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.
In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- Fall 2025 Enrollment
- Course Enrollment FAQs
- Encourage Your Duke to Use MyMadison Connect
- Loan Repayment and End of the 2024-25 Year Deadlines
- Unpaid Internship Scholarship: Supporting Career Experiences for All Students
- April Showers Bring Volunteer Hours with CEVC
- Senior Candle Lighting & Alumni Connections
- Duke Dog Paver Program
- Women for Madison Summit
- New Video Tour of the Future Carrier Library
- The Passport Center is Now Open
- Spring at the Arboretum
- A Perfect Match: Alumna’s selfless act leads to a lifesaving connection
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hello JMU families,
Campus is coming alive with sunny days, outside activities and the anticipation of summer. We’re also having a lot of tours with prospective Dukes who are considering applying to JMU, which always reminds me of what a special place this is and how lucky I am to get to live and work here every day.
This month, we’ll be participating in the first national Health Promoting Campus Week from April 21 - 25 to show our commitment to the health and well-being of the JMU community. We’ll be creating awareness of the six dimensions of well-being: health, relationships, environment, security, purpose and learning. In future messages, you’ll be hearing more about this since our Student Affairs strategic plan is centered around these dimensions.
Updates
Welcome to our new president!
It’s an exciting time as JMU just announced our new President, Dr. Jim Schmidt. I’m looking forward to working with him as we guide JMU into our next chapter. I was able to meet President Jim and his wife, Kim, during their visit to campus, and I can tell that they are already Dukes! JMU continues to be on the rise and the Schmidts are going to be an important part of our bright future.
Parent’s Council
We always enjoy seeing families on campus and this weekend was extra special because more of you were around for Parents Council meetings. In these meetings, Student Affairs hosts a subcommittee where we share a topic or area of student life to get insight, advice and conversation with members. This meeting we talked about belonging, in relation to fraternities and sororities, and had a great presentation from our team members: Dr. Jen Grossman Leopard - Student Life Director, Jim Gulbranson - Associate Director Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Drae Powell - Associate Director for Leadership Intercultural Greek Council. We appreciate the conversation we had with you all, your questions and engagement, and look forward to continuing to partner with you on initiatives within Student Affairs.
Reminders
Registration begins on April 11. I wanted to share a few tips to help this go more smoothly for students:
- Check for any holds now so they can get them taken care of before it’s time for them to register. We always have students who are surprised by holds that keep them from registering. This is completely avoidable with some work ahead of time.
- Make a list of classes they need to take next semester and a separate list of classes that they can take anytime.
- Use their resources like Academic Advising and their enrollment tools to help in this planning and utilize Madison Advising Peers as a great resource.
- As they’re planning out their schedule for next semester, flexibility is key. They should start with the classes they need next semester and then fill in with the others.
- Create multiple plans built around every possible time slot for the classes they need (including 8 a.m., Fridays, etc.)
- Explore the different Gen Ed classes and be open to trying any of them. This is the time to expand and grow; they may find a new interest in a class they never expected to take. I found my eventual major (Political Science) in a Gen Ed class I took Sophomore year.
- Have multiple options planned and set an alarm earlier than their enrollment time so they can be ready.
- Don’t hold classes they know they don’t want to take and keep other students from being able to register for them.
Upcoming Events
April is a busy month here on campus! Here are a few of the many things happening this month:
The Big Event – campus-wide day of service | April 12 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Purple Reign – music festival | April 12 | 3 – 9 p.m. | Festival lawn
Becoming Career Ready – workshop | April 14 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | HBS G040
Check out the spring sports schedules.
See more events on the Event calendar or students can log into Be Involved for even more!
Questions to ask your student
What have you been doing outside of classes now that the weather is getting nice?
Tip: There is so much to do, and outside activities can make it easier to meet new people. They can volunteer, go to a sports event, check out what’s happening at UREC, set up spike ball or other games on Hillside field, Festival field or the Quad and welcome others to join them.
How are you preparing for class registration?
Tip: Even if they don’t register for a few weeks, now is the time to plan. Please share the info above so they know all the resources available to them.
Planning ahead
If your student lives on campus and you’re not too far away, you may want to plan a trip here in the next few weeks to pick up some items to make move out easier. Bonus, you will get to see campus in full bloom and everyone loving Spring at JMU.
Until then, I hope your Duke is enjoying these last weeks of the school year. Encourage them to smile at the tours as they walk by, stop and ask if they can help give directions if they see someone who seems confused, wave to the QuadCam for anyone who is watching, and reach out to a friend or classmate who seems like they could use a helping hand. This is just who we are and what we do!
Take care, and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Submitted by: Office of the Registrar
Enrollment for Fall 2025 classes begins on April 11, 2025. Here are some helpful tips:
- Log into MyMadison Early: We recommend that students log into MyMadison a few days before enrollment begins to ensure their password is up to date.
- Register for Okta: The University launched a new identity management tool, Okta, over spring break. Students must register for Okta to access MyMadison.
- Check for Holds: Students should check MyMadison for any holds that might prevent enrollment and resolve them promptly.
- Identify Required Classes: Students should identify the classes needed to progress toward their degree and contact their advisor(s) if necessary.
- Verify Class Requisites: Ensure that all requisites for the desired classes are met by checking the class information in the class search.
- Plan for Schedule Flexibility: Students should anticipate some flexibility with their schedules. While an ideal schedule might be preferred (e.g., no 8:00 AM classes, all classes finished by 2:30 PM), it may not always be possible. We encourage students to prepare several schedule options to easily pivot if their initial choices are full.
By following these steps, students can ensure a smooth and more efficient enrollment process.
Additionally, your student’s advisor(s) is the best resource for discussing class options to meet requirements within their major. If your student is unable to schedule an appointment with their advisor, the Madison Advising Peers (MAPs) are a great resource as well. Information about the MAPs can be found on their website.
Submitted by: Dr. Rudy M. Molina, Vice Provost for Student Academic Success
Did you know that your student has access to MyMadison Connect, a new university system aimed at elevating student success by optimizing academic advising? We want families to be aware of this exciting addition to campus and to encourage your student to make use of this powerful new tool.
JMU already is among the best public universities when it comes to student persistence and graduation rates because of the excellent support students receive from faculty, academic advisors and teams delivering co-curricular programs aimed at helping them to progress, thrive and find their place. But until now, our success hasn’t had the needed technology support. With MyMadison Connect, we now have a system that equals the quality of our people.
After a staggered rollout across campus during the last three semesters, the system has been optimized and all JMU students now have access to MyMadison Connect. Again, please encourage them to fully engage with the system. The more they use MyMadison Connect, the better connected their advising experience will be.
Loan Repayment and End of the 2024-25 Year Deadlines
Submitted by: Colleen McAvoy, Associate Director of Loans, Financial Aid & Scholarships
2024-25 Loan "Need to Knows"
Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Plus loans must be certified by JMU by the end of the spring term. To ensure processing, adhere to the following:
- Sub and Unsub loans- Students must accept in MyMadison by May 13
- PLUS Loans- Submit applications on studentaid.gov by May 12
- Private Loans- Submit applications to lender of choice as quickly as possible as private loans have lengthy processing times.
Summer 2025 is not part of the 2024-25 financial aid year. See our website for summer aid updates.
Loan Repayment
Families of graduating seniors and students reducing hours to less than half-time enrollment (6 hours for undergraduates) should help their students to prepare for loan repayment. All federal student and many private loans have a grace period, typically 6 months after graduating or enrolling less than half-time. Borrowers should begin creating accounts with lenders, updating contact information, and educating themselves on loan totals and repayment options. To do this:
Federal Student Loan Borrowers
First, get started at the FSA website studentaid.gov to find information such as:
- How much you owe and how to calculate your monthly payment
- Who your current loan servicer is and their contact information
- Repayment plan options
- How to get support from FSA and your loan servicer
- Exit Counseling- an education tool providing details of all items listed above
Next, contact your loan servicer
- Go to their website and create an account, if you have not already done so
- Ensure your contact information is updated so your servicer can contact you easily
- Link your payment information and set up automatic payments. This will ensure you never miss a payment and may allow for a slight interest rate benefit.
Private Student Loan Borrowers
Contact your lender(s). This is the company you originally applied with, and you will repay your loans through them or their loan servicer. Some students may have multiple lenders; repayment will be coordinated directly with each lender. If you have not already done so, go to their website(s) and create an account, which will allow you to:
- Determine how much you owe and how to calculate your monthly payment
- Learn when repayment begins and if you have any repayment options
- Link your bank account information and set up automatic payments
ALL BORROWERS
Not repaying your loans significantly impacts your credit and financial future. If you're facing or anticipating repayment challenges, it's crucial to contact your lender or servicer to discuss your options.
Submitted by: Tiffany Corbin, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
Is your student considering an unpaid internship this summer? The University Career Center (UCC) offers the Unpaid Internship Scholarship, providing up to $4,000 to select students to support them as they gain valuable experience, regardless of financial background.
Scholarship Details
• If selected, students can receive up to $4,000 to support their summer internship.
• Eligible internships must be unpaid, for-credit, and last at least 8 weeks (minimum 240 hours).
• Open to all majors—helping students from various fields gain meaningful experience.
• Funds can be used for living expenses, transportation, and other internship-related costs.
Why This Matters for Your Student
Internships help students build skills, expand networks, and improve job prospects, but unpaid opportunities can present financial challenges. The Unpaid Internship Scholarship lessens this challenge, helping selected students pursue career-building experiences without financial stress. Whether in non-profits, government, or startups, this scholarship provides the support needed to make those experiences more accessible.
Application Deadline & How to Apply
To be considered, students must meet all scholarship requirements and submit their completed application materials by April 14, 2025, at 8 a.m.
For full details, visit UCC Unpaid Internship Scholarship.
Encourage your student to explore this opportunity and take a step toward their career goals!
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards, Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication, & Innovation, CEVC
Spring is in full bloom and your Duke is likely gearing up for the final stretch of the semester. It's the perfect time for your student to recharge, give back, and make a lasting impact before summer break. Volunteering is a great way to relieve stress, build connections, and make an impact before heading into summer.
Spring Fling Happy Hour
Celebrate spring with CEVC! Your student can enjoy snacks, crafts, and connections with fellow Dukes and CEVC staff during our Spring Fling Happy Hour Event!
Friday, April 11, 11am–1pm, CEVC (SSC 2200)
The Big Event
The Big Event is JMU’s campus-wide day of service, uniting students to give back to the community. Hosted with SGA, FSL, and CEVC. One big day, one big impact!
Saturday, April 12, Time: 8:30am–12:30pm, Location: Varies
Farmer’s Market Tour + Meal
Explore the Harrisonburg Farmers' Market with a guided tour and a cooking demo featuring local produce! Join us on April 19 for a fresh take on community and sustainability. We will meet at Wilson Hall at 11 AM to walk downtown together. Lunch provided!
Saturday, April 19, 11am–3pm, Downtown Harrisonburg
Tea & Terracotta
Enjoy a chill afternoon with tea, potting plants, and painting terracotta pots. This is a great opportunity to unwind, get creative, and connect with fellow students in a fun and welcoming space. All materials will be provided, just bring yourself and your creativity!
Friday, April 25, 11am–1pm, CEVC (SSC 2200)
Dukes Volunteer – Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA (RHSPCA)
Love animals? Your Duke can volunteer with us weekly as we help clean kennels, cuddle cats, and lend a hand around the shelter. Let's make an impact one tail wag at a time! 🐶🐱💜
Sundays, Now - April 27, 8–10am, Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA
Dukes Volunteer - Food Recovery Network
Help your Duke make an impact! They can join CEVC on Mondays to recover unused food from E-hall and deliver it to local organizations.
Mondays, Now - May 5, 3:15-5pm, E-hall
Dukes Volunteer – VA Mennonite Retirement Community
Your student can join CEVC to support memory care residents at VMRC. Transportation provided!
Tuesdays, Now – April 29, 10-11am, VMRC
Dukes Volunteer - Jubilee Climate Farm
Support Jubilee Climate Farm by building natural solutions to climate change, food security, and farmland access to refugees!
Fridays, Now – April 25, 3-4:30pm, Jubilee Climate Farm
Submitted by: Paula Polglase, Director, Alumni Relations
We are excited to invite you to share with your students the upcoming Senior Candle Lighting Ceremony on April 25, 7:00-9:00 pm on the Quad with the ceremony at 7:45. This cherished tradition has deep roots in JMU’s history and is a beautiful way to celebrate our students as they near the culmination of their academic journey.
The Senior Candle Lighting ceremony, which originated in the very first commencement exercises of 1911, symbolizes the transfer of leadership from one generation of Dukes to the next. The pinning ceremony represents the students’ welcoming into the JMU alumni community. It’s a meaningful tradition that marks the next chapter for our graduates.
As we celebrate this milestone, we encourage parents to remind their graduating students to update their contact information in our system, including their mailing addresses. This ensures they will receive important updates as they transition to alumni status.
Additionally, JMU has a robust network of alumni chapters across the country. We invite you and your student to explore opportunities to stay connected and participate in these vibrant communities. It’s a great way to continue supporting the Duke family long after graduation!
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you.
Submitted by: Alex Marinelli, Director of Major Gifts, Duke Club
Cement Your JMU Legacy!
James Madison University Athletics is proud to announce the return of the Duke Dog Paver Program. This special tradition offers the unique opportunity to personalize a custom engraved legacy paver, honoring the people, places, and experiences most important to our JMU community. We encourage you to cement your JMU legacy by securing your paver, today!
Duke Dog Pavers are currently available in multiple sizes, allowing you to celebrate your graduate, honor your family, or commemorate JMU's historic rise in the way that best suits your vision! For more information, and to secure your Duke Dog Paver, please click below.
Submitted by: Women For Madison
Everyone has a story to tell. Get ready to share yours. An unforgettable experience awaits as the Women Who Amaze Summit returns to JMU with the theme: Her story. Your story. Our story. Register now!
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Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing, Libraries
In case you missed it, JMU recently released a new video tour of Carrier Library under construction. In the video, you’ll hear from Libraries Dean Bethany Nowviskie and President Charlie King as they walk you through the building and show off its stunning features!
More videos: Check out our renovation playlist on YouTube for 17 more videos. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to see what’s new!
Photos: Check out 96 new photos that capture the progress of the renovation and expansion work between November and March.
Carrier is on track: Construction is proceeding well, and Carrier Library is still on track to reopen in time for the Fall 2026 semester.
For more videos, photos, updates, and FAQs, visit our Carrier Library Renovation & Expansion page.
Submitted by: The Center for Global Engagement
The Center for Global Engagement is proud to announce the opening of the JMU Passport Center, a U.S. Department of State certified Passport Acceptance Facility located on the second floor of Holland-Yates Hall. This facility provides both the JMU community and members of the public with a convenient location to submit their passport documentation, and have their photos taken. The Passport Center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only.
Submitted by: Ivy Makia, PR/Marketing Specialist, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Spring into action and choose from a number of events at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. From martial arts like Tai Chi and Baguazhang to our Wednesday wildflower walks, there is plenty to do at the Arboretum in April!
Are you or your student interested in volunteering at the Arboretum? We are always looking for enthusiastic people eager to help keep this woodland sanctuary beautiful. Learn about how to get involved.
In the fall of 2014, first-year student Bethany Warren (’18) attended a seminar on campus on the virtues of donating bone marrow. She was moved to act by what she heard at the Be the Match event encouraging students to join the National Marrow Donor Program by donating and potentially saving the life of someone with leukemia.
Meanwhile, three hours away in southern Virginia, Caroline Laughorn (’23) was in the eighth grade, praying that she would stay healthy. The leukemia that had snatched away much of her childhood was in remission, and she was looking forward to starting high school and living a normal life.
Little did Warren know that her simple, generous act would someday save the life of young Laughorn.
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