I-Day (Induction Day) Guide

Apr 29

Welcoming your Plebe to the United States Naval Academy is an unforgettable—and emotional—experience. It marks the beginning of an incredible journey, not just for your Midshipman, but for your entire family.

Induction Day (I-Day) moves quickly. There are early mornings, long lines, and a wide range of emotions—pride, excitement, nerves, and everything in between. Having a plan (and a comfortable home base) makes all the difference.

Before You Arrive in Annapolis

Arrive 1–2 days early to acclimate to the Annapolis heat and humidity
Encourage your Plebe to hydrate well before arrival
Purchase USNA Mom’s Journal by An Shine
Register for the I-Day picnic if offered
Join the USNA Alumni Association and your local parent club

Arrival + Logistics Tips

Park at Hillman Garage for easy access to Gate 1- The Mills Hillman Garage - 150 Gorman St., Annapolis, MD 21401 - Other option is park at Navy Memorial Stadium and take shuttle to the yard.
Bring REAL IDs for all adults
Arrive at least 2 hours before check-in time- allowing extra time for security, traffic, and parking

What to Expect on I-Day

Your Plebe will go through processing (no contact during this time) at Alumni Hall, your plebe will say good bye before entering the doors. You will then see your plebe one more time after the oath.
Families attend briefings and events
Swearing-in ceremony takes place on Tecumseh Court (this is the main entrance area to Bancroft Hall) this will be at the end of the day, you will be able to sit in the audience to watch the oath. Your plebe will be sitting with all the other plebes. This will take place in the late afternoon.
You’ll have a short visit with your plebe after the Oath - at your meeting spot

Pro Tip: Pick Your Meeting Spot

Choose a meeting spot near Tecumseh Court before your plebe goes into processing (best places are on the grass on both sides of the sidewalk coming from T Court)
Lay down a blanket so it’s easy to find - you can also leave a cooler here too
Meet your plebe after the Oath, you will have about 20 mins together for your plebe to have a quick bite to eat (sandwich you bring) and drink (clear liquids, in case of spills)

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes
Water, snacks, tissues, sandwich for your plebe (all in a cooler)
Umbrella or sun protection
Large blanket to mark your meeting spot, a couple bag chairs are great too

Nice extras:

Tide pen- to use in case any stains happen on plebe’s white uniform
Sandwich (no mustard, so there are no spills on your plebes uniform) + clear Gatorade for your Plebe

Plebe Packing Tips

Ziploc bag with wallet, phone, charger (all labeled)
Folder with all PTR paperwork
Parents bring backup copies of PTR paperwork, just in case
Cinch backpack with essentials (sports bras (women), extra compression shorts, hair accessories, cash)
Wear proper attire: running shoes, collared shirt tucked in, shorts
Women: arrive with hair in a bun

While Your Plebe Is Processing

Attend parent briefs- there is a wealth of information given to help you get through plebe summer as a parent
Go to the picnic and meet other parents

The Oath + Time Together

After the ceremony on Tecumseh Court:

Go to your meeting spot to meet your plebe to have a little time together
Enjoy your time together and remind your plebe you will be back for plebe parent weekend in 7 weeks!

Saying Goodbye

This is one of the hardest moments as a parent. Give your Plebe a hug and remind them: You’ve got this.

After I-Day Ceremony

Keep the evening relaxed
Go out to dinner (see our lists of favorite restaurants) or unwind at home
Take time to decompress, you will need this, it is a very emotional day!

The Next Morning (Optional)

Some parents attend PEP at 5:30 AM (morning workout for plebes, parents can watch if the yard is open to visitors)
Many choose not to—both are totally fine

Before You Leave Annapolis

Ship a care package at the local post office in Annapolis (60 West St. Suite 101, Annapolis, 21401) - your plebe will be so happy to have some goodies from you, by shipping it locally the package will arrive to the yard sooner than from shipping from home)