Family Weekend

When are Rooks allowed to leave campus, and when must they return?

Rooks may depart campus once the Friday afternoon Corps Review ends at approximately 5 p.m. Rooks must return to campus on Saturday morning by 9 a.m. for scheduled Corps events. That afternoon, Rooks may depart after the football game on Saturday at approximately 4 p.m. and must return to campus on Sunday evening by 7 p.m.

Can Rooks return to campus before 7 p.m. on Sunday?

Yes. Once a Rook returns to campus, all Rook rules apply.

Can I visit my Rook in their assigned barracks?

Yes. We ask that all visitors be respectful of the barracks, which are living quarters for our cadets, and that Friday is an academic day.

Can I deliver personal items to my Rook’s barracks room?

Yes. If your Rook is unavailable, you may drop the items off at the Guard Room inside Jackman Hall at the main entrance or the Office of the Commandant, 233 Jackman Hall. Please label the items with your Rook’s name, barracks, and company assignment.

If we are accompanying our Rook on campus, do they need to walk in the gutter or the square?

No. Rooks may be at ease with family members, but cannot cut across the Upper Parade Ground (UP) or use Centennial or Bicentennial Stairs. Rooks on crutches may cross the UP. Also, Rooks are still required to render proper military courtesies.

Can I bring a care package for my Rook?

Yes. A care box must be shoebox size, and healthy snacks are preferred.

Can my Rook have a protein mix in their room?

Yes.

Can I attend academic classes?

Yes. Your Rook must first have the faculty member’s permission.

Can I join my Rook for meals in the dining hall?

Yes. Beginning with breakfast on Friday morning, families may eat any meal with their Rook in the WCC Abare Dining Hall through brunch on Sunday. Rooks dining with family members may eat at ease but must continue to practice dining etiquette.

Who can I speak with if my Rook has academic issues?

You may speak to your Rook’s academic advisor; however, there is little the advisor can discuss with you unless your Rook has authorized the release of information via a FERPA release. You can also call the Center for Academic Success and Achievement for assistance at 802-485-2355 or visit their office at Kreitzberg Library (Campus Map Bldg 48).

Who can I talk to if my Rook is struggling and thinking about leaving the Corps of Cadets?

You are encouraged to speak to the company mentor of the unit to which your Rook is assigned:

1. B Co - CSM Paul Putney, 316 Patterson Hall, pputney@norwich.edu
2. D Co - CSM Joe Bosley, 313 Hawkins Hall, jbosley@norwich.edu
3. F Co - CSM John de Nagy, 204 Alumni Hall, jdenagy@norwich.edu
4. H Co - CSM Brad Gallimore, 404 Alumni Hall, bgallimo@norwich.edu

Can Rooks wear civilian clothes off campus in public?

Yes, but only beyond a 50-mile radius of campus; Burlington, Stowe, and White River Junction are all within a 50-mile radius.

We live in central Vermont. Can my Rook wear civilian clothes off campus, such as at a local restaurant?

Rooks must depart and return to campus in uniform. If inside the 50-mile radius and in a public setting, such as at a restaurant or shopping, your Rook must wear the authorized cadet uniform.

Can I visit with my varsity athlete Rook after their sporting event?

Yes. Often parents and family members meet with their athletes outside the locker room after the game.

I am a Norwich alum, and my Rook is a legacy student. Can you tell me about the Legacy Pin Ceremony?

Legacy Pinning will occur at halftime of the football game at approximately 2:30 p.m. We ask the Norwich graduate(s) and family members attending to gather on the track on the home side with five minutes remaining in the second quarter for instructions. For the student to be pinned, please complete this form: Legacy Pinning Form - Norwich University. Alumni Engagement Office, 802-454-2300, alumni@norwich.edu.

Can I sit with my Rook during the home football game on Saturday?

Yes. Rooks must remain in the stadium until the game ends.

If my Rook sees a cadet leader or University official off campus, how is my Rook to act? Are the Rook rules still in place?

Rook-specific rules pertain to on-campus activities, but military customs and courtesies apply on and off campus.

We are not able to attend Family Weekend. Is my Rook confined to the barracks?

No. We have had the edict that “No Rook is left behind.” We encourage another Rook’s family to adopt a Rook sibling for the weekend. However, if desired, a Rook may remain on campus for all or part of the weekend.

Does my Rook need my written permission to go with another family?

Only if a minor. Please send permission with the name of the family or person to your Rook’s company mentor or commandant@norwich.edu. All Rooks must sign out at their company as instructed.

Is there a chance to meet members of the Commandant and Student Affairs staff?

Yes, please join us for an open house in the foyer of Jackman Hall. View the daily event schedule for details.