Photo: Virginia Military Institute. Retrieved from: www.militarymesuitsu.blogspot.com
Virginia Military Institute is one of the leading military colleges in the country, recognized for its quality Mechanical Engineering program. Focusing on helping students to become successful and well-mannered individuals, is the main mission of the Institute. This ensures that students showcase genuine contributions to their communities and society as a whole upon graduation. On campus, a strict free enterprise system is followed, upholding the traditions of the American democracy. All courses, extra-curricular activities and student organizations offered on campus are designed to help students develop into model citizen-soldiers that are well prepared to serve their country proudly during times of need.
Virginia Military Institute offers open enrollment to both men and women, maintaining a strong family community on campus. The curriculum is based on a challenging balance of liberal arts, science and engineering studies – giving students a high quality education. Virginia Military Institute maintains an uncompromised VMI system, encouraging military discipline amongst all students.
School History
Virginia Military Institute was founded in 1839 and immediately began their impact on various communities and Cadets across the country. In the famous letters from Alexander S. Brown is the first mention of such influence, as he described to his sister his encounter with the Cincinnati military class that was being conducted by Virginia Military Institute staff at Washington College. During the Civil war, the Institute worked diligently to train and prepares Cadets academically and socially, as well as provides them with extensive military training and preparation as well.
Virginia Military Institute is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Institute is also an active member of the American Council on Education, the Association of Virginia Colleges and the College Entrance Examination Board, as well as several others.
The Virginia Military Institute campus also holds a deep-rooted history as many buildings and structures from the earlier days are still standing today. Amongst these structures is the Virginia Military Institute Museum, which is continuously updated with new additions and memorabilia from successful alumni, awards, recognitions and honors. The George C. Marshall Museum that is also present on campus, honors and showcases the achievements of the General during and after the war. Virginia Military Institute is also the proud home of the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park that was established in the late 19th Century.
Campus Life
Life on the Virginia Military Institute campus is filled with enriching activities, programs and groups that help Cadets to develop into leaders. The Office of Cadet Life is available throughout each year to assist with all phases of scheduling, program enrollment and preparation facets of campus life. All Cadets are encouraged to take advantage of the Service Opportunities offered on campus such as the VMI Core Initiative or the various volunteer programs. In order to prepare Cadets effectively, offering proper training as a citizen soldier, Virginia Military Institute implements a strict campus honor of conduct and respect amongst the student body. As the Institute promotes and inspires strong future leaders, there are many local and international community service opportunities available to each Cadet.
The ROTC program offered at Virginia Military Institute is a popular favorite amongst Cadets, as it offers targeted training into the Air Force, Army and Naval divisions. Summer programs are available each year upon request, in addition to several academic initiative programs that are held throughout the year. All Virginia Military Institute Cadets are surrounded in a supportive environment for personal development, civic duty and academic enrichment at all times. In addition to the challenging coursework and vigorous training preparation, this mission is showcased through the extensive faculty development that is consistently enhanced.
To ensure that campus and academic life at Virginia Military Institute remain vibrant and enriching, the Jackson-Hope Fund was established in 1962. Since its creation, the fund has been used each year to develop curriculum, establish new structures and programs, in addition to enhancing the development of the faculty. The fund has been responsible for developments such as the Undergraduate Research Imitative, as well as many other initiative programs offered.
Financial Aid
With an extensive focus on education comes an extensive focus on financial aid resources as well. For this reason, Virginia Military Institute has dedicated both time and research to providing Cadets with a variety of funding opportunities and resource information. All students are encouraged to apply for FAFSA loans to ensure they are aware of all eligible funding opportunities, as well as to apply for individual grants and scholarships. This will help to alleviate the financial stress that can create distraction throughout the school year.
Virginia Military Institute accepts all forms of state and federal funding such as Direct Loan and PLUS applications. The Office of Financial Aid can assist all Cadets with proper application filing to ensure a smooth transition into the Institute and timely scheduling each semester. For convenience purposes, Virginia Military Institute offers an electronic system to check the status of Award Letters and application status.
