Congratulations! After you've completed your hiring paperwork and are officially a JMU employee, it's time to enter the year-long UConnect Faculty and Staff Orientation Program! The UConnect program is designed to provide new employees with resources, support, and information to engage and assist them throughout their first year of employment.
All new employees are automatically enrolled in the UConnect program after successful completion of the onboarding process.
About UConnect
UConnect is made up of four-facets, each aspect designed to inform, engage, and connect employees in a different and valuable way. We in Onboarding are here to assist new employees through what can be a challenging and exciting first year of employment. Each new employee is assigned an Onboard Specialist when they are hired. We're available to assist you throughout the program, inform you about upcoming events, and direct you to the appropriate resources when you need them. UConnect serves as a one-stop-shop for you to get the assistance and resources you need to help you be successful as you begin your JMU career.
Four Facets of UConnect
A little more than a half-day event, Connections Day allows new employees to learn about the mission and culture of JMU, discover the plenteous perks available as employees, and network with peers and presenters early on in their JMU journey. Regsiter to attend the next event below!
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025 REGISTER
Visit the Connections Day website for more information and additional event dates.
A short, weekly video series, the Weekly Wire provides new employees with valuable information every Wednesday (except during university closures) throughout their first year of employment. The content ranges from perks and benefits to volunteer opportunites and good things to know as a JMU employee.
New employees are automatically subscribed!
Daybreaks are monthly sessions (excluding December) aimed at promoting continued connection among new employees and encouraging engagement and involvement throughout different areas of JMU.These sessions range from tours of JMU facilities like UREC, UPark, and the Arboretum, to teaching employees how to make ethical decisions and explaining how to take advantage of tuition waiver/reimbursement at JMU.
Daybreaks are scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on every third Tuesday of the month (not including December).
2025 Calendar of Events
Click the title of each Daybreak to register! Six months of events are available at a time.
- Tuesday, Febraury 18, 2025 - Ethical Reasoning in Action Seminar
- Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - The Makery at Rose Library
- Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - Talent Development Workshop
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Tour
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - UPark Tour + Activities
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - Tuition Waiver/Adult Degree Program Informational Session
- Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - Balanced Dukes Workshop
- Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Tour
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - IT Training Workshop
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - "How to Grow at JMU"
After you've reached your one year anniversary with JMU, it's time to celebrate!
The One Year Celebration concludes your participation in the UConnect Program. At this event, celebrate with fellow "One-Years" who have gone through the UConnect Program alongside you and hear from a keynote speaker who will lay the foundation for how to continue your success at JMU for years to come. This event serves as our farewell to you, sending you off to the rest of your JMU journey, knowing we've done our part to help you be an engaged, informed, and connected Duke at Work.
