Virginia Military Institute Editorial Style Guide 2021 - Communications & Marketing
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Virginia Military Institute
Editorial Style Guide
2021
Communications & Marketing
(540) 464-7207 www.vmi.edu/CommMarketContents
Introduction:�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2
VMI Specific Terms:�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2
Sites on post: ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
Photo Cutlines:������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Punctuation:������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 16
Social Media:������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 17
Areas of Study:�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17
Timeline of Terms for VMI students ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 22
Virginia Militia ranks ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23
1Introduction:
The Virginia Military Institute Style Guide on the VMI website whose target
supplements and modifies the Associated audience includes the current on-
Press Stylebook, the primary reference for post community, prospective cadets
VMI external publications. The Associated and their parents, the press, alumni
Press Stylebook is the most broadly used and friends, or anyone curious
style manual in the communications about VMI;
field and therefore the most appropriate w the Institute Report, whose target
reference for all external VMI audience is mostly those who are
communications. In addition, news familiar with VMI, but which also
releases are much more likely to be placed includes many whose connection
with fewer alterations if they conform to is not intimate, such as new cadet
its standards. parents, alumni families, and
donors who are not alumni;
The VMI Style Guide is intended to provide
w news releases;
consistency of style in publications
w marketing pamphlets and brochures,
developed for or that can be expected to
event programs, departmental
be used by the general public. It is not
newsletters, and other publications
intended to dictate style for internal or
intended for parents and the
discipline-specific documents. These
general public; and
guidelines embody VMI’s “house style”
w overlays, slides and other
and address both necessary additions
text in videos intended for
to AP style for topics specific to VMI not
external audiences.
addressed in the Stylebook and carefully
considered exceptions that address In addition to general guidelines, this
concerns of the VMI administration but edition of the VMI Style Guide includes a
preserve a single, professional VMI style. section providing guidelines specific to
social media.
External publications include
the following:
w online publications including social
media and all unrestricted pages
VMI Specific Terms:
advisor Always use uppercase when referring to
Advisor is the preferred spelling in an “Old Barracks,” “New Barracks,” or “Third
academic context. Do not use adviser. Barracks,” as these are specific names.
barracks
Use lowercase except when naming one of Breakout
the three barracks buildings. Typically held in late January or early
February, the day 4th Class cadets break
out of the Rat Line.
2brother rat “L”s. The same rule holds for other -el
Lower case “brother rat” except when verbs such as labeled, traveled, fueled, etc.
used as a title, usually within a quote
(e.g. Brother Rat Jones). Only use the class year
abbreviation “BR” (without periods) as part Abbreviate the class year for classes in the
of a quote, ensuring the context makes the current century and those in the previous
meaning of the abbreviation clear. century whose year has not yet occurred
in this century. For all other classes, spell
cadet out “Class of” and include all four digits of
While VMI cadets are of course college the year.
students, they are always referred to as
ê Emerson Fitzgerald, Class of 1858
“cadets.”
ê James Elliott, Class of 1912
ê Evelyn Woodrow ’98
Cadet Battery ê Jacob Adams ’08
Refers to cadet group in charge of firing
the evening gun and any cannon fire at Use commas when the VMI class is
major events including football games. completely spelled out.
ê Thomas A. Smith, VMI Class of 1907
cadet rank
It is always appropriate to use the word Do not use commas when the class year
“cadet” as a title for a cadet. When used is abbreviated.
before the name, the title is uppercase;
ê Thomas A. Smith ’80 or Michael A.
when used after, it is lowercase.
Jones Jr. ’07
At times, it is important to indicate the
Use Arabic numerals to indicate the
rank a cadet holds within the Corps of
class of a current cadet, e.g.: 1st Class, 2nd
Cadets. In these cases, follow the usage for
Class, etc. A cadet is referred to as a 1st
faculty and staff:
Class cadet, not a 1st Classman. “Class” is
ê Cadet Smith is a cadet captain. capitalized, but cadet is not unless used as
ê Cadet Capt. F.H. Smith is a a title (1st Class Cadet John Jones).
history major.
When more than one class is listed, the
ê Cadet Henry A. Clark is a 1st Class
word “class” is lowercase.
cadet at Virginia Military Institute.
ê Thomas A. Smith is a 1st Class cadet.
cadre ê Cadets from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd classes
participated in the exercise.
Cadre Week
The week prior to Matriculation Day, when commandant’s awards ceremony
returning members of the Corps involved Lowercase in all instances.
in new cadet training plan and prepare for
the incoming class. Commonwealth
Uppercase Commonwealth when referring
canceled to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Use the American spelling with one “L”
rather than the British spelling with two
3Corps of Cadets Academic Departments
Capitalize “Corps of Cadets” or “Corps” Department of…
when it refers to a specific corps. w Applied Mathematics
w Biology
ê the Virginia Military Institute
w Chemistry
Corps of Cadets, the U.S. Military
w Civil and Environmental Engineering
Academy Corps of Cadets
w Computer and Information Sciences
w Economics and Business
curricula w Electrical and Computer Engineering
The only curricula to be capitalized are
w English, Rhetoric, and
those that are also proper nouns: English,
Humanistic Studies
Spanish, French, Chinese, and Arabic.
w History
w International Studies and
dates Political Science
Month precedes the date; abbreviate only
w Mechanical Engineering
Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec. and
w Modern Languages and Cultures
only when used with a date. Year follows
w Physical Education
when needed for clarity. Use a dash to
w Physics and Astronomy
express date ranges. Spell out months
w Psychology
when standing alone. When date consists
only of a month and a year, spell out the
Offices on Post
month and do not separate with a comma.
w Center for Cadet Counseling
In direct quotation write dates as spoken
w Center for Leadership and Ethics
or written.
w Commandant’s Office
Use Associated Press style for external w Comptroller’s Office
audiences. Social posts should use the most w Construction Office
attractive, easy to read style. Website may w Department of
be different based on ROTC style which is Information Technology
controlled by DOD. w Emergency Management Office
w Human Resources Office
ê The play will run Jan. 25-Feb. 4.
w Institute Honors Program
ê The program has been in place since
w Institute Writing Program
December 2013.
w International Programs
ê The vice president will visit post
w Math Education Resource Center
in January.
w Miller Academic Center
ê The founding of VMI, on Nov. 11, 1839,
w Office of Admissions
took place on a snowy day.
w Office of Assessment and
ê Graduation will take place May 16.
Institutional Research
w Office of Auxiliary Services
departments and offices w Office of Career Services
Preferred use is to cast sentences to refer
w Office of the Chief of Staff
to departments and offices in general
w Office of Communications
terms using lowercase.
and Marketing
When referring to a specific department w Office of the Dean of the Faculty
or office by its formal name, use uppercase. w Office of Disabilities Services
4w Office of Finance, Administration, ê spring furlough, summer furlough,
and Support Christmas furlough.
w Office of Financial Aid
w Office of the Superintendent graduation parade
w Physical Plant change of command parade is
w Procurement Services Office also acceptable
w Protocol Office
w Quartermaster Department graduation week
w Registrar’s Office Typically refers to activities held May 14-
w VMI Alumni Agencies 16—not finals week
w VMI Archives
w VMI Center for H.B. Johnson Jr. ’26 Distinguished
Undergraduate Research Lecture Series
w VMI Health Services We will need to revisit how to write this
w VMI Infirmary once the Class of 2026 matriculates in the
w VMI Keydet Club fall of 2022.
w VMI Museum
w VMI Police Department honor code
w Writing Center See VMI Honor Code.
dyke Institute
First class mentors to new cadets. “Dyke” Always capitalize “Institute” when it
should not be used unless it is defined in refers to VMI. When using the phrase “the
the same sentence. Institute,” do not capitalize “the.”
ê Cadet Smith is the dyke, or mentor, of
a 4th Class cadet. Institute awards ceremony
Held annually on May 14 to recognize
Easter break extraordinary cadet, faculty, and
Not Easter furlough staff achievement
evening gun joint commissioning ceremony
The gun fired by the Cadet Battery every Cadets commission into the Armed
evening when the flags are lowered. Services in joint commissioning
ceremonies twice a year—once in
fall FTX December and again in May.
In all instances, fall field training exercises
should be lowercase. Keydet(s)
Use this term for VMI’s sports teams and
Founders Day NCAA athletes.
Do not use the apostrophe when referring
to “Founders Day.” Marshall Hall
Use Marshall Hall to refer to the physical
furlough building where events are held. Many
Do not capitalize furloughs as on-post events are sponsored by the
proper nouns.
5Center for Leadership & Ethics and held in pin-on ceremony
Marshall Hall.
rank
Matriculation Book
Faculty and Staff Rank
Matriculation Day Most faculty members and some staff
members hold two forms of rank: military
Matriculation Week rank and academic or professional rank.
The week of intense training following
Military rank is indicated using
Matriculation Day and culminating in Rat
Associated Press standards, not the
Crucible. Use the term Hell Week only in
administrative abbreviations used by the
direct quotes.
individual services. In the first mention
of a faculty member holding military
Matriculation Weekend rank, always use the abbreviation for
the military rank before the name and
Midwinter Formal capitalize it. When using military rank
An annual dance, held over two nights, in
without the last name, spell out the rank
the weeks following Breakout.
and always use lowercase.
New Market Ceremony and Parade When used in a table, academic rank
New Market Ceremony and New Market abbreviations are Prof., Assoc. Prof, Asst.
Parade are also acceptable. Prof., and Instr. Academic ranks are not
abbreviated in any other case.
Oath Day Academic rank is lowercase when used as
The day rats take the cadet oath.
an identification and uppercase when used
as a title. Academic rank is always spelled
parades out in text; however, it may be abbreviated
Technically, most VMI “parades” are
in a tabular display.
military reviews. There is no such thing
as a “review parade.” The term “parade” In first use of the name of a faculty
can be used for public discussion. Parades member not holding military rank but
are held on the “Parade Ground.” It is holding a doctorate, “Dr.” may be used as a
capitalized. Parade “deck” and parade title. In all subsequent use, address by the
“field” are incorrect. last name only.
Professional rank usage follows that of
Parent Orientation academic rank. Generally, this refers
to directors, associate directors, and
Parents Weekend assistant directors of administrative
Do not use the apostrophe when referring
offices. Professional rank is always spelled
to “Parents Weekend.”
out in text; however, it may be abbreviated
in a tabular display.
post
Lowercase in all uses. ê Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III,
VMI superintendent
ê VMI post, on-post housing, located
ê Lt. Col. Ralph N. Smith, associate
on post.
professor of civil engineering
6ê Col. Samuel K. Jones, professor Master Sergeant Master Sgt.
of biology Sergeant First Class Sgt. 1st Class
ê Dr. Smith Staff Sergeant Staff Sgt.
ê The cadet said, “Colonel Jones is Sergeant Sgt.
a professor.” Corporal Cpl.
Specialist Spc.
Courtesy titles should be used only
Private First Class Pfc.
in direct quotations or after first
Private Pvt.
reference when specifically requested
by the subject. In those rare cases where
Navy, Coast Guard
courtesy titles are used, Ms. is preferred
Commissioned Officers
for women unless Miss or Mrs. is
Admiral Adm.
specifically requested.
Vice Admiral Vice Adm.
Rear Admiral Upper Half Rear Adm.
Military Rank
Rear Admiral Lower Half Rear Adm.
Abbreviate ranks before a name as
Captain Capt.
prescribed in the AP Stylebook. This
Commander Cmdr.
is in keeping with guidance from the
Lieutenant Commander Lt. Cmdr.
Department of the Army Office Chief
Lieutenant Lt.
of Public Affairs and the doctrine
Lieutenant Junior Grade Lt. j.g.
recommended by the Defense Information
Ensign Ensign
School to be used across the U.S. armed
forces in public relations materials.
Warrant Officers
Chief Warrant Officer Chief Warrant Officer
Army
Commissioned Officers
Enlisted Personnel
General Gen.
Petty Officer First Class Petty Officer 1st Class
Lieutenant General Lt. Gen.
Petty Officer Second Class Petty Officer 2nd Class
Major General Maj. Gen.
Petty Officer Third Class Petty Officer 3rd Class
Brigadier General Brig. Gen.
Seaman Seaman
Colonel Col.
Seaman Apprentice Seaman Apprentice
Lieutenant Colonel Lt. Col.
Seaman Recruit Seaman Recruit
Major Maj.
Captain Capt.
Marine Corps
First Lieutenant 1st Lt.
Ranks and abbreviations for
Second Lieutenant 2nd Lt.
commissioned officers are the same as
those in the Army. Warrant officer ratings
Warrant Officers
follow the same system used in the Navy.
Chief Warrant Officer Chief Warrant Officer
There are no specialist ratings.
Warrant Officer Warrant Officer
Enlisted Personnel
Enlisted Personnel Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Sergeant Major of the Army Sgt. Maj. of the Army Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps
Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj.
Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. Master Gunnery Sergeant Master Gunnery Sgt.
First Sergeant 1st Sgt. First Sergeant 1st Sgt.
7Master Sergeant Master Sgt. Rat Challenge
Gunnery Sergeant Gunnery Sgt. A 10-week program administered by the
Staff Sergeant Staff Sgt. physical education department designed to
Sergeant Sgt. engage new cadets in training.
Corporal Cpl.
Lance Corporal Lance Cpl. Rat Crucible
Private First Class Pfc. The culmination of Matriculation Week, a
Private Pvt. course of physical training activities held
on North Post.
Air Force
Ranks and abbreviations for Rat Mass
commissioned officers are the same as Use this term to refer to rats collectively
those in the Army. in the time period between matriculation
and Breakout.
Enlisted Personnel
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Rat Olympics
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force
The culmination of Rat Challenge. Held on
Chief Master Sergeant Chief Master Sgt.
Founders Day.
Senior Master Sergeant Senior Master Sgt.
Master Sergeant Master Sgt.
Rat Line
Technical Sergeant Tech. Sgt.
Always use two capitalized words, since
Staff Sergeant Staff Sgt.
this refers to the “line” the rats must
Senior Airman Senior Airman
walk. One is “in” the Rat Line, not “on” the
Airman First Class Airman 1st Class
Rat Line.
Airman Airman
Airman Basic Airman
Ring Figure ball
A dance held the night of the ring
Professional Ranks
presentation ceremony where cadets
When used in a table, professional rank
traditionally wear their rings for the
abbreviations are Dir., Assoc. Dir., and
first time.
Asst. Dir. Professional ranks are not
abbreviated in any other case.
Ring Figure supper
The Ring Figure supper is held for 2nd
rat class cadets on the night prior to the ring
Use lowercase except when used as a
presentation ceremony.
specific name, title, or form of address.
“Rat” should be used only in direct
ring presentation ceremony
quotations; otherwise, use “4th Class cadet”
During the ring presentation ceremony,
or “new cadet.”
2nd Class cadets receive their VMI rings.
Typically held just before or after
Rat Bible Thanksgiving furlough.
The training manual for new cadets, titled
The Bullet.
8Regimental Band and Pipe Band retreat parade
regimental units ROTC
The Corps is organized as a regiment, but Do not refer to ROTC units as departments.
is always referred to as “the Corps” or the They are units or detachments. The ROTC
“the Corps of Cadets.” The first captain, units should be identified as: Army ROTC,
however, is the “regimental commander” Naval ROTC, and Air Force ROTC. Do not
and not the “Corps commander.” use AROTC, NROTC, or AFROTC unless
within a quote. Naval ROTC (not Navy
“Corps” is always spelled with an “s” in
ROTC) contains Navy-option cadets and
both singular and plural forms. In the
Marine-option cadets.
plural form, the “s” is not silent.
ê Both the VMI and The Citadel corps S-Staffs
(pronounced like “cores”) marched The S-staffs in the Corps of Cadets
in the parade. at battalion and regimental levels
correspond to military staffs. They are
When referring to the battalions,
denoted with a hyphen between the “S”
capitalize when a specific battalion is
and the number for the staff, e.g., S-1. The
indicated. Use an Arabic numeral to
staffs are:
indicate a specific battalion (1st Battalion,
not First Battalion). S-1—adjutant, responsible
for administration
ê Cadet Capt. Smith commands the
S-2—academics, liaison between the Corps
2nd Battalion.
and the academic enterprise
ê Each battalion is commanded by a
S-3—operations, responsible for planning
cadet captain.
and executing plans to accomplish
When referring to companies, follow assigned missions
a similar usage. Do not use phonetic S-4—supply, responsible for logistical
spellings (i.e., Delta Company) or cadet support to the Corps
slang (i.e., F-Troop). The correct usage is S-5—public relations, responsible for
Company A, not A Company. (If a person representing the Corps to the public
being quoted says A Company or Delta S-6—athletics, responsible for club
Company, quote it as it is said.) sport and Corps interaction with
NCAA teams
ê Cadet Jones is a member of
S-7—cadet life, responsible for organizing
Company D.
social and morale, support, and
ê Each battalion is composed of
welfare events for the members of
four companies.
the Corps
retirement parade sentinel box
The retirement parade is an annual spring
parade in which retiring faculty members
Space Force
are honored by the superintendent.
The Department of the Air Force is
Retiring faculty members typically join
comprised of the United States Air Force
the superintendent in taking review.
(USAF) and United States Space Force
(USSF). On second reference: “the Air
9Force” or “USAF” or “the Space Force” or 12 noon or 12 midnight. Use a colon to
“USSF.” Jointly: “the Air and Space Forces.” separate hours from minutes; times falling
Members of the two services together: exactly on the hour do not require zeros.
“men and women of the Air and Space Punctuate and capitalize as shown. Be
Forces.” For the Air Force: “Airmen.” For consistent in construction of time ranges
the Space Force: “Space professionals,” and do not repeat a.m. or p.m. in a single
“Members of the United States Space time range. Use Associated Press style for
Force” or “Members of the Space Force” external audiences. Social posts should
use the most attractive, easy to read style.
spring FTX Website may be different based on ROTC
In all instances, spring field training style which is controlled by DOD.
exercises should be lowercase.
ê 2-4 p.m.
ê 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
theater, theatre: ê from 6 to 8 a.m.
VMI Theatre is the acting troupe
ê The concert will begin at 3:45 p.m.
made up of cadets, faculty, and staff. It
ê The talk will run from noon to 1 p.m.
performs in Gillis Theater. Refer to other
acting troupes and facilities using their
Military Time
preferred spellings. VMI Community
Use only in direct quotations, with civilian
Theatre puts on summer productions
time in brackets if necessary for clarity.
and is made up of volunteer performers
and technical staff from the Lexington-
Validation Week
Rockbridge community. Generic and other
The week preceding Breakout.
uses of the word are spelled “theater” (e.g.,
Resurrection Week may be used only in
the European Theater of Operations, a
direct quotations.
hospital’s operating theater, “he went to
the movie theater.”).
VMI Honor Code
Capitalize honor code when it refers to
time the VMI Honor Code. Use “VMI Honor
Code” full term as often as possible. Do not
Civilian Time
capitalize honor code when it is used to
Use in all instances except direct quotes.
refer to honor codes in a general sense.
Noon and midnight are spelled out. Never
Sites on post:
Archer House Cadet Battery
306 Letcher Ave., also known as Cabell This custom-designed battery was
House, faculty and staff housing cast at the Cyrus Alger Foundry in
Bachelor Officer Quarters, or BOQ Boston and arrived at VMI on June 6,
houses the VMI Police and bachelor 1848. From 1851 until the beginning
faculty and staff apartments of the Civil War the guns were
Cabell House commanded by Major Thomas J.
306 Letcher Ave., also known as Jackson (later known as “Stonewall”),
Archer House, faculty/staff housing VMI’s professor of natural philosophy
10and artillery tactics. During the war Crozet Point
the guns were used by the famed situated across Letcher Avenue from
Rockbridge Artillery under the Crozet Hall, location of the headstone
command of William Pendleton. It and grave of Claudius Crozet
was Pendleton, an Episcopal minister, Daniels Arch and Courtyard, 2006
who named the four cannons located in the rear of Old Barracks.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Daniels, from Keene, New Hampshire,
Cameron Hall was the valedictorian of the Class
houses offices, basketball floor, of 1961. While a seminarian at
racquetball courts the Episcopal Divinity School in
Carroll Hall Cambridge, Massachusetts, he
Chessie Nature Trail responded to the pleas of Dr. Martin
Cincinnatus Monument, 1983 Luther King Jr. for clergy to become
The Cincinnatus Monument stands more actively involved in the Civil
in front of Preston Library, honoring Rights movement, and traveled
the concept of the citizen-soldier. to Alabama to assist with voter
It includes the names of recipients registration efforts in the South. He
of the Cincinnati Medal, awarded was shot and killed in Hayneville,
to the graduating cadet who “has Alabama, in August 1965 defending
demonstrated to the greatest degree Ruby Sales from a shotgun blast.
excellence of character and efficient Davidson-Tucker House
of service” 10 E. Washington St., next door to the
Clark King Hall Stonewall Jackson House
connected physically to Cocke Hall Fiorini Field
Swimming Pool, houses boxing rings, formerly Sprinturf Field and before
locker rooms, and other facilities that Delaney Field
Clarkson-McKenna Hall Foster Stadium
football staff, Ferebee Lounge full name is P. Wesley Foster Jr. ’56
Cocke Hall Stadium, houses Alumni Memorial
houses the Charles S. Luck ’20 Field and H.M. “Son” Read ’16
Memorial Weight Room. Memorial Track
Cocke Hall Swimming Pool Francis H. Smith Statue, 1931
Cormack Hall Bronze statue of VMI’s first
houses the Department of Physical superintendent, by sculptor Ferrucio
Education and wrestling arena, also Legnaioli. Smith, who served
known familiarly as “The Pit”; if “The for 50 years—from the opening
Pit” is used in a quote, a clarifying of the Institute in 1839 through
statement should precede or follow 1889—is known as the “builder
the quote identifying “The Pit” as and rebuilder” of VMI. The statue
Cormack Hall. was originally located near the
Corps Physical Training Facility New Market monument, but today
also acceptable is Indoor resides in front of Smith Hall, VMI’s
Training Facility administration building.
Crozet Hall Freeland House
houses the Subs’ Mess reception room 320 Institute Hill, houses
11the Construction Office and the Washington Arch entrance to
P2 housekeeping Old Barracks.
French Guns Gray-Minor Stadium
The eight cannons along the parapet baseball stadium located at North Post
wall opposite the Washington Arch Guard Tree monument, 1954
of Old Barracks. Six are original The Guard Tree monument was
17 th century French bronze guns. created in 1954 by William M.
Two are 12-pound cannon from the Simpson to mark the spot on which
Letcher Artillery; the tubes were cast the old VMI Guard Tree stood from
at Tredegar Foundry in Richmond 1839 to 1951.
from bronze salvaged from the Hall of Valor
melting down of Revolutionary War the name of the banquet room in
era French cannons. The Letcher Marshall Hall; do not use it to refer
Artillery cannons were presented to to the building housing the Virginia
VMI in 1863. Museum of the Civil War, located at
George C. Marshall Museum and Library New Market Battlefield
operated by the George C. Marshall Harbinger Farm House
Foundation on VMI property, houses located at McKethan Park
the Pogue Auditorium Hinty Hall
George C. Marshall Statue, 1978 110 Hines Lane, located at Lackey
Honoring VMI’s distinguished 1901 Park behind Rockbridge County
graduate, this statue was dedicated High School and houses the offices,
on Founders Day 1978 and stands in workshops, and other facilities of
front of the Marshall Arch section Physical Plant
of Barracks. During World War II Indoor Training Facility
Gen. Marshall served as Army Chief also acceptable is the Corps Physical
of Staff (1939-1945). After the war, he Training Facility
was named special ambassador to Jackson Arch
China (1945-1947), Secretary of State facing the statue of Gen. Thomas
(1947-1949), president of the American J. Jackson
Red Cross (1949-1950), and Secretary Jackson-Hope Monument, 2003
of Defense (1950-1951). In 1953 he was Honoring the recipients of the First
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for Jackson-Hope Medal and the Second
his role in creating the European Jackson-Hope Medal, awarded to the
Recovery Program (known as the two most academically distinguished
Marshall Plan). cadets in each graduating class
George Washington Statue, 1856 since 1876
Dedicated on July 3, 1856, this bronze Jackson Memorial Hall
was cast by Virginia artist William houses the VMI Museum
James Hubard and is a replica of Jordan’s Point Park Athletic Field
Jean Antoine Houdon’s original VMI has long-term rights to use
marble. In 1864 it was confiscated of this city of Lexington-owned
by Union troops as a trophy of war, and -maintained property with
but was returned and rededicated in improvements funded and/or
1866. The statue stands across from completed by VMI
12Kilbourne Hall also located at McKethan Park are the
Army, Naval, and Air Force ROTC, VMI Observatory, Sky Farm House,
as well as Virginia Army National Harbinger Farm House, the skeet
Guard offices range, and recreational facilities
Kilbourne Hall Annex Memorial Arch, 2016
located behind Kilbourne Hall In the Memorial Garden opposite the
Lackey Park Spirit of Youth.
located along U.S. Route 11 about Memorial Garden, 1927
one-half mile north of Lexington, the The Memorial Garden, at the front
location of Hinty Hall of Cocke Hall, was designed by
Lejeune Hall landscape architect Ferruccio Vitale.
integral part of Third Barracks, Plaques honoring VMI alumni killed
houses the Visitors’ Center, Post in service.
Exchange, and VMI Bookstore; Military and Leadership Field
pronounced “Le-jurn” Training Grounds
Letcher Avenue houses MLFTG, located at North Post and
see Archer House, Cabell McKethan Park, includes the North
House, Letcher House, Neikirk Post Training Area and McKethan
Hall, Pendleton-Coles House, Training Area
Protocol Office Moody Hall
Letcher House VMI Alumni Association offices
305 Letcher Ave., houses Morgan Hall
Human Resources south annex to Nichols
Mallory Hall Engineering Building
houses math, physics, and computer National Guard Armory
science departments located at Lackey Park, owned by
Marshall Arch VMI and leased to the Virginia Army
facing the statue of Gen. George C. National Guard
Marshall and entering New Barracks Neikirk Hall
Marshall Hall 304 Letcher Ave., offices of the VMI
houses the Center for Leadership Foundation and the Keydet Club
Ethics, the Leslie Gillis ’29 Theater, New Barracks
New Market Room, Shenandoah New Market Battlefield
Room, Allegheny Room and Blue includes Bushong Farm House,
Ridge Room, and the Hall of Valor Virginia Museum of the Civil War,
banquet room and various outbuildings
Maury House North Institute Hill
416 VMI Parade, includes the area between Crozet Hall
commandant’s quarters and Main Street.
Maury-Brooke Hall North Post Training Area
chemistry and biology departments preferred for Saunders Fields, the
McKethan Park North Post portion of the Military and
three miles west of the VMI post, Leadership Field Training Grounds,
location of the McKethan Training including drill fields, challenge
Area, part of the Military and courses, obstacle courses, leadership
Leadership Field Training Grounds;
13reaction course, 30-point firing range, history, international studies, and
tennis courts, parking, and restrooms modern languages departments
Nichols Engineering Building Shell Hall
housing civil, electrical, and houses the VMI Band, registrar and
mechanical engineering departments Honor Court
Officers Row Shenandoah Valley Tourism
VMI Parade as it passes in front of the Information Center
Superintendent’s Quarters, Maury housed in the Virginia Museum of the
House, and housing for the dean, chief Civil War at New Market Battlefield
of staff, commandant, Corps sergeant Shirley House
major, and other senior leaders. located at New Market, used as
Old Barracks staff housing
Old Post Hospital Sky Farm House
houses the Institute chaplain and located at McKethan Park
International Programs South Institute Hill
Patchin Field includes the area between Maury-
located at North Post Brooke Hall and Main Street.
Paulette Hall Smith Hall
located at North Post adjacent to Gray- houses adminstrative offices
Minor Stadium, houses the W. Clark including the superintendent’s
Minnigerode ’92 Lacrosse Locker office, dean’s office, and the finance,
Room, the Bushey ’69 Locker Room administration, and support office.
(baseball), and the Jay R. Sculley ’62 Spirit of Youth, 1939
Men’s Soccer Locker Room The statue Spirit of Youth is the work of
Pendleton-Coles House sculptor Attilio Piccirelli and located
307 Letcher Ave., houses Admissions in Memorial Garden. This statue was
Post Hospital a gift of Anne Cocke, the wife of VMI’s
building housing the VMI 4th Superintendent, William H. Cocke.
Health Center In 2016 a memorial arch was added
Preston Library opposite the Spirit of Youth.
houses the Turman Room Stonewall Jackson House
Protocol Office 8 E. Washington St.
located at 303 Letcher Ave., protocol Stonewall Jackson Statue, 1912
office uses VIP Quarters on Sculptor Sir Moses Ezekiel (Class of
basement level 1866 and New Market cadet) donated
Richardson Hall this replica of his Charleston, West
connected to Shell Hall, housing the Virginia monumental sculpture.
QMD, laundry, and pressing shop It commemorates the Confederate
ROTC Storage Shed general and former professor at VMI.
located at Hinty Hall, used for storage Jackson is depicted surveying the field
of artillery cannons and other items before the Battle of Chancellorsville,
Saunders Fields Virginia, where he received his
preferred is North Post Training Area mortal wound. The sculpture was
Scott Shipp Hall unveiled on June 19, 1912 and stands in
housing economics/business, English, front of the barracks.
14Superintendent’s Quarters of 1866 and a New Market cadet.
412 VMI Parade The statue was dedicated in 1903, an
Third Barracks event that included a reunion of New
Third Barracks Arch Market veterans.
otherwise unnamed at this time Virginia Museum of the Civil War
Turman House formerly the Hall of Valor, located at
overlooks Jordan’s Point, also called New Market Battlefield
Stono, houses VIP Quarters and an VMI Health Center
apartment for visiting scholars; housed in the Post Hospital building,
associated with the house are the composed of the VMI Infirmary and
summer kitchen, gate house, and Cadet Counseling
ice house Washington Arch
Virginia Mourning Her Dead, 1903 facing the statue of
Virginia Mourning Her Dead was George Washington
created by sculptor Sir Moses Ezekiel Woods Creek Trail
to honor the VMI cadets who fought starts at Jordan’s Point, passes
at the Battle of New Market. Ezekiel through VMI, W&L, and
was himself a member of the Class into Lexington
Photo Cutlines:
Cutline with Story ê Accepting the VMI Foundation’s gift
AP Stylebook guidelines apply: The first are the three leaders of the Class
sentence describes in the present tense of 2018 (from left), Joey Brown,
who is in the photo and what is going on. In president; Ben Washecheck,
that sentence or additional sentences, state historian; and Henry Wiswall, vice
where and when the photo was taken. List president.—Photo courtesy of the
names left to right. Where necessary, the VMI Foundation.
following parentheticals and appropriate ê Cadets arrive on post May 23 for the
adaptations may be used: (from left), first summer session.—VMI Photo
(front, from left), (seated, from left), (in by Sharon Eddington.
foreground), (not pictured).
Finish with the photo credit, as below.—
ê In rehearsal for the VMI Community VMI Photo by Sharon Sirlington.—
Theatre’s production of The Curious Photo courtesy of Naval ROTC.—Photo
Savage, are (standing, from left) courtesy of Maj. Edward Harrington.
cadets Sarah Lemon and Seth
Chandler, Shay Peters, Sherri Deep Cutline (no story)
Holland, Kevan Kavanaugh, Tom All of the guidelines for cutline with story
Oxendine, (seated) Francis Bush, apply. Additional information is usually
Ginger McNeese, Piper Blouin needed to provide context, but the text
Foley-Schultz, (not pictured) should be no longer than 100 words. Deep
Michael Brickler, and Cadet Sierra cutlines carry a short label-style headline.
Sell.—VMI Photo by Hank Ferncliff.
ê A Special Presentation
Olga Dunaevskaya, native teaching
15assistant in Washington and Lee File Photos
University’s German and Russian Photos should be identified as file photos
Department, presents Col. Keith when they predate the present news cycle
Gibson ’77, executive director of the or when they are used in contexts other
VMI Museum System, with a copy than those for which they were taken.
of an article, “Moses Ezekiel: The
The photo credit should be phrased
First Jewish Cadet in the United
as below.—VMI File Photo by
States,” she wrote for the Russian
Jack Roberts.
publication, Lekhaim. The article
focuses on the famed sculptor
Headshot
Moses Ezekiel, who was wounded
Cutlines for head shots include the
in the Battle of New Market and
subject’s full name only and do not require
graduated from VMI in 1866.
a credit if they are VMI photos. If they
Dunaevskaya visited the VMI
are outside photos and the photographer
Museum May 5.—VMI Photo by
or source is known, credit should be a
Capt. Penny Tatum.
brief parenthetical.
ê Lt. Col. John J. Tarlington
ê Maj. Joe Smuccatelli (Andre Studio)
Punctuation:
Book and Movie Titles ê The museum displays historic
Italicize these titles (exception to AP style) artifacts from the 19th, 20th, and
21st centuries.
Em Dash ê Cadets were involved in facilitating
Use an em dash to set off text in a way every aspect of the North Post
similar to but more prominent than Challenge, staffing event stations,
commas or parentheses. Pairs of em dashes keeping score, and ensuring safety.
should be used to set off a parenthetical
element; a single em dash is used to set off U.S. Navy Ships
an amplifying or explanatory element. Do As follows: USS Bataan, USS Abraham
not leave a space on either side the dash. Lincoln, USS Cheyenne
EN Dash
Use an en dash for spans of time. Do not
leave a space on either side the dash.
w 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
w 2019–20
w May 16–July 1
Items in a Series
Use a comma to separate elements in a
simple series, including the final element
before the conjunction.
16Social Media:
The principles of effective communication of individuals, it is easier to maintain
and professionalism apply to social media professional voicing using imperatives
across all platforms. This guide is meant (second person) or descriptions in the
to ensure consistent presentation and third person.
tone, giving VMI platforms credibility. All
Respect intellectual property rights and
authorized platforms represent VMI, and
liability concerns. Give attribution for
voicing, level of formality, and tone should
VMI-produced photographs and videos.
be consistent with imaging established by
Where outside content is used with
VMI C&M. Social media posts require the
permission, provide the attribution.
same attention to accuracy and publication
Caption photos accordingly in platforms
standards as all other authorized
where there is no character limit.
VMI publications.
Individuals should be named where
identifying them is relevant to clear
General communication but otherwise may be left
Write clearly within the confines of the
unnamed. Time references may be relative
platform—clarity is imperative even in
rather than absolute, even where no date
platforms with character limits. Narrow
is provided.
the content for a given post to that which
can be effectively communicated in a See Photo Cutlines, page 15.
professional manner consistent with this
Style Guide. Spelling, Abbreviations,
Do not write from the first-person singular and Fragments
perspective (using the pronouns “I” or For all platforms where character count is
“me”); posts to authorized social media not limited, the Associated Press Stylebook
accounts never represent the perspective and the VMI Style Guide apply. Write in
of a single individual; they represent the complete sentences.
Institute or a constituent group within For platforms where the number of
the Institute. characters is limited, use abbreviations
Write from the first-person plural and symbols only as needed. Sentence
sparingly (pronouns “we” or “us”); though fragments are acceptable where necessary,
posts to authorized social media represent but only when a fragment can clearly
entities within the Institute made up convey the intended content.
Areas of Study:
degrees Biology, B.S.
A bachelor’s degree may be awarded Chemistry, B.S.—Pre-Medical Track
within the following areas: Chemistry, B.S.—Research Track
Civil Engineering, B.S.
bachelor of science degree: Computer Science, B.S.
Applied Mathematics, B.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering, B.S.
17Mechanical Engineering, B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering
Physics, B.S. Department of Civil and
Psychology, B.S. Environmental Engineering
degrees: Civil Engineering, B.S.
bachelor of arts degree: majors: Civil Engineering
Biology, B.A. concentrations: Construction Management;
Chemistry, B.A. Environmental Engineering; Fluid Mechanics and
Economics and Business, B.A. Hydraulic Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering;
English, B.A. Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering;
History, B.A. Structural Engineering; Transportation and
International Studies, B.A. Planning Engineering
Modern Languages and Cultures, B.A.
Computer and Information Sciences
departments Department of Computer and
Preferred use is to cast sentences to Information Sciences
refer to departments in general terms degrees: Computer Science, B.S.
using lowercase. majors: Computer Science
minors: Computer and Information Sciences Minor,
When referring to a specific department
Cybersecurity Minor
by its formal name, use uppercase.
Economics and Business
Applied Mathematics
Department of Economics and Business
Department of Applied Mathematics
degrees: Economics and Business, B.A.
degrees: Applied Mathematics, B.S.
majors: Economics and Business
majors: Applied Mathematics
minors: Business Minor, Economics Minor
minors: Mathematics Minor
concentrations: Financial Management
Concentration, Global Management Concentration
Biology
Department of Biology
Electrical and Computer Engineering
degrees: Biology, B.S.; Biology, B.A.
Department of Electrical and
majors: Biology
Computer Engineering
minors: Exercise Science Minor
degrees: Electrical and Computer Engineering, B.S.
concentrations: Biochemistry and Molecular
majors: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Biology (BMB) Concentration; Ecology,
minors: Computer Engineering Minor
Conservation, and Organismal Sciences
(ECOS) Concentration
English, Rhetoric, and
Humanistic Studies
Chemistry
Department of English, Rhetoric, and
Department of Chemistry
Humanistic Studies
degrees: Chemistry, B.S.—Pre-Medical Track;
degrees: English, B.A.
Chemistry, B.S.—Research Track; Chemistry, B.A.
majors: English
majors: Chemistry
minors: Art History and Visual Culture Minor,
minors: Chemistry Minor
Literary Studies Minor, Philosophy Minor, Rhetoric
concentrations: Biochemistry and Molecular
and Writing Minor
Biology (BMB) Concentration
concentrations: Art History and Visual Culture
Concentration, Literary Studies Concentration,
18Philosophy Concentration, Rhetoric and Physical Education
Writing Concentration Department of Physical Education
degrees: only available as a minor
History majors: Exercise Science Minor
Department of History
degrees: History, B.A. Physics and Astronomy
majors: History Department of Physics and Astronomy
minors: History Minor, Middle Eastern Studies degrees: Physics, B.S.
Minor, Military History Minor majors: Physics
concentrations: Military History Concentration minors: Astronomy Minor, Physics Minor
International Studies Psychology
and Political Science Department of Psychology
Department of International Studies and degrees: Psychology, B.S.
Political Science majors: Psychology
degrees: International Studies, B.A. minors: Leadership Studies Minor,
majors: International Studies Psychology Minor
minors: Asian Studies Minor, International Studies
Minor, National Security Minor majors
concentrations: Interdisciplinary Studies in Latin Majors are available in the
America Concentration following areas.
majors—department
Mechanical Engineering Applied Mathematics—Applied Mathematics
Department of Mechanical Engineering Biology—Biology
degrees: Mechanical Engineering, B.S. Chemistry—Chemistry
majors: Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering—Civil and
concentrations: Aerospace Engineering Environmental Engineering
Concentration, Nuclear Engineering Concentration Computer Science—Computer and
Information Sciences
Modern Languages and Cultures Economics and Business—Economics
Department of Modern Languages and Business
and Cultures Electrical and Computer Engineering—
Use the name of the language for cadets Electrical and Computer Engineering
earning a language minor. English—English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies
w Cadet John Doe is majoring in History—History
international studies and minoring International Studies—International Studies &
in French. Political Science
degrees: Modern Languages and Cultures, B.A. Mechanical Engineering—
majors: Modern Languages and Cultures Mechanical Engineering
minors: Arabic Minor, Chinese Minor, French Modern Languages and Cultures—Modern
Minor, German Minor, Modern Languages Minor, Languages and Cultures
Spanish Minor Physics—Physics & Astronomy
concentrations: Arabic Concentration, Chinese Psychology—Psychology
Concentration, French Concentration, German
Concentration, Spanish Concentration
19minors Physics Minor—Physics & Astronomy
Minors are available in the Psychology Minor—Psychology
following areas. Rhetoric and Writing Minor—English,
minors—department Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies
Arabic Minor—Modern Languages and Cultures Spanish Minor—Modern Languages and Cultures
Art History and Visual Culture Minor—
English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies concentrations
Asian Studies Minor—International Studies & Concentrations are available in the
Political Science following areas.
Astronomy Minor—Physics and Astronomy concentrations—department
Business Minor—Economics and Business Aerospace Engineering Concentration—
Chemistry Minor—Chemistry Mechanical Engineering
Chinese Minor—Modern Languages and Cultures Arabic Concentration—Modern Languages
Computer and Information Sciences and Cultures
Minor—Computer and Information Sciences Art History and Visual Culture
Computer Engineering Minor—Electrical Concentration—English, Rhetoric, and
and Computer Engineering Humanistic Studies
Cybersecurity Minor—Computer and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Information Sciences (BMB) Concentration—Biology
Economics Minor—Economics and Business and Chemistry
Exercise Science Minor—Biology and Chinese Concentration—Modern Languages
Physical Education and Cultures
French Minor—Modern Languages and Cultures Construction Management
German Minor—Modern Languages Concentration—Civil and
and Cultures Environmental Engineering
History Minor—History Ecology, Conservation, and
International Studies Minor—International Organismal Sciences (ECOS)
Studies & Political Science Concentration—Biology
Leadership Studies Minor—Psychology Environmental Engineering
Literary Studies Minor—English, Rhetoric, Concentration—Civil and
and Humanistic Studies Environmental Engineering
Mathematics Minor—Applied Mathematics Financial Management Concentration—
Middle Eastern Studies Minor—History Economics and Business
Military History Minor—History Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic
Modern Languages Minor—Arabic, Engineering Concentration—Civil and
Chinese, French, German, Spanish— Environmental Engineering
Modern Languages and Cultures French Concentration—Modern Languages
Use the name of the language for cadets and Cultures
earning a language minor. Geotechnical Engineering
w Cadet John Doe is majoring in Concentration—Civil and
international studies and minoring Environmental Engineering
in French. German Concentration—Modern Languages
National Security Minor—International and Cultures
Studies & Political Science Global Management Concentration—
Philosophy Minor—English, Rhetoric, and Economics and Business
Humanistic Studies
20Hydrology and Water Resources and a bachelor’s degree from
Engineering Concentration—Civil and Otterbein University.
Environmental Engineering ê He holds three master’s degrees—two
Interdisciplinary Studies in Latin from the Massachusetts Institute of
America Concentration—International Technology (computer science and
Studies & Political Science nuclear engineering) and a third
Literary Studies Concentration—English, from the U.S. Naval War College.
Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies ê She is a distinguished Institute
Military History Concentration—History graduate with a major in economics
Nuclear Engineering Concentration— and business and a minor in
Mechanical Engineering applied mathematics.
Philosophy Concentration—English, Rhetoric, ê After receiving a bachelor’s degree
and Humanistic Studies from Montclair State College, he
Rhetoric and Writing Concentration— received a master’s degree from
English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies Pennsylvania State University and
Spanish Concentration—Modern Languages a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.
and Cultures
Structural Engineering Concentration—
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Transportation and Planning
Engineering Concentration—Civil and
Environmental Engineering
Writing about someone’s education:
Write out bachelor’s degree, master’s
degree (both with apostrophe) or associate
degree. Do not capitalize the major unless
it’s a language or nationality. Do not
capitalize college or university unless
they are used with the formal name of the
school. Write out the full school name on
first reference.
ê After graduating with a degree
in mechanical engineering, he
commissioned into the U.S. Army.
ê He earned a master’s degree in
modern European history from
the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill.
ê In addition to a degree in mechanical
engineering from VMI, he holds
a master’s degree in business
administration from Virginia
Commonwealth University.
ê She received a master of fine arts
degree from Hollins University
21Timeline of Terms for VMI students
Prospective cadets—high schoolers interested in attending VMI
Appointed students—high schoolers who have been accepted as part of the next
year’s class.
Matriculants—Appointed students who arrive on post and sign the
Matriculation Book
Rats—Matriculants become rats once they have met their cadre
Cadets—rats become members of the Corps of Cadets after Breakout.
4th Class cadet—a freshman
3rd Class cadet—a sophomore
2nd Class cadet—a junior
1st Class cadet—a senior
graduate alumni—two or more male graduates OR a
alumnus—one male graduate mixed gender group
alumna—one female graduate alumnae—two or more female graduates
22Virginia Militia ranks
insignia color rank Abbreviation
General Gen.
Lieutenant General Lt. Gen.
Major General Maj. Gen.
Brigadier General Brig. Gen.
Colonel Col.
silver Lieutenant Colonel Lt. Col.
gold Major Maj.
silver Captain Capt.
gold First Lieutenant 1 st Lt.
2324
25
Non-discrimination Statement The Virginia Military Institute is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from harassment and discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities, or based on any other status protected by law. In pursuit of this goal, any question of impermissible discrimination on these bases will be addressed with efficiency and energy and in accordance with VMI General Order 16. General Order 90 addresses complaints or reports of retaliation against those who have opposed practices prohibited by General Order 16, those who have filed complaints or reports of prohibited practices, and those who have testified or otherwise participated in enforcement of General Order 16. Questions regarding discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, or other federal law, may be referred to the VMI Inspector General and Title IX Coordinator, 212 Carroll Hall, VMI, Lexington, VA 24450, (540) 464-7072. Any cadet or prospective cadet having questions about disability services for students should contact the Director of the Center for Cadet Counseling and Disability Services, 448 Institute Hill, 2nd floor, Post Infirmary, Lexington, Va. 24450, (540) 464-7667. For employment-related disability services, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator in the VMI Human Resources Office, Lexington, VA 24450, (540) 464-7322. 2020-10
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