YOUR ROLE AS A MIDSHIPMAN SPONSOR

The warmth and friendship of your home is the greatest gift you can give to your Midshipman. 

You should be prepared to invite your fourth classman (plebe) to your home at least once a month.  Unless you live within an easy walk, bus or train ride from the Academy, we request that you plan to pick up and return the student. 

Some of the activities you can enjoy with your midshipman are hobbies, sports, a home cooked meal, day trips to introduce your midshipman to the culture, tastes and sights that Long Island and New York City offer.

The Sponsor program is set up to provide a relaxing and stress-free experience for the midshipman and the sponsor.

MIDSHIPMAN RESPONSIBILITIES

Sponsors are encouraged to treat the midshipmen as family members, rather than guests and to expect compliance with family rules. The sponsor determines the policy for the relationship between the midshipman and the family.

Midshipmen should not make unreasonable requests of their sponsors such as taxi service, laundry service, airport transportation, and shopping.  

The midshipmen should maintain an open dialogue with their sponsor families to insure that the sponsors are aware of Academy rules and regulations.

 HOW TO CONTACT MIDSHIPMEN

Midshipmen are assigned to one of five regimental companies.  There are pay phones that the plebes may use.  They may also be contacted via e-mail. Your midshipman will be able to give you the phone numbers and e-mail address. 

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Midshipman on Duty (MOD) 516-773-5282

Battalion Officer of the Watch, 1^st Battalion (BOOW 1) 516- 773- 5291

Battalion Officer of the Watch, 2^nd Battalion (BOOW 2) 516-773- 5724

Office of the Commandant 516-773- 5665

Office of the Social Director 516-773- 5398

   

THE PURPOSE OF THE SPONSOR PROGRAM

The Plebe Sponsor Program is designed to provide 4^th class midshipmen with an avenue to form friendships and gather support beyond the formal Academy environment.  Rigorous Academy standards can tax even the best of spirits, producing feelings of stress, loneliness, homesickness, and doubt.  As a midshipman sponsor, you will be able to provide midshipmen with a support network during their first year at the Academy.  This network will assist them in facing academic, athletic, and regimental challenges.  As a sponsor you serve as the midshipman’s friend and advisor, providing a caring environment for relaxation away from the pressures of the Academy.

You may participate as a sponsor if you: are an active/reserve/retired officer in the U.S. Armed Forces; Alumnus of a federal service academy; Staff or Faculty member of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (GS7 or above); Parents, current or past of midshipmen; Or receive special approval by the Commandant of Midshipmen.

UNDERSTANDING THE MIDSHIPMAN

To successfully interact with midshipmen it is important to understand their lives.

Each year 275 young men and women come to the United States Merchant Marine from every state, as well as U.S. possessions and trust territories.  Candidates must meet the physical, security, and character requirements necessary

 for appointment as a U.S. Naval Reserve (USNR) midshipman.  In addition, they must qualify scholastically and receive a congressional nomination to enter the Academy.

The incoming freshmen class (called “ Plebe candidates” until Acceptance Day in September, when they are called “Plebes” or 4^th classmen) arrives in early July for a rigorous period of training and conditioning in the regimental system.  Classes begin for the regiment at the end of July.   The regimental training and program of study are intensive throughout the 4 years.  The Academic year is divided into three terms, breaks are short and studies are rigorous.  Beside their regimental and academic programs, most of the midshipmen participate in intercollegiate sports, clubs and activities.

During their 2^nd and 3^rd years, midshipmen spend part of their time on navy ships or American merchant vessels putting into practice what they have learned in the classroom.

At graduation, midshipmen receive Bachelor of Science degrees, Coast Guard licenses and Naval Reserve Commissions.  The students agree to serve a specified period of time in the maritime industry or on active military duty.

THE ACADEMY HONOR CODE

In addition to the academic, physical, and regimental responsibilities the midshipmen assume, they are also charged with challenging moral responsibilities.  Midshipmen live by an honor code and are expected to maintain it at all times.  The Academy’s honor code states succinctly “ a midshipman will not lie, cheat or steal.”  Violations of this honor code can result in dismissal from the Academy.

 

ACADEMY POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

Fourth Class midshipmen are very restricted during their first year at the Academy.  These restrictions are fundamental to the development of their discipline.  As a sponsor, part of your responsibility is to support the Academy policies and training.  Some of the most common situations to be aware of are:

1.       Alcohol: Midshipmen are not allowed to consume any alcohol unless they are 21 years old.  This abides by New York State Law.  In addition there are specific rules in Midshipmen Regulations for midshipmen over 21. 

2.       Improper Relationships (Fraternization) Social Relationships are permitted between members of adjacent classes except for the 4^th Class.  Fourth Class midshipmen associations with members of the three upper classes must be strictly professional. 

3.       Use of Automobiles: Midshipmen are not allowed to drive during their 4^th class year within a 30-mile radius of the school.  Underclass midshipmen are prohibited from maintaining an automobile unless it is at their parents or legal guardian’s actual home.

4.      Uniform Policy: When liberty is granted, underclass midshipmen must leave and return to the Academy in the uniform of the day, either Summer Whites or Service Dress Blue.