This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and interview opportunities Monday-Saturday.  Please call 434-842-4205 to secure a day and time for your visit.

Registration is now open for this year’s Veteran’s Day Admissions Event. 

Join us for an extended visit opportunity and learn why Fork Union Military Academy may be the perfect fit for your son.

The day’s events will include a campus tour, classroom visitation, lunch with our Corp of Cadets, information sessions, as well as the chance to complete the admissions interview.  Visitors will also be able to observe our annual Veteran’s Day ceremony.

Information will be available on enrollment options remaining in the current school year, summer school 2020, as well as for the fall of 2020, and our upcoming summer camps.

Registration is required, and may be accessed by clicking here.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR PROSPECTIVE POST-GRADUATE ATHLETES

Our Winter Open House will be held on Saturday December 7, 2019. 

Join us between 9 AM-12 PM for a campus tour, as well as the chance to interact with cadets, faculty and coaches.  Prospective cadets and their families will also be offered the change to complete the admissions interview.

Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to reserve your spot.

We will return to the Northern Virginia area for information sessions on the following date:  

Join us at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks (11787 Lee Jackson HWY in Fairfax, VA) to learn about enrollment options for the current year, summer school 2020, the fall of 2020, and our full slate of summer camps.

Saturday December 14, 2019 9AM-1 PM

The Corps of Cadets of Fork Union Military Academy invite you to join us on campus on Sunday, November 11th, at 11:00 AM in front of our Veterans Memorial near the front gate to honor our veterans and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our nation in the armed forces. We are proud to celebrate Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, at this traditional time – the Eleventh Hour on the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month the year. This marks the moment the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany began, with the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front officially taking effect at 11:00 AM on November 11th in 1918.

The public is invited to take part in this service and lunch will be served in the Estes Dining Hall following the ceremony.

The Veterans Memorial that stands on the front of campus is a lasting monument to past Fork Union cadets who gave their lives in service to our nation. It was dedicated on October 17, 1998 during FUMA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. Each year on Veterans Day, and during a memorial service on Alumni Weekend, friends, family, and the community gather with the Corps of Cadets at this special monument to pay their respects to those fallen heroes who have fought for our freedom and our country. During the original dedication service in October 1998, forty-eight names were honored on the wall. Today, there are 57 names of FUMA alumni who died in service to our nation inscribed on the wall.

On prominent display atop our Veterans Memorial can be found a rather imposing cannon, itself a veteran of World War One. This large artillery piece is a Model 1906 4.7-inch Field Gun. This gun, originally designed in 1906 (as the name implies with subsequent Model 1907 and Model 1908 offering some minor improvements), is an example of one of the early guns with which the United States entered World War I. The field gun was capable of firing a 60-pound projectile, 4.7-inches in diameter, at a speed of 1,700 feet per second out to a range of about seven miles.

This gun is relatively rare today, as no more than 200 were produced. The 4.7-inch field gun was replaced by a newer 4.5-inch design in the late 1930s, just prior to World War II. A number of these World War I era cannons were donated by the U. S. Army to American Legion Posts across the nation in the mid-1930s. This particular field gun was then donated to Fork Union Military Academy in 1937 by American Legion Post #140, through the efforts of the post's commander, Hunter G. Bransford. The field gun was originally placed at the south end of the Middle School Circle where it remained for the next six decades. In 1998, through the generosity and hard work of Mr. William Reiser, Jr., FUMA Class of 1952, this artillery piece was completely and painstakingly restored and moved to its current place of honor above the stone memorial wall.

This Monday, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Corps of Cadets at Fork Union Military Academy welcomed veterans and other members of the public to campus to a special ceremony honoring those who have served our nation in the armed forces. The ceremony was held at the school's Veterans Memorial, on which are engraved the names of 57 past Fork Union cadets who gave their lives in service to our nation.

The Veterans Day message was delivered by Colonel Robert Winston, who served in the US Air Force for over 30 years as a pilot flying mainly C-130 type aircraft in the airlift and combat rescue missions.  

Fork Union's Veterans Memorial was dedicated on October 17, 1998 during FUMA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. Each year on Veterans Day, and during a memorial service on Alumni Weekend, friends, family, and the community gather with the Corps of Cadets at this special monument to pay their respects to those fallen heroes who have fought for our freedom and our country. During the original dedication service in October 1998, forty-eight names were honored on the wall. Today, there are 57 names of FUMA alumni who died in service to our nation inscribed on the wall.

Watch Video of the Veterans Day Service

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and interviews Monday-Friday.  Please call 434-842-4205 to arrange a day and time for your visit.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

Saturday December 7—9 AM-12 PM

Saturday January 11—9 AM-12 PM

Join us for one of our Winter Open Houses for a cadet-led campus tour, as well as the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, and coaches.  The required admissions interview may also be completed at this time.

Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to register for either day.

Fork Union Military Academy returns to Northern Virginia

Saturday December 14—9 AM-1 PM

Come meet with an Admissions representative to discuss enrollment options remaining in the 2019-2020 school year, summer school 2020, and for the 2020-2021 academic session.  Information on our summer camps will also be available.

For information on these, and any, admission events, please call our offices at 434-842-4205.

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and interviews Monday-Friday.  Please call 434-842-4205 to arrange a day and time for your visit.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

Saturday December 7—9 AM-12 PM

Saturday January 11—9 AM-12 PM

Join us for one of our Winter Open Houses for a cadet-led campus tour, as well as the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, and coaches.  The required admissions interview may also be completed at this time.

Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to register for either day.

Fork Union Military Academy returns to Northern Virginia

Saturday December 14—9 AM-1 PM

Come meet with an Admissions representative to discuss enrollment options remaining in the 2019-2020 school year, summer school 2020, and for the 2020-2021 academic session.  Information on our summer camps will also be available.

For information on these, and any, admission events, please call our offices at 434-842-4205.

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and interview opportunities Monday-Saturday.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to arrange a day and time for your visit.

As we enter the winter season, we are certain to experience periods of inclement winter weather that will affect travel to and from Fork Union Military Academy. In fact, weather forecasts this week predict the possibility of some winter weather as early as tomorrow. So we want to remind our day student families of our policies and procedures for dealing with winter weather. 

Safety is always our first priority for our cadets, and we have implemented the below policy and procedures to deal with the hazardous weather conditions that the winter season brings.
 

Day Students Still Expected to Attend Class

In the event of inclement weather, all day students are expected to attend class and should make arrangements with their respective TAC Officer to stay overnight if hazardous traveling conditions exist or are expected. 

To be clear, day students at Fork Union Military Academy are NOT subject to the Fluvanna County school system's "snow day" delays or cancellations. They must be in class as expected.

If the forecast is predicting possible hazardous traveling conditions that would impact travel to FUMA, day students should make arrangements to stay on campus. For example, if the forecast is for severe weather for Monday travel, cadets should plan to report to campus on Sunday.
 

Staying on Campus

If a day student decides to stay on campus, he they must stay in the barracks. Day student cadets each have an assigned room—bed sheets and a pillowcase will be supplied. During their stay, all meals will be provided in the dining hall.

Day students staying on campus are expected to adhere to all rules and regulations in the barracks (i.e., CQ or study hall, no cell phones, lights out, etc.).
 

Pack a Bag 

It is recommended that day student cadets who drive to campus keep a packed bag in their vehicle in the event of winter weather. Day students should have the following recommended supplies for an overnight stay in the barracks:

• Uniform items for the following day
• Blanket and pillow
• PT uniform - t-shirt and shorts
• Sweatshirt and sweatpants
• Tennis shoes and socks
• Underwear and white t-shirt
• Towel and washcloth
• Soap or body wash
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Brush or comb
• Deodorant
   

Questions? 

Please contact Mrs. Robbin Dodson in the Commandant's Department (434-842-4231 or dodsonr@fuma.org) if you have any questions or concerns regarding the inclement weather policy or procedures. 

Thank you!

Read the latest issue of Front & Center

JANUARY OPEN HOUSE

Join us on Saturday January 11, 2020 for our next Open House.  Visitors will have a cadet-led campus tour and have the chance to meet with faculty, staff, coaches, and activity directors.  Prospective students will also be able to complete the required admissions interview.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to reserve your spot.

All of us here at Fork Union Military Academy wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Coach Fletcher Arritt (FUMA Class of 1960), Fork Union Military Academy's legendary head basketball coach, was announced this week as a candidate on the ballot for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. This is the first time that Coach Arritt's name has been placed on the ballot, and his nomination is an extraordinary honor which reflects the respect within the basketball world for Coach Arritt and his accomplishments while serving as head coach of Fork Union's postgraduate basketball program.

"No coach that I've been aware of during my time in basketball did a better job of preparing kids for college than Fletcher did with his kids at Fork Union," stated Hall of Fame college coach Bob Knight in a video interview some years ago. "I think he has made a tremendous contribution to the game of basketball, a contribution that is worthy of consideration to the Hall of Fame."

Fletcher Arritt first arrived at Fork Union Military Academy as student in 1959, playing basketball for Coach Bill Miller and earning the role of team co-captain. He earned a scholarship to the University of Virginia, playing on their varsity team. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Education degree in Human Biology from the University of Virginia, Arritt returned to Fork Union Military Academy in 1966 where he accepted a position as a biology teacher.

In 1970, Arritt took over as the head postgraduate basketball coach after four years as an assistant to Coach Bill Miller. Over the course of the next 46 years, Arritt developed many young men in his classroom and on the basketball court. He sent at least 400 players on to play at the college level, about 200 of them in Division I, with dozens going on to professional careers in basketball with the NBA and international leagues.

As head basketball coach, Arritt compiled a career record of 889 wins and 283 losses.

Billy Donovan, former coach of the University of Florida Gators whose teams won consecutive NCAA National Championships in 2006 and 2007, stated it simply in speaking of Coach Arritt, saying, "He has to go down as one of the greatest coaches of all time."

He and his wife, Betty Jean, raised two sons, Benjamin and Fletcher,III, and a daughter, Amy, during their time at Fork Union. Arritt retired from Fork Union Military Academy in 2012.

A biography of Arritt titled "Body, Mind, Spirit, and Basketball" has been produced by author Bethany Bradsher and has just been published. Hardback and paperback copies of the book are available at http://www.forkunion.com/arrittbook , and the Kindle edition is available on Amazon.

Fork Union Military Academy announced today that it is beginning the search for an outstanding candidate to serve as the school's Chief Financial Officer. The school hopes to have a new CFO in place in Februrary 2020. The position description below can also be found on the website's "Employment Opportunities" page at https://www.forkunion.com/employment-opportunities.

Candidates for this position should email a cover letter and resume to hr@fuma.org.

Chief Financial Officer 

Reports to: Chief of Staff 
Start date: February 2020 

Fork Union Military Academy seeks an experienced leader to serve as Chief Financial Officer and oversee financial operations beginning February 2020.  

The CFO will work closely with the President of the School and Chief of Staff in support of the school’s mission and strategic plan. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the CFO will manage a team of seven direct reports. The position requires communication with the President of the School and collaboration with the Chief of Staff, faculty and members of the school’s leadership team.  

The CFO will work with staff in the area of finance, budgeting and planning, purchasing, risk management, human resources and other operational functions as the need arises. 

The CFO will work closely with the Director of Development to track annual giving and reporting. They will also work closely with the Board of Trustee appointed Endowment and Investment Committee, the Fork Union Military Academy Foundation and participate in strategic planning. 

Responsibilities: 

• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements for the President, Chairperson/Board of Directors and appropriate external organizations. 
• Manage the operating and capital budgets in coordination with the President, Board of Trustees and leadership team. 
• Prepare, analyze and interpret financial results for use by the senior staff and President in the decision-making and financial tracking processes. 
• Provide guidance and assistance to the leadership team in the management of their areas of operation; provide periodic budget status reports 
• Oversee financial programs including the accounting functions for budgeting, payroll, employee benefits, risk management, accounts receivable, accounts payable and tuition management using Fund Accounting and the SAGE 100 system. 
• Serve as primary contact person in relationships with commercial and investment banks, financial service providers, and certain government and regulatory agencies. 
• Monitor and manage short- and long-term investments consistent with guidance from the Endowment and Investment Committee and President of the Academy 
• Manage the annual audit 
• Manage accounts receivable and payment plans with excellent customer service for parents, students, employees, and other customers 
• Ensure the positive financial reputation of the Academy with vendors, suppliers, and other business associates 
• Advise and inform the Board of Trustees on financial matters relating to the Academy, including management of the Fork Union Military Academy Foundation  
• Manage and oversee the Academy’s insurance and benefits programs 
• Provide oversight of external contracts 
• Serve as the risk management officer for the Academy 
• Prepare 5-Year Financial Plan consistent with the strategic plan 
• Oversee business functions of the Academy (Quartermaster, Dining Facility, Sabre Shop) 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Accounting or related field. 
• Command of Fund accounting principles.  
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience with multiple responsibilities in leadership positions in operations, accounting or finance. 
• Eight to ten years of progressive financial management and accounting experience including financial systems, nonprofit reporting standards, and practices and supervision of professional staff. 
• Knowledge and training in investments, insurance, business law, employee benefits, human resources and operating and capital budget procedures. 
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting principles and practices (including the use of spreadsheet software), accounting principles, financial reporting methodologies. 
• Proficiency in SAGE 100, Office 365, and other appropriate computer applications. 

Position Requirements—Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Ability to process and maintain complex financial accounting accurately, following accepted accounting principles. 
• Create a high degree of credibility and possess a reputation as a knowledgeable financial and administrative professional. 
• Strong leadership and management capabilities. 
• Impeccable trust and honesty and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately. 
• Collaborative team player who participates in identifying the strategic direction of the Academy and supports the goals and decisions of leadership. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and present clear financial reports and fiscal concepts to diverse groups of individuals both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to develop and implement effective fiscal policies, procedures, principles and practices 
• Must have a high degree of flexibility, the ability to work multiple projects simultaneously, and a high level of independent thought and initiative. 
• Excellent communications, decision-making and problem-solving skills. 

Working Environment and Required Activities:  

• This position is in a general office setting 
• Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 0800-1600.   
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods if necessary. 
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, reach, talk, hear and carry objects weighing no more than 40 lbs. 

Other Requirments:  

• Must pass a criminal background investigation and drug test 
• Must adhere to a strict confidentiality policy 
• Possess a high degree of multi-tasking and time management capabilities. 
• Excellent written and oral skills 
• Must maintain a friendly and positive attitude. 
• Must have a high degree of professionalism. 
• Must be able to work as a productive member of a team. 

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time or without notice. 

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: TBD based on experience and qualifications

Work Location: One location

Benefits:

• Health insurance 
• Dental insurance 
• Vision insurance 
• Retirement plan 
• Paid time off 
• Tuition reimbursement* 
• Housing* 
• Dependent children who qualify may be approved for tuition remission at the Academy 
• Meals in the dining facility when school is in session, as well as, dependent if living in housing 
• Use of athletic, recreational and library facilities/services 

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and admissions interviews Monday – Saturday.  Please call 434-842-4205 to schedule a day and time for your visit.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE

Join us on Saturday January 11 between 9 AM-12 PM for our Winter Open House.  Prospective students will go on a cadet-led campus tour, as well as have the chance to meet with staff, teachers, coaches, and activity directors.  It will also be possible to complete the required admissions interview.

Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to reserve a spot.

CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE ADMISSIONS PAGE AT WWW.FORKUNION.COM FOR INFORMATION ON THE ADMISSIONS EVENT BEING PLANNED FOR MONDAY FEBRUARY 17 (PRESIDENTS’ DAY).

Would you like to attend Fork Union Military Academy for free?  

Students who will enter grades 8, 9, or 10 in the fall of 2020, have a GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher, and are first-time applicants to the fall program are eligible to compete for Fork Union Military Academy’s Trustee Scholarship. The Trustee Scholarship is a competitive merit-based award that covers full tuition, room and board, and uniforms for an incoming cadet to Fork Union Military Academy.

Affordability is a key factor for many families looking at private schools, and Fork Union Military Academy provides opportunities to as many students as possible.  Need-based financial aid and access scholarship funds are used by the school to assist as many young men as possible to enroll in our program. The Trustee Scholarship is different from other financial aid and scholarship programs offered by Fork Union, however.

The Trustee Scholarship is unique in that it is competitive and completely need blind.  This means that applicants for this scholarship do not need to fill out a financial aid application.  The finalists are selected based on the strength of their own achievements and abilities, as documented in their scholarship and admission applications.  Finalists in the scholarship competition are invited to campus for an interview with the Academy's scholarship committee before the final award is announced.

The deadline for applications for the Trustee Scholarship is January 17, 2020. 

For more information about the Trustee Scholarship opportunity, visit Fork Union's website at https://www.forkunion.com/trusteescholarship or call the Director of Admission's office at 434-842-4205.

Founded in 1898, Fork Union Military Academy is a one-of-a-kind high school experience, where students attend classes in a unique “One subject Plan” format, which has successfully prepared students for college and beyond for almost 70 years. Fork Union Military Academy cadets are guided each day by the core values of respect, integrity, faith, character and discipline in a military-style program where leadership and character development are a primary focus of their daily lives.

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and interview opportunities Monday-Saturday.  Please call 434-842-4205 to arrange a day and time for your visit.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA ADMISSIONS EVENT

Saturday January 18, 2020
9 AM-12 PM

Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks
11787 Lee Jackson HWY
Fairfax, VA  22033

703-352-2525

Come meet with one of our Admissions Representatives to discuss enrollment options remaining in the current school year, summer school, and the 2020 academic session.  Information will also be available on our full slate of summer camps.

PRESIDENTS DAY SHADOW VISITS

Monday February 17, 2020
10 AM-2 PM

Come join us for a campus tour, class visitation, and lunch with our corps of cadets.  Meeting times with coaches and activity directors will also be available.  Visitors will also be able to complete the required admissions interview.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to reserve your spot.

THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR PROSPECTIVE POST-GRADUATE ATHLETES.

Fork Union Military Academy is pleased to offer our day student parents the opportunity to participate in Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on February 22^nd, 2020, from 08:00 to 17:00 (8 am to 5 pm).

Why Youth Mental Health First Aid? Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify,  understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

The course covers common signs and symptoms of mental illnesses in this age group, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use
• How to interact with an adolescent in crisis
• How to connect the adolescent with help

If you are interested in attending, please contact Ms. White in the College Counseling and Cadet Services Department at whiter@fuma.org or 434-842-4203. 

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and interview opportunities Monday-Saturday.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to arrange a day and time for your visit.

FAIRFAX COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE GIFTED SUMMER CAMP FAIR

Come visit with our representative to explore the full range of summer camp options coming up this summer at Fork Union Military Academy.

PRESIDENTS DAY SHADOW VISITS

Monday February 17, 2020

10 AM-2 PM

Come join us for a campus tour, class visitation, and lunch with our corps of cadets.  Meeting times with coaches and activity directors will also be available.  Visitors will also be able to complete the required admissions interview.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to reserve your spot.

THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR PROSPECTIVE POST GRADUATE ATHLETES

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and interview opportunities Monday-Friday.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to arrange a day and time for your visit.

Presidents Day Shadow Visits

Monday February 17,2020
10 AM-2 PM
 

Come join us for a campus tour, class visitation, and lunch with our corp of cadets.  Meeting times with coaches and activity directors will also be available.  Visitors will also be able to complete the required admissions interview.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to reserve your spot.

THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR PROSPECTIVE POST-GRADUATES ATHLETES.

Admissions Event in Fairfax, VA

February 22, 2020
9 AM-12 PM

Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks
11787 Lee Jackson HWY
Fairfax VA  22033

Come meet with an admissions representative and learn about enrollment opportunities for our upcoming summer school, as well as the 2020-2021 school year.  Information on our full slate of summer camps will also be available.

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team will be offering campus tours and interview opportunities Monday-Saturday.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to arrange a day and time for your visit.

Presidents Day Shadow Visits

Monday February 17,2020
10 AM-2 PM
 

Come join us for a campus tour, class visitation, and lunch with our corp of cadets.  Meeting times with coaches and activity directors will also be available.  Visitors will also be able to complete the required admissions interview.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to reserve your spot.

THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR PROSPECTIVE POST-GRADUATES ATHLETES.

Admissions Event in Fairfax, VA

February 22, 2020
9 AM-12 PM

Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks
11787 Lee Jackson HWY
Fairfax VA  22033

Come meet with an admissions representative and learn about enrollment opportunities for our upcoming summer school, as well as the 2020-2021 school year.  Information on our full slate of summer camps will also be available.

This week the Fork Union Military Academy Admissions team is offering campus visits and interview opportunities Monday-Friday.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to arrange a day and time for your visit.

Presidents Day Shadow Visits

Monday February 17,2020
10 AM-2 PM
 

Come join us for a campus tour, class visitation, and lunch with our corp of cadets.  Meeting times with coaches and activity directors will also be available.  Visitors will also be able to complete the required admissions interview.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  Please call our offices at 434-842-4205 to reserve your spot.

THIS EVENT IS NOT FOR PROSPECTIVE POST-GRADUATES ATHLETES.

Admissions Event in Fairfax, VA

February 22, 2020
9 AM-12 PM

Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks
11787 Lee Jackson HWY
Fairfax VA  22033

Come meet with an admissions representative and learn about enrollment opportunities for our upcoming summer school, as well as the 2020-2021 school year.  Information on our full slate of summer camps will also be available.

The below email was sent to all families of currently enrolled Fork Union Military Academy cadets:

An Update on the Coronavirus for all FUMA Families

I am writing to you, and all of our Fork Union families, to update you on our response to the new coronavirus, and especially what impact it might have on our Spring Leave at the end of March (March 19,2020 to March 29, 2020). We have previously communicated specifically with our families located in the regions of the world most directly affected, but we want to make all of our cadet families aware of the steps we have taken, and will continue to take in the weeks ahead.

Currently, the United States government has issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" travel advisory for China, and many US airlines are suspending air travel routes between the US and China. It is possible that other travel advisories may affect the greater Asia region between now and our scheduled Spring Leave, restricting travel to and from other countries in the region. The Centers for Disease Control advises that on arrival in the United States, travelers from China will undergo health screening. Travelers with signs and symptoms of illness (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) will have an additional health assessment. Travelers who have been in China during the past 14 days, including US citizens or residents and others who are allowed to enter the US, will be required to enter the US through specific airports and participate in monitoring by health officials until 14 days after they left China. Some people may have their movement restricted or be asked to limit their contact with others until the 14-day period has ended.

Because of this, we have strongly recommended that our international cadets not travel home during Spring Leave, but make plans to stay with relatives or guardians here in the United States for this leave period.

Our Director of International Enrollment, Mrs. Jackie Montero-Sharpe, has already been in close communication with the families of our cadets from the regions most affected at this time in order to modify their travel plans appropriately for this upcoming major leave. At this time, we are satisfied that families in these affected areas will be following this recommendation. 

Mrs. Heidi Yates, our Director of Health Services, has been closely monitoring all recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, and coordinating with our Academy Physician, Dr. Randolph Lanford, to insure that we are actively making all appropriate preparations to deal with this important health concern. 

Please know that your son's safety and well-being is our highest priority, and that we will continue to love, nurture, and care for him as a member of our own family. We thank you for the privilege you have granted us to be a part of his life, and of the life of your family. Please join with us in prayer for all of our families that are directly impacted by these travel restrictions.

Best regards,
Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.)
President
Fork Union Military Academy
Email: cogginsdl@fuma.org