In the Central Virginia area there was a marked decrease in applications to our congressional nominating sources this past year. For example, from the Central Virginia area there were only five qualified applicants applying to Senator Allen’s state nominating committee – and two of then listed Navy as their first choice! The USMA Director of Admissions, Colonel Mike Jones, has asked all West Point societies to become involved and actively support the USMA admissions efforts.
The Distinguished Society Award program lists an excellent way for us to contribute. It is for every USMA graduate to offer a little bit of time and sponsor a high school. Some of us have begun to do this. To explain in detail what is involved, we have drafted an “SOP” (See below.) If you are interested and willing, please contact Sam Wilder ’61 at sdwilder1@comcast.net or (804) 530-1682. This is our society SOP for sponsoring a high school:
1. Purpose.
a) The overall purpose of sponsoring a high school is to further the aims and interests of USMA by increasing the awareness in local communities of the opportunities presented by West Point and the Army.
b) The intent of “sponsorship” by WPSR members is not to replace the Military Academy Liaison Officers (MALOs), nor to do their job. It is to supplement their efforts and to extend their reach into the community.
2. Background.
a) At the Society Leaders Conference, 2003, at West Point, Col. Mike Jones, the Director of Admissions, reiterated repeatedly the need for West Point societies to become as engaged as possible in the admissions effort. He particularly emphasized the need for MALOs, West Point Societies, and Parents Clubs to work very closely together to help spread the word about West Point in an effort to help attract the very best candidates possible.
b) In the Admissions SOP of the Distinguished Society Award SOP, members of West Point societies are enjoined to work directly with the Admissions effort. The SOP states:
“If every living West Pointer adopted the high school closest to him
or her and dedicated some time each semester to spreading the word
in a world that doesn’t know about the West Point opportunity, the
job of the USMA Admissions Office would be much easier.”
3. Definition of “Sponsorship”.
Sponsorship of a local high school simply means the establishment of an ongoing relationship with that school to assist in all efforts to make their students aware of the opportunities of West Point and the Army. This relationship is normally started by contacting members of the school’s guidance department. Sponsorship does not mean that WPSR provides any funds to the sponsored school for any purpose. The relationship may take on any or all of the following aspects:
· Ensuring that the school has all the up to date catalogs and brochures on West Point.
· Speaking to individuals or student groups about West Point and the Army.
· Explaining the nominations process to counselors and students.
· Being present at college fairs, career nights, or other opportunities to discuss West Point and the Army.
· Advising individuals either in person, telephonically, or via e-mail and helping them make the admission choice that is right for them, for West Point, and for the Army.
· Passing on the names and any important information on prospective candidates to our MALOs.
· Encouraging the sponsored high school to participate in the West Point Leadership Award program, if they are not already participating.
· Making the annual presentation of the West Point Leadership Award at the sponsored high school.
- Member Responsibilities
In order to take on the responsibility of sponsoring a high school, the society member should thoroughly familiarize him/herself with the admissions requirements for USMA and the contents of the standard admissions department briefing. The briefings are usually given in this area twice a year by the South East Region Admissions office and the dates and locations will be publicized in the WPSR newsletter, via e-mail, or are available by contacting an area MALO. Additionally, he/she should be familiar with how an applicant can apply for a nomination. Familiarization with a current catalog and the USMA Admissions website at www.admissions.usma.edu is highly desirable as almost all candidate or guidance official’s questions can be answered through these sources. If in doubt, any questions should be forwarded to our MALOs for assistance. Sponsors should not contact the admissions office directly with questions unless the MALO is unable to provide assistance.
Each sponsor should contact a MALO prior to having his/her first meeting with students. The MALO will provide the names of any students at the school who have opened files at USMA. Additionally, the MALO will provide the names of any candidates who have been identified as Corps Squad recruits who may not be contacted.
The members have specific responsibilities regarding coordination with school officials, assisting candidates and coordinating with MALOs as specified below:
a) Identify and communicate with a regular POC at the school, preferably in the guidance office. Provide the POC with information regarding attending training seminars such as educator luncheons in the local area, and educator workshops held annually at USMA. Provide guidance on the WPLA award selection and be available for presentations. Coordinate with POC for scheduling CPRC Cadets at their school during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring CPRC periods.
b) Provide all potential candidates with information regarding gaining admission to West Point as well as the life of a Cadet and Army Officer. Provide a positive role model for those students aspiring to be Cadets and Army Officers. Advise candidates on the various nominations available and encourage them to enter the USMA website and open a candidate file at the earliest possible date. Advise sophomores and juniors about the opportunity to attend the Invitational Academic Workshop (IAW) at USMA in June proceeding their senior year. Provide potential candidates with the name and contact information for a MALO.
c) Contact MALO prior to meeting with students in order to obtain lists of current candidates. Follow up with the MALO following meetings with candidates to forward the names of any interested and apparently qualified students who warrant further contact from the MALO and ask any questions which the sponsor could not answer. Disseminate information to your school from the MALOs such as the dates of admissions office briefings in the area, CPRC availability, visits from a USMA Minority Admissions officer, etc.
