STP Program Facts

Program Timeline

Pre-Program STP Begins STP Ends
April 15: Application Opens

June 18: Registration Closes, Payment Due by 12 p.m.
July 7: Check-in at Barracks

July 8: Classes begin
July 25: Classes End.

July 26: Exams (no exam in ERH-101). Check out from barracks by 3 p.m.

Barracks:

  • All participants are required to reside in barracks.
  • VMI provides the furniture and mattress, but students must bring their own single-bed sheets, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, and towels.  The summers in Lexington can be quite warm so bringing a box fan is a good idea.  You may bring a fan 12" - 16" in size.
  • Non-cadet visitors are not permitted in barracks.

Facilities and Services:

  • Meals: All STP students are required to eat in the mess hall (Crozet Hall). The STP 19-meal plan provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. 
  • Mail: STP students will receive a post office box number when they arrive which will serve as their mailing address while at VMI.
  • Medical: The VMI Infirmary, staffed by nurses with a physician on call, will be open to treat STP students between 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday during the STP term.
  • Laundry: There is no laundry service at VMI during the summer. However, coin operated washers and dryers are available on post and in the community within walking distance of post.

Daily Life:

  • Attendance is required at all classes, physical training sessions, and announced meetings.
  • Throughout the Summer Transition Program a neat personal appearance and adherence to the other VMI Summer Session rules and regulations are required. Please refer to your confirmation letter for specific requirements.
  • While honor is sacred to cadets it must be remembered there may be other people in the barracks during the summer who do not hold honor and integrity in the same esteem. We recommend a lockbox and the use of bankcards or checks instead of cash.
  • VMI upperclassmen are prohibited from dating, or attempting to date, students in the Summer Transition Program. Likewise, STP students are prohibited from dating, or attempting to date, VMI upperclassmen.
  • Students may bring a motor vehicle to STP.  Vehicle registration is required on the STP application and the associated $40 fee must be received in advance along with STP tuition and fees. The use of cars by STP students is restricted to weekends, but students will not be permitted to leave VMI for the weekend.  Students will receive a parking pass and map of designated parking areas at STP check-in.
  • There are many opportunities for students to pursue recreational activities at VMI and the surrounding areas. At VMI there are racquetball courts, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a weight room, indoor and outdoor running tracks, outdoor fields, and jogging trails. In the surrounding area there is a golf course where students can play at reduced rates.  Please refer to your STP confirmation letter regarding specific clothing requirements for workouts and swimming while at VMI.

There is nothing anyone can do to fully prepare for the VMI Rat Line, but this program gives incoming rats the lay of the land. They have a chance to improve their fitness, build confidence and friendships, and a chance to form relationships with upper-class cadets who serve as their mentors.

 

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders