The Operations & Planning Office at VMI plays a vital role in supporting institutional effectiveness through comprehensive planning, resource coordination, and operational oversight. 

Our goal is to serve as the backbone of the Institute, integrating various elements of leadership, resource allocation, risk management, and operational tracking to ensure smooth operations while working toward VMI’s future growth and success. Through data-informed decision-making and proactive planning, the office helps foster a well-organized, adaptable, and sustainable post environment that meets the evolving needs and the goals of VMI, particularly regarding the Institute’s Strategic Plan, Forging 21st Century Leaders.

The office manages long-term and short-term initiatives such as space utilization and facilities coordination to ensure alignment with the Institute’s mission and strategic plan. It provides centralized control regarding management and scheduling, while ensuring safety, security, and accountability of all major events.  It is responsible for conducting detailed planning, communication, and coordination for all special and ceremonial events, including parades, reunions, Family Weekend, Admissions Open House events, furloughs, etc.

A key responsibility within this office is providing system administrator support for the post-wide CollegeNet 25Live scheduling software, ensuring the accurate and efficient use of instructional and event spaces.  OPs and Planning conducts oversight on all events on post through 25Live while working interdepartmentally with the Facilities Managements, Academic Departments, Commandant’s Office, ROTCs, Alumni Agencies and Marshal Foundation, NCAA, and outside entities to manage, coordinate, and deconflict scheduling requests.

The office also leads the development of VMI’s long-term academic and operational calendar, collaborating closely with the dean’s office, athletics, Commandant’s Office, administrative departments and outside agencies. Working in conjunction with departments and offices across post, Operations & Planning serves as a liaison between stakeholders and Institute administration, providing leadership, guidance, and expert knowledge to harness Institute resources and staff as they support the overall mission and goals of VMI.  In addition, the Operations and Planning Office is also responsible for post-wide Safety and Security, the Protocol Office and VMI Aquatics.

Our Team

Operations & Planning Departments and Teams

The VMI Police Department provides safety and security 24 hours a day. VMI Police officers are responsible for crime prevention, traffic enforcement and the investigation and prosecution of all criminal offenses that occur on post, at any of VMI’s outlying properties and on the streets and sidewalks adjoining post. 

VMI is committed to the safety and well-being of our cadets and employees. In the event of an emergency, VMI provides immediate and accurate information to keep the campus community informed and protected. 

The Office of Emergency Management leads the Institute’s efforts to prepare for and respond to a wide range of situations—including severe weather, medical emergencies, and other potential threats. Through comprehensive planning, training, and coordination, the office ensures that cadets, faculty, and staff are ready to respond quickly and effectively. 

From developing emergency response plans to conducting regular drills and training, our team works every day to reduce risk, protect lives, and support a secure learning and living environment. VMI is committed to providing a campus where cadets can focus on leadership and learning—knowing their safety is in good hands. 

The Protocol Office provides direct support to visitors of VMI and to the faculty and staff facilitating those visits. The office provides protocol guidance and direction with itineraries, seating plans, flag courtesies, and escort duties for all departments or staff who have distinguished visitors at VMI. The office also is responsible for assisting faculty and staff with the wear of the Virginia Militia uniform and customs and courtesies, publishing the “Wearing the Virginia Militia Uniform and Militia Courtesies” pamphlet. 

Cadets, faculty, and VMI Athletics are fully supported with two indoor pools at VMI. With an indoor 50-meter swimming pool, springboard and platform diving, a warming spa, endless pool that can be used for therapeutic purposes, and seating for 570 spectators, the Aquatic Center facilitates the various need of cadets at VMI from mandatory academic classes to ROTC training, to NCAA Division I sporting events. The Clark King Pool provides an indoor six lane, 25-yard swimming pool with 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards. The Clark King Pool supports different activities like open swim, ROTC training and club sports.