VMI STP Questions

Strength and Honor

Strength and Honor

5-Year Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2013
Messages
614
Alright well the time is getting near, so I had some STP questions to help get a better idea of what it's going to be like come June?

1. What's the average daily schedule? How often are classes, workouts, etc?

2. What is the dress code? Not uniforms right, just civilian clothing?

3. I signed up for the meal plan that doesn't cover weekends. Are we allowed to go wherever we want (within walking distance) in Lexington to eat? Is there a curfew?

4. What is the rooming situation like? Are we kept together in full rooms?

5. Lastly, is anyone else from SAF going to be there haha?!

I just really didn't feel like bothering VMI with these questions, so any help is appreciated! Any other advice for STP is welcome as well!
 
When I did "Pre-Strain" Summer a few years back…
1. Everyone started off with a VMI Fitness test, then you were broken into groups based upon your fitness level. You had PT every morning followed by classes. When done with class you could continue to study, but there were often scheduled activities, and you had supper. You had free time in the evening to study and socialize a bit.
2. Dress code is casual civilian attire.
3. Weekend time was typically your own. You could explore Lexington or Goshen or some of the nearby areas on your own as long as you had transportation and were back on Sunday. I recommend Goshen and Staunton. Yes, I believe there was a curfew.
4. You were divided into rooms and there were typically 3 to a room. I know things have changed in the past decades, but that's how it was when I went through. And it was COMPLETELY worth going to the summer program in terms of easing your academic load the first semester and giving you a sense of what VMI was really going to be like. Well done on deciding to do the STP--Good Luck:thumb:
 
Thanks NAS, that cleared a lot up! Just a shot in the dark: Has anyone here received any additional information from VMI regarding STP yet? I applied and was told we would find out about financial aid once the application period was over..... It's got to be getting pretty close!
 
I will be going! I have yet to get any more information about it after registering however.
 
Nope, haven't heard anything about anything, from VMI regarding STP or from VMI AROTC regarding how to use my scholarship! "Hurry up and wait", I suppose....
 
STP email from VMI

Your application for the 2014 VMI Summer Transition Program has been received and it will be processed and reserve you a place at STP. I will try to get you into your first choice for courses. Assuming that you have completed all requirements for admissions, to include submission of all medical forms and the $300.00 deposit to reserve your slot for the fall semester, you will be able to attend the STP beginning 30 June.

In early June, you will receive a detailed information email about the program, when and where to report, payments, and what to bring. Final decisions regarding financial aid will not be made until after the application deadline, 23 May. When you are entered into a course, a barracks room, and a meal plan, charges will appear on your account. NOTE: These charges do not have to be paid until June, which will be explained in the detailed information email.

Best wishes for the successful completion of your senior year.

CAPT. John E. Riester
Director, STP
540-464-7701
riesterje@vmi.edu
 
When did you receive that email, BLUF? Also, when did you submit your STP application if you don't mind telling.
 
All in the last week

Submitted the registration on Sunday and received the response on Monday. Give them a call and see if they have your information. Perhaps your email address is garbled.

on another note:
When you go to purchase your room kit try www.linensupplier.com
 
UPDATE!

Information emails are out regarding STP!

I got my first choice class: ERH-101 (Writing and Rhetoric). Email also includes how to pay for STP and what to bring, as well as what to expect!
 
social media

I often wonder, in the age of social media, if we externalize what should remain an internal dialogue.

I rejoice at other's success on obtaining a scholarship … or commiserate when they do not. I send PM on DoDMERB issues. I offer my two cents on what few topics I know something about so that future readers can look back for insight and direction.

That is why I wonder why posting which class one gets in a summer session is useful information others will benefit from now or in the future. That is useful information for … only 1 person.

Explaining the process, from a perspective of real experience, or sharing new information - amen.

For me - BLUF's posts here do that.
 
vmi, stp!

hey dude, i just found this website haha. ive been looking all over social media for people who were committed to VMI and additionally going to to STP. (this is awesome I found actual people wondering the same things I am)

I received the letter from STP's head about a lot of things, however I feel they weren't specific enough. There were no attached lists of specific items to bring, or if there were any things that I should bring to STP that would differ from what I would bring to matriculation. I sent an email to a lady who answer's general questions, and I ended up getting an answer that told me to look in the letter I had already received. Questions I wanted answered were, would 5-6 sets of clothing be suitable for STP and then take the laundry into Lexington once a week? (Among other questions) Also, a big one for me was, can I wear cargo shorts? I freaking love cargo shorts, and even though they said "dress pants for class" I have a feeling that its going to be hot as hell in july in virginia.

Also, concerning paying for STP, has anyone received financial aid or anything? The price for STP is a little high, for one class, but for any other out of state people, I'm wondering if any aid were received.

Thanks, Dan H. '18
 
VMI Website spells it out for STP, in the details

http://www.vmi.edu/Content.aspx?id=10737424120&libID=10737424116
Throughout the Summer Transition Program a neat personal appearance and adherence to the other VMI Summer Session rules and regulations are required. Appropriate dress in the dining hall and in classes is as follows: for men, shoes, jeans or slacks, dress shorts, and shirts with sleeves designed for outer garment wear are required; for women, shoes, jeans, slacks, skirts, dresses, dress shorts, and blouses with sleeves designed for outer garment wear are required.

Both men and women are expected to wear either shoes or sandals with straps. Flip flop or shower shoes are not authorized. With the exception of females, who are authorized to wear earrings, students are not allowed to wear body-piercing adornments while on Post.

All students should also bring running shoes and clothing for physical training.

Under Room and Board:
Students are permitted to have cars on post and to leave VMI on weekends. The weekend begins after the completion of academic work on Friday and ends at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday evening.

VMI provides the furniture and mattress, but students must bring their own single-bed sheets, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, and towels. The information letter sent to STP students in June will also provide guidance for clothing.

The summers in Lexington can be quite warm so bringing a box fan is a good idea.

PS. Throw some cargo shorts in your kit, you can probably change into them after you leave VMI for the weekend.

PPS. Dude, I think it is freaking awesome that your apparent zeal and zest for colorful speech patterns will attract the Upper Classmen during Hell Week and Rat Year, like the proverbial "Eye of Mordor", on you and away from my DD. :thumb: Just saying :eek:
 
BLUF said:
PPS. Dude, I think it is freaking awesome that your apparent zeal and zest for colorful speech patterns will attract the Upper Classmen during Hell Week and Rat Year, like the proverbial "Eye of Mordor", on you and away from my DD. :thumb: Just saying :eek:
Click to expand...

Why must we always throw this stuff in? :thumbdown:

Dan, looking forward to meeting you at STP. I actually did receive an information packet via email that included basically everything you asked about. If you think you didn't get it, message me and I can forward the email to you.

Regrading financial aid, Im also OOS and haven't heard anything yet. Hopefully it'll be soon!
 
Code of a Cadet

Strength and Honor said:
Why must we always throw this stuff in? :thumbdown:
QUOTE]

Because it is true. A couple of thoughts would include it is a military college you can expect there will be a dress code even in summer school. Also, if you don't think cadre or the RDC will be aware of this stuff then you are fooling yourselves. Which leads to some advice for STP (I went to STP and later served as a counselor and the cadet in charge of the counselors there several years ago) STP can be a great program. However, there is always a select population who tag themselves for focused attention when the rat-line begins. This population included the underage drinkers while living in barracks, the guys who think they can backtalk an upperclassmen or the overly arrogant or cocky. Additionally, the types who think they know it all tend to get shut down quickly. You have gotten some great advice on here and on the Financial Aid forum from VMI82, the correct response would have been thank you sir rather than your animated defense. You didn't hit disrespect by any standard except for those of a rat and I can tell you there is a significant Executive Committee penalty for disrespect to alumni (Think 4 months of marching and 60 hours but its been a few years). I'll leave you with some final words you'll be forced to commit to memory in a few months

The Code of a VMI Cadet
“Without a strict observance of the fundamental Code of Honor, no man, no matter how `polished,’ can be considered a gentleman. The honor of a gentleman demands the inviolability of his word, and the incorruptibility of his principles. He is the descendant of the knight, the crusader; he is the defender of the defenseless and the champion of justice . . . or he is not a Gentleman.

A Gentleman . . .
Does not discuss his family affairs in public or with acquaintances.

Does not speak more than casually about his girl friend.

Does not go to a lady’s house if he is affected by alcohol. He is temperate in the use of alcohol.

Does not lose his temper; nor exhibit anger, fear, hate, embarrassment, ardor or hilarity in public.

Does not hail a lady from a club window.

A gentleman never discusses the merits or demerits of a lady.

Does not mention names exactly as he avoids the mention of what things cost.

Does not borrow money from a friend, except in dire need. Money borrowed is a debt of honor, and must be repaid as promptly as possible. Debts incurred by a deceased parent, brother, sister or grown child are assumed by honorable men as a debt of honor.

Does not display his wealth, money or possessions.

Does not put his manners on and off, whether in the club or in a ballroom. He treats people with courtesy, no matter what their social position may be.

Does not slap strangers on the back nor so much as lay a finger on a lady.

Does not `lick the boots of those above’ nor `kick the face of those below him on the social ladder.’

Does not take advantage of another’s helplessness or ignorance and assumes that no gentleman will take advantage of him.

A Gentleman respects the reserves of others, but demands that others respect those which are his.

A Gentleman can become what he wills to be. . .”
Click to expand...
 
I couldn't agree more with those codes, emwvmi01. In fact, I think I've lived them well to this point. I'd hardly consider what I've posted to be "losing my temper or exhibiting hilarity in public". And I've tried my best to be courteous to everyone on these forums, regardless of status or their past accolades. I only ask that others do the same for me..... :thumb:
 
dannyh1100a and Strength and Honor

First, I apologize for my flippant comments. I think you both are showing strength of character for being on these boards, looking for answers, and preparing for your future. I am an old guy. I have over 30 years of experience working with Military and Government leaders. My intent is to help you realize that you are about to be faced with a completely different way of life than you may expect. Keeping a low profile and not drawing undue attention will ease the journey forward. Keep asking questions, continue to press forward, take calculated risk, and seize opportunity when presented. Do yourself a favor and read what you write from the perspective of the person that is going to turn you into a Military Officer or Leader of Men. If you think that the information is solid, and the tone is mature, then hit enter.
 
Thanks for all of the useful information regarding STP. See you guys there :smile:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top