The commandant’s office reported to the Board of Visitors on May 2 that cadet conduct metrics are improving after targeted interventions and that the institute plans to implement a new fitness framework that may include fitness‑probation status for cadets who fail to meet improvement benchmarks.

The commandant (identified in the meeting as commandant-level leadership) said a focused coaching and accountability effort placed 20 cadets in a remediation program; three of those have been suspended for exceeding merit limits and the majority have improved sufficiently to come off conduct probation. The commandant said 23 cadets in other groups had met early-stage conduct targets and would be rewarded for improved behavior under a peer-recognition plan.

On physical fitness, staff described a new pre‑matriculation physical‑fitness assessment that incoming cadets will take and an optional 10‑week preparatory program designed by the Human Performance and Wellness department. The commandant indicated a plan to introduce a fitness‑improvement program that would set goals for cadets who fail standards and, starting with a later entering class, could move some cadets to a formal fitness‑probation status if they do not meet the improvement milestones. Officials also discussed aligning non‑commissioning cadet fitness expectations with branch or service tests (Air Force/Coast Guard style) rather than an older Army-based standard.

Why it matters: Cadet conduct and fitness standards affect safety, retention and the ability of cadets to meet academic and military-training requirements. The board heard both evidence of gains in conduct metrics and a proposal to raise expectations for fitness, which would have operational and support implications for housing, medical support and training staff.

Supporting detail: The commandant said training for unit leaders (DIs and cadet leaders) is being refreshed and that the institute will begin sending fitness guidance and assessments to prospective cadets within weeks. Staff also said they are exploring funding for a full‑time nutritionist to support the fitness program.

Board follow-up: Trustees asked for monitoring results from the new pre‑matriculation assessments, the retention and conduct metrics, and costs of proposed fitness-support staffing before any final policy changes are adopted.