The ceremony will take place in JMU's Convocation Center at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2013.   This formal ceremony includes the installation of Mr. Jonathan Alger through which he is endowed with the powers and responsibilities of the presidency.

The procession will include JMU faculty members and delegates from other institutions of higher education adorned in academic regalia; international students in native dress; the JMU ROTC Color Guard; presidents of JMU advisory committees and boards, the JMU Board of Visitors; and local and state political leaders.

Student participation in the ceremony will include a procession of colorful flags from 95 nations representing the homelands of the university's international students,  performances by the JMU Chorale and the Wind Symphony and an inaugural reading by SGA president Matt Klein. 

Musical selections will play a key part in the ceremony.  Dr. Kevin McMillan, professor of music will perform the National Anthem, The JMU Chorale will perform a stunning piece entitled The Prayer, which is taken from a prayer by Mother Teresa, the Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir will perform I Thank you God, JMU student Elliott Page will perform the Alma Mater and the program will conclude with America the Beautiful.

Mr. Joe Funkhouser, Rector of the JMU Board of Directors will conduct the investiture of Mr. Jonathan Alger, followed by Mr. Algers's address. Formal greetings from various constituencies will come from Governor McDonnell or Lt. Gov. Bill Boling; presidents of various Virginia public and private universities, Mr. Ted Byrd, mayor of Harrisonburg; Mr. Fred Eberly, chair of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors; Ms. Jamie Jones Miller ('99), president of the JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors; Richard and Tina Turner, chairs of the JMU Parents Council, Mr. David McGraw, professor and speaker of the JMU Faculty Senate; and Ms. Christina Landes, chair of the JMU Employee Advisory Committee.

There is no RSVP necessary for the ceremony, no tickets will be issued for admission to the Convocation Center.

Shuttle Information:

Shuttle services will be available from:

Fairfield Inn

Marriott Courtyard

Residence Inn

Campus bus stops:

Campus Shuttle #1

A-lot at 9:50am

Godwin at 10:05am

Bioscience at 10:10am

A-lot at 10:35am

Godwin at 10:40am

Bioscience at 10:45am

Campus Shuttle #2

Forbes Circle 9:50am

Massanutten Hall at 10:05am

Forbes Circle 10:40am

Massanutten Hall at 10:50am

Campus Shuttle #3

MemorialHall Bus Stop at 9:50am

Arrive at Wine Price at 10:05am
MemorialHall Bus Stop at 10:30am
Arrive at Wine Price at 10:45am

Shuttles will be drop off and pick up at Convocation Center D Door Entrance. Campus shuttles will be available immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony.

For additional parking resources, please visit our Directions page.

Convocation Center information:

Prohibited Items and Behaviors

In order to ensure the safety and security of everyone in attendance, the following items and activities are prohibited inside the Convocation Center:

• Pets
• Outside Food or Drink
• Alcoholic Beverages
• In-Line Skates
• Skateboards
• Bikes
• Scooters
• Weapons
• Strollers
• Illegal Substances/Activities
• Artificial Noisemakers
• Signage Sticks or Poles
• Backpacks/Bags over 8" x 11" x 12"
• Offensive Language/Signage
• Dangerous or Disruptive Behavior
• Smoking
• Running