Thought our participants would be interested in the following.
Several weeks ago Col. Bissell attended our chapter's recruiting
function. I had a chance to talk with him before and after the
function. My impression is that VMI is fortunate to have him
heading up the assimilation effort.
RB Lane '75
Assimilation Plan for Women
Status Report #4
14 March 1997
Admissions Status: As of 13 March,
the Admissions office has now received 940 applications for the
class of 2001, of which 62 are from women. VMI has offered
appointments to 669 applicants, including 33 women. Eight women
have made deposits and begun the reservation process. These
figures do not include 3 transfer students that will enter the
Rat Class from New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI).
Areas Researched Status: At present the superintendent has approved approximately 33 areas researched by the committees. Those recommendations approved are with counsel for their final review. There are approximately 12 areas still in process. Of the policies approved or in process it appears that over 90% of them recommend no change. In some cases, the recommendations only require slight modifications or additions to the Blue Book to establish procedures and guidelines (e.g. visitation, dating and fraternization policies.) In other cases the areas researched merely recommend the hiring of additional qualified personnel to select staff positions or the addition of support equipment (for example additional vans and practice.) There are still several major areas such as sexual harassment that are requiring in-depth research and coordination to insure that we have sound and effective policies in place.
Team Visit to US Coast Guard Academy: A VMI team led by Col. Bissell will visit the US Coast Guard Academy from 20-23 March 1997 to attend a National Conference on Leadership in a Gender Diverse Military. In addition the team will visit and talk with USCGA cadets and staff. The team members are Col. Tom Davis, Col. Jim Joyner, Mrs. Louise Dooley and Lt. Ryan McCarthy.
Personnel Status: A new assistant commandant
has been announced. Major Sherrise Powers will assume her duties
on 17 March 1997. She served in the US Army from 1981 to 1989 and
held positions as parachutist, criminal investigator and
instructor at the Army Signal School. In 1989 she entered the
reserves where she held the position of master sergeant. Prior to
coming to VMI she served as an intern in the Commonwealth
Attorney's Office. The announcements for Asst. Director of Cadet
Affairs, Counselor and Physical Education instructor have not
been
made. The process is underway; anticipate completion by 1 August
1997.
Orientation & Training: My personal
thanks to the Orientation Committee for the fine work planning
the opening convocation ceremony on 11 March 1997. The next
sessions will break the 1600 personnel from the VMI family
(faculty, staff, ROTC personnel, contract personnel and cadets)
into 4 separate sessions. The sessions will be held as follows:
25 March 1100-1200 (400 attendees)
25 March 1600-1700 (400 attendees)
27 March 1100-1200 (400 attendees)
27 March 1600-1700 (400 attendees)
Information will follow on who should attend each session. The
groups should be mixed with representatives from all parts of the
VMI community. Each session will provide a brief update on areas
researched, construction, personnel, admissions and athletics
followed by a questions and answer period (majority of the
period). More to follow.
Orientation Meetings: In addition, Col. Bissell will be meeting with groups of cadets (20-25) on a weekly basis to allow cadets to talk about concerns and issues first hand. These will be informal sessions at 1900 hrs. one night a week (dessert, coffee, soft drinks provided.)
Exchange Programs: Announcements will be made on 21 March that candidates interested the exchange program at Texas A&M and Norwich submit their applications to the Assimilation Office (Col. Bissell's) NLT 1 April 1997. A screening board held by the Deans office will review candidates applications. Decisions will be announced by 1 May. Interested cadets should sign up for classes at VMI for next semester during the normal registration period next week. If selected, adjustments will be made.
Summary: Again, many thanks to all the
committee chairs, and committee members for their
continuing hard work.
Respectfully,
N.M. Bissell
Chairman of Executive Committee
Assimilation Plan
Last Updated: October 11, 2009
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