University academic expectations are often very different from the secondary school experience.  Adjusting to a new educational system can be challenging.  Here at JMU, we not only hope you will be successful, but we provide a number of academic services (free of charge) for all students.  The services listed below are excellent resources to more efficiently assist in your academic success.  Also, you are always encouraged to contact your academic advisor, your professor, and/or ISSS for recommendations, assistance and direction. 

The University Career Center (UCC) is available to address your academic and career needs. It is located in the Student Success Center and is to be used as a tool to guide and support visitors in each stage of their academic and professional development - from researching majors and careers, to writing resumes and preparing for the job search, to searching for internships and jobs, to exploring graduate school options.

The University Advising office’s goal is to provide accurate and accessible advising to all students to help them plan well to meet all graduation requirements and begin to prepare for their careers and lives after graduation.  The office oversees JMU students called Madison Advising Peers (MAP) who work in conjunction with faculty advisors by providing supplemental academic advising information and assist students who may have general advising questions. A MAP can be a supportive and friendly resource for students who feel overwhelmed and confused. To talk to a MAP or a faculty advisor, make sure to schedule an appointment. Click on the "International Transfer Advisor" button, then fill out your details.

The Learning Centers offer one-to-one and group academic support and coaching.  Located on the 1st floor of the Student Success Center, check out our service areas: 

• Communication Center supports students plan and practice individual and group presentations, as well as supports studying for the MREST and COMM exams.  
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions provides supplemental instruction by peers in specific courses.  
• Science and Math Learning Center offers class-specific drop-in support for 1st and 2nd year science, math, and philosophy classes.  
• University Writing Center provides writing consultations across the curriculum.  
• Academic Success Coaching supports students in strategically achieving academic goals. 
• English Language Consultations are available for English language support. 

The office of Disability Services assists the University in creating an accessible community where students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in their educational experiences at JMU.

Learning Strategies Instruction (LSI) enhances the educational outcomes of students through explicit training in various learning strategies which are based on personal strengths and weaknesses, specific course demands and modified according to academic progress or changing needs. Topics include but not limited to:  reading, note-taking, test-taking and test anxiety, studying, memory, time management, stress management, personalized learning style assessments.  The web site includes a number of helpful academic tips for success, so check it out.  Individual appointments can be scheduled at the LSI web site.