In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- New Students: One Book Steps & Summer Orientation
- The Madison Family Handbook is Here!
- First-Year Send Offs
- 2024-2025 Financial Aid Offers
- Save the Date for Family Weekend Sept 27-29, 2024
- Become a Duke Club Member Today for Early Access to Single Game Tickets
- Pre-entry Health Requirements Due July 6
- Navigating Dietary Restrictions
- Fall 2024 Meal Plans: How to Sign Up Your Student
- Engage with the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC)
- Madison Orientation Adventure Trip (Limited spots)
- General Education Courses in Spain
- Student Travel Home: NY, NJ, CT & PA
- James Madison University News
- Calendar Photo Contest
- Upcoming Events at the EJC Arboretum
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 and welcome to all of our new Dukes and family members!
I hope you’re all having a great summer with your Dukes. Campus is pretty quiet right now after we sent the Class of 2024 out into the world with our eight commencement ceremonies in early May.
Jamie and I just spent last week in the Outer Banks and ran into so many JMU students and families on the beach, on the golf course, walking around Duck, and even out to dinner. JMU Dukes are everywhere, and we heard “Go Dukes” every time we turned around!!
We are ready to welcome all of our newest Dukes to campus with orientation later this month. I hope you can all make it to one of the dates over the summer, the in-person experience is a great way to begin to make that connection and you as family members will get a lot out of it too.
I often see questions about whether it’s worth the trip, and I must tell you to come and enjoy this experience as a family. The main reason I want you to come is because this is an important process for your family, and you should embrace and engage with every single step. The greatest value of orientation is that it’s like practice for the next four years, for all of you. Instead of showing up at move-in and winging it, you will arrive with a sense of comfort, an understanding of the place and the people, and with some friends and connections to help you through the transition. This is important for students and for parents, not to mention younger siblings who will still be at home. We do this program the way we do it for some intentional and powerful reasons, so I hope you will join us and participate fully in the experience.
Updates
Our offices are open over the summer and we’re here to help where needed. This is a time when many of us take some time off so if you’re reaching out to a particular person you may want to keep that in mind. As always, the JMU website, specifically the Parent & Family Resources and the Student Gateway pages, are good places to start if you have questions or need an answer right away.
Reminders
For our returning students, TimelyCare is still available over the summer so please continue to use this invaluable resource. Many of our students received help and support from TimelyCare throughout the school year so please remind your students of this important service.
Incoming students should be well into their One Book steps by now. It includes information about registering for summer orientation in case you’re wondering about that. Another step that sometimes sneaks up on them is the pre-entry health requirement. They often need some assistance with that one so it’s a good idea to check in with them. Most questions can be answered by reading through the One Book so continue to refer to that as much as possible but if your answer isn’t there, reach out to the office responsible for the area in question.
Questions to ask your student
What is one thing you’d like to do as a family this summer?
Tip: They’re probably focusing on spending time with friends right now. Some may have stayed here in Harrisonburg for classes or a job. Asking for just one thing can make them stop and think about it without sounding like you’re nagging them. You may find their response will lead to some quality time together.
How are you feeling about what you accomplished this year in and out of the classroom? (Don’t settle for “fine”)
Tip: I continue to hear from many families that they don’t ever discuss grades with their student. I want to encourage you to have these conversations. First, it helps them to know that how well they do matters to you. Second, it’s a chance to give them positive reinforcement when they have done well. Hint – above a 3.0 is doing well and should be celebrated in my opinion. Third, it helps all of you avoid a surprise if things aren’t going well. Every semester I hear from a family or two who just found out that their Duke was put on academic probation or even suspension. These should never be surprises so I want to encourage you to talk about grades regularly.
What are your goals for this next year and summer?
Tip: Some students can be adrift at times and helping them to focus in on some concrete goals can help. This is also a chance for you to share some of your goals and expectations too. It’s not only okay for you to have goals for them, I think it’s really valuable and can often provide some much-needed clarity for their future.
Summer thoughts
This is also a time for me to reflect on the year that has passed and the one to come. Attending May commencement always makes me so proud of the many students who I’ve had the privilege to get to know. Soon we’ll be welcoming a whole new class of Dukes. This upcoming school year holds so much promise for us all, and I’m looking forward to seeing what it brings.
Enjoy your summer, and I hope to see many of you as I spend weekends in Northern Virginia with Jamie and Duke Dog (our dog for those of you who are new to the community), and as I travel to many of the summer First-Year Send Offs for new Dukes and their families.
Take care, and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Submitted by: TJ Stafford, Assistant Director, Orientation & Transition
For our new Madison families: Encourage your student to keep working through their One Book steps. Some of these steps that assist your student in transitioning to JMU have deadlines that affect ability to make an Orientation reservation and enroll in classes. Both you and your student should be receiving monthly emails from the Office of Orientation and Transition directly with information, upcoming deadlines and tips to be the most prepared for Orientation. Please have your student reach out with any questions along the way. We are here to best support them during this exciting time! We look forward to seeing you and your student at Orientation soon!
The Madison Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will shape your student’s life and future. As JMU welcomes your student, the university extends the same warm invitation to you as their family.
To help you find your own place in the Madison Experience, the Office of Family Engagement has assembled this handbook to guide you through this new chapter. In it you’ll find valuable information with which you can support your student.
You, too, are a part of JMU. You, as well as students, faculty, staff and alumni, together, enrich your student’s Madison Experience.
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 regional 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!
2024-2025 Financial Aid Offers
Submitted by: John Michael Schott, Assistant Director for Grants, Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Your student's JMU official financial aid offers will be available towards the end of June. In order to receive federal aid, make sure your student has filled out a 2024-2025 FAFSA. When offers are created, an email will be sent to your student's JMU Dukes email account letting them know their financial aid is available to view. Your student will be able to review their financial aid offer on MyMadison and accept their aid at that time. If they do not receive an offer, they need to check their To Do list on MyMadison for any missing documents we require. Our summer office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 - 5:00 and Friday, 8:00 - 12:00. We are available all summer to help you and your student navigate financial aid at JMU.
For more information about JMU’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, including helpful links and videos, visit the website.
Join us for Family Weekend September 27-29, 2024! Check the website for the schedule coming later in June.
Family Weekend tickets will be available July 1!
Become a Duke Club Member Today for Early Access to Single Game Tickets
Submitted by: Melissa Wyant, Assistant AD for Creative Services & Fan Engagement, Athletics
Join the JMU Duke Club today to secure yourself early access to JMU Football single game tickets, including Family Weekend! JMU Duke Club Members who make a minimum donation of $75 dollars to the Proud and True fund by June 23 will gain the benefit of purchasing single game tickets starting on June 24, a week before public on-sale begins on July 1. Have questions? Reach out to the JMU Athletic Ticket Office at 540-568-3853 or the JMU Duke Club at 540-568-6461.
Pre-entry Health Requirements Due July 6
Submitted by: Deborah Hoover, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing, University Health Center
For all incoming students, Virginia law requires that Immunizations and a TB Assessment form be completed and submitted to the University Health Center (UHC). An official immunization record from your doctor or another school will be accepted. These Pre-Entry Health Requirements are due July 6. Students can review the steps in the OneBook or on the Health Center website. Have additional questions? Please call us at 540-568-6178, option 2.
Submitted by: Hanna Serrano, RDN, Health & Wellness Manager, JMU Dining
Does your student have food allergies or dietary restrictions? JMU Dining offers a variety of readily available options and accommodations to meet your student’s dietary needs. Our onsite registered dietitian works individually with students to create a plan, so they feel confident navigating their dining options. For more information, please visit our website or contact Hanna Serrano, RDN (serranhb@jmu.edu).
Submittted by: Jenna Gray, Director of Student Engagement, JMU Dining
Need help finding your Duke the right meal plan? Whether they’re embracing on-campus life, commuting, or pursuing grad studies, we’ve got you covered! Use our meal plan recommendation tool to help them find their ideal match. Give it a whirl today.
More resources and information can also be found below. Sign up today!
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards, Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication, & Innovation, Community Engagement & Volunteer Center
Dukes Making a Difference (DMAD) brings 140 New Dukes together before Weeks of Welcome. DMAD provides an incredible opportunity for your student to connect with service-minded peers. Through volunteering, learning about the local community, and meeting key leaders who make Harrisonburg such a unique community, DMAD is an unforgettable way for your student to begin their JMU experience. We can’t wait to welcome your Duke to JMU and the “Friendly City!”
Date: August 14-16, 2024
Cost: $75 (includes housing, meals, and transportation)
Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are available!
Registration: May 1 – July 24, 2024
Your Student can Apply to be a Madison Community Scholar!
Is your student passionate about gaining valuable work experience through sustained community engagement? Encourage them to join our team as a Madison Community Scholar (MCS)! This is a fantastic opportunity for your student to enhance their skills, gain meaningful work experience, and make a positive impact in the local community.
Participating students must either receive a Federal Work Study award as part of their financial aid package or be a recipient of one of the three scholarships listed on our website.
Applications can be found at jobs.jmu.edu. Review begins no later than June 15.
If you have questions abouth either program, contact us at cevc@jmu.edu or 540.568.6366.
Madison Orientation Adventure Trip (Limited spots)
Submitted by: Anaëlle Wagoner, Assistant Director for Communications & Engagement, University Recreation
Help your Duke venture out and make connections! The Madison Orientation Adventure Trip (MOAT) is a three-night, four-day adventure program designed for new JMU students to build connections before classes start. Students will meet with welcoming and knowledgeable student trip leaders to tent camp, rock climb, hike, and canoe in the Shenandoah Valley. There are multiple MOAT trips throughout the summer, as well as an August trip that takes place just before classes start and allows you to move into your residence hall early. Spots are filling up, so now is the time to register!
Submitted by: Erin Smith, Study Abroad Outreach & Partnerships Coordinator, Center for Global Engagement
Your student can take four General Education courses in Salamanca, Spain this spring semester.
The Semester in Spain program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and cultural exploration, creating the perfect environment for your student to complete some of their General Education coursework, improve their conversational Spanish, and create lifelong friendships and memories.
The spring semester program is designed for first-years and sophomores, but is open to any student seeking to complete their GenEd requirements. The semester in Spain is also offered in fall and summer, with courses taught in Spanish — a great opportunity for Spanish majors and minors.
Students can browse the course lists, read student testimonials from previous participants, and learn more about the program using the link below. We’re now enrolling for GenEd Spring 2025 and Spanish immersion Fall 2024!
Student Travel Home: NY, NJ, CT & PA
Submitted by: Amy Sfaelos (JMU ‘98), President, CollegeTransit
Welcome to the JMU Family! For those of you from NY, NJ, CT and PA areas, be aware that a dedicated bus service exists for JMU breaks between the JMU campus and specific out of state drop-offs locations. Typical locations include Allentown, Morris Plains, Tarrytown, Melville and the new route of King of Prussia and Howell Township. Those trip options will be posted on July 1st.
CollegeTransit has been providing holiday transportation for college students for over 30 years. Trip details are available on CollegeTransit.com where you can also find more specific address information. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
James Madison University News
Submitted by: Chad Saylor, Associate Director of Media Relations and Deputy Spokesperson, University Communications
Want to know what the latest headlines are across campus? Well, look no further than James Madison University News! We have plenty of news and feature stories about how your students and JMU faculty are "Being The Change" on and off campus. Check out the site to read news and feature stories, access publications such as Madison Magazine, and find links to our social media channels!
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.
Upcoming Events at the EJC Arboretum
Submitted by: Ivy Makia, Marketing Specialist, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
June will be a jam packed month at EJCA! Join us at the Arboretum for informative talks from repotting houseplants and gardening with native plants to the wonderful world of insects and community song circles! Learn more about our events by visiting our General Events page on our website!
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!
