Residential Life FAQs

When packages arrive for cadets, information is often cut off on the address label. To help ensure that your package arrives timely to your cadet, please make sure only his name is in the "To" field on the package. You do not need to spell out "Missouri Military Academy." Instead, please list it as "MMA" or leave it off completely. The cadet's name, street address, city, state, and zip code are most important.

Example label:

Missouri Military Academy
ATTN: Your son’s name (last name, first name, company)
204 N. Grand Street
Mexico, MO 65265

If shipping directly from a website or manufacturer, please do NOT include "Missouri Military Academy" before your cadet's name. Often, cadets' names are cut off on the shipping label, making it difficult to identify who packages should go to.

Package guidelines:

Limit to one small package every two weeks. All packages are opened and inspected and unauthorized or excess items will be confiscated or shipped home. Letters and postcards are always encouraged.

Sending food in packages:

Yes, food may be sent — but only in limited quantities. All food must fit inside a 9” x 11” x 3” plastic container and must fit inside the cadet’s lock box (approximately a shoebox-sized plastic container). Perishable food is not allowed and will be discarded and snacks should be individually wrapped. There are no refrigerators or microwaves in the barracks, and any food that exceeds storage limits or does not comply with MMA guidelines will be confiscated. 

Non-food items:

Unauthorized items will be shipped home at the guardian’s expense. Valuables or sentimental items should not be sent. The Academy assumes no liability for loss or damage. Items exceeding lock box size may be secured by the Quartermaster.

Delivery hours & location:

Please specify the following delivery instructions when sending or ordering packages: Packages may be delivered Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., to the Quartermaster in the Stribling Hall basement. Deliveries outside these hours are not guaranteed and may be delayed.

Authorized delivery service:

• USPS
• UPS
• FedEx
• Amazon (business hours only)

Walmart and DoorDash deliveries are not authorized.

If you have recently sent a package to your cadet that he has not yet received, please send him to the cadet store on campus. It is possible that we were unable to identify the rightful owner and his unclaimed package is still waiting for him. 

Regarding what may be brought from home for cadet rooms, please click here for the list of recommended and approved items. Developing self-discipline and maintaining order through a clean room is taught at MMA. As such, we will limit what is brought from home to what is listed in the linked document.
 
Please note that cadets may not bring additional items that are not listed in this supplement. Please do not send your cadet with the following:

• Personal clothing
• Foam mattresses
• Furniture
• Electronics or miscellaneous appliances
  • Table lamps, string lights, etc.
  • Small refrigerators
  • Fans
  • Heating/cooking appliances
  • Personal computer

Unauthorized items brought from home will be shipped home at the guardian’s expense.

The birthday party plans outlined below allow us to recognize and celebrate birthdays and give parents a chance to support their sons.

Celebration with the corps

Each month, cadets who have their birthday that month will be recognized during a special celebration with the corps. This birthday celebration will be in the dining hall with the entire corps of cadets. Ice cream provided by Sage Dining will be served to all cadets, and the corps will sing "Happy Birthday."

Private party for those cadets celebrating birthdays in a given month

In addition, a private pizza party will be held for those cadets who have a birthday during the given month. The Parents Committee will discuss with the parents of those cadets whose birthdays occur in that month to coordinate the purchase of pizza, soda, etc. for the party. Payments will also be organized via the Parents Committee. Only cadets who have birthdays within that month will attend. 

How you can celebrate your cadet on his actual birthday

On your cadet's ACTUAL birthdate, you may send your cadet a singular pizza, small cake, etc. This is not a full party, but rather your special birthday recognition for your cadet. Parents should make their own arrangements for delivery.

No more than $50 cash weekly. We recommend using a reloadable gift card or debit card for spending. 

Your cadet can always reach out to his CLA, coach or faculty members for assistance. When possible, encourage him to seek out his own solutions. While MMA faculty and staff are always here to help when needed, it is important that cadets feel empowered to solve their own problems, too. 

If you feel he has done what he needs to and the problem persists, then please contact the appropriate party — CLA, coach, faculty member, commandant or dean. 

For those items your cadet is bringing from home, please click here to review the Clothing Marking Procedure. Marking your cadet's clothing and personal items appropriately will ensure that all items, when laundered, are returned to the appropriate cadet. 

To help maintain order, safety, and consistency in the barracks, we ask families to avoid sending items that are frequently confiscated.
The following items are not permitted or are commonly removed if received:

• Civilian (non-MMA uniform) clothes, such as hoodies
• Fans
• Bedding/personal blankets
• Mouthwash with alcohol
• Gummies
• Perishable food 
• Essential oils
• Plug-ins
• Heating devices
• Aerosol cans
• Gum
• Sunflower seeds
• Jewelry
• Personal bags
• Disposable towels or wipes

These guidelines support health, safety, discipline, and uniformity within the cadet environment. If you are unsure whether an item is permitted, please refer to your enrollment supplement or contact the Academy before sending.