Vtech Corps

Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
94
I'm most likely going to attend Vtech this fall and I was wondering how much freedom the cadets have. I know they are not allowed to be out past 11 and have mandatory study hours and have restrictions on who can enter their dorms. But are cadets allowed to enter other people's dorms and have the freedom to workout during the week? Thank you for your responses!
 
Hi hellofriend123, i'm a freshmen cadet in the VTCC. To answer your questions, yes you can go into other people's dorms and yes you can workout during the week. Between the end of formation (7:30 am) and the beginning of ECQ (7:00pm) you are pretty much free to do what you want within a 50 mile radius of campus. Now, if you're asking about parties on the weekends.... that's a big no. On weekends you will be sent on whats called U-pass, which is when you have to go out and do something with your company. Sometimes this is just getting dinner and going back to clean the dorms, while other times the cadre will let you go out to see a movie. That's Freshmen life, for upperclassmen (this includes sophomores) you can pretty much do whatever you want on the weekends (yes parties if you want). As an upperclassmen you can also put on regular clothes on the weekends and after 5:00pm on the week days as well. I hope this helped!
 
Hi hellofriend123, i'm a freshmen cadet in the VTCC. To answer your questions, yes you can go into other people's dorms and yes you can workout during the week. Between the end of formation (7:30 am) and the beginning of ECQ (7:00pm) you are pretty much free to do what you want within a 50 mile radius of campus. Now, if you're asking about parties on the weekends.... that's a big no. On weekends you will be sent on whats called U-pass, which is when you have to go out and do something with your company. Sometimes this is just getting dinner and going back to clean the dorms, while other times the cadre will let you go out to see a movie. That's Freshmen life, for upperclassmen (this includes sophomores) you can pretty much do whatever you want on the weekends (yes parties if you want). As an upperclassmen you can also put on regular clothes on the weekends and after 5:00pm on the week days as well. I hope this helped!
Wow thank you so much! That was more helpful than anything on their website lol. If you don't mind me asking, what's your current schedule at tech like? Also anything you like, dislike, or tips?
 
Hey, Sorry for getting back to you so late. I'm not going to lie, my schedule is very busy. Its difficult to juggle ROTC, the corp and most of all academics. That being said i'ts been a great experience. I really like the overall atmosphere. Essentially, the corp is a giant family. People are always willing and eager to help you if you need it. The corp is very focused on academics so this is good from a gpa standpoint. There are obviously things about freshmen year that I dislike. That's a given. But big picture things that I dislike.... that's tough. If I had any complaints, it would probably be that the corp can get you into trouble over pretty petty things. An example being that we had an upper classman get honor courted for filling a water cup up with soda at a dining hall. Tip wise, I would say just to do what you're told and to be friendly. Also, try to develop a thick skin as early as possible. Any other questions?
 
Hey, Sorry for getting back to you so late. I'm not going to lie, my schedule is very busy. Its difficult to juggle ROTC, the corp and most of all academics. That being said i'ts been a great experience. I really like the overall atmosphere. Essentially, the corp is a giant family. People are always willing and eager to help you if you need it. The corp is very focused on academics so this is good from a gpa standpoint. There are obviously things about freshmen year that I dislike. That's a given. But big picture things that I dislike.... that's tough. If I had any complaints, it would probably be that the corp can get you into trouble over pretty petty things. An example being that we had an upper classman get honor courted for filling a water cup up with soda at a dining hall. Tip wise, I would say just to do what you're told and to be friendly. Also, try to develop a thick skin as early as possible. Any other questions?
Haha no problem I really appreciate it, it's really helpful. Since corps must return at 7pm, are they allowed to go get food after that or are they locked in their dorm? Also is there a preferred residence hall for the corps? Like which one in your opinion is the best. I think that's about it for questions, once again thank you so much!
 
Haha no problem I really appreciate it, it's really helpful. Since corps must return at 7pm, are they allowed to go get food after that or are they locked in their dorm? Also is there a preferred residence hall for the corps? Like which one in your opinion is the best. I think that's about it for questions, once again thank you so much!
oh also, do you prefer double or multiple occupancy dorming? And can you get a mini fridge in the dorm to carry milk or something in there? Sorry for the random questions lol
 
May I ask how you were advised your waiver was granted? Also, was your USMA portal changed and if so, to what?
Thank you

oh also, do you prefer double or multiple occupancy dorming? And can you get a mini fridge in the dorm to carry milk or something in there? Sorry for the random questions lol

I went for the spend the night recently. My host cadet who was a sophomore had a mini fridge and tv. He told me these were privilege of upperclassmen. Upperclassmen are considered to be sophomores and up.
 
Haha no problem I really appreciate it, it's really helpful. Since corps must return at 7pm, are they allowed to go get food after that or are they locked in their dorm? Also is there a preferred residence hall for the corps? Like which one in your opinion is the best. I think that's about it for questions, once again thank you so much!

oh also, do you prefer double or multiple occupancy dorming? And can you get a mini fridge in the dorm to carry milk or something in there? Sorry for the random questions lol

My son is a freshman cadet in VTCC. The program is quite regimented. Much more so than a ROTC unit that does not have an associated Corps of Cadets.

All of the VTCC live with other cadets. This year there is one brand new dorm, Pearson Hall, and several older dorms. When you register at VT, you indicated that you will be part of the VTCC. Your room assignments are based on the Corps company you are placed in. You will not select your dorm or roommate. Next year a second new dorm will be complete and cadets should be roomed only in the two new residence halls.

First year cadets are allowed a small fridge, microwave and coffee pot. No TV for freshmen. No radio. He had contact info for his roommate before arriving and they arranged who would bring the fridge and who would bring the microwave. My son was in one of the older dorms. It had a bunk bed, two desks, and two closets. Each cadet had a dresser (one under the lower bunk and one in a closet). The room was quite spartan. They were allowed one poster each after completing the first Caldwell March in mid fall. The newer residence hall will be newer, but still pretty spartan as dorms go. New cadet restrictions should be about the same.

As others mentioned, there is time to run errands during the day, if you are not in class. Having said that, cadets are very busy with classes and Corps obligations, especially if they are General Engineering majors freshman year. My son is able to check out in the evenings to study at the library or in academic buildings. I don't think that permits him to leave campus during ECQ study time to go buy food, but I will let cadets get into more specifics on that. Cadets attend every home football game and have Corps or ROTC obligations during many of the other weekends.

Once you put a deposit down, you should receive a lot more information from the VTCC. They have a detailed new cadet handbook that lists everything you are required/allowed to bring with you. There are also a couple parent Facebook groups that I would recommend your parents join. They have been very helpful. You should plan to attend one of the summer orientations, when you will register for classes, sign any ROTC paperwork and get measured for the first sets of cadet uniforms. I also highly recommend that your parents come along to the New Cadet reporting day. After they deliver you and your stuff, there is an afternoon of briefings from the Corps staff that is quite helpful. Many parents are also able to connect with other parents from your company and your local area, which can also be helpful.

I will say that I am very impressed with the VTCC. I think my son made a great choice in attending and has had some incredible experiences. I say that as a service academy alumna.
 
Thank you all for the great information. We paid the deposit for DS this weekend and scheduled his orientation.
 
Yes same here, deposit paid but need to schedule orientation. How do you do that? DS taking 4 year Army ROTC scholarship to VT for engineering.

I'm pretty sure I scheduled his orientation through his HokieSPA account. He is going on July 12th & 13th which is the first orientation for engineering freshmen.
 
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