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Protocols and Standards

"A Cadet Will Not Lie, Cheat or Steal, Nor Tolerate Those Who Do."                                                             

- THE CADET HONOR CODE 

The Corps maintains standards implemented for the benefit, education, and safety of every cadet. Support from the cadet’s family is key in each of the following areas.

 

HONOR SYSTEM

Cadets are taught the cadet Honor Code from the moment they arrive on campus. Violations will go before the Cadet Honor Court to determine the appropriate sanctions. Each family should encourage their cadets to avoid possible honor violations and to live honorably each day.

 

POLICY ON HAZING 

Hazing is a criminal offense in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The university’s policy on hazing is clearly stated in the Virginia Tech Student Code of Conduct, and the Corps adheres strictly to that policy. Hazing is the antithesis of positive leadership, and it will not be tolerated in the Corps. Cadets must understand that activities purported to be “traditions” by older alumni may be considered hazing and will be treated as such. Alleged violations of the university’s hazing policy will be reported to the Virginia Tech Police, the Office of Student Activities, or the Student Conduct Office. Deputy commandants will notify the appropriate ROTC professor of any suspected hazing violations.

 

MUTUAL RESPECT AND SAFETY 

Cadets are expected to display proper behavior and respect for others at all times. Harassment and assaults of any kind are not tolerated and may involve criminal sanctions. For information on Corps policies, read the Cadet Regulations available on the Corps Resources page. Information on Virginia Tech student policies is at studentconduct.vt.edu.

 

ALCOHOL POLICY

The abuse of alcohol and possession of false identification are the single largest causes of disciplinary sanctions at Virginia Tech. The university’s policy regarding alcohol is very clearly stated in the Student Code of Conduct. The Corps policy parallels university policy but provides for more immediate and severe sanctions. There is no more critical issue for which you can provide support to the commandant’s staff than the prevention of alcohol abuse. We feel it is extremely important that you understand the consequences for cadets should they violate this policy. 

Underage consumption is not tolerated. Irresponsible consumption by an of-age cadet is not tolerated. Possession of a false identification card by any cadet is not tolerated and is considered an Honor Code violation. Every cadet is required to report a violation of the Corps alcohol policy, and all alcohol related incidents within the Corps will be adjudicated. In all cases involving false identification, the incident will also be referred to the Cadet Honor Committee. 

For a first offense, the sanction a cadet may receive could be a year of military probation and, if a recipient, the loss of the Corps Named Scholarship for a minimum of one semester. A second offense at any time in the cadet’s career could result in a one-year suspension from the Corps. A third offense could result in dismissal from the Corps. Any cadet found to have assisted an underage cadet in acquiring alcohol could be dismissed from the Corps. Any sanctions awarded by the Corps will also be accompanied by the appropriate university sanction.

In any incident involving alcohol abuse, the commandant’s staff will inform the respective ROTC unit. Even a first offense can have an adverse effect on the cadet’s standing in an ROTC program and could result in a formal evaluation of the cadet’s suitability for commissioning. Any offense resulting in suspension from the Corps makes the cadet ineligible for participation in ROTC and will result in the loss of all ROTC scholarship monies for the duration of the suspension.

 

SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF CORPS POLICIES

Any sanctions may be accompanied by appropriate university sanctions. All potential hazing violations will be adjudicated by a deputy commandant disciplinary hearing. Sanctions for hazing violations will be closely coordinated with the Student Conduct Office. If determined guilty of hazing, a cadet will be awarded sanctions that may include suspension or dismissal from the Corps. These sanctions will be in addition to any university sanctions or sanctions the Commonwealth of Virginia may impose.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

Once the school year has begun and after having been briefed on these policies, all cadets will sign an Acknowledgment of Understanding of the alcohol, hazing policies, and sexual harassment/assault regulations, which will be maintained in their cadet record.

 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

It is university policy that any first-semester cadet (first-year or off-campus transfer cadet) who wishes to leave the corps during Forge Week prior to the first day of class, will be required to leave the university. If they wish to attend the university they will need to re-apply in the next application cycle. 

A cadet who wishes to leave the Corps from the first day of classes through Oct. 2, 2026 (Corps Change of Status Day), will be required to leave the university for the fall semester and can return in the spring semester as a civilian student with whatever housing assignment is available at that time. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the commandant. 

If a cadet drops the Corps after the completion of seven weeks (identified as the Corps Change of Status Day), they can change to civilian status and accept a new housing assignment based on availability.

Normally, cadets are expected to resign from the corps and change to civilian status at the end of the academic semester. However, upperclass cadets and second semester first-year cadets may request a change to civilian status at any time, subject to the restrictions outlined in the regulations. If the cadet desires to remain on campus and if the housing office will not release an upperclass cadet or second-semester firstyear cadet from the housing contract, or if no bed is available in a civilian residence hall, the cadet may continue to live in the cadet residence halls until a bed is available. 

While in this status, they remain a member of the corps. All corps regulations must be adhered to. 

All first year cadets are encouraged to enroll in 17 or 18 credit hours for their first semester to help maintain full time student status (12 credit hours). Dropping below full-time student status may impact financial aid.