Miller Academic Center

Mission Statement  

The mission of the Miller Academic Center is to be an integral and valued part of the rich academic tradition of the Virginia Military Institute by providing services and programs to cadets, faculty, parents, and other members of the VMI community to facilitate cadets’ achievement of optimal academic success.  

Strategic Direction  

To fulfill our mission, we will provide a system of academic success programs and services that proactively facilitates the successful transition and academic performance of cadets throughout their time at VMI. Simultaneously we will enhance the reputation and credibility of the MAC by educating stakeholders about the capabilities and possibilities of the MAC so that programs and services are fully utilized and valued.  

Latest News from the MAC: 

For Spring 2012, the Miller Academic Center will offer the following programs beginning the week of January 22^nd to support our cadets’ successful academic performance: 

Group Study Sessions (GSS): The weekly sessions are led by one or two upperclass cadets who earned a B or better in the course here at VMI. The leaders are paired up with a faculty member who does not attend the session but does serve as a resource and support by communicating with the leaders after each session to review what was covered, help with any questions the leaders have, etc. The sessions are free and no registration is necessary.   

 Cadets are encouraged to contact the MAC if they need assistance in a course that is not included in the GSS program at this time.  

Project Success 2 (PS2): Academic probation cadets will be required to participate in and earn a Letter of Completion from this weekly program that begins the week of Jan.22^nd. MAC staff and academically successful cadets will facilitate participants’ acquisition of essential skills and information such as time management, effective reading techniques, and test preparation and test-taking. They will also keep a reflective journal in which they will develop a plan for changing one behavior to support their goal to achieve academic success. Groups will be meeting Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from 2000-2100 in 501 Scott Shipp. 

FOCUS (Facilitating Opportunities and Choices to Unlock Success): Beginning Monday, Jan.23 during Dean’s Time (1100-1200) in 501 Scott Shipp, third class cadets can learn how to achieve success during their Academic Ratline and beyond. MAC staff and academically successful cadets will provide the tools and strategies to effectively manage time, study, and perform in the classroom. This program is voluntary and cadets who fulfill the requirements will earn a Letter of Completion in recognition of their accomplishment. While the focus is on the third class cadets, members of other classes are welcomed! 

VMI Cadet Success Planner: All cadets are invited to stop by the MAC to obtain a free VMI Cadet Success Planner and discuss effective time management skills with a MAC staff member. 

Individual Assistance: Cadets are invited to schedule an appointment or come by 202 Carroll Hall to meet with a MAC staff member to discuss questions about their academic success or leadership opportunities within the MAC. 

We are still seeking qualified and motivated cadets to serve as leaders of group study sessions for certain courses for the Spring 2012 semester. GSS Cadet Leaders/Co-Leaders’ responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• To contact the faculty member for the GSS to confirm timing and method of weekly reporting of attendees and summary of GSS, 
• To acquire from the faculty member a copy of the current syllabus and any other relevant materials or information, 
• To take attendance by recording the name and email address of all cadets present, 
• To email the faculty member and the Miller Academic Center (dukemm@vmi.edu) within 24 hours after each GSS with the attendance and summary information, 
• To be prepared and provide support to attending cadets that is in keeping with the faculty’s instructions so as not to commit any Honor Code violation, 
• To share study strategies to enhance cadets’ academic performance for that course, 
• To refer any cadets to the Miller Academic Center for additional assistance.   
• To complete assessments from the Miller Academic Center and submit to the MAC within 72 hours of receipt, and 
• In the case of single cadet leaders, the cadet leader is required to notify the Miller Academic Center as soon as possible about any inability to meet with the GSS for that week so cadets can be notified accordingly. 

Requirements: 

• Must have at least a 2.00 overall Grade Point Average (GPA), 
• Must have earned a “B” or better in the GSS course at VMI, 
• Must have two VMI faculty who will support their application (at least one faculty member must be from the GSS department), 
• Must complete the Miller Academic Center training for GSS leaders, and 
• Must fulfill responsibilities as stated above.  

Anyone serving in this role can either do so voluntarily or as a Cadet Assistant with compensation of $7.25 an hour. Completion of appropriate paperwork with Human Resources and the Miller Academic Center is required.  If interested and qualified, please email the Miller Academic Center as soon as possible the following information:

Name 

Faculty who will serve as references (at least one reference should be a faculty member of the department for the course you wish to lead):  

1. _______________________________ 
2. _______________________________ 

Why do you want to serve in this leadership position? 

What skills, experiences, etc. would you bring to this position?  

What training or information would you need to fulfill the responsibilities of this position? 

  Faculty and staff are asked to talk to cadets whom they consider strong candidates for this position and encourage them to apply!