During the most recent VMI Alumni Association board meeting, held in Norfolk, Virginia, Nov. 17, two important decisions were voted upon and approved by the board of directors. Both votes were unanimous.
First, it was approved to close the Moody Hall bunk room for lodging permanently. Over the last few years, the bunk room has become problematic because alumni staying in that space were often dressed inappropriately for the Alumni Agencies work environment. Further, there have been recent behavior issues and security concerns that had to be addressed.
Secondly, it was approved – again unanimously – to begin charging $50 per night to stay in Moody Hall. Operational costs to maintain the rooms, including housekeeping labor, plus costs to clean and refresh linens and towels have increased. Further, over the last few years, there have been an increasing number of “no-shows” for rooms – meaning alumni call in to reserve a room and fail to show without notification. This results in unoccupied rooms on busy weekends, and having to turn alumni away and since there is no reaction time.
The new Moody Hall room reservation process will be as follows: When an alumnus calls in to reserve a room the reservation will be tentative until the payment process is complete. After the reservation request has been made, an email will be sent to the alumnus with a link to complete the total payment for the stay. Monies received for Moody Hall stays will go directly into the Moody Hall fund, which is where the operational funds are housed to support lodging. Exceptions to the charge will include any board member (Alumni Association, Keydet Club or Foundation) on post for official business, such as a respective board meeting. The charges will go into effect March 1, 2019. If an alumnus cancels within 48 hours of the scheduled stay, then the money will be refunded completely. For cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice, there will be no refunds.
Please feel free to respond to Thom Brashears ’95, VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer, with any comments or questions regarding these VMI Alumni Association board decisions.
