Virginia Military Institute academic leaders asked the Board of Visitors on May 2 to authorize further development of a proposal that would let some cadets remain at the institute on a reduced academic load—commonly framed as a “partial-load” or fifth‑year option—to finish degree requirements or complete an additional major or certificate.

Dean Bob Vareschi (identified in the meeting as the dean) and other academic staff presented two related concepts: a partial-load pathway for cadets who have remaining graduation requirements of fewer than 12 credit hours and a ‘‘post‑graduation return’’ pathway for cadets who have technically completed requirements but choose to delay conferral in order to take a second major or certificate. Under the partial-load plan discussed, eligible cadets would take at least 6 but fewer than 12 semester credit hours; NCAA (NCAA) rules were cited as the basis for the 6‑credit floor for student‑athletes. Presenters proposed the policy apply equally to athletes and non‑athletes and be limited in duration (for example, a single semester for NCAA eligibility reasons).

Dean Vareschi emphasized that the school must comply with accreditor and NCAA standards and that the institute’s existing rules (including a current 10‑semester matriculation limit) would remain in force. He said the proposal would not create a new “non‑cadet” category or a remotely delivered graduate program; rather it would let cadets finish under VMI’s regulations while still living in the corps system and complying with barracks and ROTC obligations.

Why it matters: Officials said the change could retain students who otherwise leave to complete a small number of credits elsewhere and could help some student‑athletes use remaining eligibility while finishing degrees at VMI. The board was asked to allow academic-policy committees time to develop the detailed rules because the topic touches residency, financial charge calculations, NCAA eligibility, and accreditation reporting requirements.

Supporting detail: Presenters estimated a modest take rate for the program—roughly 5–10% of affected cohorts in a typical year—with 15–25 requests suggested as plausible. Vareschi said the institute previously allowed a similar practice through the 1990s and did not find an accreditation barrier then, but he acknowledged documentation and policy language must be updated and cleared with SACSCOC and NCAA.

Board follow-up: Trustees asked the academic affairs committee to continue drafting a single policy covering athletes and non‑athletes and to return with specific academic-regulation language, tuition/pricing, and the impact on housing, dining and student services.