Annex A to USMA Reg 1-1
ANNEX A TO USMA REGULATION 1-1
OPERATING RULES OF THE ACADEMY SCHEDULE
(ACADEMIC YEAR 2009-2010)
1. ACADEMY SCHEDULE PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY STATEMENT
a. The purpose of the Academy Schedule is to allocate and protect cadet time so that cadets have the opportunity to achieve excellence in accomplishing mission essential tasks for intellectual, physical, military, moral-ethical, social development, and to participate in other authorized activities.
b. Provisions of the Academy Schedule will be strictly observed during the first and second academic terms. During other periods, the Academy Schedule will be suspended unless otherwise directed by the Superintendent. These periods include:
Reorganization Week (Commandant)
Winter Reorganization Week (Commandant)
Spring Leave (Commandant)
Term-End Examinations (Dean)
Graduation Week (Superintendent)
Summer Term Program (STP) (Commandant)
Summer Term Academic Program (STAP) 1, 23 (Dean)
Cadet Summer Training Period (Commandant)
The major activity directors listed above have primary scheduling responsibility for the respective time periods. Schedules being developed for these time periods will be coordinated with all other activities to ensure synchronization and total dissemination of information.
2. OPERATING GUIDANCE: The basic principle around which these operating rules have been developed is that of "exclusivity." Exclusivity delineates only those activities that are authorized to be scheduled during specific periods. Activities not expressly listed are, therefore, excluded. Excluded activities may not be scheduled without prior approval of an exception. There are two basic types of exceptions to the Academy Schedule: standing exceptions and non-standing exceptions.
a. Standing Exceptions: Standing Exceptions deal with events/activities which recur on a regular basis (e.g., Special Olympics, Scout Camporee) and are found in Appendix 1 and in USMA Regulation 350-12. Requests for standing exceptions are reviewed by the Policy Board. Once an event is approved by the Superintendent as a standing exception, it will be revalidated every three years. Preparation and staffing of requests to be considered by the Policy Board are accomplished by the Academy Schedule Committee between January and May. The Committee is chaired by the G-3 and includes the Chief of Staff of USCC (Commandant’s Representative), DIA Representative, the Vice Dean for Administration Resources (Dean’s Representative), and the Director of Policy, Planning, and Assessment. Policy Board’s review/validation and Superintendent’s approval of the schedule and its standing exceptions subsequently occurs in the June-August time frame. G-3
will maintain the standing exceptions and will be responsible to ensure they are revalidated after three years.
b. Non-Standing Exceptions: Non-standing exceptions deal with unique and/or individual events that predominantly occur on a one-time basis (e.g., company parties, academic, military or social events, physical activities, tournaments or matches). Requests for non-standing exceptions must be recommended for approval by the sponsoring major activity director (MAD) to the G-3. G-3 will staff the request with the Academy Schedule Committee for approval. The committee will consider each request. If the vote by the Academy Scheduling Committee is unanimous, the exception will be granted. Issues that are not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties concerned will be referred by the G-3 to the USMA Chief of Staff for adjudication. This process takes time and early submission is key. Requests must be submitted to G-3 as soon as requirements and needs become identified. Requests submitted within 10 working days of the event may not be approved due to lack of staffing time.
c. Extracurricular/Co-Curricular Activities: Many Major Activity Directorates schedule events on an annual basis. Hence, requirements for non-standing exceptions can often be projected and identified. In the spring of each year, Directorates will prepare and submit a Year End Planning Document (YEPD). This document will identify program requirements for the next academic year. The Academy Schedule Committee, in conjunction with the directors, will then use YEPD projections to "pre-approve" non-standing exceptions for each activity. Activities that are not able to submit a YEPD in the spring may do so at their earliest convenience, once program requirements have been identified. Requirements for non-standing exceptions that are not projected and identified in the YEPD must be processed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2b.
d. Cadet Time: Cadet Time is reserved for individual cadet use only. If a cadet is not scheduled for an authorized activity, that period becomes Cadet Time. During Cadet Time, cadets may study, use the library, computer facilities or other academic facilities and attend to individual chain of command duties or personal affairs. On a voluntary basis, cadets may participate in individual military training, physical fitness activities, and religious activities. On a cadet-initiated and selected appointment basis, cadets may receive additional instruction (AI) and tutoring; meet with instructors; take make-up/make-ahead examinations; obtain professional counseling from academic counselors, or DPE guidance counselors; and schedule medical appointments. Tactical Officers may require cadets to meet for professional counseling.
e. The proponent for the Academy Schedule is the Directorate of Operations, Plans, and Security (G-3). Changes to the schedule will not be made without coordination with G-3 and approval of the Academy Scheduling Committee.
3.WEEKDAY SCHEDULE (Monday-Friday)
a. Release from Quarters: (0520-0645) Cadet Time except for health and welfare inspections, urinalysis testing, and weight management weigh-ins.
b. Reveille: (0630) All cadets out of bed in preparation for breakfast formation. See Appendix 1 and USMA Regulation 350-12 for exceptions.
c. Breakfast Formation and Breakfast: (0655-0720) Breakfast formation and breakfast is mandatory for all cadets. All cadets will march in formation to this meal and will be seated in the cadet mess no later than 0705. Exceptions will be authorized by the Brigade Tactical Officer. The only authorized absences are for 0650 sick call and as specified in Appendix 1 and USMA Regulation 350-12.
d. Academic Instruction Hours:(0730-1155, 1250-1345, 1355-1600) The primary duty for all cadets during these hours is the attainment of excellence in the academic program. Cadets will attend all scheduled classes, laboratories, and examinations unless excused by the Dean. The F and L hours are normally freed of academic instruction for in-season Corps Squad athletes. Corps Squad athletes may use this time to prepare for and commence scheduled practice and competition. Scheduled team practices will not begin earlier than 1500. Tactical officers and academic instructors may schedule mandatory cadet counseling during a cadet's free period when there are no scheduled academic, military, or physical requirements. Cadets attending DPE activity courses have different start and end times to allow for cadets to change clothing and finish DPE training and be at their previous/next class. Academic hours follow:
EVENT / TIMEA and G hour / 0730-0825
B and H hour / 0840-0935
C and I hour / 0950-1045
D and J hour / 1100-1155
M (1 Day-Odd Lsn) / 1250-1345
E and K hour / 1355-1450
F and L hour / 1505-1600
e. Compressed Class Day Schedule:A compressed class day schedule will be used on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving.
EVENT / TIMEMANDATORY BREAKFAST / 0600-0620
G-HOUR CLASS / 0640-0730
H-HOUR CLASS
/ 0745-0835I-HOUR CLASS / 0850-0940
J-HOUR CLASS / 0955-1045
K-HOUR CLASS / 1100-1150
L-HOUR CLASS / 1205-1255
OPTIONAL LUNCH / 1300-1340
f. Modified Schedule. If a modified schedule is approved, the day will begin earlier, however, the length of each class period will remain the same. The start time will be determined on a case by case basis.
g. Lunch Formation and Lunch(1205-1235):Lunch formation and lunch are mandatory for all cadets. All cadets will march in formation to the lunch meal. See Appendix 1 and USMA Regulation 350-12 for exceptions. Exceptions will be authorized by the Brigade Tactical Officer.
h. Lunchtime Review (1205 – 1240): USCC will conduct a brigade review once a week during lunchtime. This review will take place on Monday.
i. M Hour and Commandant's Hour (1250-1345 on 1-days): To be used only as prescribed by the Commandant. The Commandant's hour contains 20 equivalent lessons.
(1) Even lessons arefor: inspections, fitness testing, professional development training,professional military ethics education, unit training, human resources issues, chain of command time, and other activities relating to the military and physical programs.
(2) Odd lessons are designated asM-hour.M-hour is reserved for 20 lessons of Military Science (MS) instruction for cadets who cannot take MS courses during other academic hours (hours A thru L). The Office of the Dean may schedule other classes or activities during M-Hour, but only with prior consultation and concurrence from the Commandant
j. Dean's/Lab Hour: (1250-1345 on 2-days) This period is scheduled as a normal academic instruction hour (lab), or for other academic purposes approved by the Dean. No other activity may be scheduled unless specifically approved by the Dean.
k. Club Athletics/ Intramurals/ Drill and Ceremonies/ Military and Physical Training: (Monday through Thursday,1615-1830) Cadets may be scheduled for club team competitions and practices, company intramurals, drill and ceremonies, and other training events approved by the Commandant consistent with the goals of the military and physical programs. No other activity involving cadet attendance or participation may be conducted. Any time not scheduled for an authorized activity reverts to cadet time. (See Appendix 1 and USMA Regulation 350-12 for exceptions).
l. Corps Squad Athletics: (Monday through Thursday, 1500-1830) Cadets may be scheduled for Corps Squad competitions and practices. No other activity involving cadet attendance or participation may be conducted. Any time not scheduled for an authorized activity reverts to cadet time. (See Appendix 1 and USMA Regulation 350-12 for exceptions.)
m. Remedial Training/Support Army Teams: (Friday, 1615 - 1930) Remedial Training for Corps squad athletes will be coordinated through ODIA and USCC on a case by case basis. Consistent with the goals of the Military and Physical programs, the Commandant may schedule mandatory remedial training [as needed] for those cadets who are not meeting baseline requirements. On a voluntary basis, cadets of all classes may choose to attend competitions in support of Army teams. Units assigned as team sponsors by the Commandant, may participate in spirit activities in conjunction with team competitions. Cadets will be allowed to attend the optional Dinner if they desire to.
n. Additional Instruction (AI):Cadets may receive AI at times and places mutually agreeable to them and their instructors and not in conflict with other class or duty responsibilities during the week. AI with DPE is authorized to take place at Arvin CadetPhysicalDevelopmentCenter. The Commandant or his designated representative is authorized to approve and/or excuse cadets from drill and ceremonies, and Chain of Command/Unit Training Time to allow cadets to participate in AI. Additionally, Head Coaches of Corps Squad teams are authorized to excuse cadets from practice to allow them to participate in AI.
o. Retreat:will be at 1700 hours during Eastern Standard time Monday through Sunday and holidays. When changing from Eastern Standard Time to Eastern Daylight Time, Retreat will be at 1800 hours. Retreat may be adjusted to meet ceremonial requirements after coordination and approval by G-3.
p. Optional Dinner:(1800-1930) During the academic year, the supper meal is optional for all cadets except on Thursdays. Mess Hall doors will close at 1930 hours. Banquets, Dining-In and other functions authorized to be conducted with the supper meal will conclude NLT 1930. Club, team and religious activities holding an authorized meeting in conjunction with a Banquet or Dining-In, may extend their function until 2030 (Monday and Tuesday only).
q. Mandatory Corps Dinner:
(1) Monday and Wednesday (1845 - 1915) Attendance by the fourth class is mandatoryexcept for absences approved by the Commandant and/or authorized under the provisions of Appendix 1 to this Annex and USMA Regulation 350-12. Cadets will march into the Mess Hall in company formation. In-season Corps and Competitive Club Squad Cadets are authorized to pick up their dinner in their practice uniform (option 3 "grab and go").
(2) Thursday(1845-1915) Attendance by all cadets is mandatory except for absences approved by the Commandant and/or authorized under the provisions of Appendix 1 to this Annex and USMA Regulation 350-12. Cadets will march into the Mess Hall in company formation. In-season Corps Squad athletes are excused from this formation, but must attend the meal and arrive in time to "Take Seats" with the Corps.
r. Evening Study Period: (Sunday - Friday, 1930-2330) The intent of this period is to provide the maximum opportunity for cadets to focus on academic excellence. This period is reserved for study, homework and preparation of academic requirements. As required, Cadet Officers and Cadet Sergeants may perform chain of command duties beyond 2030 hours. However, they will not task Cadet Corporals or Cadet Privates to complete any Chain of Command duties/requirements during the Evening Study Period. No other activities may be scheduled. On Friday evenings, prior to an Alpha and Foxtrot Saturday there is formal ESP. On Friday evenings, prior to a Bravo Sat, there is no formal ESP. Cadets may exercise voluntarily the authorizations and privileges to which they are entitled, providing they have no conflicting duties.
s. Extra-Curricular Activities:(Monday and Tuesday, 1930-2030) Cadets may be excused from the first hour of Evening Study Period on Mondays and Tuesdays to attend authorized club, team, or religious activities. Competitive club teams may not conduct practices and/or competitions during this period. Any given activity may schedule one meeting per week on either night, but not both. The Commandant may require cadets to attend training related to Values Education or the Military Program. Meetings/training must end and cadets be dismissed by 2030.
t. Support Army Teams:On an individual voluntary basis, cadets of all classes may choose to attend competitions in support of Army teams from 1930 - 2230 Sunday - Friday. Third and Fourth Class will be limited to attending two competitions per week. Units assigned as team sponsors by the Commandant may participate in spirit support activities in conjunction with team competitions.
u. Dean's Lecture Period:(Wednesday and Thursday, 1945-2045) Cadets may be required to attend lectures and preparatory seminars for Student Conference on US Affairs (SCUSA) and Scholarship activities approved in accordance with DPOM 2-5 during the first hour and 15 minutes of the Evening Study Period on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cadets must be seated by 1940 and these activities must end by 2045. Cadets may remain voluntarily to participate in further discussion with the lecturer. The Commandant and the Dean will coordinate NLT one month prior to the start of each term the utilization of ELP’s to accomplish required training related to the military and physical programs. Historically, USCC has requested the use of the Dean’s lecture period in order to support MS instructional requirements. Once scheduled, these events take precedence. All additional requests will be submitted as an ETAS.
v. Taps:(2330) All cadets will be in their rooms, and remain in their rooms. Exceptions will be approved by the TAC Team or Platoon Leader. All room lights except for desk lamps will be turned off. On Fridays prior to a B Saturday, and on Saturday nights Taps is 0100Sunday morning.
w. Lights in the Barracks Area:Lights will be turned off when cadets are absent from their rooms. All overhead lights will be turned off at Taps every night and may be turned on no earlier than 0520 every day. On nights prior to an academic day, all cadets will turn out all lights and go to sleep NLT 2400. On nights with no ESP and during TEE Week, all cadets may leave their desk lights [no other lights] on after Taps.
4.WEEKEND
a. Saturday: There are three kinds of Saturdays: Alpha, Bravo, and Foxtrot, as designated annually by the Superintendent. Alpha Saturday is further broken down into Alpha/Dean (A/D) and Alpha/Commandant (A/C). The Commandant ICW the Dean will adjust the Saturday schedule to meet Review Prep, Review, and Kick-off time requirements for home football games on Alpha and Foxtrot Saturdays. Cadets must be prepared to execute Reviews as scheduled and must have one hour to prepare for each Saturday Review. On Foxtrot Saturdays, cadets will have no academic, physical, or military requirements, other than the execution of a Review, attend the game, execute the March-On, and complete taskings in support of the home game. See Appendix 2 for detailed schedule.
(1) Alpha Saturdays: are those Saturdays during which all cadets, except those in season athletes in Corps Squad competitions and approved club or academic trip sections, at or away from West Point are required to be in attendance for events scheduled on Saturday morning by the Commandant and/or the Dean. Operating rules for A/D and A/C Saturdays are as follows:
(a) Dean’s (A/D) Saturday: