The Corps During COVID-19

Persevere verb Continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.

Much about life at VMI in fall 2020 was different, but cadets persevered. The Corps guarded the Institute, attended classes, marched parades, conducted (or attended) rat training, participated in ROTC control times, and had room inspections. The fall academic semester looked different from any other year in VMI’s 181-year history. COVID-19 precautions included wearing masks indoors and out, socially distancing, following a new weekly schedule for cadets and faculty, and conducting some classes online.

“Putting on a mask is like putting on your cover. It has become a part of our everyday routine.” —Cadet Garrett Petruskie ’23

Masks were allowed off during exercise, while eating, and while in barracks rooms. Cadet rooms were treated as family units for social distancing purposes, and visitation between rooms was not permitted unless authorized. Sleeping positions were regulated, too, with cadets required to sleep head-to-foot. Rats were allowed to use any arch their company was allowed to use.

Stairwells were labeled for “up” or “down” use only, with no restrictions on which stairwells rats could use. Shower usage was also limited to a certain number of cadets, minimizing the number of cadets in an enclosed space.

VMI’s 18 NCAA teams were able to practice during the fall semester. When not actively engaged in physical activity, coaches and cadetathletes wore face coverings. Rifle, swim, and cross-country teams competed in a reduced schedule. Basketball began a regular schedule, but with reduced attendance, in November.

Resilient adjective The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

Matriculation Day became Matriculation Weekend in 2020. Half of the rat mass reported Saturday, Aug. 15, and the other half reported Sunday. The Institute limited guests and required temperature checks before beginning matriculation activities. Rats met their cadre in Cocke Hall one week after Matriculation Weekend. This was also divided into two groups by battalion.

“I know that [the] dynamic of things at VMI is different, but it’s hard not knowing what those differences are because I’m a rat,” said Cadet Rory Burke ’24.

Steadfast adjective Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

The Corps of Cadets conducted parades in fall 2020. Aside from Band Company, cadets were masked during parades. Parades were open to the public, since VMI is a state institution. Many events surrounding parades, like Parents Weekend and reunions, were canceled or held virtually.

Matriculation training concluded for 21+3 rats with the Rat Crucible Aug. 30. Rats moved by company through nine stations, including swimming in the Maury River and team log carries.

In 2019-20, Breakfast and Supper Roll Call were at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. In fall 2020, there were three separate meal formations: 6:30 a.m. for rats and cadre; 7:15 a.m. for 1st Battalion cadets, and 7:25 a.m. for 2nd Battalion cadets. In many rooms, roommates reported to all three different formations.

In room 226 Old Barracks, Cadet Savannah Shupe ’22 attended the 6:30 a.m. rat and cadre formation, Cadet Makenna Moore ’22 attended the 1st Battalion formation at 7:15 a.m., and Cadets Emily Hattman ’22 and Genevieve Petrassi ’22 attended the 2nd Battalion formation at 7:25 a.m.

In Crozet, diners were separated by plexiglass barriers. VMI food service added a grab-and-go lunch option in the Sub’s Mess. At the PX, customers could order online and use a self-checkout. Since cadet time off-post was limited, Parkhurst opened the food truck-like Dan’s Concession Cart at a concession stand in Foster Stadium. Dinner hours were expanded, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

The Class of 2022's Ring Figure also looked different. They received combat rings during a class supper Nov. 20. The ring presentation was Nov. 21 in Cameron Hall. Each cadet was able to bring two guests. Cadets had three possible classroom environments for the fall academic semester: In person, hybrid, or online. Approximately 22% of classes this year were held online, 34% were hybrid, and 44% were in person.

Tenacious adjective Persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired.

In past years, classes were spaced with 10 minutes in between each class period. In fall 2020, there were an extra five minutes between classes, allowing professors and cadets time to disinfect desks and tables. The Institute reduced class sizes to allow for social distancing. Some professors wore microphones under their masks so cadets could clearly hear instructions. The academic day ended at 4:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m.