Academic Advising

At the Virginia Military Institute academic advising is a four-year developmental process in which the advisor guides the cadets through the exploration and clarification of their academic, career and life goals; the development of skills and strategies that will contribute to academic success; and the mastery of a balanced engagement in co-curricular and academic activities. The advisor both supports and challenges a cadet in an effort to increase the cadet’s confidence and self-sufficiency over the four-year process.

Upon entry into VMI, each cadet is assigned an academic advisor who, unless the cadet subsequently changes academic major, will work with the cadet until graduation. During the first-year there is extensive contact between the advisor and cadet in order to facilitate the cadet’s transition into the VMI culture, assist the cadet in mastering the academic policies and regulations, and assist the cadet in coordinating the demands of a multi-faceted academic and co-curricular experience.

As cadets advance through their cadetship, they are expected to assume increased responsibility for complying with academic standards and regulations, initiating the use of support services, and making good decisions about the integration of the academic and co-curricular activities. The academic advising program is a pivotal element of the broader program of academic support services provided by the Virginia Military Institute and a major force in ensuring a successful progression through the VMI program. Cadets are encouraged to take full advantage of the Institute’s commitment to the academic advising process.