Matriculation

Parking will be available on the Parade Ground, weather permitting, based on your reporting time that you receive from the Admissions Department. The entrance to Post is through Jordan’s Point and the entrance to the parade ground will be in front of Marshall Museum.  We will have parking attendants there to assist you.    

Handicapped Parking – Spots for handicapped parking are located throughout post.  Additional parking for vehicles with handicapped hangtags and license plates is in the parking garage of the Corps Physical Training Facility.  A shuttle location at the front of Cameron Hall provides access to all of main Post.  If a van with a lift is required, ask any shuttle operator and a special van will be dispatched to your location.

Shuttle services will be provided from VMI post locations to Cameron Hall from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Matriculants should carry their luggage to Barracks from the Parade Ground parking area if possible. If you need to move your vehicle in front of the Barracks to unload, follow these procedures:

1. Exit the Parade Ground parking at the designated spot and travel around the Parade Ground in a counter-clockwise direction. VMI officials will direct you.
2. Unload baggage in front of Barracks where directed. A driver must stay with the vehicle. (airport-style drop off.)
3. Immediately after unloading, proceed through the semi-circle and back to the Parade Ground parking.

Cadet Accounting – Tuition payments can be made via eCheck, paper check or credit card.  VMI accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit or debit cards. There is only one ATM machine (Truist) located on post in the Daniels’ Courtyard (behind Shell Hall).

Auxiliary Services – Providing services and products needed for everyday life by the Corps of Cadets, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and outside constituents. These services include meals and snacks, uniforms and accessories, weapons, textbooks, and sundry items, tailoring and cleaning of uniforms, haircuts, and mail distribution.

Contacting Cadets – Mail from home is the most important gift a cadet can receive. Our mailroom staff will be in Cameron Hall on Friday, Aug. 14 until 4:00 p.m.  They will then be available at the Matriculation Fair in Cocke Hall on Saturday, Aug. 15, so be sure to get your new cadet’s box number issued during the Matriculation process.  An occasional box of favorite foods from home also does wonders for a cadet’s morale. Please do not send cash through the mail. The quickest way to contact a cadet is to leave a message at the VMI Visitor Center 540-464-7306 or send an email after classes start.

VMI Bookstore – The VMI Bookstore is in the bottom of Lejeune Hall.  New cadets will make several purchases in the bookstore during Matriculation Week and these purchases have to be paid for at the time of sale by cash, check, or major credit card.

ATM Location – There is only one ATM machine located on post; which is located in Daniel’s Courtyard.

Shuttle – The Shuttle departs from the corner of Parade Avenue and Letcher Avenue, in front of Moody Hall, and will drop off passengers at Cameron Hall (corner of Diamond and Main Street). 

When to change into gym uniform – Cadets should change into athletic uniform after lunch. They are required to be in their athletic uniform with a name tag for the Superintendent’s Welcome in Cameron Hall. Cadets should keep one set of civilian clothes (appropriate for traveling) with them and store items with their luggage.

Restrooms – Restroom facilities are available in Cameron Hall, Lejeune Hall and Memorial Hall.

Where to put luggage – Personal items should remain in the vehicle until the Matriculation and the Matriculation Fair processes are completed, and then cadets will be allowed to check into Barracks. 

Can parents/family/friends help carry luggage to the room?  Yes, family members and friends are allowed into Barracks to assist their cadet with Barracks Check-in.  All family members will be requested to wait so everyone can go up to the room at one time.

Parents Council – Visit the council’s webpage for detailed information and resources.

Network cable and other needs – Information Technology will have a table to answer questions as a part of the Matriculation Fair.

When can rats read/send an email?  New cadets have email access once classes begin.

When can parents visit their rat?  Parents are invited to visit upon during home football games on Saturdays and during Parents Weekend, 23-25 October 2026.

How do weekend permits work?  Permits are special requests submitted by cadets through the Deputy Commandant as directed by the VMI Blue Book (rules for cadets). Rats are not normally allowed to “take” weekends during the first semester.