Orientation Week
Under the guidance of the Commandant, the Corps of Cadets cadet leadership plans and executes Orientation Week to introduce each new member to the Corps’ routines and traditions. Cadets also learn military bearing and customs, basic seamanship, engineering and nautical science skills. O-Week training includes, military formations, marching to class and meals, team-building exercises, hands-on seamanship training, and other training to enable new members to hit the decks running when the entire Corps returns for the semester.
Participation in Orientation 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.
General Information
Orientation Week Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Dates for Orientation Week
Spring Orientation 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
Where to Report to Check-In for Orientation Week
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 from All New Cadets During Check-In
- Driver's License or other government-issued identification card
- Two (2) photocopies of your current medical insurance card, if insured. Please keep your medical insurance card in your possession
- Completed Assumption of Risk form
- Completed Texas A&M University at Galveston – Corps of Cadets – Preparticipation Evaluation and Medical History Form
License Option cadets are also required to provide the following:
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Physical Passport, or proof of application.
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Physical TWIC, or proof of application.
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Immunization record, or state-recognized exemption
Please keep all other documents in your possession until you are asked to bring any of them for any scheduled activity or event during the Orientation week’s training days. Please also keep in your possession any NROTC/SSMP documentation until requested to hand it over by the Naval Sciences personnel.
Texas A&M Maritime Academy Hall (TAMMAH) Move-in
- After checking in and picking up the items ordered from the campus’ Bookstore (backpack and other regimental items), 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
Lifestyle Adjustments for Orientation Week
What to Bring & What Not to Bring
The following documents can help you when packing for Orientation Week and your first year at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy:
Parking Permit Information
Vehicles of all cadets participating in Orientation 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 Orientation 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 first check-in for Orientation Week from 9:00am to 2:00pm. New cadets then should visit the campus’ Bookstore to pick-up their ordered backpack and other regimental items. After, all new cadets move into their Resident Room in Texas A&M Maritime Academy Hall (TAMMAH).
3:00pm - Commandant Briefing session for parents/family members on what cadets will experience during Orientation Week.
Training Days (Days 2-6: Fall Orientation Week Days 2-5: Spring Orientation 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)
9:00am - Orientation Week Culmination Ceremony: Family and friends are encouraged to attend and celebrate the success of their cadet. After the end of the Culmination Ceremony, new cadets with approved Day Cadet Status can move out of TAMMAH.
Note: Please review FAQ for additional information concerning event or activity locations and times
Orientation Week FAQ
Do I need to bring for Orientation Week a completed U.S. Coast Guard Application for Medical Certificate (CG-719K)
No. During the academic semester, a medical professional with experience and knowledge in completing the U.S. Coast Guard Application for Medical Certificate (CG-719K) will come to campus to complete the application for a fee. This medical professional can also perform another medical test required for license-option cadets prior to the summer sea term. Additional information regarding the dates, available times, and location where this medical professional will be on campus, including the cost of these services, will be provided to license-option cadets after the start of the academic semester.
What and Where is the Culmination Ceremony?
Family and friends are invited to attend the Orientation Week Culmination Ceremony at 9:00 am:
- Spring 2027: Saturday, 16 January 2027 in Building 3035 – Aggie Special Event Center
What happens after the end of Orientation Week and the First Day of Class?
With the end of the Culmination Ceremony, the new cadets will be granted liberty, meaning they do not have any other responsibility or activity related to the Corps of Cadets. For those new cadets residing at TAMMAH, their liberty end and they must report to the cadet dorm no later than by 2000 (8:00pm) the night before the first day of classes.
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 a new cadet during Orientation Week
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.
How do I return a uniform item to Navy Exchange?
Replacing uniform items is essentially a two-step process directly with Navy Exchange. For any new item needed, please send Navy Exchange a new order form with the desired sizing for the items needed. If you need information about re-ordering uniforms from Navy Exchange, please visit the Admitted Cadets page under Required Uniforms and Other Regimental Purchases.
For the items that do not fit, essentially please return them by mailing directly to Navy Exchange (provided they remain unaltered and with tags, etc). The address of Navy Exchange’s return warehouse is:
Before mailing the uniform items back to Navy Exchange (preferably using original shipping boxes from Navy Exchange), please send email to Navy Exchange using address NJROTC@nexweb.org. Navy Exchange will provide a copy of the invoice for that order. To expedite the return process, please print the invoice, mark the items being returned and place the marked invoice within the package with the items being returned. Once Navy Exchange receives the returned items, please allow 5-7 business days for the payment method used show the credit.
If you have any other questions or concerns related to the ordering or return of uniforms items, please feel free to reach out to Navy Exchange to:
I need information about meals during Orientation Week
During Orientation Week, all new cadets will have their meals at one of the campus dining halls, beginning with breakfast on the first training day (the day after check-in/move-in day) and ending with breakfast on the final day of Orientation Week (Culmination Ceremony day). Meals for Orientation week are a separate charge and will be added to the semester bill following Orientation Week.
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