Orientation Week

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Mandatory Participation in Orientation Week

Participation in O-Week is mandatory for all new Cadets regardless of program affiliation (i.e., License Option, NROTC, SSMP, or Drill & Ceremonies). This includes cadets who are transferring in from another State Maritime Academy, a Senior Military Academy, or Federal Service Academy, or who were discharged from a branch of the military.

Dates for Orientation Week

Spring O-week:

• Check-in/Move-in day is 11 January 2027
• Training Days are 12-16 January 2027
• Last training day and Culmination Ceremony is 17 January 2027
  
  

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Hall (TAMMAH) Move-in

• After checking in and picking up the bookstore pack, all new cadets may proceed to the TAMMAH to move in.
• All new cadets with approved Day Cadet Status may move out from TAMMAH after the end of the Culmination Ceremony.
• For the most up-to-date information, visit the Campus Living & Learning webpage

Texas A&M University Galveston Campus Maps and Directions

Where to Report for Orientation Week

Report between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm to the Sea Aggie Center (SAGC), building 3026.

Parents are encouraged to attend a briefing by the Commandant at 3:00 p.m. in the Aggie Special Events Center (ASEC), building 3035.

Texas A&M University Galveston Campus Maps and Directions

Required Documentation for Orientation Week During Check-in All Cadets

1. Driver's License or other government-issued identification card
2. Two (2) photocopies of your current medical insurance card, if insured. Please keep your medical insurance card in your possession
3. Completed Assumption of Risk form

License Option cadets are also required to provide the following:

1. Physical Passport, or proof of application.

2. Physical TWIC, or proof of application.

3. Immunization record, or state-recognized exemption

4. Two (2) photocopies of your completed Application for Medical Certificate (CG-719K). Keep the original in your possession. Application for Medical Certificate (CG-719K)

Lifestyle Adjustments for Orientation Week

O-week can be a big change for some people. To make this change easier, we recommend following these suggestions.

What to Bring & What Not to Bring

The following documents can help you when packing for O-week and your first year at Texas A&M Maritime Academy:

1. Personal Items Required for O-Week
2. Other Items to Bring when Moving-in
3. What Not to Bring when Moving-in

Parking Permit Information

Vehicles of all cadets participating in O-Week must have a valid TAMUG parking permit (or at least display their receipt for proof of purchase).

Parking permit information is available HERE. 

Information about paid parking for parents and/or visitors can be found HERE.

Mandatory Drug Testing

All new Cadets will undergo drug testing during O-Week, regardless of program affiliation (i.e., License Option, NROTC, SSMP, or Drill & Ceremonies). If you are on medication that could generate a positive result (i.e., ADHD medication), please bring your prescription information with you. 

The US Coast Guard has zero tolerance for illegal drug use of CBD products, or the improper use/misuse of prescription drugs. Any Cadet testing positive for drugs or refusing a drug test will be adjudicated pursuant to the Corps Operations Manual.

Howdy Week & SALT Camp

Information about Howdy Week & SALT Camp can be found at https://www.tamug.edu/newaggie/newaggie-saltcamp.html

Sample Orientation Week Schedule

During training days, new cadets should expect to wake up around 5:15 am and go to bed around 10:00 pm. Cadets should be prepared for physical fitness training each day, which will include, push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and other similar activities.

Check In Day (First Day)

All new cadets must check-in for O-Week from 9:00am to 2:00pm. With exception for new cadets with an approved Day Cadet Status, cadets move into their Resident Room in Texas A&M Maritime Academy (TAM MA) Hall. All new cadets with approved Day Cadet Status are responsible for obtaining off campus housing prior to O-Week.

3:00pm - Commandant Briefing session for parents/family members on what cadets will experience during O-week.

Training Days (Days 2-6: Fall O-Week Days 2-5: Spring O-Week)

These days will consist of physical fitness training, general ad min information sessions regarding university resources, drill (marching), Merchant Mariner Credential applications, Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties training, campus familiarization, maritime skills training, and company team building.

Culmination Day (Last Day)

10:30am - O-Week Culmination Ceremony: Family and friends are encouraged to attend and celebrate the success of their cadet.

Note: Please review FAQ for additional information concerning event or activity locations and times

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Will the new cadets have access to their electronic devices during Orientation Week?

New cadets will have access to their electronic devices as and when required as part of the activities during Orientation Week.

I need to communicate with the new cadets during Orientation?

So the new cadets can be fully engaged and focus on having the best experience possible during Orientation Week, we ask that parents and families celebrate their accomplishment by attending the Culmination Ceremony.

For an actual emergency, please call 911. For other emergencies that require immediate attention by university personnel, please contact the University Police Department by calling (409) 740-4545 or via email police@tamug.edu.

For urgent matters that cannot wait until the end of the Culmination Ceremony, please email the Office of the Commandant via email corpsinfo@tamug.edu.

What and Where is the Culmination Ceremony?

Family and friends are invited to attend the O-Week Culmination Ceremony at 10:30 am:

• Fall 2026: Saturday, 15 August 2026 at the Clock Tower past Buildings 3034 (Academic Complex) and 3035 (Aggie Special Event Center)
• Spring 2027: Saturday, 16 January 2027 in  Building 3035 – Aggie Special Event Center

Texas A&M University Galveston Campus Maps and Directions

Can I pick up my cadet uniforms before Orientation Week?

Yes, you may pick up your uniforms before O-Week; however, you will want to make sure your uniforms have been delivered (corpsinfo@tamug.edu).

When it is confirmed that your uniforms have arrived, you may come by during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00pm).

You will need a photo ID for verification purposes. If someone else is picking up your uniforms on your behalf, they will need your written permission to do so plus your photo ID.