In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- Advice for Civil Conversations, from The Madison Center for Civic Engagement
- Study Abroad Applications Re-open
- Reasons Financial Aid Awards Can Change
- 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Thanksgiving Break Meal Plan Reminder
- Spring 2025 Meal Plan Basics
- Places to Study at JMU
- Empowering Student Well-Being: A Guide for Winter Breaks
- Supporting Your Duke’s Growth & Impact This November
- November at the 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,
October was a great month filled with celebrations – Halftime on the Quad, Homecoming, and Halloween events to name a few. November brings the anticipation of a nice break at Thanksgiving and time to spend with family and friends. I’m thankful for your partnership and for the opportunity I get every day to interact with your amazing Dukes.
This month, I’m including some information I hope you’ll find helpful as you prepare for the upcoming breaks.
Reminders
Thanksgiving break is Nov. 23 – Dec. 1. Please note these dates for residence halls:
- Saturday, Nov. 23 – Residence halls close at 10 a.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30 – Residence halls reopen at 10 a.m. (This is a day earlier than usual due to the home football game I hope your Dukes return to see.)
For your future planning, here is Winter break information:
- Saturday, Dec. 14 – Residence halls close at 10 a.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 19 – Residence halls reopen at 10 a.m.
Remember, the weather will be cooling down soon so it’s a good idea for them to take their warm weather clothes home and bring back some warm clothes.
Updates
We now have Wellness Vending Machines on both sides of campus, one in Taylor Down Under (TDU) and one in Festival. They are stocked with over-the-counter medications that students may need when they're not feeling well and are in really convenient locations.
With exams coming up, it’s often helpful for students to find different places to study rather than their room. Here are some spaces for students to study, and the Libraries have created this helpful Tips for finding student spaces that would be great for you to share with your student. Personally, I love seeing students studying in the coffee shop or lobby of Hotel Madison, and soon they will have the fireplace on in the lobby and who doesn’t love studying in front of a fire!
Questions to ask your student
What’s a good time for us to look over your grades together?
Tip: If you haven’t already had conversations with your Duke about how their classes are going, I encourage you to start now. Have them open Canvas and show you their progress in each class. To be clear, they should be showing you this information, not sharing their password with you to check. Students are advised not to share their password with anyone. Also, this is a good reason for you and your student to connect face to face (even if over Facetime or Zoom). If they are doing well, you can let them know you’re proud of them. If they are struggling, you can help them strategize how to make the most of the next few weeks of the semester.
What are you looking forward to over break?
Tip: This is a chance to work out expectations. You may be anticipating a week full of family bonding time, while they may be looking forward to catching up with friends. Talking about it ahead of time can allow more time to do what makes you both happy. Also, be sure to factor in that they’ll likely sleep a lot the first couple of days.
Events
- The Counseling Center has many amazing workshops that I recommend all students to check out. This staff is a great resource for all students, and we know working with them makes a huge impact on our students’ lives.
- UREC is much more than a place to work out. There are different programs, a Wellness Center, cooking classes, massage therapy and so much more.
If you’d like to see the beauty of JMU in the fall, check out the QuadCam. Maybe you can set up a time for your Duke to walk by so you can see them. As I’m walking through the Quad, I’ll give you a wave too. Encourage your Duke to step outside and walk around to enjoy the Fall while they can because as they say, winter is coming.
Thanks again for all you do for your Duke and for sharing them with us. I’m sure you’re looking forward to break – it will be here before you know it!
Take care and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Submitted by: Monica McEnerny, Associate Director, The Madison Center for Civic Engagement
In the days after the election, the Madison Center for Civic Engagement encourages our community to engage in civic conversations that foster understanding and relationships that help bridge divides. Dukes hold open doors for everyone, regardless of our differing views, and that is what makes our campus community special.
Facilitation Fellows in the Better Conversations Together program share the following advice for respectful and thoughtful conversations:
- It’s easy to make assumptions about who people are, especially when discussing the election. Instead, actively listen and ask questions about why particular issues are important to others. You might find that you have things in common.
- Reflect on and be willing to change your own views on issues, especially if you expect the person you’re talking with to do the same.
- Give each other grace and patience as we navigate this time together.
We encourage everyone to be involved in civic-related activities. Follow @jmucivic for more.
Submitted by: Erin Smith, Study Abroad Outreach & Partnerships Coordinator, Center for Global Engagement
Even if your student missed the November 1st priority consideration deadline, it's not too late for them to study abroad next year! Unfilled programs will re-open mid-November to accept applications on a rolling basis.
If studying abroad this summer, students have until March 1st to submit their applications. Spots fill quickly - encourage your Duke to apply well before the final deadline.
Reasons Financial Aid Awards Can Change
Submitted by: Brad Barnett, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management/Financial Aid Director, Financial Aid & Scholarships
When students are awarded financial aid funds in a semester, it’s important to keep in mind that there are situations when financial aid awards can be reduced or canceled. This applies even after funds are received. The majority of these situations will be triggered as a result of action taken by the student, and we’re providing a list of some of the most common reasons this occurs.
- Changing Registration – Financial aid eligibility is based, in part, on the number of “’financial aid eligible” hours a student is taking during that enrollment period. If the registration changes, financial aid can also change. This is especially important to note during the add/drop periods of each term.
- Failure to Begin Classes – Students receiving financial aid must begin attendance in classes for which they were awarded financial aid. If that does not happen, adjustments could be made to financial aid awards.
- Receipt of Additional Aid – If a student receives additional aid that the Financial Aid Office was not aware of when the JMU financial aid package was created, then it might be necessary for some of the awards made through JMU to be reduced or canceled. This is called an “overaward” situation.
- Failing Classes – At the conclusion of a term the Financial Aid Office will evaluate grades for students who received financial aid funds. In some cases, a failed class could lead to a reduction or cancelation of certain financial aid awards.
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) – If a student is receiving financial aid under the terms of an Academic Plan associated with a SAP appeal, and if the student does not meet the terms of the plan, aid may be reduced or canceled.
- Repeating Classes – There are limits on how many times a student can receive financial aid for repeating courses. If we discover a student has exceeded those limits, then financial aid awards may change.
While the items above do not represent an all-inclusive list, they do provide information on the most common reasons that cause a financial aid package to be modified. With that said, generally speaking, if students receive a financial aid package and complete all of the classes for which they registered, then the likelihood of the financial aid package changing during the term is significantly reduced.
You can learn much more about the rules associated with financial aid eligibility by reviewing JMU Terms and Conditions for Financial Aid – Consumer Information.
2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Submitted by: Jessica Hopkins, Assistant Director of Compliance, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is normally available on October 1st; however, the Department of Education is saying the 2025-26 FAFSA will not be available until December 1, 2024. When the FAFSA is released, it will be available at studentaid.gov. Beginning in December, please plan to check this website as well as ours (jmu.edu/financialaid) for more information.
To ensure you receive priority consideration for all types of financial assistance, the federal government must receive and process your 2025-26 FAFSA by March 1, 2025. This is JMU’s priority filing date. In some cases, filing later can reduce your chances of receiving certain types of financial aid, including state grants.
Please note that meeting the priority filing date does not guarantee that you will receive university or state grant dollars. The number of eligible students and the size of our annual funding allocations are significant factors in determining whether sufficient funds are available to award all those who qualify.
Submitting a FAFSA comes with no strings attached. The application is free and available online at studentaid.gov.
More information about the FAFSA, including videos, can be found on our website.
Submitted by: Jenna Gray, Director of Student Engagement, JMU Dining
Did you know that meal plans are not always active during breaks? Here are a few reminders for Thanksgiving Break:
- JMU Dining will have reduced hours, view our schedule
- Meal Punches and Guest Punches will not be accepted Saturday 11/23 – Friday 11/29, however, Dining Dollars, Flex Dollars, and Credit Cards will be
- Meal Punches and Guest Punches will be accepted Saturday 11/30 – Sunday 12/1
- Standard operating hours will resume on Monday 12/2
- Please note that similar policies will be in place for Spring Break as well
Stay connected to social media (@jmudining) for reminders and updates.
Submitted by: Jenna Gray, Director of Student Engagement, JMU Dining
Meal Plan Auto-Renewal Reminders
- Meal plans are annual contracts and automatically renew for the spring semester
- The same plan chosen in the fall will be reassigned in the spring
- Billing with tuition will take place in December
- Contact Card Services for graduation exemption instructions by mid-November
Meal Plan Changes
If your Duke needs to make a switch, no problem! We’ve got you covered. Review the details below and note that any changes after December 5th will be assessed a $15 service fee.
Residents:
- To make changes in My Madison and avoid a service fee, the deadline is December 5th at midnight
- Visit: My Madison > Student Center > Finances > Other helpful links > on campus meal plans
Grace Street Residents:
- Those choosing a traditional meal plan, which includes the All Access, All Access Plus, or 14 Punch, make changes in My Madison to avoid a service fee. The deadline to make changes is December 5th at midnight.
- Grace Street residents who choose the 10 Punch, 100 Block, 75 Block, or 50" Block Meal Plans that require a change should use the JMU Card Services’ Commuter Meal Plan Form
Non-Residents:
- To cancel or change your meal plan, use the JMU Card Services’ Commuter Meal Plan Form
- Any changes required after the January 5th deadline can only be made after the semester starts, between January 27th – February 7th should use the JMU Card Services’ Commuter Meal Plan Form
New Meal Plan Holders
Not currently on a meal plan? Students who are not living on-campus and don’t have a Fall 2024 Meal Plan can sign up for Spring 2025 using the JMU Card Services’ Commuter Meal Plan Form
Questions:
- For more information on meal plan options, contact JMU Dining via email at dining@jmu.edu or call 540-568-6751.
- For questions about meal plan purchases, your student can contact the Office of Card Services via email from their Dukes account to: cardsrvc@jmu.edu or call 540-568-6446.
Places to Study at JMU
Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing, Libraries
Is your Duke looking for a new place to study?
JMU Study Spaces Map
JMU Libraries and staff across campus got together to create a study spaces map for your Duke that includes study spots in dozens of buildings all over campus. To check out the map, just visit jmu.edu/studyspaces and select a pin to read about the study spaces in that building.
Four Library Locations
Your Duke has four library locations to use! Check out this list of the top 15 places to study in JMU Libraries. You might even learn something new (like where to get the best view of the oldest volcano on the East Coast)!
You can also check out this short video to learn more about how we are serving the JMU community with library services and places to study during the Carrier Library renovation and expansion.
Empowering Student Well-Being: A Guide for Winter Breaks
Submitted by: Paige Allen Hawkins, Assistant Director, Personal Well-Being, Well Dukes
Your student will be home soon to celebrate the November and winter breaks, which are perfect opportunities to reconnect, rest, and celebrate what’s gone well this semester. What is your student most proud of? How did they surprise themselves?
Breaks also provide an opportunity to discuss unexpected challenges they have faced. Are they feeling a sense of belonging? Have they found opportunities to enjoy their hobbies and interests? Are they utilizing campus resources to maximize their academic potential? How, if at all, has alcohol or cannabis use impacted their well-being?
If during break you notice or hear something concerning, remember your influence matters! You don’t have to be an expert to start or continue a conversation about your student’s well-being!
Here are some things to consider:
Be calm and curious: Students are often open to conversations about their well-being, even about sensitive or awkward topics. For almost every decision, it can be beneficial for them to explore expectations. What are their intentions? What are the real or perceived benefits of a choice? How, if at all, might their choices and actions be interfering with their goals, values and interests? How are they being impacted by the behavior of others?
Bring it up again: Conversations don’t need to be lengthy; frequency often matters most. Many families say they’ve had a conversation about values and expectations regarding health and well-being, yet few students remember the specifics. Occasional check-ins can help your student remember and reinforce that it matters to you.
Create a toolbox for stress management: Some students may cope with stressful or emotional situations in counter-productive ways such as substance use, poor nutrition, procrastination, etc. Proactively help your student by encouraging them to find their own unique self-care strategies. These can be as simple as listening to music, exercising, journaling, meditating, or calling someone they care about.
Empower your student to look around: JMU has many resources to support student success and well-being: University Recreation, Office of Student Life, Center for Multicultural Student Services, Well Dukes, Counseling Center, and University Health Center to name a few. Encourage them to reach out – we are here for them!
Could your student benefit from Well Dukes Coaching at JMU? Well Dukes Coaching is an opportunity for students to identify their own well-being goals and build a personalized plan to increase confidence and minimize risk. Our goal is to listen well, focus on student strengths, and work in partnership to support their well-being. Referral to additional campus resources may also be a positive outcome of Well Dukes Coaching. There is no fee for this confidential service.
Well Dukes Coaching can help with:
- Building Connections: Making friends, having healthy relationships, setting boundaries
- Alcohol or Cannabis: Using safer strategies, feeling confident in their choices, staying sober
- Nicotine: Creating a plan to meet personal goals, exploring nicotine replacement
- Sleep and Stress: Getting quality sleep and managing college expectations
- Love & Sex: Navigating relationships and safer sex practices
- Digital Thriving: Balancing tech and real life
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication, & Innovation Community Engagement & Volunteer Center
November is here and your Duke is likely thinking about exams, holiday plans, and a nice extended break. At the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC), we are celebrating ending the semester strong and making an impact during break. This month brings opportunities for your Duke to build connections and make meaningful change through events and volunteering. Below are ways they can keep the momentum going and make the most of the season!
On & Off Campus Events
Friendsgiving Happy Hour
Your Duke can come celebrate with us at our Friendsgiving event! Enjoy Thanksgiving food, network with peers, craft, and learn about CEVC. They can stop by anytime, Friday, Nov. 8, 11am-1pm, CEVC (SSC 2200)
Service & Cinema
We're teaming up with UPB for a showing of Goodwill Hunting while we make affirmation cards for our community neighbors! Thursday, Nov. 15, 7:30-10 pm, Festival Highlands
Celebrating Immigrant Neighbors’ First Thanksgiving
As we gather for Thanksgiving, let’s extend a warm welcome to our refugee neighbors. Your student can join us for a Thanksgiving meal where we can share traditions, create lasting memories, and learn about the refugee resettlement process through our partners at Church World Service. Sunday, Nov. 17, 1-3pm, Montpelier Room
Alternative Breaks
Is your student passionate about creating change? They can travel with a student-led group of Dukes to work alongside community leaders to address pressing social issues. Need-based scholarships and fundraising opportunities are available!
Alternative January Breaks
Jan. 11-18, 2025, $350 Registration Deadline Nov. 17 (11:59pm)
Alternative Spring Breaks
March 15-22, 2025, $350 for driving breaks and domestic flying breaks vary. Registration Deadline: December 1 for domestic flying breaks; February 9 for driving breaks
Your student can visit the CEVC page, email us at cevc@jmu.edu or call 540-568-6366 for more information.
Submitted by: Ivy Makia, PR/Marketing Specialist, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
As always, the Arboretum has a month jammed packed with events! From martial arts and sound bathing, to free programs that explore the fascinating world of bats, plants, and the ethics around we care for the natural world.
Want to keep up with the Arboretum? Follow us on social media or sign up for our email list.
Is your student looking for ways to get involved? Encourage them to volunteer or apply to work at the Arboretum! For more information email makiaie@jmu.edu.
Join 12,000+ 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 »
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