Frequently Asked Questions - Department of Naval Science (Navy/Marine ROTC)

Scholarship Housing/Lodging Medical

Naval Science Building Facilities

Naval Science Program College /University Athletics Other

Scholarship

1. Does the NROTC scholarship cover enrollment/application fees? Does the scholarship cover room/board and meals? Will I receive a stipend?

No, the scholarship does not reimburse the student nor does it pay enrollment/application fees. Room and board are not paid by the scholarship; those are out of pocket expenses. However, the NROTC's crosstown affiliate, Westminster College, waives/includes these fees in their tuition for NROTC scholarship students who are not in a Disciplinary/Leave of Absence Status. Note, if you forego and/or lose your scholarship, you must pay all fees back (this includes a housing cost as it is built into the Westminster Tuition). The scholarship does include a monthly stipend and increases incrementally each academic year. Stipends should be used for meals and other living expenses.

2. I was awarded a scholarship, but am considering delaying entry into school for two years for a religious mission, will that affect my scholarship?

If you plan to delay entry prior to arriving at the NROTC Unit, you will need to contact the NSTC OD or MCRC as applicable for further guidance. In the past, students have been offered a Leave of Absence (LOA), if accepted, for a religious mission. Leaves of Absence for religious missions after arrival at the NROTC Unit are processed through the Unit.

3. I am currently in the Reserves; will I be discharged if I receive a scholarship?
Yes, if you are awarded a scholarship you will be released from the Active Reserves. Please ensure you coordinate and discuss this with your Reserve chain of command.

4. What if I do not need or want a scholarship, can I still participate in the NROTC program and be commissioned?
Unfortunately, in order to become a Commissioned Officer through the NROTC program you must have a scholarship or have qualified for the College Program advance standing. Otherwise, you would need to visit a local recruiter or Officer Selection office for information about Officer Candidate School (OCS)/Officer Candidate Course (OCC) after graduation. For more information on these programs refer to: www.navy.mil or www.marines.mil. Naval Science classes are open to all students at the University of Utah, regardless of affiliation with the NROTC program.

5. Can I be deployed while in school, under the scholarship?
This is highly unlikely. Several factors would have to fall into place before this happens and that has not happened in the last 70 years.

6. Am I required to serve after completing my degree?
Yes, four years for Marines, and five years for all other Navy occupations (some Warfare Specialties require additional service).

7. Is there a limit to the number of NROTC students?
The number of NROTC students is determined by NSTC based on numerous factors. The NROTC Unit at the University of Utah has no control of selection or how many students are assigned here.

8. Are there graduate level scholarships available?
Unfortunately, our program is for undergraduates only. For information on graduate school opportunities, please contact your local recruiter, who can be found at www.navy.mil or www.marines.mil.

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Housing/Lodging

1. Will I be staying in a dorm?
Crosstown affiliate, Westminster College, requires all freshmen to live in dormitories. The University of Utah does not, but if you choose to, you will be required to purchase a meal plan.

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Medical

1. Is there medical coverage?
Only students in an Active Duty Status receive full-time medical coverage. Midshipmen will receive coverage during Summer Training. If at any time you are injured while participating in an NROTC required event, you may petition for the Navy to pay for medical costs, this is similar to filing a worker's compensation claim.

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Naval Science Building Facilities

1. I was informed there was a firing range located at the Naval Science Building, is it open for anyone to use?
There is a firing range with designated public hours; but in accordance with Utah law the following requirements must be met before using this facility: Proof of insurance with coverage of at least one million dollars, must be a sanctioned organization (no single individual), the group must have one person qualified as a Range Safety Officer, and only air pistols are allowed. Exceptions include those involved with the Utah Perision Marksmanship Society (UPMS) or NROTC. For further information, please contact the NROTC at (801) 581-6723.

2. What caliber of firearm is permitted in the firing range?
The range allows up to a .45 caliber pistol and .22 caliber rifle. No hollow points are allowed.

3. I would like to schedule the Naval Science Gymnasium (Room 105), what is the proper process?
For events and/or classes wishing to use the gym facilites during business hours or during the weekend, please contact the scheduling office at scheduling@utah.edu.

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Naval Science Program

1. Are all Midshipmen required to take Summer Training? If so, how long does it last?
All Midshipmen are required to participate in Summer Training. Prior to their Freshman year, all students are highly encouraged to attend New Student Orientation (NSO). The summer between Freshman and Sophomore year, all students will participate in CONTRAMID for approximately four weeks. The summer between Sophomore and Junior year, Navy Option Midshipmen will participate in a Second Class Cruise lasting between two and four weeks while Marine Option Midshipmen may attend Mountain Warfare Training Center for two weeks. The summer between Junior and Senior year, Navy Option Midshipmen will participate in their First Class Cruise for two to four weeks and Marine Option Midshipmen are sent to Officer Candidate School for ten weeks.

2. Is there any "common knowledge" I should begin studying prior to NSO?
Maintain physical fitness and review the Midshipmen Handbook that will be sent to you once accepted.

3. What should I expect from my classes?
Expect to take 15-18 credit hours a semester. These will be a combination of Naval Science and degree required courses. As an NROTC student you will have two advisors, one for your University degree program and a second for the NROTC program.

4. What if I must exceed the four year scholarship? Would I have to pay out of pocket for the last year or semester?
If your degree requires more than eight terms (18 credit hours/term) to complete, you may petition for fifth year benefits.

5. What type of GPA am I expected to maintain?
The NROTC Program requires a minimum GPA of 2.5; however, most college departments require a higher minimum for their programs.

6. Does the NROTC participate in events with other ROTC units?
Yes, every year we compete with NROTC units from other Pacific Northwest Schools. Intramural sports are also conducted with the other ROTC units on campus (Army and Air Force).

7. Are there any language opportunities available?
Yes, the University of Utah offers several language programs and opportunities: http://languages.utah.edu/. The Navy also offers a language grant program called Project Go: http://www.rotcprojectgo.org/.

8. As a Midshipmen or Active Duty student what standards are expected?
Please refer to the Midshipmen Handbook under "New Students."

9. I do not want to be in the NROTC, but am interested in taking Naval Science classes. Is that possible?
Yes, you do not have to be in the NROTC to take Naval Science classes. All Naval Science classes are open to University of Utah students. Non-NROTC students will only be required to take the lecture portion and not the lab. The lab is for NROTC students only. However, in order to register for the class you have to register for both. If the lab time causes issues in registering for other courses, then please call our Main Office at (801) 581-6723 to receive a permission code to register for the course.

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College/University Athletics

1. I am interested in participating in a University Athletics team, is that possible while participating in NROTC?
We have had Midshipmen participate in University Athletics in the past, however, each case must be reviewed by the Commanding Officer.

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Other

1. Are there recruiters available to speak to about enlisting?
No, this is not a recruiting station. This is an Academic Department with information on the undergraduate degree Navy/Marine Officer Training Program (NROTC). If you are not interested in participating in the NROTC program, please contact your local recruiter who can be found at www.navy.mil or www.marines.mil.

2. I would like the NROTC to present colors during our event/ceremony, who do I contact?
Please fill out the Color Guard Request Form (also on our Contact Us page) and email it to nrotc@navsci.utah.edu. We will follow up with you as sooon as possible. Please note the Color Guard is only available on the weekends during the academic school year. All facilities must have at least a 25 ft. clearance in order for the Color Guard to operate.