|
Graduates,
For Summer 2020, USAFA is currently planning to bring back approximately 75% of the Cadet Wing (to include basic cadets) for in-person program opportunities. Cadets will be brought back in multiple waves based on timing for their summer programs. Some specific safety measures that will be in place include social distancing, masks and minimizing large gatherings to mission essential only. Cadets living in the Vandy and Sijan dorms will be separated based on program needs (BCT vs operational programs). Upon arrival at USAFA, cadets will undergo a 14-day restriction of movement (ROM). During ROM cadets will have limited movement around campus but will be able to enjoy time outside in the quad according to physical distancing guidance. This includes the ability to exercise with some limited equipment in the quads following COVID protocols and go for runs/walks/hikes with the approval of their AOCs. The 10 MDG has a robust plan to ensure the healthiest population and will test every cadet upon arrival at USAFA and near the end of the ROM.
Specific Summer 2020 Programs will include: Summer Academic Opportunities The Dean of Faculty has worked hard to provide additional academic opportunities for cadets this summer. They will be offering the most number of academic seats available in recent history with over 1000 seats, compared to their usual 500-600. All classes will be held in summer periods 2 and 3 and include both in-person and remote offerings. The Dean of Faculty is also working to provide new options, such as the chance to take multiple classes at one time – where cadets could previously only take one during summer periods. Cadets in need of summer academics will be prioritized; however, the increased number of seats will allow for additional cadets to take advantage of this opportunity. The Office of Research has also provided increased summer research opportunities that will allow cadets to work with Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) to solve real-world problems remotely with a researcher or engineer. Finally, USAFA will be offering a new seminar series provided by the Academy Foundation and the Institute for Future Conflict that brings world-class subject matter experts on topics such as AI, Cyber, and UAVs.
Airmanship Programs This summer USAFA will bring back soaring and jump cadet instructors. There will be a focus on student courses (Basic Soaring and Basic Freefall) and on cadets interested in pursuing upgrade opportunities during the 20-21 Academic Year. USAFA will also bring back Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) cadre to ensure currency and qualification standards are met in anticipation of the fall semester.
Life at USAFA Cadets currently at USAFA and those who return and complete their ROM period will be faced with new experiences in their summer programs. While many things will be different, cadets will still have access to many familiar activities across base: Mitchell Hall is still open and provides hot meal touch-and-go’s
three times a day. While both on and off base cadets have been asked to act responsibly, carry masks and abide by social distancing
While our 2020 in-person Graduate March Back has been cancelled, for this year only we are going Virtual and opening up our March Back to our entire USAFA Family. Join your classmates and the rest of our USAFA Family from 18-31 July in marching 6.2 miles in support of the Class of 2024. Stay tuned for more details – we will email them out and post details on the USAFA Graduate Liaison Facebook page. Connect with Us To keep up to date with events at USAFA sign up for our mailing list at https://forms.gle/QPcjryvbHZM7FiGVA or join the USAFA Graduate Liaison Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/373168946912223). Thank you, Nicole Cox |