Cadets, faculty, and staff enhance their experience through research, scholarship, and creative activity. Research projects can span one to two years — with the bulk of it being conducted over one or two summers.
VMI provides programs, policies, and initiatives to support researchers in every phase of inquiry. Research guidelines include: development workshops; undergraduate research collaborations; library resource instruction; VMI sponsored funding opportunities; and assistance in identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities.
If research occurs during the summer, students are often paid a stipend similar to some internships. Faculty and researchers are continuously developing their interests, contributing to their fields of study, improving their curricula, and fostering a culture of inquiry and investigation for cadets at VMI.
Cadet Opportunities
VMI is committed to providing its students — known as cadets — with multiple opportunities during their undergraduate studies to take part in advanced research projects which often surpass the scope of topic and skill associated with a bachelor’s degree program.
The most notable of these opportunities is participation in the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) facilitated by the VMI Center for Undergraduate Research (VCUR). Academic departments also offer independent study, capstone, and seminar-style course that may see cadets working independently or in small groups to conduct their research. VMI’s top cadet researchers complete a senior project or thesis as part of the Institute Honors Program.
All three opportunities rely on the support, expertise, and guidance of VMI’s dedicated and knowledgeable faculty, and encourage cadets to push their learning to new heights.
Symposium & Additional Support
The VMI Center for Undergraduate Research provides an opportunity each spring for cadet researchers to present their findings to their peers and the public at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Additionally, the center offers research supply funding and offers financial assistance for cadet travel to conduct research or to present research findings at conferences.
Opportunities for VMI & the Community
Library & Archives
Preston Library provides library materials and services of the highest quality, teaching skills needed for academic inquiry and lifelong learning. The library supports faculty and undergraduate research , provides access to and promote the use of Institute historical materials, and offers library services to the community at large. The library’s collections include books and journals in print and electronic formats, non-print items such as DVDs, and databases covering a wide range of academic fields. Preston Library is a selective depository of U.S. government publications.
The VMI Archives, housed within Preston Library, contain a wealth of primary source research collections of interest to scholars, alumni, and the general public. Growing digital archives allow for easy online access to many of the most popular holdings.
The VMI Museum System
The VMI Museum System is comprised of three locations. The VMI Museum and Jackson House Museum are in Lexington, and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War & New Market Battlefield State Historical Park in New Market. Cadets, faculty, and staff receive free admission to each site and 10% off in the museum stores. All three museums are open seven days a week, 0900-1700.
The museums tell the unique stories not only of the Institute, but of the Commonwealth and the nation, with an emphasis on 19th century life, particularly antebellum Lexington and the Civil War.
George C. Marshall Foundation
While not owned or operated by VMI, visitors can find the main building of the George C. Marshall Foundation on post. For library appointments, please contact library staff at librarian@marshallfoundation.org. For all other appointments, please contact the appropriate Marshall Foundation staff member using the contact directory at 540.463.7103. The space also hosts many of the Foundation’s events, including the popular Legacy Lecture series.
