James Madison University will be closed for Winter Break from December 20, 2024 through January 1, 2025. If you need immediate assistance, please contact the JMU Police Department at 540/568-6912 or call 911. The Counseling Center's 24-hour Helpline can be reached at 540/568-6552 and select "Option 1". If your concern is not immediate, submit a Madison Cares Referral at jmu.edu/madisoncares. Referrals will not be reviewed during the Winter Break.

The Dean of Students team promotes well-being, interpersonal growth, and learning through advocacy and collaborative partnerships with students, employees, and families.  

The office responds to the informational and personal concerns of students, parents, faculty and staff. Staff in the Dean of Students are committed to helping students and others in the areas of:

• Supporting and advising students and families during challenging situations through the university care program, Madison Cares.
• Normalizing setback and obstacles by sharing the stories of our community and getting students connected to a mentor-based Rebound program to create plans for success and to meet wellness goals.  
• Notifying faculty of extended absences from class when a student is unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances and will be out more than two days.
  • Such notifications are sent as a means to officially notify a student's professors of their situation. It is the responsibility of the student to contact each professor upon their return regarding the professor's policy for missed classes, assignments, etc.
• Referring students to resources to increase the likelihood of their success.
• Provide individualized student-centered life skills and learning strategies coaching through the Learning Success Strategies program.
• Consulting with faculty, staff and students regarding distressed and disruptive students; referrals to appropriate resources.

Contact Information

Hours:  Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Phone: 540-568-6468

Fax: 540-568-6538