Frequently Asked Questions
ATM Locations
The ATM is located near the VMI Post Office behind Maury Brooke Hall.
Shuttle to Cameron information
The Shuttle departs from the corner of Parade Avenue and Letcher Avenue, in front of Moody Hall, and will make stops at Nichols Engineering before dropping off passengers at Cameron Hall (corner of Diamond and Main Street). The shuttle will run from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
When to change into gym uniform
Cadets should change into gym uniform after lunch. They are required to be in their gym uniform with name tag for the Superintendent’s Welcome in Cameron Hall at 2:30 p.m. Cadets should keep one set of civilian clothes (appropriate for traveling) with them.
Sequence of events on Matriculation day
Matriculation, Cameron Hall 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Matriculation Fair, Crozet Hall 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Barracks Check In, Barracks until 2:15 p.m.
Superintendent’s Welcome, Cameron Hall 2:30 p.m.
March Off, Cameron Hall 3:00 p.m.
Parents Information Session, Cameron Hall 3:15 p.m.
Restrooms
Restroom facilities are available in Cameron Hall, Cocke Hall, Barracks and Crozet Hall.
Where to put luggage
Personal items should remain in the vehicle until the Matriculation process is completed, and cadets are ready to check into Barracks.
Can parents/family/friends help carry luggage to room?
Yes, family members and friends are allowed into Barracks to assist their cadet with Barracks Check-in.
Refreshments
Bottled water will be available in Cameron Hall. Refreshments are also available in Crozet and the 3rd Barracks Food Court. The Parents Council tent located on the Parade Ground will also have water available.
Parents Council
Information regarding the Parents Council can be found at www.vmi.edu/parentscouncil.
Where to eat lunch
Cadets and their family are encouraged to eat in Crozet Hall. Lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The costs for family members are $6.00 per person, $4.00 for children 12 and under, and no cost for new cadets. There are a numerous restaurants available in Lexington as well. It is not appropriate for new cadets to leave VMI while wearing their gym uniform.
Network cable & other needs
Information Technology will have a table to answer questions in Cocke Hall as a part of the Matriculation Fair.
When can rats read/send email?
New cadets have email access once classes begin.
When can parents visit their rat?
Parents are invited to attend the New Cadet Oath Ceremony at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park in New Market, Virginia, on Sunday, 6 September at 11:00 a.m. After the new cadets return to Lexington, turn in their weapons, and attend an accountability formation - they can depart Post with the parents/guests for dinner in Lexington. New cadets will need to return to Post NLT 8:30 p.m. Parents are also encouraged to visit upon completion of football games on Saturdays, and during Parents Weekend 16-17 October. Please visit the VMI calendar at http://www2.vmi.edu/eventcalendar.
How do weekend permits work?
Permits are special requests submitted by cadets through the Deputy Commandant as directed by the VMI Blue Book (rules for cadets). Rats are not normally allowed to “take” weekends during the first semester.
When can rats leave campus on Parents Weekend?
The Parents Weekend Brochure is available at the Parents Council table in the Matriculation Fair and is mailed to all cadet parents. Additional guidance is provided to the rats from the Commandant’s Office. Please visit www.vmi.edu/parentsweekend.
When can rats be picked-up/fly-out for Thanksgiving?
All cadets are allowed to leave CAD (close of academic duty) for furloughs. This means at the completion of their last academic class scheduled for that day.
Cadet Ride information
The Ride Share forum allows cadets to either look for a ride or make a ride available during various breaks throughout the year. The site can be found at www.vmi.edu\rideshare.
