Are parents permitted to contact cadets by phone during BCT?
No, your parents should refrain from calling you directly during the difficult BCT adjustment period. You'll be instructed to write home soon after BCT starts and give your parents the name and home and duty phone numbers of your Air Officer Commanding (AOC) who directly supervises your squadron. The first opportunity you'll have to phone home will be during Doolie Day Out, which is approximately halfway through BCT. Cadets and parents are strongly encouraged to communicate through cards and letters. If an AOC cannot be directly reached in the event of an emergency, call the Command Post at 719-333-2910/2911.
Do parents receive transcripts of cadet grades?
Most parents are curious about their cadet's grades and academic progress at the end of each semester. The policy regarding the release of student grades to parents is dictated by the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This law specifies that educational records of the students may not be released without (1) the written consent of the student that specifies those educational records to be released and to whom, or (2) judicial order or subpoena of the student's educational records. In the latter situation, the student must be notified of the institution's compliance with the order or subpoena.
Based upon this policy, the United States Air Force Academy provides grade reports directly to the cadet and will provide grade reports to the parents at the written direction of the cadet. We understand and appreciate the concern and interest of parents; however, parents must receive this information either directly from the cadet or by the cadet's written request that a grade report be mailed to the parent.
How can parents help their son or daughter to excel in the cadet wing?
Parents can encourage cadets to put forth their best efforts in all areas and, particularly, to abide by the cadet wing regulations, take responsibility for their actions and be accountable to themselves and their supervisors. Parental support has been found to be a strong motivator toward good performance. Conversely, parents who condone violations will undermine the Academy's efforts and leave their son or daughter open to punishment. For example, statistics show that of the cadets found guilty of violating the regulation that only First- and Second-Class cadets may own, maintain and operate a personal motor vehicle, most were given a car, or received some financial assistance toward one, from their parents.
What events are scheduled for Parents’ Weekend?
During Parents' Weekend (Labor Day weekend), a falcon demonstration and a parade, as well as briefings by the Superintendent, Director of Admissions, Commandant of Cadets, Dean of the Faculty, Director of Athletics and the Command Chaplain are scheduled. While adults attend the briefings, young guests may attend free movies. There are also airmanship, dormitory, dining hall and academic area open houses scheduled during the weekend. Guests may attend some meals in Mitchell Hall, but tickets are required.
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