James Madison University

JMU Health Update - March 5
The university observed 10 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the University Health Center yesterday, putting the total number of active cases at 70.
JMU Health Update - March 4
The university observed 13 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the University Health Center yesterday, putting the total number of active cases at 71.
NSF backs JMU research program for community college students
Community college students from Virginia and nationally will be recruited for a summer research experience run by the JMU Biology Department.
Latest edition of JMU News highlights graduate job attainment
The latest edition of JMU News features JMU's ranking as the "Best College for Getting a Job" and the university's efforts to maintain that success.
Rescheduled: Lt. Gov. candidates to discuss education from JMU
A pair of Lt. Governor candidates will discuss “The Future of Education in Virginia” during an hour-long forum open to the public.
JMU leadership approves new names for three buildings on campus
James Madison University’s Board of Visitors today approved the renaming of three buildings on the campus’s historic Quad.
Board of Visitors summary of action and discussions
The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19 virtually.
JMU Board of Visitors to meet Thursday, Friday
The James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet virtually, through electronic means, on Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19.
JMU a top producer of Fulbright students for 2020-21
James Madison University has seven recent alumni who received Fulbright US Student Grants in 2020-2021.
Black alumni to share success stories at MVS event
In recognition of Black History Month, the next installment of the Madison Vision Series will feature five Black JMU alumni who will share their success stories.
Make the best of Valentine’s Day 2021, JMU expert says
While social distancing and other pandemic safety measures will still be in place for Valentine’s Day, there are ways to make the day meaningful, romantic.
Lucy Simms ceremony among JMU Black History Month events
Professors Seán McCarthy and Mollie Godfrey, co-directors, received a $10,000 grant from Virginia Humanities to extend the reach of the award-winning display.
JMU college is key partner on $10.8 million grant
The JMU College of Education is partnering with Virginia ED Strategies on a $10.8 million federal grant to support STEM teaching across Virginia.
JMU sociologist dispels immigrant stereotypes in new book
In his first book, “Fútbol in the Park: Immigrants, Soccer, and the Creation of Social Ties” Trouille dispels some common myths about immigrants.
Calm in Chaos exhibit explores how students cope
ArtWorks Gallery at James Madison University will open a new exhibition, Calm in Chaos, on Monday, Feb. 15 with an online artist talk at 7 p.m.
NASCAR partnership revs up opportunities for students
NASCAR announced JMU as the inaugural member of its new NASCAR University, a program that will provide training and internships.
JMU December grad has job at the Super Bowl
Taylor Salyers graduated from the Hart School in December and is part of the digital media team for the Super Bowl.
In challenging tax year, JMU continues preparation services
James Madison University College of Business students and faculty will once again offer free tax return preparation services.
JMU closing Feb. 1 due to weather
Due to inclement weather, JMU will close on Mon., Feb. 1
Jan. 30 entry test weather update
At this time, there is severe weather (snow, sleet and freezing rain) forecasted for all of Sunday in our area and the entire East Coast.
U.S. News picks four JMU programs for 2021 Best Online Master’s rankings
Four James Madison University online master’s degree programs were selected for the 2021 lists of the Best Online Master’s degree programs.
Page County drug treatment court to launch with boost from JMU professor
With help from JMU Political Science professor Amanda Teye, Page County will launch of a new adult drug treatment court this spring.
Duke Hall exhibit to feature work of indigenous, contemporary artist
The work of multidisciplinary artist Skeena Reece will be on display at the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art at James Madison University.
Proceeding in a Dynamic Situation
We must proceed into the spring semester with vigilance and caution because there have been significant increases in the viral spread.
MLK Jr. event features expert on indigenizing climate justice
Dr. Michelle Montgomery from the University of Washington Tacoma will be the keynote speaker to kickoff MLK, Jr. Celebration Week.
Big grant funds investigation of life’s earliest stages
Undergraduate students will use genetics, molecular biology, mathematical modeling and artificial neural networks to model protein-DNA interactions.
Statement about violence at the Capitol
James Madison University joins institutions and individuals across the country in condemning the violence in our nation’s capital this week.
COVID-19 Entry Testing Details
Upon return to campus, students will be expected to come to the Convocation Center prior to moving into their residence halls.
Important dates for spring semester 2021
I want to express my appreciation to our students for their resiliency, adaptability and commitment through a challenging fall semester.
Spring Semester 2021 Update
As we approach the end of 2020 and look forward to brighter days ahead in 2021, we want to share some important updates for the spring semester.
Peace and Joy from JMU
As we complete this extraordinary semester and year, I want to thank our entire JMU community for your fortitude, compassion, creativity and resilience.
JMU professors receive national honor for community work
The national award recognizes faculty who exemplify excellence in connecting teaching, research and service to community engagement.
Terry McAuliffe kicks off virtual candidate forums
Democrat Terry McAuliffe, a 2021 candidate for governor, will be the guest at a virtual town hall 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17.
Student Affairs COVID-19 updates
As we come to the end of the fall semester, here are updates about the Governor’s recent Executive Order and some changes for the spring semester.
JMU's Almarode earns state's highest faculty award
John Almarode, executive director of teaching and learning, is among 12 recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Faculty Award.
Graduation is a bittersweet time, soon-to-be alums say
Having to finish her undergraduate career during a pandemic is leaving Elizabeth Owens feeling a little different about graduation.
Executive Order 72 guidelines for faculty and staff
Yesterday, Thursday, December 10, Governor Ralph Northam announced new, targeted measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Start 2021 with positive attitude, JMU researchers say
JMU psychology professors Ben Blankenship and Jaime Kurtz say there are a number of strategies to help make 2021 a positive year.
Program addresses sex ed for youth with disabilities
With a $2.87 million grant, the SexEdVA Program, part of IIHHS, will coordinate a network to address sex ed shortcomings for youth with disabilities.
Giving Thanks
As we prepare to enter the season of giving thanks, I want to convey my gratitude to the JMU community for coming together.
Important changes to Virginia COVID-19 regulations
As COVID-19 surges in many states across the country, Gov. Ralph Northam announced new actions to mitigate the spread.
'The Future of Bipartisanship'
Del. Kirk Cox ('79) and Sen. Scott Surovell ('93) share their experiences and hopefulness.
Virtual field trips created by JMU professors gain national recognition
A pair of virtual field trips prepared by two JMU geology professors have been placed in the “Exemplary Teaching Activity collection.”
JMU Quad to host annual Veterans Day flag display Wednesday
Veterans Day commemorates and honors military service and marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
Rare minerals gift makes JMU museum a must see
The collection is well-known within the mineralogy community, but until now very few people have been granted the opportunity to view it.
Mega mineral gift
JMU has received a mineral collection valued at more than $16.8 million from the late Peter L. Via of Roanoke. The gift is the largest in JMU history.
Board of Visitors Summary of Actions and Discussions
The JMU Board of Visitors met on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at 1 p.m. The following is a summary of actions taken by the board and key areas of discussion.
JMU Board of Visitors to meet Friday, Nov. 6, 2020
The James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 at 1 p.m. in the Festival Conference and Student Center.
Madison Vision Series event to focus on bipartisanship
Two JMU alumni on opposite sides of the aisle in Richmond will lead the discussion.
JMU and the election
The importance of young voters cannot be overstated and we believe that it is not just a right, but a responsibility, to vote.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 30
The university observed 1 new positive case of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 0 self-reported cases.
“Uncomplicit” student artists join protests through visual art
James Madison University students join the voices raised in protest across the country in the latest exhibition at ArtWorks Gallery.
Stop the Spread this Halloween
Halloween activities invite spooky fun while staying safer.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 29
The university observed 1 new positive case of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 0 self-reported cases..
JMU Health Update - Oct. 28
The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 2 self-reported cases.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 27
The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 0 self-reported cases.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 26
The university observed 3 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center Friday and over the weekend, as well as 4 self-reported cases.
JMU to host voter event featuring Senate candidate
Daniel Gade, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, will discuss the pandemic, the economy, national security and other topics at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 23
The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 0 self-reported cases.
JMU announces spring 2021 operational plans
Spring semester 2021 will look different from those in the past at JMU to maintain safety and academics during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 22
If students and their families have questions and can’t readily find the answers in our FAQs, call the Stop the Spread HELPline, which is open Monday through Friday.
New JMU brain research could help understand Autism causes
The National Institutes of Health grant will enable the student-driven research team to study early neural networks.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 21
The university observed 2 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 1 self-reported case.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 20
The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 3 self-reported cases.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 19
Two weeks after returning to in-person and hybrid learning, the positivity rate and the number of active cases remain low at JMU.
Updates on Off-Campus Incident - Oct. 17
An incident and subsequent fire took place this morning at a commercial area off-campus at the Miller Circle area of S. Main Street, about a mile south of campus.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 16
The university observed 4 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 1 self-reported case.
Election fatigue is real; JMU expert offers coping mechanisms
Psychology professor Ben Blankenship discusses what triggers people’s emotions and ways they can cope during elections.
Statement on political discourse from President Alger
We can and must also model how to engage in political and civic discourse in respectful and thoughtful ways, in keeping with our educational mission.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 15
The university observed 5 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 2 self-reported cases.
JMU schedules virtual December commencement
The COVID-19 pandemic is once again necessitating a virtual commencement ceremony for the James Madison University Class of 2020.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 14
The university observed 2 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 4 self-reported cases.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 13
The university observed 4 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 1 self-reported employee case.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 12
The University Health Center began weekend hours this past Saturday and Sunday and will continue doing so.
New Duke Hall Gallery exhibit explores textile traditions
The Southeast Fibers Educators Association will present their works in a new online exhibition called In Flux at the Duke Hall Gallery.
We persevere together
President Alger calls for a spirit of unity and fortitude.
JMU poet is finalist for Library of Virginia Literary Award
Lauren Alleyne is one of three finalists in the poetry category for the Library of Virginia’s 23rd Annual Literary Awards.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 9
The university observed 4 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday as well as 3 self-reported cases.
Voter events feature former governor, city council candidates
Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe will represent the Joe Biden presidential campaign and discuss the pandemic, the economy.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 8
The university observed 5 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday as well as 0 self-reported cases.
JMU physics major has big plans researching tiny particles
Physics major Elizabeth Moore has started working on a research project supported by the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 7
The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday as well as 0 self-reported cases.
JMU Health Update - Oct. 6
It took a while for senior Allison Wilkin to find her place at JMU. Now the sport and recreation management major is volunteering to be a sounding board.
COVID-19 Update - Oct. 5
The university observed 8 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center over the weekend as well as 0 self-reported cases.
COVID-19 Update - Oct. 2
The university observed 1 new positive case of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday as well as 2 self-reported cases.
COVID-19 Update - Oct. 1
The university observed 5 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday as well as 2 self-reported cases.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 30
The university observed 3 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday as well as 3 self-reported cases.
WSJ ranks JMU highly in outcomes, engagement
JMU ranks #109 in outcomes and #111 in engagement in the 2021 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings of 797 schools.
JMU supports local fire departments by ‘Lighting the Night’
For the second year, JMU is partnering with the HFD and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to “Light the Night.”
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 29
The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center Monday as well as 1 self-reported case.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 28
Over the weekend, the university observed 10 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center as well as 7 self-reported cases.
Return to in-person learning
With all of these enhancements, we must emphasize how critically important it will be for everyone to follow public health guidance.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 25
Yesterday, the university observed 2 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center as well as 8 self-reported cases.
MVS event focuses on free-speech protections on college campuses
ACLU lawyer Emerson Sykes will discuss the First Amendment on college campuses, focusing on the differences between public and private campuses.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 24
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the university observed 3 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center, 10 self-reported cases.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 23
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center as well as 2 self-reported cases, with 43 becoming considered “recovered.”
JMU welcomes new associate vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion
After an extensive search, JMU welcomes Brent Lewis as the inaugural associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 22
On Monday, Sept. 21, the university observed 2 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center as well as 10 self-reported cases, with 22 becoming considered “recovered.”
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 21
The university observed 10 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Friday, Sept. 18, 7 on Saturday, Sept. 19, and 3 on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Virginia research libraries to host virtual forum in advance of Elsevier negotiations
JMU will join other state research libraries in discussing the unsustainable cost of accessing Elsevier’s academic journals and options to make research more accessible.
September 2020 Board of Visitors Summary of Action and Discussions
The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, in the Festival Conference and Student Center.
JMU’s Plans to Return to In-Person Learning on Oct. 5
The Board of Visitors hears plans for a safe return at Sept. 18 meeting.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 18
The university observed 6 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Sept. 17, as well as 10 self-reported positive cases, with 50 cases becoming considered “recovered,” meaning they are no longer infectious.
JMU Board of Visitors to meet Friday, Sept. 18, 2020
The James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, at 1 p.m. in the Festival Conference and Student Center.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 17
The university observed 5 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Sept. 16, as well as 11 self-reported positive cases, with 28 cases becoming considered “recovered,” meaning they are no longer infectious.
JMU art professor and diversity leader awarded first Beck Faculty Fellowship
Susan Zurbrigg, a professor of art and unit head for painting and drawing has been selected as the first Beck Faculty Fellowship recipient.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 16
The university observed 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Sept. 15, with 61 cases becoming considered “recovered,” meaning they are no longer infectious.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 15
The university observed 13 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Sept. 14, with 55 cases becoming considered “recovered,” meaning they are no longer infectious.
JMU researchers zero in on solution for managing invasive tegu lizards
The research shows for the first time that female tegus follow male scent trails during mating season.
Change in university deadline
JMU is extending the deadline for receiving a full refund upon withdrawing from the university from Sept. 15 to midnight on Sept. 26.
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 14
Over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the university observed 54 new positive cases of COVID-19, with 285 cases becoming considered “recovered.”
COVID-19 Update - Sept. 11
Yesterday, the university observed 38 new positive cases of COVID-19, with 37 cases becoming considered “recovered,” meaning they are no longer infectious.
Isolation Inspires Creativity in JMU Student Artists
ArtWorks Gallery will open a new exhibition called “Inspired in Isolation,” featuring works created by select students of all years during quarantine.
JMU COVID-19 update
A regular Stop the Spread e-newsletter to keep the JMU Family informed about new developments aimed at keeping us safe
Answers to questions related to temporary transition to online classes
We began this year with a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online classes. We weighed many factors when deciding to offer in-person instruction.
City, county, university leadership working together to Stop the Spread
As COVID-19 cases rise locally, community leaders are strengthening their partnerships and continuing to work together to combat the spread.
A temporary transition to online learning
Protecting the health of our Harrisonburg and Rockingham County community—including students, faculty, staff—is our top priority.
JMU women powering up
Beth McConnell Bliss (’84) encourages all JMU women to give this week. “We can do this. We should do this.”
JMU Supply Chain Club sends medical supplies to Africa
The JMU Supply Chain Club team will load the second of two 40-foot containers with medical supplies destined for Africa on Tuesday, August 25.
Strong hemp growth boosts JMU-led research consortium
A crop of Canadian hemp is flourishing on a farm east of Harrisonburg where a James Madison University professor continues his research.
Institute for Online Learning: Fall 2020
The JMU Libraries have been preparing professors to teach online for about 20 years, but this year is radically different. Faculty requests for assistance inspired the new Online Learning Institute.
COVID-19 in Perspective: Course covers the disease, and much more
Students enrolled in a special course are learning about COVID-19 from experts in chemistry; health; history; philosophy; and writing, rhetoric & technical communication.
JMU student organization hosts first “We Hart Racial Equality Virtual 5K”
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward endowing a scholarship for underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students.
Fall 2020: The Way Forward
The hallmark of the JMU educational experience is the interaction between our students and faculty in classrooms, studios and labs, and we are excited to welcome students back to campus under the following procedures.
JMU Board of Visitors approves renaming three buildings named for Confederate leaders
The James Madison University Board of Visitors today unanimously approved the removal of the names of three buildings on JMU’s historic Quad that honor Confederate leaders.
JMU Further Postpones On-Campus Commencement Ceremony for Class of 2020
In compliance with Executive Order #67 prohibiting in-person public gatherings of more than 250 people, the university has decided to further postpone these on-campus ceremonies.
JMU honors Juneteenth as a state holiday
James Madison University will join other state agencies to honor the newly declared Juneteenth holiday.
An Update on Racial Equity Actions and Campus Building Names
Members of the JMU community have participated in discussions and actions near and far, insisting that change is needed and reminding us of the hard work ahead.
‘March for Our Lives’ on JMU’s campus highlights racial injustices
A student-led march on JMU’s campus highlighted racial injustices and honored the black lives lost because of systemic racism and police brutality.
Fall 2020 semester update
I’d like to share with you the changes that Academic Affairs, in collaboration with our campus partners, has made to the fall 2020 class schedule.
Fall 2020 Update
As the Commonwealth of Virginia begins to reopen, it’s important that we update you on the specific contingency plans to support the reopening of the campus.
Virtual Town Halls on racial injustice set for the JMU community
Town Halls for the JMU community are scheduled on June 3, 4 and 11 to better understand and address racial injustice and inequities.
Prestigious scholars program pumps life into heart research
A JMU sophomore is looking forward to researching a deadly heart disease after being named the university’s inaugural Beckman Scholar.
For the perfect steak, JMU researchers show mathematics doesn’t miss
To get a perfectly cooked steak every time, put it in an oven at 437 degrees, first making sure the temperature at the center of the steak is 44.6 degrees.
Engineering capstone helps Charlottesville vineyard improve crop health
Keeping track of 40,000 grape vines from the ground has its challenges, especially when it comes to determining places that need a little more irrigation than others.
OT to go: Clinic gets creative to continue services to children
Unable to hold face-to-face sessions with clients, a JMU-based occupational therapy program for children has found another way to continue its services.
JMU Chemistry lends a hand – sanitizer, that is
With its labs shut down for the foreseeable future, the JMU Chemistry Department has found a way to aid medical workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Northam Issues a Call for Medical and Non-Medical Volunteers to Meet COVID-19 Health Care Demand
Gov. Ralph Northam today announced a statewide effort in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health’s Virginia Medical Reserve Corps to recruit medical and non-medical volunteers.
Federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave Notification Memo
There have been a number of important paid leave enhancements, both from a state and federal level, to help lessen the financial burden on employees.
JMU School of Nursing well prepared for switch to virtual simulation
When the COVID pandemic forced classes online, the JMU School of Nursing was well prepared to provide simulated clinical experiences.
Stand up and be counted
The 2020 Census is underway. Here's what you need to know.
A lot to be proud of this week
Throughout this period of sacrifice and uncertainty, I have witnessed incredible acts of selflessness, ingenuity, and creativity.
March 19 Faculty and Staff Update
The purpose of this email is to provide important information that will assist you as we navigate the COVID-19 health crisis together.
March 15 Update to Employees
Effective immediately, JMU employees are encouraged to work remotely if you are able to fulfill your job duties without being physically present on campus.
Important Updates to Spring Semester
While there are no COVID-19 cases in the JMU community at this time, it has become necessary for the university to take further steps
Class aids local immigrants on their quest to citizenship
Michelle Cude, professor of social studies education, designed a class to meet the needs of future teachers and local immigrants seeking citizenship.
Coronavirus updates for Academic Affairs (3/10)
The following communications was sent from JMU's Provost, Dr. Heather Coltman to Academic Affairs faculty and staff.
JMU among Peace Corps’ 2020 top volunteer-producing schools
Peace Corps announced today that James Madison University ranked No. 25 among large size schools on the agency’s list of top volunteer-producing colleges and universities in 2020.
Cutting through the noise about over-the-counter hearing aids
James Madison University researcher Ayasakanta Rout says the guidelines, when approved, will make hearing aids much more accessible.
JMU selected for 2020 community engagement classification
JMU has been selected to receive the 2020 Community Engagement Classification by The Carnegie Foundation.
JMU tops national list for most Fulbright students
JMU has 15 students studying abroad on Fulbright scholarships this school year, the most of any master’s level university in the country.
#Oscarssowhite, How digital spaces are reimagining advocacy
Morgan Smalls, SMAD professor, uses popular culture as an entryway to have larger conversations in the classroom about race, class, gender and power.
‘Bunch of squiggles’ put JMU student in thick of historic discovery
Harvey said her contribution to the research was "a little bit surreal, honestly. I didn't think this was going to happen."
JMU hosts events to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Students, faculty and staff will serve the community, volunteer, and have broad discussions to celebrate the life and contributions of Dr. King.

James Madison University

Wilson Hall
951 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

webmaster@jmu.edu
(540) 568-6211

JMU Headlines