Faculty required to wear uniforms

At Norwich University, the nation's oldest private military college, wearing uniforms is an important part of everyday life. But there have been issues on campus regarding how faculty members should wear their uniforms. 

All faculty members should wear the uniform on campus and have a neat, clean appearance, according to President Richard W. Schneider's memo on uniforms. This new memo explained what is expected for faculty members.

"The president is encouraging Vermont state militia members to remember that they are setting an example," said Frank T. Vanecek, president for academic affairs.

There has been disagreement amongst cadets and faculty on how the uniform should be worn. Some cadets say that professors are not wearing the uniform properly.

"The current standard that the president set out is that they have to wear it to the Army standard," said Sean Fredrick, a 22-year-old political science major from Derry, N.H. "The president ... has been very clear and concise."

The Vermont state militia modified the Army regulations, according to Brigadier General Michael Kelly, vice president for student affairs and commandant of cadets. The VSM uniform policy has not been updated for several years and Schneider's memo explains the updates.

"That policy especially adapts the army regulations for the wearing of the uniforms," Kelley said.

Most faculty members in the Vermont state militia have not had former militaryexperience and don't know how to wear the uniform properly because they have not received the proper training.  

"I think most faculty try to wear the uniform properly; I think that part of it is a lack of training," said Elizabeth Maier, assistant professor of criminal justice.

Training sessions would be helpful to faculty who have never worn the uniform. Commandant's cadets could teach faculty how to wear the uniform properly.

"I think professors and faculty should be instructed on how to wear their uniform," said Nathaniel Hudak a 22-year-old senior criminal justice major from Hadley, Mass.

Faculty members with prior military experience are asked to volunteer their time to give a presentation on how the uniforms are worn.

"Two faculty members, a male and a female who have had prior military experience, volunteer their time and services to hold a session," Vanchek said.

Commandants want to make sure that faculty members are comfortable wearing the uniform. They not only set the example when they teach but look presentable in uniform as well.

"We want to do everything we can as an institution to help all of our Vermont state militia members properly wear the uniform and know the customs and courtesies," Kelley said. "So they are comfortable with students and whomever they interact."