The VMI Cadet-Athlete Development Office’s mission is to holistically foster the character, intellectual, and academic success and development of the Virginia Military Institute’s NCAA cadet-athlete. Beginning with their transitional experience and culminating with graduation from the Institute, the Cadet-Athlete Development Office provides programming and opportunity to encourage cadet-athletes to embrace the values of self-efficacy, lifelong independent learning, and ownership of their educational opportunity. For additional information on any of the below programming, please contact the Assistant Athletic Director for Cadet-Athlete Success.
The Cadet-Athlete Development Office provides support in various areas of cadet life including:
- Providing cadet-athletes supplemental academic support resources through tutoring programs and relationships with on post constituents
- Education on maintaining VMI Academic and NCAA Eligibility Standards
- Facilitating leadership development opportunities
Leadership Programs
Life Skills Program: Through on-post and community partnerships, the Cadet-Athlete Development Office offers workshops, seminars, and programming focusing on the holistic model of NCAA athletics. Aimed at preparing cadet-athletes for life after VMI, key areas of focus include financial literacy, career preparation and counseling, mental and physical health & wellness, and name, image, and likeness education.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is an organization made up of cadet-athlete representatives from each of VMI’s 18 varsity athletic programs. These cadets serve the Institute by representing the concerns of VMI cadet-athletes to VMI’s athletic administration, the Southern Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Academic Support Programming
Rat Transitional Program (Fall): All incoming cadet-athletes are required to participate in the Rat Transition Program. This programming includes weekly meetings with an academic success coach that focuses on the development of study skills, time management, understanding course syllabi and accessing academic support resources. Structured study hours and attendance at sponsored guided study sessions are also required.
At-Risk Program: Cadet-athletes who’s cumulative or in major GPA falls below the department at-risk threshold are required to attend weekly meetings with an academic success coach, structured study hours, and guided study sessions.
Tutoring Programs: The CADO works with the Miller Academic Center (MAC) to assist cadet-athletes in scheduling one on one and group study sessions with trained cadet tutors. Guided group study sessions are also facilitated through the MAC.
For more information about the Cadet-Athlete Development Office, please contact Bridget Shanks, Assistant Athletic Director for Cadet-Athlete Success.
