In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- First-Year Send Offs & Parents Council
- Join Us for Family Weekend Sept 27-29
- Connect with us: JMU Parents & Families on Social Media
- Mental Health Treatment & Continuity of Care
- Borrowing For Your Student’s Education
- Better Conversations Together: Free Speech Orientation
- Storage Scholars: Help with Move-In
- Eating Made Easy: Meal Plans
- Explore. Immerse. Lead. Engage in Community Change
- Apply for a Semester in London
- STAIR: Does Your Student Want to Gain Valuable Life and Career Experiences Abroad?
- Calendar Photo Contest
- Encourage Your Student to Join the Student Alumni Committee
- July Events at the Arboretum
- Student travel for Fall & Thanksgiving Trips to NY, NJ, CT & PA Now Available
- Fly Local with JMU's Official Airport
The Madison Family Newsletter is created each month by the Office of Family Engagement in partnership with many members of the JMU community. For more family resources, visit our website.
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hello JMU families,
The summer has been amazing so far with orientations coming to an end next week as we welcome the class of 2028 and their families. I have enjoyed speaking to each of the sessions and getting to know the newest members of our community.
Communications
Throughout the school year, we’ll communicate with your student and with you in a variety of ways. Each month I’ll have a letter in this Madison Family Newsletter, and I’ll also send a copy of my monthly student email to you. Any other messages that I send to students will also be forwarded to you. We find that this helps you know what is going on here at JMU and often you help us out by making sure your student is also reading the messages!
For students, Dukes Weekly is an email sent to their email every Monday at 1 p.m. It contains comprehensive information about events, volunteer opportunities, job openings and other helpful information. All editions are posted and archived here so I recommend you take a look each week so you know what’s happening on campus.
Other ways for students to get information include the monthly Potty Mouth which is displayed in restrooms around campus, digital display boards, social media, and checking the JMU website.
If you’re on social media, a good place for you and your student to start is with JMU’s Instagram (jamesmadisonuniversity) and mine (jmutimmiller). We both share posts from different student groups and other departments so it can help you decide what other accounts to follow. The same goes for Facebook, you can follow James Madison University and JMU Student Affairs, and I also recommend you follow the JMU Parents & Family page and join the JMU Parents and Families group to get updated information from this university office.
Deadlines
Pre-entry Health Requirements are due July 8 (this is a One Book step). This information is required by Virginia law so it must be submitted and verified before classes begin.
Room Assignments
These will be sent by Aug. 1. We know there’s a lot of anticipation around that and you and your Duke will be excited to get this information. Before you get this information, I want to dispel a few myths. There is no best and no worst place to live at JMU. My first year, I lived in Hillside and my good friend Jason lived in Eagle, and we still argue about who had the better living experience. The value of where you live isn’t about geography, air conditioning, or suites or hallways. It’s about people, which is the point of college, and your students will enjoy where they live, no matter where it is, if they have the right attitude. I often tell students that their attitude, not their address, will determine their success and enjoyment of JMU and the rest of their lives.
I encourage you and your student to visit the residence life website to learn more about all of our halls and check out the virtual tour.
Upcoming Events
Our newest Dukes and families can hear from some of our more experienced families by joining us via Zoom for one of the Family panels held on July 25, Aug.1 and Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. Registration and links will be available next week here on the Family Engagement First-Year Send Off Website.
We will be hosting a series of receptions for families during Move-In Weekend. These are a chance for you to connect with other families, meet JMU faculty and staff, prepare for move-in the next day or decompress from the events of the day. You are welcome to join us the day before or the day of your move-in appointment and know that we are happy to have you with us. We hope these receptions will provide an opportunity for answers, conversation or calm if that’s what you need. These will be hosted in the JMU Hall of Presidents on:
- Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, August 16 at 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, August 17 at 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m.
You will receive an email invitation to RSVP for one Move-In Reception of your choice.
Preparing for success
I’d like to share one more way for new students to develop a plan for succeeding at JMU, in our community and throughout life. The First-Year Seminar is a one-credit class to help students understand their reasons for being in college, develop relationships with peers, faculty and staff, and build skills for navigating the transition to college, learning strategies, time management and overcoming challenges. They can use this link to register.
Questions to ask your student
What would you like to do this summer before you head (back) to JMU?
Tip: You can make the most of the simple moments – visit favorite restaurants, reminisce about childhood memories, watch their favorite movies. They may enjoy this more than you expect!
What do you need to get ready for fall semester?
Tip: You can begin shopping now but don’t overdo it. Every year we hear of unused items coming home, being donated or left in dumpsters. Keep it simple, they can order more online if needed or learn the bus system to pick up things they need.
Looking ahead
There is a lot to look forward to this school year and I can’t wait to reconnect and to meet our newest Dukes. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer.
Take care and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Each summer, the JMU Parents Council and the Office of Family Engagement team up to host First-Year Send Offs. These events provide a great opportunity for new members of the JMU family to meet fellow Dukes in their geographic area and ask any last-minute questions prior to move-in. Each event is approximately 2 hours consisting of a meal, a program, Q&A opportunities and a bag full of JMU goodies.
The JMU student may attend at no charge. Guests are $14/person regardless of age.
Registration is now open and RSVP deadlines are soon!
If you are a parent or guardian of a freshman entering JMU in Fall 2024, apply online to join the Parents Council. Applications are due August 1, 2024.
Join us for Family Weekend September 27-29, 2024. The website is updated with the events for this year.
Family Weekend Dining and Forbes Center tickets are available!
Connect with us: JMU Parents & Families on Social Media
Connect with us! Follow the JMU Parents & Family Facebook Page or JMU Parents & Family on Instagram.
Join 10,000+ fellow JMU parents and guardians in the official Facebook group! This group was created by the Office of Family Engagement in an effort to provide a safe online environment for parents & guardians to engage with one another. Request to join the group here »
When joining parent Facebook groups, be sure to check that the group is affiliated with the university. To do this, simply look at who the administrator(s) are for the group.
Mental Health Treatment & Continuity of Care
Submitted by: Nina H. Critz, LPC, Associate Director for Administration, Counseling Center
In order to ensure your student's wellbeing, success, and health during their transition to (or back to!) JMU, it is recommended that students continue with their prescribed treatments. If your student has been engaged in ongoing counseling and/or has a Psychiatric provider, this is a critical time to ensure their continuity of care by developing a plan to continue those treatments while at JMU.
The JMU Counseling Center created the Counseling Connections program to assist students with previous or existing mental health concerns in connecting with local mental health resources. We want to make sure students have the information and resources they need before they arrive on campus. Counseling Connections is a 30 minute phone consultation between one of our clinicians and incoming students and/or their family. During the conversation, the clinician will gather information about the situation and offer treatment recommendations. Our goal is to make sure that incoming students are connected with the most appropriate services to best meet their needs.
If this sounds like a helpful support to your student, please call our Center at 540-568-6552 to schedule a Counseling Connections appointment.
Borrowing For Your Student’s Education
Submitted by: Colleen McAvoy, Associate Director of Loans, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Loans are a frequently used means of funding a student’s education. We encourage limiting how much you or your student borrows by limiting borrowing to what is necessary to cover costs such as tuition and fees, housing and meals, and other off-campus costs such as rent, utilities, and groceries. There are three types of education loans: Student Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and Private Education Loans. You can find helpful videos on our website explaining the various loan types and how to apply. Brief explanations of each are below:
Federal Loans
These loans are provided by the federal government. All federal loans require students to submit a FAFSA annually, be enrolled at least half-time (6 financial aid eligible hours for undergraduates) in a degree or eligible certificate program, and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress. There are some differences between the federal loan types:
- Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans
These loans are only available to students, do not require a credit check, and have annual and aggregate loan limits defined by a student’s enrollment and dependency status. Subsidized loans require a student to have financial need and do not accrue interest while a student is enrolled in at least half-time financial aid eligible hours. First-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling. More details can be found online about understanding subsidized and unsubsidized loans. - Federal Parent PLUS Loans
Parents of dependent undergraduates are offered the Parent PLUS Loan. These require parents to submit a FAFSA and loan application each year and borrowers must pass a credit check. First time borrowers must also submit a Master Promissory Note. Parents denied based on their credit may take additional steps to qualify.
Private Education Loans
These loans are not backed by the federal government but are instead provided by the lender you choose. These require borrowers to pass a credit check, may be taken out by the student or sometimes another person on behalf of the student, and require school certification. Other requirements vary significantly per lender so please be sure to review your eligibility carefully before applying. A comparison of federal vs. private loans may be found online as well as additional information about private loans.
Better Conversations Together: Free Speech Orientation
Submitted by: Dr. Kara Dillard, Interim Executive Director, James Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Having difficult conversations is tough! Your student may want to share their views in class but worry they’re the only one with those opinions. Or perhaps their roommate or friends have different political views than they do. Learning how to have good conversations, to disagree productively, and to curiously listen are key 21st century skills. New this year, the Madison Center for Civic Engagement will be leading all first year and new transfer students through training equipping them to be more comfortable, confident, and competent in having difficult conversations about public issues in and outside of the classroom. Students will start the program on August 1st through their OneBook. Parents, we encourage you to join the program and review the Better Conversations program with your student. For parent access, please email jmubct@jmu.edu.
Storage Scholars: Help with Move-In
Submitted by: Sydney Wood, Social Media & Marketing Manager, Residence Life
Move-in day for on campus residents is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be memorable and stress-free. Save yourself time and headaches by shipping items to JMU partner, Storage Scholars, over the summer. They will receive your packages, notify you, and deliver everything to your student's room before you arrive on campus, so you don't have to lift a finger!
Eating Made Easy: Meal Plans
Submitted by: Jenna Mahoney, Director of Student Engagement, JMU Dining Services
Help your Duke ace their appetite with a Fall 2024 Meal Plan. JMU Dining makes eating on campus easy! Meal Plans = flexibility + convenience. There’s still time; sign-up is going on now.
MEAL PLAN BASICS SIGN UP YOUR STUDENT
MAKING CHANGES
- On or before Thursday 8/8: Changes can be made via cardsvcs@jmu.edu
- Between Monday 8/26 – Friday 9/6: Changes can be made via JMU Card Services
- A $15 fee will be assessed for all meal plan changes
- Please note: Changes between Friday 8/9 – Sunday 8/25 cannot be made. However, meal plans can still be used. Changes will then be prorated based on usage.
- For questions on meal plan sign-up, contact Card Services via phone at 540.568.6446, or your Duke can email cardsrvc@jmu.edu from their JMU email account.
For Meal Plan information or questions about dining on campus, visit our website at jmu.edu/dining. Stay connected on social media (@jmudining) or contact us directly: email dining@jmu.edu or call 540-568-6751.
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards, Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication & Innovation, CEVC
The Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC) connects students and faculty with meaningful, community-based experiences to co-create just and sustainable communities.
For more information and ways to engage, visit jmu.edu/cevc.
Last Call: DMAD 2024 Registration Filling Fast!
We only have a few spots left for DMAD 2024. Register today! Dukes Making a Difference (DMAD) brings New Dukes together before Weeks of Welcome to:
- Volunteer with a local non-profit partner in a small group
- Meet other service-minded New Dukes and CEVC student leaders
- Learn about Harrisonburg's most pressing social issues
- Interact with amazing individuals and organizations, making your new home a better place for all residents
Dates: August 14-16, 2024
Cost: $75, includes housing, meals, and transportation (scholarships available).
Become a Paid Madison Community Scholar!
Is your Duke passionate about gaining valuable work experience through sustained community engagement?
*Participating students must receive a Federal Work Study award as part of their financial aid package.
Madison Community Scholars:
- Gain work experience and career-readiness
- Partner with a local non-profit, school, or government agency
- Improve leadership, professional, and interpersonal skills
- Earn while making a social impact
2024-2025 Positions Available:
- Administrative and Human Resources
- Community Relations and Event Support
- Education and Childcare
- Marketing
For more information email, msc@jmu.edu.
Submitted by: Erin Smith, Study Abroad Outreach & Partnerships Coordinator, Center for Global Engagement
Your student can complete 9 general education credits, receive up to 6 credits for an international internship, and make progress towards a minor in British Communication and Media during the semester in London.
The program, JMU's longest-running study abroad opportunity, is open to all majors, but is especially attractive to those studying WRTC, SCOM, English, Theater, Art History and SMAD.
Limited space is available for Fall 2024! Spring 2025 is accepting students to the waitlist. Students are encouraged to apply now before spots fill!
STAIR: Does Your Student Want to Gain Valuable Life and Career Experiences Abroad?
Submitted by: Ashley May Maher, Program Assistant, Student Awards, Initiatives & Research
The Office of Student Awards, Initiatives & Research (STAIR) supports JMU students in their pursuits of nationally-competitive fellowships, undergraduate research, and creative activity. We also provide advising services designed to help students identify and pursue pathways into research and other high-impact experiences, and to encourage and support students to leverage their academic and co-curricular experiences to apply for nationally-competitive opportunities.
Q: What can STAIR offer my student?
A: STAIR can help your student identify nationally competitive fellowships and awards and guide them throughout the application process. These awards provide financial support for activities such as graduate study, study abroad, activism and public service work, language acquisition, internships, self-designed projects, teaching English abroad, and so much more.
Q: What are some examples of fellowships?
A: Fulbright – this flagship award enables graduating seniors or alumni to travel to another country for a year to teach English, conduct research, or pursue a Master's degree. Gilman Scholarship – provides support for Pell-eligible undergraduates to study abroad. Boren Awards and the Critical Languages Scholarship (CLS) – support students interested in learning languages while traveling the world. Nationally – competitive fellowships are funded by external sources such as government agencies or non-profit organizations to support specific endeavors or missions. These are just a small sample of the dozens of awards we work with every year.
Q: Can JMU students really win these?
A: These awards might seem unreachable at first glance, but STAIR has successfully prepared multiple JMU students and alumni. Last year alone, JMU had 12 Fulbright semi-finalists, of which 6 successfully received the award and 3 were selected as alternates, 3 Gilman recipients funded to study abroad in Greece and Turkey, Ghana, and the UK, and 2 Boren Scholarship recipients who will study the Thai and Slovene languages, to name a few.
Q: Does my student qualify for these prestigious fellowships and awards?
A: Fellowships are not exclusively for students with high GPAs or from certain majors! While some awards may indeed look for high GPA or specific experiences, many others are looking for applicants who are engaged learners and leaders within their communities. Students of all backgrounds, majors, and interests are welcome and encouraged to connect with STAIR for more information. It is always worth a conversation to learn more about eligibility, preparation, and candidacy.
Q: How else does applying for a fellowship benefit my student?
A: When students apply for a fellowship, they think deeply about their background, motivations, and interests. They learn how to articulate their strengths and goals while developing the art of persuasion and becoming a stronger writer and presenter. Regardless of the outcome of any award, students will take these highly transferable skills with them to use in their academic program and future professional career.
Contact STAIR today for guidance and more information at fellowships@jmu.edu. The timelines and deadlines for these awards vary, so don’t wait to connect with us. Get a jump start today!
Submitted by: Liz Fravel, Associate Director, Office of Annual Giving
We can’t wait to see your best pictures of campus! Submit your photos for a chance to be featured in JMU’s 2025 Capture Campus calendar. Winners receive a complimentary copy of the calendar.
Submitted by: Rose Tribby, Coordinator of Student and Young Alumni Programming, Office of Alumni Relations
Is your student looking for ways to get involved? Encourage them to join the JMU Student Alumni Committee. Free to join and first year, first semester students are eligible. JMUAASC students get personal opportunities to network and learn career development skills from JMU Alumni, receive exclusive JMU swag, and have chances to attend VIP JMU dinners and events. Email tribbyrl@jmu.edu for more information on joining and meet us at Student Org Night on 8/23/24 in the Atlantic Union Bank Center!
Submitted by: Ivy Makia, Marketing Specialist, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
As the summer starts to heat up, take a chance to explore the Arboretum and join in on the various events here! From educational talks, building Gnome homes and fairy houses to Tai Chi there's a lot to keep up with at the Arboretum! Follow us on social media or visit our events page so you're always in the know!
Student Travel for Fall & Thanksgiving Trips to NY, NJ, CT & PA Now Available
Submitted by: Amy Sfaelos (‘98), CollegeTransit LTD
For those with students from the NY, NJ, CT and PA areas, we have just posted our student only trips from the JMU campus on our website. Winter Break will be posted on September 1st.
CollegeTransit has been providing JMU students holiday transportation for over 30 years, and our buses for Fall and Thanksgiving breaks fill up quickly. As these buses sell out, we will start waiting lists for additional buses as possible. You can visit CollegeTransit.com to learn more about our student-only service.
Fly Local with JMU's Official Airport
Submitted by: Heather Ream, Director of Marketing & Communications
For JMU Dukes and Duke Parents, traveling to and from the beautiful Shenandoah Valley has never been easier. Whether it’s getting your student home for the holidays or planning a visit to campus yourself, Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) can help make travel stress-free. SHD is the Official Airport of James Madison University and is located just 15 minutes from campus. They offer convenient, seamless flights on Contour Airlines connecting the region to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and beyond. Contour’s interline agreement with American Airlines enables travelers to purchase combined tickets on both airlines under a single itinerary. Baggage will also be transferred seamlessly between flights. American Airlines and their interline partners operate approximately 700 flights daily at the Charlotte hub. The connection opportunities are plentiful while taking advantage of the perks of flying local.
Two of the biggest advantages of flying with SHD are cost savings and unparalleled convenience. Perks like FREE parking, on-site rental car options, a door-to-door shuttle service to and from the JMU campus, and free booking assistance for all your travel needs, means a more enjoyable travel experience for students and parents alike. To calculate the overall travel savings of flying with SHD, check out our True Cost Calculator on our homepage. This tool compares the cost of mileage, parking, time, and airfares with surrounding airports in one simple place to make sure you are getting the best deal.
SHD is committed to making travel for JMU students and families easier than ever. We welcome you to experience the SHD difference for your next flight! For more information about JMU travel with SHD, click the link below to visit our special JMU transportation page. You can also reach Heather Ream, Director of Marketing & Communications at hream@flyshd.com or (540) 234-8224 with any questions you have about SHD travel. Complimentary booking assistance is available by calling (540) 234-8304.
Join 10,000+ fellow JMU parents and guardians in the official Facebook group! This group was created by the Office of Family Engagement in an effort to provide a safe online environment for parents & family members to engage with one another. Request to join the group here »
Connect with the JMU Family!
