Disabilities Services at the Miller Academic Center supports the academic success, personal growth and development of life and leadership skills for cadets in a manner that promotes self-awareness, self-determination, and self-advocacy.

We are committed to meeting ethical and legal responsibilities to ensure equitable educational access to cadets with documented disabilities.  Disabilities Services also serves as a resource to the VMI community to encourage awareness and understanding regarding disabilities issues in higher education.

Cadets with documented disabilities are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the Director of the Miller Academic Center as early as possible to allow adequate time for review of documentation, to allow for a thorough assessment of academic needs, and to familiarize new cadets with administrative procedures.

Receiving Academic Accommodations in College

The legislation governing disability accommodations in postsecondary schools is different from high school.  Whereas high school students are entitled to many accommodations, college students have a right to “reasonable accommodations.” More information on regulations and policies related to disabilities services in higher education is available from the Department of Education.

At VMI, students are actively involved in the process; they must:

• Identify themselves as having a disability and schedule an intake appointment
• Provide documentation of their disability
• Request accommodations EACH semester
• Take responsibility for following Institute policies and procedures associated with the accommodations they receive

Will disclosing my disability or using accommodations make me ineligible to join the Armed Forces?

All communications about disabilities or accommodations are confidential and shared only with people with whom you give permission to exchange information. Communications with our office or disclosing your disability will not disqualify you from military services, however the Department of Defense has a list of disqualifying conditions that you should be aware of and consider when seeking accommodations. Using accommodations for a disability could affect your eligibility for military service. If your condition is on this list, you may be able to request a waiver. To learn more, please review the most recent DoD Instruction 6130.03, Volume 1 Medical Standards for Military Service: Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction. You should also consult with an ROTC representative from your preferred military branch.

VMI ROTC Contacts:

• ARMY: contact your Army ROTC representative for more information
• AIR FORCE: AFROTC Det. 880, 540-464-7354, afrotc@vmi.edu
• NAVY/MARINES: Naval ROTC, 540-464-7275, nrotcvm@vmi.edu