JMU Headlines

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.

Board of Visitors Summary of Actions and Discussions

The James Madison University Board of Visitors met by electronic communications on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 1 p.m.

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 Board of Visitors to meet virtually Tuesday, July 7, 2020

The JMU Board of Visitors will hold a meeting by electronic communications on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 1 p.m.

Bees, butterflies and things that sprout can teach valuable lessons at home

Among the lessons gardens teach, Goodall said, are plant life cycles and the benefits of pollinators like bees and butterflies.

JMU places first at national collegiate wind energy competition

A virtual format for a national wind energy competition didn’t stop James Madison University students from excelling once again.

Update on Building Names

President Alger will bring to the Board of Visitors a strong recommendation to remove the names of Confederate military leaders from three campus buildings.

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.

JMU to welcome largest freshman class

Class of 2024 chosen from a record number of applicants.

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.

JMU neuroscientist receives $1 million for autism research

George Vidal, an assistant professor of biology, has received $1 million from the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to research an autism risk gene.

Professor has advice for navigating summer vacation during pandemic

For people down about having to scrap or alter summer vacation plans, professor Jaime Kurtz has some advice that could help soothe the blues.

Governor appoints two new members to university governing board

Christopher Falcon, a lawyer from Northern Virginia, and John Lynch, a lawyer from Norfolk, have been appointed by Gov. Ralph Northam to the JMU Board of Visitors.

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.

Gus Bus to motor through summer with online reading program

The Gus Bus will continue promoting reading online this summer by offering programming Monday through Thursday from mid-June through July.

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.

Return to office guidance

This correspondence is to provide you with important guidance as the Commonwealth of Virginia begins to reopen and as JMU prepares for Fall 2020.

Building a better tomorrow together

I write today with a heavy heart, deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent incidents of hatred and senseless acts of violence.

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.

JMU biology professor joins search for COVID-19 cure

A James Madison University biology professor is doing his part to find a cure for the COVID-19 virus.

JMU community celebrates Class of 2020 on social media

Check out a roundup of UGC posts, using #JMU20, for the JMU Class of 2020.

JMU freezes tuition for all students; No increase for 2020-21 academic year

James Madison University’s Board of Visitors voted today to freeze tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate and graduate students.

Board of Visitors Summary of Actions and Discussions

The James Madison University Board of Visitors met by electronic communications on Friday, May 15, 2020, at 1 p.m.

University response to new Title IX regulations

On May 6, 2020, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education issued regulations related to Title IX

JMU Board of Visitors to meet virtually Friday, May 15, 2020

The JMU Board of Visitors will hold a meeting by electronic communications on Friday, May 15, 2020, at 1 p.m.

Update on CARES Act financial aid

CARES Act money will help students who incurred “expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

Meet the valedictorian: Elizabeth Elia

Class of 2020 valedictorian Elizabeth Elia reflects on her time at JMU.

JMU organizes caravan to honor Class of 2020

A small caravan of four to six vehicles emblazoned with JMU colors and logos will wind through parts of Harrisonburg Thursday afternoon in a salute to the Class of 2020.

Input sought on restoring operations

I write today to ask for your input as we navigate the process of planning when and how to restore university operations.

JMU to graduate nearly 150 new nurses during National Nurses Week

As nursing organizations recognize National Nurses Week, James Madison University will graduate 142 students from the School of Nursing on Friday.

Madison. For Keeps?

One family’s story shows how the pandemic threatens the academic opportunities of JMU students

We need to help Dukes stay Dukes

In the face of COVID-19, devoted JMU donors will match donations to Madison for Keeps, JMU’s emergency scholarship fund.

Watch replay: Spring 2020 Virtual Conferring of Degrees

The Class of 2020 will officially become graduates of James Madison University on May 8.

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.

A look toward the future

As this unprecedented academic year begins to draw to a close, it is only natural that we begin to collectively question—now more than ever—what’s next.

Board of Visitors Summary of Actions and Discussions

The JMU Board of Visitors met by electronic communication means on April 24 to discuss the university’s COVID-19 response.

JMU governing board to meet April 24

The James Madison University Board of Visitors will meet by electronic communication means on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 1 p.m.

Pandemic punctuates importance of environment on 50th Earth Day

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, several JMU faculty members say the world’s experience with COVID-19 emphasizes the importance of environmental awareness.

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.

Update on university response to COVID-19

Since you heard from me a week ago, there have been a number of developments in the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic that I would like to share with you.

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.

Summer orientation information for incoming students

We are excited to welcome you to JMU and we are eager to help you transition to your life as a Duke. 

Update on university financial situation

We want to share a brief update on the university’s financial situation in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Spring 2020 Commencement Update

If it is safe to do so, commencement ceremonies will happen on campus August 7 – 8.

JMU Libraries Bolsters Community Effort to Produce Personal Protective Equipment for Local Needs

Inside JMU Libraries, dozens of 3D printers are running nearly around the clock, producing face shields for local hospitals.

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.

An update from President Alger

I want to share some updates with all of you as we continue to work through the pandemic together.

JMU chaplain discusses Easter celebrations, despite COVID-19

Sunday is one of the most widely celebrated religious holidays among the Christian faith and this year will be one of the few times congregations will watch virtually.

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.

Update on summer online class fees, fall registration dates

Important updates regarding a reduction in fees for online classes for the Summer 2020 semester and adjustments to registration dates for the Fall 2020 semester.

Faculty experts can address COVID-19 topics

The faculty listed here can speak to news media on various subjects related to COVID-19.

Update on refunds

As so many of you have transitioned home, and away from campus, we are writing with important news on dining, on-campus housing and parking refunds.

Stand up and be counted

The 2020 Census is underway. Here's what you need to know.

JMU Gus Bus goes virtual to promote reading to Harrisonburg children

The coronavirus isn’t stopping the Gus Bus from promoting reading to Harrisonburg schoolchildren in grades K-5.

Update on grading, final exams and withdrawing from courses

Academic Affairs offers important information related to grading, final exams, and withdrawing from courses.

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.

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.

JMU rolls out new approach to matching students with jobs

JMU with support from Growth4VA, announced its new approach to matching students with job and internship opportunities through a unique partnership with Handshake.

The science behind how students learn

John Almarode, professor of education, studies what science says about how the brain absorbs information.

7,008 flags to be displayed for fallen veterans

JMU will honor veterans of the armed forces with an extensive flag display on the Quad on Monday, Nov. 11.

JMU among 13 to win CAEP honor in education

JMU’s College of Education is among 13 providers to receive recognition for its leadership and commitment to continuous improvement of preparing educators.