VMI Center For Leadership and Ethics

09/23/2026

Monday night, cadets gathered in the Hall of Valor for a solutions-based discussion on how we can foster integrity, not just compliance, within VMI's systems.

VMI's regimental, class, and Honor systems converge in our unique environment, so we want to ensure our systems teach lifelong principles and values.

Cadets, rats, faculty, staff, and members of VMI's Board of Visitors participated in the conversation. We were equally excited to welcome a faculty advisor and two cadets from .tech, which supports this program's mission to spread civil discourse programs beginning at VMI.

We discussed several angles, including personal integrity from one's upbringing, the brother rat spirit, creating a supportive environment, viewing the Honor System as a system of should-dos versus mustn't-dos, and other thoughtful insights.

Next Event: 2nd Rat Battalion training on 9/28 with S-9. That event will be cadet-led.

09/23/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Annual Leadership and Ethics Conference titled "America: Forging Common Ground." Our theme focuses on leadership skills harkening back to the Founding Fathers, whose influence in garnering public support for their cause required them to negotiate, collaborate, compromise, and engage in civil discourse. We have incorporated these skills into an interactive event with subject-matter experts who will guide us through understanding, applying, and practicing them.

VMI's annual Leadership and Ethics Conference is highly ranked for participant satisfaction and draws top leadership programs nationwide, including leadership and ROTC programs and several senior military colleges.

Join us for this engaging, top-rated leadership conference. Open to the public. Cadets strongly encouraged. Cadet permit available.

Link: https://vmileadconf.cventevents.com/event/887ef9de-1d03-4a9a-acef-68a7ac084d3d/register.

09/18/2026

For the past two years, VMI has made The Steamboat Institute Campus Liberty Tour, a traditional debate program, one of its stops.

This year, our speakers will debate the following resolution: Does America benefit from the end of the rules-based international order?

🌐 What is the "Rules-Based International Order"?

Think of it as a giant, global rulebook created after World War II, largely led by the United States. Instead of countries just invading each other whenever they want, this system relies on: Global Alliances (like NATO) to keep the peace. International Organizations (such as the UN and the World Trade Organization) to settle disputes. Shared Rules on global trade, human rights, and international law. Today, this system is fracturing as countries like China and Russia challenge these rules, and many Americans wonder whether it still serves US interests.

💬 Let's Discuss! Is it time for America to drop the global rulebook and focus entirely on itself, or would letting the system collapse create a more dangerous world?

Come see what our speakers think and decide for yourselves! There will be a pre- and post-debate poll of audience opinions.

This event is free but requires registration. See the link in the comments below.

Like and share so others can learn about this event!

09/17/2026

S-9 staff reached out to the CLE’s Civil Discourse Initiative faculty to request training for the rat mass to ease the first weeks of adjusting to VMI's unique lifestyle. The Rat Line is a very demanding period of learning all the traditions and skills required of new cadets.

The training focused on civil discourse, communication, and sharing solutions rather than complaints. Said one cadet, “It was great to discuss the challenges and to solve our issues together.”

Nothing like getting a productive start to building Brother Rat spirit and class cohesion!

09/16/2026

Should the United States continue leading the rules-based international order, or would America benefit from moving beyond it?

Join us for a thought-provoking debate examining the resolution:

"Resolved: America benefits from the end of the rules-based international order."

Hear compelling arguments from both sides as speakers discuss sovereignty, security, economic interests, alliances, and America's role in the world.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Because in-person seating is limited and to ensure the audience can participate and be heard in the pre- and post-debate poll, we ask everyone to register.

Register today: 👉 https://tinyurl.com/VMIdebate

09/15/2026

VMI's Civil Discourse Initiative has had a strong start to the academic year. Our THIRD event so far this month was a Food For Thought event which is a relaxed conversation about local, societal, or global issues. The intention is to build a sense of community between cadets, faculty, and staff through in-person conversation. Monday's topic was influenced by the 250th anniversary of the United States, a significant milestone that invites us to reflect on our nation’s history and values. In recognition of this anniversary, we considered a timely and complex question: Balancing privacy and public safety in America: Where is the line and who gets to decide?

Thirteen cadets and five faculty and staff participated, ably led by moderator cadet Zach Richardson '28.

09/11/2026

Never Forget.

09/02/2026

Public event notice below. A great enrichment opportunity for all!

Join us on Tuesday, September 15, as the Honorable Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States, discusses today’s global security challenges from the Taiwanese perspective. Open to the public!

Thank you to the Office of Global Education, the John A. Adams ‘71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis, and the Center for Leadership and Ethics for sponsoring the event.

09/02/2026

Join us today for VMI Convocation.

Douglas Bradburn, Ph.D., President of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, is our speaker. He will frame VMI’s annual leadership theme ‘American Spirit 2026’ commemorating the nation’s observation of our 250th year of independence.

CLE programs will highlight the example of the founders who risked their lives and fortunes to establish this nation by their willingness to collaborate, negotiate, and compromise.

Virginia Military Institute will hold its convocation ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 10:30 a.m. in Cameron Hall on Main Street, hosting Douglas Bradburn, Ph.D.

The event marks the start of the new academic year, is free and open to the public.

Read more here: https://www.vmi.edu/mount-vernon-historian-to-speak-at-convocation/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_sibbyt7cv0

06/14/2026

At Virginia Military Institute, the flag serves as a daily reminder of duty, service, sacrifice, and the responsibility of leadership. May we honor it not only in ceremony, but in the way we serve our communities and country.