Welcoming the 2027+3 Rat Mass to VMI!
Follow along on the journey as the Institute forges its latest recruits into 21st century leaders ready to serve and lead with honor and integrity. Find highlights of milestones as well as the daily life of a rat – a first-year student at the Institute – as they face challenges and work to earn the right to be called a cadet and member of the Class of 2030.
Matriculation Day
The journey of 532 new recruits – the largest group to matriculate in VMI’s storied history – began Saturday, Aug. 17 as appointed students arrived on post for Matriculation Day. From there, they collected gear, checked into barracks, signed the Matriculation Book, and were called down to their companies to take their oath and begin the Rat Line.
This newest group to choose No Ordinary College comes from 36 states and nine foreign countries, with 57.5% from Virginia and 42.5% from out of state. Eighty-four are female, and 146 are recruited NCAA athletes. Forty-seven percent have selected a major in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines and 53% are majoring in the liberal arts.
Matriculation Week
As the morning of Sunday, Aug. 18 began, so did the first major challenge facing the Rat Mass – a full week of training spanning physical fitness tests and workouts, military precision drills, and the customs and regulations that define the oldest state-sponsored military college in the United States.
From early morning workouts, to studying the Rat Bible in barracks, to hiking up House Mountain, the rats learn from their cadre and Institute staff and leadership, working together to embrace the esprit de Corps and brother rat spirit that defines VMI.
Flickr Albums Available
Take a look back at the first days of life for those who choose No Ordinary College through photography albums on VMI’s official Flickr account:
- From arrival on post to entering barracks and beginning VMI’s unique leadership journey, Matriculation Day covers the beginning transformation young men and women ready to become the best versions of themselves.
- See how VMI differs from college orientation around the nation in the Matriculation Week album, where rats focus on fitness, following directions, and adopting the skills and traits that will help them earn the title of cadet.
- One of the iconic challenges – and views – of the week is a hike up House Mountain, supported by cadre, VMI EMTs, and faculty and staff who make the climb alongside the Rat Mass.
Rat Crucible
The Rat Mass endured several strength and fitness stations throughout post their second Sunday on post for the annual Rat Crucible. From log carries and swimming at Jordan’s Point to drills on the field, each leaned on their brother rats for the strength to pull through this challenge. This events is a true test of not only physical fitness and strength, but determination and commitment to excellence and the VMI system.
Connect with VMI on social media for additional footage of the Rat Line and life at the Institute.
You can also find more photos from VMI’s major events for rats and the entire Corps of Cadets on the Institute’s Flickr account.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Connect with the Commandant’s Office
Email: hostetterah@vmi.edu
Phone: (540) 464-7313
Commandant's Office
Old Barracks