Campus
The Academy campus and facilities comfortably accommodate the Regiment of Midshipmen. The design of the buildings is simple yet functional, and the campus has been laid out to take full advantage of the picturesque waterfront of Long Island’s north shore. The Academy’s buildings and walkways are named after individuals whose deeds have brought fame to America’s merchant marine.
On the slope looking toward Long Island Sound stands a monument to the Academy’s World War II casualties. Around this monument are grouped an outdoor swimming pool; a boat basin and the Yocum Waterfront Center; Gibbs Hall, with modern science and engineering laboratories; and Samuels Hall, which will be renovated in 2017-2018 as a state of the art simulator center. A beautiful interfaith chapel, which serves the religious needs of the Regiment, stands on a grassy knoll to the south of the War Memorial.
Wiley Hall, facing Long Island Sound, is the chief administration center of the Academy. Formerly the home of automobile magnate Walter P. Chrysler, this historic building contains the offices of the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Academic Dean and Provost, Director of Public Affairs and other senior staff. East of Wiley Hall lies the center of the Academy campus, marked by a striking, 176-foot flagpole. Surrounding this landmark are Fulton Hall, the marine engineering and science building; Bowditch Hall, housing the Department of Marine Transportation and the 900-seat Ackerman Auditorium; and the Schuyler Otis Bland Memorial Library.
Delano Hall, the Midshipman dining room, and six dormitory buildings - Barry, Jones, Rogers, Cleveland, Murphy, and Palmer Halls - complete the circle of buildings enclosing the main campus. The dormitories and dining room are connected by an underground promenade, which contains the Midshipman Recreation Center and canteen, Navy Exchange, post office, laundry facilities, club spaces, sea year storage, fitness room, bank, and barber shop.
On the perimeter of the Academy are athletic fields for football, baseball, lacrosse and soccer, as well as tennis and handball courts and a quarter-mile surfaced track; Furuseth Hall, containing the Department of Naval Science, the Department of Professional Development and Career services, the Public Safety and Security Office, and the Administrative Services Department; Vickery Gate, home of the Admissions Office; O’Hara Hall, which has a spacious gymnasium, an indoor, Olympic size swimming pool, and athletic facilities; Patten health clinic; and Land Hall, the Midshipmen Activities Center.
Although the majority of Academy buildings were constructed during World War II, ongoing modernization programs have rendered the classroom, laboratory and dormitory facilities virtually brand new.
On the northern border of the Academy lies the McNulty Campus, named after the “father” of the Academy, Rear Admiral Richard R. McNulty, who was instrumental in calling public attention to the need for a federal maritime officer training school. Located in this area is the American Merchant Marine Museum, a popular stop for campus visitors.
Midshipman Activities Center
The USMMA Experience is not be just about academics. Midshipmen explore their passions and gain experiences through their involvement in extracurricular clubs, activities and events. The Joseph B. Williams Midshipmen Activities Center serves as the focal point of many of these activities. The building contains meeting rooms, and host over 100 activities throughout the academic year. Additionally, it includes the Office of Student/Midshipmen Activities, the student run Pier 142 Café & Midshipmen Pub.
Midshipmen find their place at Kings Point by getting involved with one of the over 45 clubs and organizations or by attending one of the many sponsored events at the Academy each year. These engagement opportunities offer midshipmen the chance to try something new or pursue a lifelong passion they may not have had the opportunity to do so before. Therefore, it fosters a framework for midshipmen to grow both personally and professionally.
- Virtual Engagement Opportunities: The Office of Midshipmen Engagement & Activities offering midshipmen ways to stay connected through a number of virtual events and activities including fantasy sports, virtual gaming, participation in virtual workshops/conferences and more.
- Programing & Events On/Off Campus: With over 45 active clubs and organizations on campus and over a hundred events programs hosted by the office each year, there’s something out there for everyone.
Culture Affinity Groups, Religious & Professional Organizations at UMMMA: The Academy’s location allows midshipmen to take advantage of the unparalleled offering of New York City’s cultural activities and resources. The Office of Student/Midshipmen Activities encourages midshipmen to safely engage with local community, other midshipmen, staff and faculty who share similar identity, interests and experiences in order to foster a supportive learning environment. Currently, the Academy offer a number of organizations including Affinity Groups, Religious & Professional Organizations. Lastly, a club fair each fall allows midshipmen the chance to join any of the established clubs and organizations, but also the opportunity to form new club according to their own interests if one is not currently available.
Food Services
The commissary in Delano Hall provides Midshipmen with daily meals. Monday through Friday, breakfast and dinner are served buffet style, while lunch is served family style. On weekends, all meals are served buffet style. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered on Saturday. On Sunday, brunch and dinner are offered.
The Seafarer Restaurant, open to the public as well as to Midshipmen, is a cafeteria- style facility. It offers a full breakfast and lunch menu, Monday through Friday. The NEX offers a selection of dry groceries and food items that can be heated in the microwave.
Healthcare
The Office of Health Services (OHS) has a unique mandate to provide Midshipmen with the medical, dental, and mental health services that are prerequisites for assignment to sea duty; application for a Strategic Sealift Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve (SSO, USNR) commission; and application for a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license.
The OHS, located in Patten Hall Building, is comprised of three health care services: a Medical Clinic, a Dental Clinic, and a Midshipman Counseling and Personal Development (MCPD) office. All healthcare services are located in one building, which facilitates staff intercommunication and expedites many health-related processes for Midshipmen. Healthcare providers available to Midshipmen include: a New York State (NYS) fully licensed and credentialed Physician who acts as Chief Medical Officer (CMO); NYS Licensed Physician’s Assistants; a NYS Registered Nurse; a NYS Licensed and Credentialed Dentist; a Certified Dental Assistant; a NYS Registered Dental Hygienist; a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a NYS Licensed Clinical Psychologist. OHS also manages and operates the Midshipmen Emergency Medical Services Squad which is comprised of Midshipmen who have trained for and passed the NYS Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification requirements. OHS follows the standards of the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act (HIPAA) as well as the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).
OHS services are generally available by appointment Monday - Friday, 0700 - 1530 Midshipmen may report with no prior appointment required during Sick Call, Monday - Friday, 0700 - 0900. Midshipmen in duty status who require emergency care or urgent care when OHS is closed are transported via the USMMA Ambulance System by NY State Certified Midshipmen EMTs. For emergencies and/or urgent care needs, Midshipmen are transported to the Emergency Department at the North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY, located 5 miles from the USMMA campus.
Health and Insurance Coverage
Midshipmen actively enrolled in academic classes are provided basic medical, dental and mental health care onsite at USMMA OHS. Healthcare provided onsite in support of the USMMA academic program are provided at no cost to Midshipmen.
OHS assists Midshipmen in maintaining all medical standards for USCG licensing and United States Navy commissioning requirements. OHS provides care to meet all the standards as set forth in The Code of Federal Regulations, 46 C.F.R. §310.56 which dictates the continuing requirement for Midshipmen to meet standards as set forth in Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services.
If medical care needs rise above the scope of services that OHS provides onsite, offsite higher level of care needs are provided by a multitude of various healthcare providers located in the surrounding community who specialize in many common specialty care needs should such a need for these services arise. The Midshipmen are responsible for costs related to care that go beyond the services available onsite at USMMA through OHS. However, if the offsite healthcare need is a direct result of in the line of duty activity, those injuries or healthcare needs are covered under the Federal Employee Compensation Act (FECA) or Federal Workers Compensation.
There are exceptions which would make all healthcare expenses solely the responsibility of the Midshipmen on a personal out of pocket basis. Generally, these exceptions are associated with injury, illness or diagnosis resulting from a pre-existing condition, a non-disclosed condition, or any medical condition resulting from activity which is incongruent with Academy regulations and policies. Examples of conditions and/or treatments not covered include, but are not limited to:
- on-going treatment of pre-existing health conditions; elective medical examination and immunizations (e.g., pre-employment physicals and immunizations)
- elective surgery;
- cosmetic surgery (except reconstructive surgery incidental to or following surgery resulting from trauma, infection or other covered diseases or injury);
- contact lens or eyeglasses examinations, for the prescription or fitting thereof;
- hearing aids and examinations for the prescription or fitting thereof;
- prescriptions and associated medical laboratory tests for treatment of dermatological conditions (e.g., acne);
- consultation for or extraction of third molars (wisdom teeth);
- dental care or treatment, other than injury to natural teeth, as provided by the Academy Dental Clinic or as authorized by the senior dental officer;
- dental implants;
- orthodontic care;
- substance use disorders; expensed incurred for treatment subsequent to or resulting from substance use (including alcohol);
- conditions incurred as a result of participation in an act in violation of Midshipmen Regulations, or Academy Policy;
- prenatal care maternity benefits or any condition arising from or out of pregnancy
Uncovered medical expenses do occur and can be very costly if there is no medical insurance in place. For this reason, all incoming candidates and Midshipmen must be covered by a primary health care insurance policy that meets USMMA coverage requirements. Information explaining the USMMA insurance coverage requirements is provided during the annual open enrollment period. Notification of the beginning of the open enrollment period is communicated to all Midshipmen at the appropriate time. Midshipmen are required to obtain health insurance coverage through any of the following means:
- Through the use of an existing private insurance plan or the purchase of same if none exists (e.g. a family plan, a “self and spouse plan” or self-only plan) that covers the candidate or Midshipman; provided that the policy meets the minimum coverage requirements established by USMMA
or
- By obtaining a qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) through the Academy-sponsored Health Insurance Administrator that meets the Academy’s minimum requirements. Additional information regarding the USMMA Health Insurance can be located by visiting our website at http://www.usmma.edu
Career Services
The Department of Professional Development and Career Services is located on the second deck of Furuseth Hall. The department provides a range of Career Counseling services ranging from information regarding the Midshipman’s obligation, to resume assistance, to internship opportunities to graduate employment options. The department has resources to assist Midshipmen in communicating with organizations, learning about opportunities available with them, and in applying for positions. The department works with the alumni association to maintain a database of organizations participating in the internship program and employment of graduates. For a full description of the functions of the department, see Department of Professional Development and Career Services .
Midshipman Counseling and Personal Development
Midshipman Counseling and Personal Development (MCPD) provides an opportunity for Midshipmen to learn new skills and improve overall functioning both personally and academically, to achieve their full potential. Improving mental health and well-being can foster self-esteem, resilience and strength. Services are free, and confidential.
At MCPD we work with USMMA Midshipmen and Plebes to address issues that impact their life and performance at the Academy. Most common areas worked on include adjustment to life at the Academy, relationship issues, conflict resolution, test anxiety, stress management, alcohol and/or substance use, discrimination, improving communication with family, friends and staff, or general support needs. MCPD advances the academic and performance missions of the Academy by facilitating personal development, self-awareness, problem-solving, and communication.
Services at MCPD are provided by licensed counselors and psychologists (clinical team members) who carry out the Academy’s mission through counseling, psychotherapy, consultation, and outreach programming. Care provided on-site by MCPD clinicians does not result in a diagnosis if it’s resolved without needing higher level of care through off-site referral. Records are kept confidential and in the majority of cases, cannot be released without the written consent of the Midshipman. At times MCPD clinicians collaborate with OHS medical staff for continuity of care.
MCPD works closely with the Office of Health Services; the Office of the Superintendent; the Offices of the Academic Dean and Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), the Office of the Commandant; the Office of the Chaplain; and other Academy departments in order to provide Midshipmen with a wholistic approach for navigating the various demands in their daily lives at USMMA
Please visit https://www.usmma.edu/academy-life/activitiesservices/counseling for more information.
Varsity and Intramural Sports
The Academy seeks to promote Midshipmen growth as a “whole person” and is concerned with physical development and with nurturing character, leadership and intellect. Physical fitness and athletics are therefore an important part of Midshipman life.
The varsity athletic program is comprehensive, but emphasis on intercollegiate competition is balanced with a Midshipman’s academic obligations. The Academy strives to develop a healthy interest in athletics and to field competitive athletic programs with winning teams. This program offers physical development, recreation and a healthy focus for Midshipman pride and loyalty.
The Academy is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III school and fields 19 varsity athletic teams. Male Midshipmen may compete in baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and wrestling.
Female Midshipmen can compete in basketball, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, track and field, and volleyball.
The Academy also offers competitive club sports for both males and females, including rugby, ice hockey and waterpolo.
Physical Fitness Program
The Academy places great emphasis on the physical condition of its Midshipmen and runs a complete physical conditioning program that develops and maintains flexibility, aerobic endurance and muscular strength. A good exercise regimen is proven to counter the mental stress associated with maritime, naval and military service. Midshipmen must meet and maintain the physical standards described below from entrance to the Academy through graduation.
Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA): This consists of a series of strength and endurance events to measure an individual’s physical fitness in relation to their age and gender. The three events are the plank, push-ups, a 1.5 mile run. During the academic year, there are three or more scheduled PFAs administered to the Regiment.
Physical Excellence Program (PEP): A Midshipman or plebe who fails the PFA and/or body fat requirement will be required to participate in PEP, which is a remedial physical training and dietary/nutritional guidance program designed to assist Midshipmen in passing the PFA and bringing body fat percentage to within Academy standards.
Intramurals: Over a four-year period, Midshipmen are expected to participate in varsity athletics, club sports or intramurals. The Academy encourages this participation to help Midshipmen remain physically fit, learn from the challenges of athletic competition, and develop a lifetime commitment to healthy physical activity. For Midshipmen who choose not to participate at the varsity or club level, there are ample opportunities to join intramural activities. Company Officers are responsible for monitoring Midshipmen to ensure that all students are taking advantage of the diverse athletic opportunities that the Academy offers.
Waterfront Activities
The Academy boasts one of the finest waterfront training programs in the country. With varsity, instructional and recreational programs available, there is something to offer every Midshipman, either competitively or professionally. As a result, nearly 40 percent of the student body participates in the curricular elective or extra-curricular programs, making the Yocum Sailing Center home to one of the most popular activities on campus.
To support the curricular educational pro- gram, there are several modern, specially- equipped vessels that are used for professional training in both core and elective programs. The flagship of the fleet is the 176-foot training ship, KINGS POINTER. The vessel gets underway for routine training throughout the week, and takes part in weekend and weeklong training cruises along the East Coast.
In addition to the KINGS POINTER, the waterfront operates the LIBERATOR, a 108 -foot former naval training vessel and the ELIZABETH ANN, a 65-foot tugboat. The waterfront also has a fleet of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) for a Fast Rescue Boat course, offered as an elective to upperclassmen with such interest.
In the extracurricular arena, the Varsity Intercollegiate Sailing Team is the most decorated team at the Academy. With 15 North American Collegiate Championship titles won, 42 sailors named to the All-America Sailing Team and the only school to have 6 team members named as Collegiate Sailor of Year, Kings Point sailors are successful competitors, including alumni who have gone on to win National and World Championships and one Olympic Silver medal. The Academy fields teams in seven sailing disciplines: coed, single-handed men and women and double-handed women and coed, coed sloops and coed team racing. The USMMA competes against nearly 300 college varsity and club teams throughout the United States, in seven regions, and is perennially ranked in the top 20 teams in the nation as published in Sailing World Magazine.
Our larger sailing vessels are raced by the Varsity Offshore Sailing Team. Midshipmen regularly compete in intercollegiate offshore events, including day and overnight open races from Annapolis, MD to Newport, RI. During summer break, the team also competes in such high-profile events as Block Island Race Week, the Newport to Bermuda Race, the Halifax Race and New York Yacht Club Race Week.
The Academy also offers Junior Varsity, recreational and instructional sailing programs during the fall, spring and summer months. The Kings Point fleet is comprised of keelboats ranging from 20 to 25-feet in length. The fleet is primarily used for the U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat instructional course. Once certified, midshipmen can sign out a boat for recreational sailing on local waters.
For Midshipmen interested in competitive rowing, the Kings Point Varsity Rowing Team (Crew) offers a challenging program of headstyle races as well as sprint competition. The team has a state-of-the-art indoor rowing tank, weight room and erg machines and four new carbon fiber four- and eight-person shells. Competing in novice, lightweight and women’s regional events, the team annually travels to regattas such as the Head of the Charles and the Dad Vail National Championship.
The USMMA Power Squadron provides a direct supplement to the professional training in the educational programs. Ship handling, navigation and engineering skills are honed as the Power Squadron gets underway for training daily. Several smaller vessels serve as recreational and fishing vessels for the program. Each vessel is manned, maintained and commanded by Midshipmen who get underway each weekend for training, goodwill and VIP cruises, fishing and program support throughout the region.
Extracurricular Clubs and Activities
Land Hall is the site of the Joseph B. Williams Midshipmen Activities Center and serves as the focal point of many extracurricular and recreational activities. The building contains club and meeting rooms, and is used for informal dinners and parties. The office of the Director of Student Activities is located here, as well as the Midshipman Pub. The Academy hosts over 30 Midshipman Clubs that are active throughout the Academic Year.
Musical Activities
The Regimental Band, nicknamed “George M. Cohan’s Own,” along with the Fanfare Trumpets, has been acclaimed for their distinctive marching and concert performances. In a typical year the band will perform at USMMA football games, in the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, various parades in New York and New Jersey, at the local Great Neck Memorial Day parade, as well as at every USMMA graduation. The band represents both the Academy and the maritime industry as “Musical Ambassadors to America.” Every four years they also perform at the Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington D.C.
The band has marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as at numerous other prestigious events including the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden, the Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas, Texas, and the opening of both the Atlantic and Pacific wings at the WWII Museum in New Orleans. They also “stole the show” to quote the U.S. Consul General at the World Festival of Military Bands held in Quebec City, Canada; this was a unique compliment considering that all 20 foreign bands were made up of professional musicians. The band sailed to Europe on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 for the anniversary of D-Day.
Band members typically form smaller ensembles including the Fanfare Trumpets, Pep Band, and Jazz group based on student interest. The Fanfare Trumpets play at various events including the “Salute to Congress” Dinner held each year in Washington, D.C. The group has played for several U.S. Presidents and provides a distinctive ceremonial flourish.
The members of Band Company reside together for continuity of purpose and enjoy a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and regimental pride. The members work hard musically, academically and regimentally. Typically one Senior Midshipman serves as the Regimental Band Master, and works with the Director of Music, responsible for band practices, performances, and operations.
The Academy’s Chapel Choir performs for Chapel Services and important events such as the USMMA holiday season Festival of Lights as well as the Graduation Baccalaureate Service, an annual Mets baseball game, and other performances around New York City.
Cultural Activities
The Academy is connected to New York City-about 20 miles away-by excellent train and bus service. Most Midshipmen have mastered navigation of Manhattan by the time they graduate. New York City offers unparalleled cultural amenities to students who are curious and willing to explore, and many of these resources can be enjoyed at very little expense. Popular music, theater, symphonies, operas, dance, ethnic neighborhoods, and museums-the list of things to do and see goes on and on.
The Academy, through its Arts and World Affairs Program, funds student-organized excursions to cultural events in New York City and other nearby locations. Every year, blocks of tickets to leading Broadway shows are made available so that Midshipmen may attend such events in groups. Other types of trips to Manhattan, as well as other cultural initiatives, are also supported.
The Museum
The American Merchant Marine Museum at the Academy allows Midshipmen to see firsthand our nation’s rich maritime heritage. The museum’s focus is the merchant marine from the beginning of steam propulsion to present day operations. Located in Barstow House on the Academy’s McNulty Campus, the museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
Spiritual Life
Participation in religious activities and attendance at chapel services is voluntary, left to the needs and desires of the individual Midshipman. The U.S. Merchant Marine Memorial Chapel, built by public subscription as a tribute to the officers and men of the merchant marine who lost their lives in the service of the nation, serves all faiths.
Chaplains are available to assist Midshipmen with their spiritual and personal needs. The Protestant and Catholic programs include weekly Sunday services, a daily Catholic mass, Bible studies and social events. Other opportunities for spiritual growth include retreats, service projects, religious study programs, and sacramental preparation classes.
Jewish and Latter-Day Saint Midshipmen can participate in worship with local area congregations, and are offered opportunities to attend special holiday observances. Incoming freshmen (fourth classmen or plebes) may attend these services once the indoctrination period is completed.
Midshipmen of other faiths requiring special arrangements to attend a house of worship of their choice may obtain assistance from one of the chaplains.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
The Academy will not tolerate the use of illegal drugs or the abuse of alcohol by its Midshipmen. Students who are found in violation of the Academy’s drug and alcohol policy face serious disciplinary action.
Each appointee to the Academy receives a urine toxicology screen during indoctrination. The Academy conducts a number of random and mandatory toxicology screenings including tests prior to graduation as a prerequisite for licensing in the USCG, and before commissioning in the U.S. Armed Forces. Health Services will also test whenever there is a reasonable suspicion that a student has used illegal substances.
The Office of the Commandant will impose disciplinary action for Midshipmen who violate the Academy’s alcohol regulations. Consumption and possession of alcohol on Academy grounds, for example, will result in severe disciplinary action. In addition, Midshipmen who commit alcohol-related violations are referred for training and assessment.
Detailed instruction and information about the potential personal and professional consequences of substance abuse begins for each plebe candidate class upon entrance to the Academy. The relevant policies of the Academy, the USCG, the armed forces and the maritime industry are also reviewed. Since a current working knowledge of these policies is crucial to a Midshipman’s success at the Academy and thereafter, additional training sessions are held regularly throughout the Midshipman’s four years at the Academy. Midshipman Counseling Center offers an ongoing variety of educational, treatment and counseling services to assist Midshipmen in making decisions that maximize their opportunity to succeed.
As a prerequisite for appointment as a Midshipman in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program (SSOP), U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR), all students who are U.S. citizens are required to read and initial a statement of understanding which outlines U.S. Navy policy regarding drug and alcohol use and misuse, and the consequences for violating the policy.
Tattoo and Body Piercing Policy
In our current culture, tattoos, brands and body piercings are becoming more prevalent. The Academy has established a policy to address this issue, outlining what is acceptable and unacceptable. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that Midshipmen uphold a professional image when in uniform and avoid the serious health risks and long-term consequences associated with a tattoo, brand or body piercing.
The following tattoos and brands are prohibited: any that are on the face, neck or head; any that are prejudicial to good order or discipline, including those with offensive language, patently racist or extremist symbols, or sexually explicit depictions; and any that are partly or fully visible when wearing the Summer White uniform. Tattoos or brands falling into one of the above categories must be removed within six months of identification at the expense of the individual student. Entering plebe candidates identified with a prohibited tattoo or brand will have until December 1 of plebe year to have the tattoo or brand removed, or may be disenrolled.
The Academy’s policy regarding body piercing prohibits the following: body piercing and jewelry on the tongue, or in areas that interfere with a student’s duties, or that could lead to medical complications.
While in uniform, female midshipmen are permitted to wear single post earrings, one per ear on the earlobe. The earring must be gold, a 6mm (approximately 1/4”) ball, plain with brushed matte finish. Small single pearl earrings are authorized for wear with Dinner and Formal Dress uniforms.
With the exception of earrings authorized for female Midshipmen, neither male nor female students are permitted to have body piercings with associated jewelry that are visible when wearing the Summer White uniform or an athletic uniform when engaged in athletic competition.
Motor Vehicles
All upperclass Midshipmen may own and use automobiles while in residence at the Academy. However, because of limited parking facilities on campus, only first classmen who have vehicles registered with Public Safety may keep their automobiles in a designated area of the Academy at their own risk. This is considered a privilege and is granted subject to compliance with Academy regulations. Upperclass students who are not authorized to use Academy parking facilities must make private garage arrangements since a local town ordinance prohibits overnight street parking.
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