Cadet Life

Students in the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin College become fully involved in the life of the college as well as in the cadet corps. They are active in student government, varsity sports and clubs and organizations. However, the life of a VWIL cadet differs in some ways from the life of a traditional student. Cadets must stay focused and organized to accomplish their goals.

For example:

Cadets are up early and put in a long day. Formations often begin at 6:30 in the morning and class or corps meetings may be scheduled for evenings. VWIL students expect to work hard in order to derive benefits from the program, and they learn to manage time well.

Cadets hold themselves to high academic standards. VWIL students are expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA as upper class women. Failure to do so results in academic probation and means activities are restricted and study hours are mandated. Cadets achieving a 3.0 GPA or higher wear the coveted academic star.

Cadets are accountable; they keep their commitments. Attendance is taken at academic classes and at all mandatory activities. Cadets receive demerits for failure to keep commitments and they receive merits for outstanding contributions to the corps and the college.

Cadets agree to focus on their educational priorities. VWIL cadets adhere to curfews, limits on evenings out and mandatory study hours from Sunday evening through Thursday. Privileges increase as cadets advance in class standing.

Cadets care for their residences and uniforms. Cadet uniforms and dormitory rooms are inspected weekly.