Failure to adhere cadets are required to be in their rooms to both the letter and the spirit of if they are not in an authorized location. conditions associated with specific CPTF: Corps Physical Training Facility permission to do something. (See CQ: Call to Quarters. This is when the also: Permit.) guard teams have checked barracks after Brother Rat, “BR”: A term of affection for Taps has sounded to release cadets from those who go through the Rat Line the their rooms. same time you do. CQRB: Call to Quarters, Release in CAD: Completion of Academic Duty. This Barracks. This is announced 15 minutes is when the student is finished with class before Taps. for the day. CTT: Commandant’s Training Time used CEA: Cadet Equity Association. Monitors for training and inspections. the post-wide climate of respect and DTT: Dean’s Training Time; Dean’s weekly equitable treatment for cadets. time for special academic activities. Certified: An oath, as in “I certify;” Demerits: mark made against a cadet’s also, the promise not to share record for a fault or for misconduct; confidential information issued for breaking rules and as a result

39 of being boned; excess demerits may Guard Team: The group of cadets result in suspension or dismissal. responsible for barracks for a 24- DRC: Dinner Roll Call hour period. Drum Out: the formal announcement to Guard Tree: Formerly a tree on the the Corps of an expulsion of a cadet for Parade Ground where the guard team an honor offense. The ceremony begins assembled; site now marked by a with a long drum roll. memorial tablet. Ducks: White cotton trousers worn with Hay: Traditional term for mattress which coatee during formal occasions. must be rolled up each morning; term Dyke: The term used for a first class cadet originated from days when cadets slept in relation to his/her rat. on hay pallets. Dyke Out: To get dressed in Coatee and Hay Rack: Folding cot upon which the don the signature white crossing straps, hay is placed for sleeping; also known as worn only for parades. one’s rack; must be placed against wall EC: Executive Committee; is composed of each morning. the GC (see definition) and the President Help Received Statement: Official, of the OGA (see definition) and hears certified statement on any “work for special cases of cadet misconduct. grade” that acknowledges any work not Formation: Cadets standing in ranks for a belonging to the cadet whose work it is. specific event, such as parade formation, Honor Court: See section on Honor meal formation, etc. System in this handbook. Form 24: A form to self-bone. Used when Honor System: See section on Honor cadets break a rule, which they are honor System in this handbook. bound to follow. Hops: Organized dances/mixers/social Furlough: Vacation scheduled or events at VMI. approved by VMI. House Mountain: Double mountain seen GC: General Committee; composed of the in profile from Parade Ground; located nine class officers; maintains/ enforces about five miles west-northwest of VMI; the standards of the Corps. The EC, OGA, a Rockbridge County landmark. and CEA are subcommittees of the GC. McKethan Park: A recreation park and Gim: Term applied to Sick Call or those pavilion used for Corps and Institute who receive relief from duty as a result activities located two miles east of an injury or illness. The first Institute of Lexington. Physician had a horse named “Gimlet,” Memorial Hall: The primary assembly nicknamed “Old Gim,” which he used to hall for Corps functions; contains cadet transport cadets who were too ill to walk. chapel and VMI Museum. Thus, cadets “rode the Gim” to sick call. Military Duty: The part of the day General Orders: Standing orders for devoted to military duties and/or the members of the Guard Team or orders intramural athletic program; follows pertaining to VMI employees and/ academic duty and precedes supper. or cadets. New Market: A town located in southern Gray Blouse: Woolen jacket (equivalent to Shenandoah County, Virginia where coat and tie in formality) the May 15, 1864 Battle of New Market Guard Room: Headquarters for the Guard was fought. It is approximately 80 miles Team; in Old Barracks Main Arch. north of Lexington. This battle was fought through the town and on the

40 rolling hills surrounding it. It is also situations needing special attention and/ known for the role of the VMI Corps of or to grant approval for exceptions to Cadets in the action with 257 engaged, 47 policies. Permits must be submitted no wounded and 10 killed. later than four days prior to the effective North Post: Location of the military date. The Commandant approves certain leadership field training grounds Standing Permits at the start of each OC: Officer-in-Charge, an Institute academic year for special purposes official; represents the Commandant such as dine with family. Cadets must and monitors guard team performance acquire the appropriate signatures prior after hours. to submitting permits. This includes OCMNI: Officer-in-Charge Middle of the professor signatures for class absences, Night Inspection. An afterTaps check of coach approval for intercollegiate cadets by the OC. absences, the doctor’s signature for OCNI: Officer-in-Charge Nightly urgent medical appointments or Inspection. An evening check of the furloughs, adviser signatures for club barracks by the OC. activities, and Career Service approval OD/OG: Officer of the Day/Officer of the for interviews. Guard; the two ranking members of the PTT: Physical Training Time with a guard team (usually first class cadets). cadet’s ROTC affiliation or, if a non- OGA: Officer of the Guard Association commissioning second or first class (first class privates); helps create and cadet, with their VMI company. maintain an environment that facilitates PX: Post Exchange; where cadets get food communications, harmony, and and can eat with families discipline in the Corps. QMD: Quartermaster Department; Old Barracks Main Arch: Main entrance issues uniforms. to Old Barracks; contains entrance to Ranker: Any cadet who holds an official Commandant’s office. position in the regimental system. Optional BRC: Authorization to miss Rat: Term applied to all new cadets during Breakfast Roll Call. their first year at VMI; precedes being Orderly: A cadet from each room who is a fourth class cadet, which comes after responsible for the cleanliness of the Breakout from the Rat Line. room. Will receive all bones for an out of Rat Bible: A small book of facts about order room. VMI’s history and certain information Parade Ground: Open field in front of specific to the current year; must be barracks used for parades, physical in a rat’s possession at all times; rats training, and tailgates during are responsible to know and recite the football season. contents of this book. Parapet: Wall along the south side of Rat Challenge: A physical program that barracks overlooking Memorial Gardens includes obstacle courses; promotes and Cocke Hall; has a famous inscription teamwork and leadership; rats which rats must memorize. participate during the fall semester. Penalty Tours: A punishment consisting Rat Line: The whole experience of being of an hour’s worth of supervised a rat; also the specific path in barracks marching while carrying a rifle. which rats must use in going from one Permits: Typed documents approved by place to another. the appropriate authority to address

41 Ring Figure: The weekend events at Strain: An exaggerated position of which second class cadets receive their attention; what rats are supposed to do class rings. when they walk the Rat Line. Run the Block: To leave post against Superintendent: The president of VMI, regulations, usually at night—results in Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 a major bone. Supernume: Supernumerary; an Section Marcher: A cadet official in additional third class cadet attached to charge of accountability (attendance) the Guard Team who acts as a messenger. for a particular academic class and Sweat Party: Fifteen minute physical responsible for presenting the class to fitness workout reserved for rats. the professor. Taps: This is the last bugle call at night Sent up: Recommended to the GC (see blown as a signal that lights are to be definition) as a disciplinary measure. put out. Sentinels: Rats or fourth class cadets Tailgate: To picnic out of the trunk of assigned to a daily rotating guard a car; usually on the Parade Ground position around barracks and charged preceding/following a football game. with upholding the regulations of Uncle Dykes: The first class cadets who the Institute. room with one’s dyke. Shako: Tall hat bearing either a pom-pom VMI Museum: Preserving and or feather plume (officers only) worn for interpreting the heritage of VMI and full-dress parades. its alumni, the VMI Museum features Special Orders: Any additional orders galleries dedicated to the history of VMI, posted for specific members of the the Henry Stewart Antique Firearms Guard Team. Collection and VMI alumni service as The Spirit: VMI’s “fight song;” also citizens and soldiers. The oldest museum doubles as the Alma Mater. in the state of Virginia, it houses over SRC: Supper Roll Call; Supper formation 20,000 artifacts. with the entire Corps. Woolies: Term for wool pants—part of the Visitor Slip: Colored note sent to a cadet’s winter uniform room by the guard team notifying the Work for Grade: Any work submitted to cadet of the presence of a visitor, a phone a professor for a grade is subject to the message, etc. Honor System; it must be the cadet’s own Stoop: A floor of barracks; rats live on the work; any help must be acknowledged in fourth stoop. the Help Received Statement.

42 VMI Telephone Quick Reference List

Area Code 540 Economics and Business . . . . . 464-7234 General Hours are 0800–1630 Monday– Electrical and Computer Engineering Friday unless otherwise specified...... 464-7236 English and Fine Arts ...... 464-7240 VMI Visitor Center (Use this number to History ...... 464-7338 contact cadets) ...... 464-7306 International Studies and Political Science Academic Information ...... 464-7676 Mechanical Engineering . . . . . 464-7308 Academic Advising ...... 464-7741 Modern Languages and Cultures .464-7241 Applied Mathematics ...... 464-7335 Physical Education ...... 464-7317 Biology ...... 464-7247 Physics and Astronomy . . . . . 464-7225 Chemistry ...... 464-7244 Psychology/Philosophy ...... 464-7194 Civil and Environmental Engineering Registrar ...... 464-7213 ...... 464-7331 Summer Session Office ...... 464-7319 Computer and Information Science ...... 464-7858 43 Cadet Support Student Accounting ...... 464-7217 Athletic Academic Advising . . . 464-7722 Superintendent’s Office ...... 464-7311 The Bomb (VMI yearbook) . . . . 464-7325 Treasurer’s Office ...... 464-7215 Cadet Counseling ...... 464-7667 Career Services (0800–1630 M–F) ROTC Programs ...... 464-7560 U.S. Air Force/Space Force . . . . 464-7354 Financial Aid ...... 464-7208 U.S. Army ...... 464-7351 Information Technology/Barracks Help U.S. Navy/Marine Corps . . . . . 464-7275 Desk (0700–1300, 1400–1600 M–F) ...... 464-7341 General Information Inspector General/Title IX Coordinator Admissions Office ...... 464-7211 ...... 464-7072 Alumni Office ...... 464-7221 International Programs ...... 464-7421 Athletic Ticket Office ...... 464-7266 Learning and Disabilities Services Auxiliary Services ...... 464-7096 (Miller Academic Center) . . . .464-7661 Bookstore (0800–1630 M–F, 1000–1600 Sat., Post Infirmary ...... 464-7218 closed Sun.) ...... 464-7637 Post Police ...... 464-7017 Keydet Club ...... 464-7328 Postal Services ...... 464-7745 Keydet Kanteen ...... 463-3331 Preston Library ...... 464-7129 Military Store ...... 464-7303 Writing Center ...... 464-7045 Physical Plant Customer Service . 464-7357 Sports Information Office . . . . .464-7515 Administrative Offices Visitor Center ...... 464-7306 Business Office ...... 464-7321 VMI Foundation ...... 464-7287 Chaplain’s Office ...... 464-7390 VMI Museum (0900–1700 daily) . .464-7334 Chief Diversity Officer ...... 464-7789 VMI Theatre ...... 464-7389 Commandant’s Office ...... 464-7313 Communications and Marketing . 464-7207 VMI Health Center Comptroller’s Office ...... 464-7270 Cadet Counseling ...... 464-7667 Dean of the Faculty ...... 464-7136 Post Infirmary ...... 464-7218 Deputy Commandant’s Office . . .464-7314 For numbers not listed, please contact Officer-in-Charge (nightly) . . . . 464-7293 the VMI Visitor Center 464-7306.

44 The Virginia Military Institute is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from harassment and discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities, or based on any other status protected by law. In pursuit of this goal, any question of impermissible discrimination on these bases will be addressed with efficiency and energy and in accordance with VMI General Order 16. General Order 90 addresses complaints or reports of retaliation against those who have opposed practices prohibited by General Order 16, those who have filed complaints or reports of prohibited practices, and those who have testified or otherwise participated in enforcement of General Order 16. Questions regarding discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amend- ments of 1972, or other federal law, may be referred to the VMI Inspector General and Title IX Coordinator, 212 Carroll Hall, VMI, Lexington, VA 24450, (540) 464-7072. Any cadet or prospective cadet having questions about disability services for students should contact the Director of the Center for Cadet Counseling and Disability Services, 448 Institute Hill, 2nd floor, Post Infirmary, Lexington, Va. 24450, (540) 464-7667. For employment-related disability services, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator in the VMI Human Resources Office, Lexington, VA 24450, (540) 464-7322. 2021-06