Madison Family Newsletter: September 2024
Brought to you by the JMU Office of Family Engagement
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Madison Family Newsletter: September 2024
James Madison University
In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- New JMU Shield App
- Financial Aid Disbursements and Attending Classes
- Share your Thoughts on Our Next JMU President
- JMU Dining Resources
- University Career Fair
- International Week is Happening September 22-28
- Family Weekend & POPS PLUS! for Student Scholarships
- Friday Night Flights
- Study Abroad Family Weekend Brunch
- Free Walk-in Flu Clinic
- Student Hub: Pantry, Financial & Housing Assistance
- Housing Contracts: Live on Again! 2025-2026
- Encourage Your Duke to Become an RA for 2025-2026
- Promoting Well-Being Through Volunteering
- Is Your Student Registered to Vote?
- September Events at the Arboretum!
- Adventure Awaits—help your student seize it!
- Encourage your Student to Join the Student Alumni Committee!
- Student Travel Update - PA, NY, NJ & CT
- Meet the STAIR Office
- Carrier Library on Schedule to Reopen for Fall 2026
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 first few weeks of the semester are behind us and it has been a really great start to the year. I hope both you and your Dukes are settling into this new chapter of your lives. Campus has been buzzing with activities, students finding their way both on and off campus, and so many different ways for students to connect with each other and their new community.
We’ve had amazing turnout for many events so far and there is more to come for students so encourage them to keep looking if they are still trying to find their people and places at JMU. The Be Involved app is a great way they can keep up with events happening on campus as well as learn about our over 400 student organizations. Dukes Weekly is another way to keep up to date on what’s going on so please encourage your student to use these great resources.
Events
Many events happen regularly throughout the semester that are free and open to everyone. Here are a few:
Tea Time | Wednesdays 3 – 5 p.m. | The Union, 3rd floor
Wednesday Trivia | Wednesdays 8 – 10 p.m. | TDU
Crafternoon | Thursdays noon – 3 p.m. |The Union patio
UPB movie | Fridays 7 p.m. | Grafton-Stovall theater
Other recurring events include:
Football game live stream for every home and away game | Sept. 7 | 9 – 11:30 a.m. | TDU
Underground Sound Open Mic night | Sept. 12 | 6 – 8 p.m. | TDU
Updates
Health Promoting Campus
As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our entire community, JMU became a Health Promoting Campus in 2022 and will be the first university in Virginia to sign the Okanagan Charter on Oct. 8. Evidence shows that people who are well are more productive, can engage in deeper learning, are more likely to stay at JMU, and have a stronger sense of community so we will continue to focus on that area.
JMU Shield
Safety is another area of focus for us, so this year we have a new safety app that integrates JMU’s safety and security systems called JMU Shield. It replaces the LiveSafe app that families of returning students may remember. Please encourage your student to download it from the app store, enable push notifications and learn about everything it can do. (Then launch the app regularly so it doesn’t go into hibernation.)
Reminders
Your Duke may have experienced a challenge or two since arriving due to a tryout, interview, or audition not working out in their favor or a relationship coming to an end. Every student is at their own pace. Help them to not compare themselves to other students. Some students have established initial friendships that are working out and have landed in a few organizations as well. Others are still looking and trust me when I tell you that the majority are still looking at this point. There will be many more opportunities, and they will find what’s right for them. If you are ever concerned about a student (your own student or another), you can submit a referral through Madison Cares and we will reach out to them to offer support.
If they are struggling academically, remind them that it’s still early in the semester and by addressing it now they have time to turn it around. Remember my advice that you should be talking about grades and academic progress with them on a monthly basis with a Zoom or FaceTime where they show you how they are doing on Canvas for each class. Trust me, this will be worth it by the end of the semester.
The Student Gateway has links to many resources they’ll need such as:
Academic resources
- Learning Centers
- Peer-Assisted Study Sessions
- Finding sources and doing research
- Learning Success Strategies
Self-care resources
- for physical health and illness
- for stress or other mental health concerns
- through crafting and relaxation
Basic needs assistance
Questions to ask your student
How have you been spending your time this week?
Tip: A good mix of studying and socializing is good. Some weeks will require more studying, usually followed by a lighter week. Some students really enjoy the lighter level of coursework the first few weeks of the semester and then struggle to transition once more assignments come due. Help them to review what’s upcoming and use their new planner (hint hint) to schedule out their time so they don’t get behind.
Getting adequate sleep is one of the most important things they can do for themselves. Five hours at night and 3 hours throughout the day is not a healthy sleep schedule but one that unfortunately many students settle into. As I shared at Orientation, we are looking for normal sleep here at JMU – the kind that starts in the PM and ends in the AM!
Do any of your classes have an attendance policy?
It’s important that they understand the attendance policy and how their instructors want to be communicated with if they do need to miss class. This can also lead to a good conversation about attending classes and engaging with faculty. If there is no attendance policy, it can be tempting to miss class if something else sounds more appealing. You and I know that they need to be there to learn, but they may need a little reminder.
I’ve said it before, but I want to emphasize that we are all here to support our students and prepare them for life after JMU. If they want to reach out to me, they can do that here.
I hope to see you at Family Weekend in a few weeks, or at some other time this semester. Keep wearing purple and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Tip: Keep up with important dates and deadlines by bookmarking the Academic Calendar
Submitted by: Chad Saylor, Associate Director of Media Relations, University Communications
The new, free JMU Shield app is now available for download in both Google Play and the Apple App Store. JMU Shield replaces the LiveSafe app and will serve as an essential tool to enhance safety at JMU by providing users with important safety alerts and instant access to an array of public safety resources. The app features an advanced mobile reporting platform, including a real-time alert system to communicate with friends and campus police, in-app reporting features, safety resources, take-action guidelines, and an app sharing feature, which allows users to share the app via Facebook, X and email.
For Apple users: After you download the JMU Shield app, enable push notifications. To avoid the app going into hibernation, launch it monthly to ensure you receive push notifications.
Financial Aid Disbursements and Attending Classes
Submitted by: Brad Barnett, Associate Vice President/Financial Aid Director, Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fall Financial Aid Disbursements:
Financial aid disbursements generally occur during the first week of each semester if all paperwork has been submitted in a timely fashion and the student is registered for the amount of hours used to determine financial aid eligibility. If you want to learn more about the disbursement process, timeframe, and financial aid refunds, you can read Section 13: Financial Aid, Disbursements, Your Bill, and Refunds of the Financial Aid: Terms and Conditions – Consumer Information document on our website.
Beginning Enrollment:
It’s important to note that students must begin attendance in the classes for which they receive financial aid. Reading the “Beginning Enrollment” portion of Section 1: How Financial Aid is Awarded at JMU and General Eligibility Requirements of the Financial Aid: Terms and Conditions – Consumer Information document at jmu.edu/financialaid will explain what constitutes “attendance” for the purposes of meeting this eligibility criterion. Students who do not begin attendance in classes for which financial aid is awarded may be subject to a reduction or cancellation to their financial aid package.
Share your Thoughts on Our Next JMU President
Submitted by: Presidential Search Committee
As we embark on the important journey of selecting a new president for James Madison University, we want to hear from you – our valued JMU families. Your input is crucial in shaping the university’s future.
How You Can Participate:
- Online Survey: Share your thoughts by completing our online survey, open until September 15th.
- Virtual Sessions: Attend our virtual feedback sessions on September 16th and 17th. Additional information, to include the time, will be posted to the website.
Your feedback will directly influence the qualities and characteristics we seek in our next president. Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard!
For more information and updates, visit our website.
Submitted by: Jenna Gray, Director of Student Engagement, JMU Dining
NAVIGATING DIETARY NEEDS
Is your Duke looking for help navigating their dietary needs? We’re committed to providing nutritious options that fit each need, no matter where they dine on campus. For those looking to avoid gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, and dairy, we’ve made it easier to fight food allergies and intolerances. Now open at E-Hall, our all-you-care-to-eat dining hall on JMU’s east campus, is “The Stress-less Corner”. The addition is a self-serve supplemental station to help guests dine with confidence.
For more information or help managing food allergies and special diets, check out our guide or set up an appointment with JMU Dining’s Registered Dietitian, Hanna Serrano, RDN. She’d be happy to meet with your student.
SCORE BIG: FREE FOOD & SIPS
Dukes living off-campus who signed up for a meal plan will score a FREE coupon book, valued at $160, filled with FREE food and sips. Offers include Dunkin, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and more. Stay connected (@jmudining) via Instagram or Facebook for announcements the week of Monday, September 8th with pickup dates and times. An email will also go out to commuter’s email addresses; the ones they used during sign-up. If your Duke needs a meal plan, there’s still time. Don’t miss out, let us help them find their fit!
Submitted by: Tiffany Corbin, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
This career fair is open to all JMU students across all majors and class years, as over 150 employers from multiple industries are coming to campus to recruit JMU talent from all academic programs for jobs and internships.
We encourage students to attend the fair for at least 30 minutes and speak to at least 5 organizations so they can gain confidence networking with employers.
9/24 & 9/25 from 1 – 5pm
Atlantic Union Bank Center (AUBC)
Students can prepare by:
- Scheduling an appointment with the University Career Center (UCC) to have their resume reviewed and come up with talking points for interacting with recruiters
- Attending UCC prep events, like:
- Success Suits You
- 9/8 | 3-6pm | Valley Mall
- Shop discounted business attire from JCPenney, H&M, Claire’s/Icing, and more at up to 50% off!
- Career Fair 101
- 9/16 | 6-7pm | SSC 1075
- Learn essential tips on preparing themselves for the fair, what to bring, and how to leave a lasting impression on potential employers. The event also features a panel of alumni who now act as employers themselves!
- Clothes, Cookies, & Resumes
- 9/17 & 9/18 | 1 – 4pm | SSC 3250
- Get a free headshot; have their resume reviewed; browse our Career Closet of FREE professional clothing, shoes, and accessories; and enjoy light snacks
- Success Suits You
Is your Duke in the nursing, teaching, hospitality, engineering, or related programs? We also have four major-specific fairs filled with employers looking to hire students in these areas specifically.
Submitted by: Zack Kulzer, Communications Specialist, Center for Global Engagement (CGE)
International Week is an exciting week of events celebrating JMU’s international communities. It's a time to come together to embrace the incredible diversity of our campus: explore new cultures, eat new food, and learn about opportunities to study abroad. This year's keynote speaker will be renowned filmmaker and director Shalini Kantayya.
Family Weekend
Don’t forget, Family Weekend at JMU is just around the corner, September 27-29! With a jam-packed schedule of exciting performances like the POPS PLUS! highlighted below, athletic events, and many other family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out the full list of events and plan for a fun weekend on campus.
POPS PLUS! A CVPA Collaborative Arts Celebration for Student Scholarships
Friday, September 27,
8 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Atlantic Union Bank Center
Join us for an unforgettable evening at JMU's College of Visual and Performing Arts POPS PLUS! Collaborative Arts Celebration, a highlight of Family Weekend. Enjoy performances by five of JMU's premier musical ensembles, including the Brass Band, Wind Symphony, and Marching Royal Dukes, plus incredible showcases from the School of Theatre and Dance. The night also features a silent auction with stunning original artwork by JMU students, faculty, and alumni.
Choose from general admission tickets ($33) or upgrade to our exclusive Gala pre-show cocktail reception with dinner and a live auction ($135). Every ticket and auction purchase directly supports CVPA student scholarships, helping to turn dreams into reality in the arts at JMU.
Purchase your tickets now and support our talented students! For assistance, contact the Forbes Box Office at 540-568-7000.
Submitted by: Ashley Doyle, Director of Special Events & Donor Stewardship, Duke Club
Study Abroad Family Weekend Brunch
Submitted by: Erin Smith, Study Abroad Outreach & Partnerships Coordinator, Center for Global Engagement
Join us for brunch and explore the 100+ global opportunities available to your student!
Study Abroad Family Weekend Brunch
Sunday, September 29, 9am - 11am
Hall of Presidents (3rd floor D-Hall)
Don't miss your chance to enjoy a mini quiche from the buffet, snap photos with Duke Dog, and take home exclusive JMU Study Abroad swag! Staff and students will be available to answer questions and share about their own experiences abroad.
Applications for programs running in 2025 and spring 2026 are now open! Explore JMU's full program portfolio to see what's offered next year.
Submitted by: Deborah Hoover, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing, University Health Center
University Health Center is partnering with Virginia Department of Health to offer a FREE, WALK-IN FLU Clinic, available to students, faculty and staff.
Date of event is October 1, 2024, starting at 10:00 AM. Ending time yet to be determined.
Location: UREC
University Health Center strongly encourages all students to get vaccinated against the flu to help stop the spread and keep our campus healthy.
Submitted by: Basic Needs Advisory Board
Does your student need help with basic needs? Encourage your student to check out the Student Support Hub, an online central hub for information about different basic needs resources including The Pantry, cap/gown loans, Career Closet and more.
The Pantry is a food+ pantry that serves all students, no questions asked. There are 3 pantry locations on campus. In the first two weeks of the fall 2024 semester, The Pantry locations had 488 student visits and distributed over 3,723 pounds of food!
The Student Support Hub website is overseen by the JMU Basic Needs Advisory Board (BNAB), a group of faculty, staff, students, and community partners who research, create, and advocate for resources and policy changes to better support students facing financial hardship.
Want to support The Pantry? People can donate money to The Pantry or “sponsor a shelf” and provide a recurring donation of a specific item. Currently, the highest Pantry needs are for monetary donations and basic hygiene items.
Submitted by: Sydney Wood, Social Media and Marketing Manager, Residence Life
The Live on Again housing contract goes live on October 1, 2024 to sign up for guaranteed on-campus housing for 2025-2026. On-campus housing options include the Apartments on Grace, Paul Jennings, several Bluestone buildings and our BRAND NEW residence hall that will open for next school year!
Submitted by: Sydney Wood, Social Media and Marketing Manager, Residence Life
Priority Resident Adviser Applications open on October 24 at 8:00 p.m. and close on October 31 at 11:59 p.m. Encourage your Duke to apply to be an RA for 2025-2026!
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards, Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication & Innovation, Community Engagement & Volunteer Center
Promoting Well-Being Through Volunteering
As September sweeps in and your Duke settles into this exciting new chapter, encourage them to connect with the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC) and the local community! Volunteering enhances well-being by fostering a sense of purpose, reducing stress, and building meaningful connections.
We provide a supportive environment where your student can grow, lead, and make a lasting impact both on campus and in the community. Here’s to a month of new beginnings, well-being, and continued success for your student!
Upcoming CEVC Events & Programs
- Alternative Fall Breaks: Travel with a student-led group of Dukes to work alongside community leaders to address pressing social issues.
- Date:10/16-10/18
- Cost: $100 (scholarships available!)
- Register by 11:59pm on 9/25
- Open House & Volunteer Fair: Friday, 9/6, 11am-1pm, SSC 2200
- We'll have yummy food, networking with community organizations, giveaways, and raffle drawing for a FREE driving Alternative Break (approx. $300 value)!
- Happy Hour Events: Friday, 9/13, 11am-1pm, SSC 2200
- We host a happy hour event each month. Each theme is different, but they are a way to connect with other Dukes, while enjoying snacks, games, DIY projects, and learning about ways to engage in the community and be involved in programs with social impact.
- Food Truck Fest with CEVC: Friday, 9/21, 11am-2pm, County Fairgrounds
- Enjoy local food trucks, live music, shop local vendors, meet other Dukes, learn about our office, programs, and our partner, Open Doors
- Entry and transportation are covered by CEVC.
- Dukes Volunteer: Weekly - Mondays (9/23-11/18 3:15-5pm with Food Recovery Network) & Tuesdays (9/10-10/8, 10-11am with VMRC)
- Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC): Kickstart Tuesdays with good vibes and great company. Join CEVC as we head to VMRC to support enrichment activities with memory care residents.
- Food Recovery Network (FRN): Start Mondays with purpose and passion! Join CEVC as we recover unused food from E-hall and deliver it to local organizations, turning surplus into support for our community. Let’s make a difference together!
For more information, visit jmu.edu/cevc. Events and registrations for fall events and programs are open. If you or your students have questions, please contact us at cevc@jmu.edu or 540-568-6366.
Submitted by: Dr. Monica McEnerny, Interim Associate Director, Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Your student is making many transitions this year, including voting for the first time. Now is a good time to encourage your student to check their voter registration or to register to vote via JMU's TurboVote. Students can maintain their current permanent address when registering to vote or they can update their registration to reflect an on-or off-campus address. Returning Dukes can use TurboVote to update their residential address if they've moved off-campus or between off-campus residences. September 20 is the first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar's office. The Madison Center for Civic Engagement is here to encourage all Dukes to share their voices by voting.
Questions? Please contact civic@jmu.edu or follow @jmucivic on social media.
Submitted by: Ivy Makia, PR/Marketing Specialist, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Between our semi-annual Wine & Cheese event (September 5th) and our Fall Plant & Bulb Sale (September 27th - October 5th), the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum will be jam-packed with workshops and talks from houseplant propagation to beneficial insects! Follow us on social media or visit our events page so you're always in the know!
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.
Adventure Awaits—help your student seize it!
Submitted by: Anaëlle Wagoner, Assistant Director for Communications & Engagement, University Recreation
As a parent, you seek for your Duke to have an amazing experience, both in and out of the classroom. One way to make their college years more exciting and rewarding is by encouraging them to participate in Adventure programs offered by the University Recreation Center (UREC). UREC provides various outdoor activities, including trips, equipment rentals, and clinics that promote being outdoors, boost physical health and improve mental well-being. Activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing not only keep students active but also offer a break from academic pressures. Adventure programs help students build friendships and a sense of community through shared experiences, while also encouraging curiosity and confidence by pushing students to step out of their comfort zones and explore new environments. By participating, students gain lifelong skills and memories, making the most of their college years.
Adventure awaits—help your student seize it!
Submitted by: Rose Tribby, Coordinator for Student and Young Alumni Programming, 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.
Student Travel Update - PA, NY, NJ & CT
Submitted by: Jason Sfaelos, CollegeTransit
Hello out of state families from the northeast. We wanted to give you a quick update to let you know of our availability changes for the upcoming school breaks:
* Fall Break - A 2nd bus has opened and has seats available. There will not be a 3rd bus.
* Thanksgiving Break - The 3rd bus has 5 seats left (as of this submission) and once sold out we will start a waiting list for a 4th bus.
* Winter Break - Trips are now available for registration on our site.
Submitted by: Klebert Feitosa, Interim Director, Student Awards, Initiatives and Research
The Office of Student Awards, Initiatives, and Research (STAIR) is committed to empowering students through research, intellectual growth, and professional development. We offer targeted resources to help students excel academically and professionally.
STAIR promotes student research across disciplines. Students are encouraged to engage in original research, leading to opportunities for publication and conference presentations. A cornerstone of our research initiatives is the First-Year/Transfer Research Experience (FYRE) program, which introduces new students to research opportunities early in their academic careers, fostering a strong foundation for future success.
STAIR also provides comprehensive support for students applying to prestigious national and international fellowships and awards. We guide students through the application process, helping them craft compelling narratives and connect with faculty mentors to enhance their chances of success. At STAIR, we believe in the transformative power of research and scholarship, and we are dedicated to supporting every student’s journey toward academic and professional excellence.
For more information or questions about student research or nationally-competitive fellowships, visit our website, follow us on social media @JMUfellowships and @JMUstudentresearch, or contact us directly: studentresearch@jmu.edu or call 540-568-4010.
Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing, Libraries
Fall semester 2026 is the planned grand reopening date for the renovated and expanded Carrier Library. We’re so excited to welcome everyone back in two years!
Whether you are looking forward to the sweeping views from the grand reading room or the expert help at our new educational technology and library service desks, your Duke will have much to enjoy when Carrier reopens, better than ever, in Fall 2026.
The skilled craftspeople working on our beloved building are making fantastic, on-schedule progress, which you can follow on the construction camera. JMU Facilities Planning and Construction is already planning the work that must be completed once the external construction manager, Kjellstrom + Lee, wraps up.
We are collaborating with our partners in JMU Facilities Management on our plans to bring books back, install new technology, relocate staff offices, and finish the other labor needed to safely welcome your student back. We are also developing procedures to operate, staff, and support all the new spaces. Our successful move-out operation prepared us well for the multi-phased project to move back into Carrier Library during Spring and Summer 2026.
As Towana Moore, JMU’s vice president for Administration and Finance, shared in the August 14 University Welcome event, “It’s going to be an outstanding facility and one that is what you would expect for an institution like James Madison. It will be available for students in fall of 2026.”
New Images and VideosGet a sneak peek of the first floor in this video of the interior of Carrier under construction! We’ve also got dozens of new interior images, including photos of the grand reading room, which will offer breathtaking views from the top floor of the expansion.
The expansion, visible on the right side of the photo below, will be the newest part of the library, adding a variety of airy, light-filled spaces.
Follow us on social media, check out the construction camera, or visit our Carrier Renovation and Expansion site for the latest!
We’re Still Here for YouWhile Carrier Library is closed for construction, your student still has access to all the usual library services in four locations and online! Here’s what you need to know about how to use JMU Libraries this fall.
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 »
Connect with the JMU Family!
