New Cadet Handbook 2021-22 - Virginia Military Institute
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New Cadet Handbook
2021–22Contents
������������������������������������������������������������������������� Cadet Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Expectations for Cadet Conduct . . . . . . . . . . 21
Support Services and Information . . . . . . .27
Academics and Related Support . . . . . . . . . .33
Glossary of Common VMI Terms . . . . . . . . .39
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,
1Rat 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
2VMI—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
1839 and now in its 182nd year, has remained culminate in the year 2039, VMI’s 200th
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
3the 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
4Pre-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
5White 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
6Plain 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
7White 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
8Prohibited 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
9Rats 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
10Matriculation 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
1112
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 by Taps (lights
A new cadet’s greatest ally during out) at 2330 Sunday–Thursday. Saturdays
and after the Rat Line is his or her 1st 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
13To 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
14Cadet 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
are several systems at the Institute that fourteen 1st and 2nd 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.
15To 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
16The 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
new 4th 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;
17Cadet 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 elected 1st 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
18investigations 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
19Women’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.
20Expectations 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,
21from 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
conform to those gender stereotypes.
Retaliation Policy
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.
24As 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
25conceived 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.
26Support 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,
27which 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
28You can also read
