Corps of Cadets Fish Orientation Week

COLLEGE STATION, TX –  Incoming freshmen Corps members begin reporting to their units Wednesday, August 15 to start Freshmen Orientation Week (FOW) – the 35th year of the program. 

Conducted by the Office of the Commandant and experienced cadet leaders, FOW is the freshmen’s first taste of life in the Corps at Texas A&M. Approximately 780 freshmen—the Class of 2016—will participate. The purpose of FOW is to prepare incoming “fish” for the academic rigors they will face at Texas A&M, and introduce them to Corps life.  Incoming “fish” will spend their first three days focused on how to learn more effectively, developing critical study skills, being made aware of the available university academic resources, and balancing academics with Corps life. 

“Freshman Orientation Week is essential to success for freshmen entering the Corps,” explains Marquis Alexander ’13, Corps Commander. “Coming to college for the first time is an overwhelming experience for any new freshman, and the Corps of Cadets has its own added elements. The Corps is a four-year leadership development program based on a military framework, so obviously the essentials of marching, saluting and conducting themselves in a military matter is important, but the academic focus is really the driving force behind FOW. Everything is done to ensure that each cadet starts the school year in the best possible position for academic success. They are at Texas A&M for an education and the Corps will do everything possible to help them succeed.” 

FOW concludes with a military review on the O. R. Simpson Drill Field on Saturday, August 25 at 9 am.  Parents and family are encouraged to attend. 

The Corps of Cadets welcomes the Fish Class of 2016!