JMU recognizes more than 300 student-run organizations. As a graduate student, you are welcome to become a member, officer or advisor to many of these organizations.
Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is a student-led and student-run organization that provides professional and social opportunities to all past, present and future James Madison University graduate students. The GSA was established in 2010, and thanks to the efforts of past leadership, is growing steadily in the form of participation and events. Every graduate student is considered a part of the GSA. There are no fees. Being that graduate students are uber-busy, meetings are held the first Sunday of every month, and last no more than one hour. With that being said, the GSA has great things planned for the future; including graduate student workshops, professional development opportunities, socials, and networking events. Take advantage of a great opportunity to further your graduate school life, professional careers, and the JMU community.
Student organizations exclusively for graduate students
GLOBAL International Student Organization
The Graduate Leaders Organization to Build Alliance and Links (GLOBAL) seeks to be the international graduate student's second family. Mental and moral support is crucial when facing specific needs such as housing, transportation, cultural adjustment, Social Security Number aquisition, etc. GLOBAL helps international graduate students find answers and community support. GLOBAL helps to resolve issues and concerns of international students by working closely with various JMU departments, such as The Graduate School and International Student Scholar Services. The purpose of this organization is to (1) build a supportive community for the international graduate students and (2) give them a voice by sharing specific issues and concerns with the JMU community.
The JMU chapter of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is an organization for students in the Au.D. and Ph.D. audiology programs. The local chapter provides students an opportunity to network with classmates and faculty. The club at JMU focuses on four main areas of outreach: education, service, fundraising and social activities. Our SAA chapter provides education for the community by giving lectures on hearing conservation and protection. On the national level, SAA offers textbooks at discount cost, networking with professional audiologists, and a national conference each year. SAA provides important experiences in the field of audiology as well as a support system of students and faculty.
Physician Assistant Student Society
A student society that serves the graduate students in the JMU Physician Assistant Program, to promote academic achievement, community service, AND clinical excellence, while promoting the PA as a member of the health care delivery team.
Psychology Graduate Student Council
The Psychology Graduate Student Council (PGSC) is an organization that represents all psychology graduate students. The purpose of the organization is to serve as a liaison between the graduate school, graduate psychology department, individual programs, and graduate students. The organization attempts to keep faculty informed about student concerns as well as keeping students informed of departmental activities, resources, and opportunities. The organization also sponsors events to provide students with an opportunity to get to know other graduate students and serves as a support system. The PGSC is comprised of six selected graduate student representatives, one representing each of the programs in graduate psychology at JMU.
Student organizations for both graduate and undergraduate students
The Alternative Break Program, as a part of the Community Service-Learning Office, has the mission to prepare the JMU community to be educated and enlightened citizens committed to positive social change by providing reflective experiential opportunities with diverse community partners. Get started by checking out our upcoming trips to find one (or more) that excites you. Then join us for an information meeting, stop by our office (2nd floor of Student Success Center), or simply visit our website again during the online signup dates to enter your name in the lottery!
Alpha Phi Omega is a national, coeducational service fraternity based on the principles of the Boy Scouts of America: "Be a leader, be a friend, be of service." Members work with the university, the community and the nation in a number of various services.
Welcome to CCM! We are a community of JMU students who serve the Lord in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond with the support of our local parish, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and countless alumni, parents, faculty, and community members. CCM is a ministry for students by students. All of our many activities and service projects are coordinated and run by students…peer ministry at its best! We are very active in service projects, worship opportunities and social events.
The Centennial Scholars Program employs many strategies to help support and retain its students. Programs include the Student Administrator Instructional Faculty (SAIF) Partnership Program, the Zie Rivers Academic Mentoring Program, the Family Network and the CSP Buddy System. Join the family support network. The CSP Family Network (CSPFN) is for CSP students' families. It is a way for families and students to connect with each other, to be supported and have others to share with.The CSPFN is doing great things under the leadership of Ms. Ojetta Ransome and Ms. Paula Harp. We need YOU in the CSP Family Network, so contact Ms. Ransome at (804) 305-4647 or Ms. Harp at (804) 350-1816 or via email at PaulaJoy3@msn.com to get connected!
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
JMjews Chabad is proud to be a branch of the world wide Chabad Lubavitch movement and an affiliate of Chabad of Virginia. We are a full time Jewish Student Center serving the communities of JMU (James Madison University), Harrisonburg, and the Shenandoah Valley. Our goal is to be a true home away from home. We hope to do so by providing a place and environment open to allJewish students on campus to experience real warmth and comfort, and to have a good time with a touch of wisdom and meaning.
Madison Equality is JMU's support community for LGBT*QIQA+ students. "Madison Equality, which has been around since the 1970's, is JMU's support community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. The primary mission of the club is the promotion of tolerance and acceptance through education and awareness. Anyone supportive of equality and queer rights is welcomed regardless of orientation."
Psy Chi
Psi Chi is the international honor society in Psychology. Its purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain scholarship in Psychology and to promote scientific advancement in the field. Psi Chi members are very involved with our local chapter's activities. The chapter frequently sponsors guest speakers, and conducts a variety of community service activities. Psi Chi is affiliated with the American Psychological Association and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. Students elected to membership in the JMU Chapter of Psi Chi also become members of the international organization.
The mission of the JMU SVA is to provide resources, support, and advocacy in a campus community for student veterans, service members, and military family members. Our objectives include -supporting members in their transition to higher education, being actively engaged in the college experience; connecting members with on and off campus resources building a community of student veterans, service members, and military family members at James Madison University; promoting awareness of members’ unique educational experience; and serving as a voice for the JMU SVA membership.
The University Program Board (UPB) is a student-run, student funded organization receiving more funding from the Student Government Association than any other student group. UPB strives to offer a variety of educational and entertaining programs to complement your academic experience while bringing programs to educate and enlighten the JMU student body. Events offered include concerts, movies, speakers, novelty acts, and many more which are open to ALL students. We would love to see you take advantage of these great opportunities and attend the events planned for you!
We stand up for you — Virginia’s 18–26 year-olds. We provide information, direct advocacy, and coordinate political action on a non-partisan agenda focused on making college affordable, ensuring that young people have jobs, and building a government that works. Our mission is to educate the leaders of tomorrow by showing them how to make a difference today. Membership is open to any Virginian aged 18–26. Life can be complicated but joining VA21 is easy – and FREE!
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Mon - Fri:
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. &
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch
