Nov 12, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Services and Learning Resources



Academic Affairs Mission Statement

Phone: (540) 568-6616
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/acadaffairs

The Division of Academic Affairs is a community of scholars engaging students in the collaborative construction and application of knowledge through intellectual pursuits in teaching, learning, research, inquiry, creative activity and service.

Administration and Finance Mission Statement

Phone: (540) 568-6434
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/adminfinance

The Division of Administration and Finance is committed to the preparation of students to be educated and enlightened citizens who will lead productive and meaningful lives. The division supports the university’s commitment to excellence by empowering our staff to communicate effectively with the university community and provide proactive approaches to satisfy customer expectations.

Student Affairs Mission Statement

Phone: (540) 568-3685
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/studentaffairs

We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Business Services

Bookstore

Location: 211 Bluestone Drive, MSC 2902
Phone: (540) 568-6121
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/bookstore

The JMU Bookstore stocks all textbooks used by the academic units, as well as a large selection of general and technical books. The store also sells school supplies, office computer supplies, Apple and Dell computers, software, clothing, gifts, magazines and greeting cards. For students’ convenience, the bookstore provides services including special orders for books, textbook buy back, gift cards, bus tickets and computer services.

Card Services

Location: Student Success Center, MSC 3532
Phone: (540) 568-6446
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/cardctr

Card Services issues the JMU access card (JACard), the official identification card for all members of the university community. The JACard allows access to various campus facilities such as  residence halls, and many other services. Card Services also has set up a Mobile ID app available on Apple and Android devices that allows access to many of the same services on campus. This app is a supplement to the JACard.

Services include meal plan access, dining dollar and FLEX declining balance accounts, administered by Card Services. FLEX accounts are honored for purchases or services in the bookstore, print services, copy machines, computer labs, library fees, convenience stores, parking, mail services, UREC, UPB movies, University Health Center, Forbes Center and all dining facilities, including on-campus vending machines, as well as many off-campus merchant locations.

Dining Services

Location: West Campus Dining Hall
Phone: (540) 568-6751
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/dining

We know that dining is an integral part of campus life and see each day as an opportunity to serve delicious food, host great events and provide an overall memorable dining experience. Convinced that nutritious food is essential to a healthy lifestyle and strong academics, we build our menus with health in mind and make eating a well-balanced meal an easy choice.

Meal Plans

Students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan. Each meal plan contains a set amount of punches to allow entry into all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and Dining Dollars to purchase food à la carte at retail dining locations. Dining Dollars GOLD can also be added for additional spending. Cash and credit card sales are welcome at all dining locations. Personal eating habits, class schedule and leisure activities should all be considered when choosing a meal plan.

Special Diets

We pride ourselves on providing the information and knowledge necessary for students with food allergies, celiac disease and other medically-prescribed diets to make informed food choices in our dining locations. We ensure all dining employees undergo a certified allergy training during on-boarding. To learn more about our special diets program, reach out to our registered dietitian at (540) 568-5731.

Parking Services

Location: Champions Drive Parking Deck, 280 Champions Drive, MSC 1301
Phone: (540) 568-3300
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/parking

Parking Services offers annual, semester and daily parking permits to eligible members of the university community. Permits are available to campus visitors, free of charge, upon presentation of a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration. The department also maintains parking meters throughout the campus that are intended to provide convenient, short-term parking to faculty, staff, students and visitors. Any vehicle parked on university-owned or leased property is required to display a valid JMU parking permit. Hard copies of the Parking Handbook are available free of charge upon request at Parking Services.

Print Services

Location: Medical Arts, Suite 31, MSC 5722
Phone: (540) 568-7300
Location: Engineering/Geosciences (EnGeo; formerly HHS), Room 1002, MSC 4311
Phone: (540) 568-8731
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/printservices

Print Services is owned and operated by the university as a service to the campus community. Two locations provide a full range of photocopying and digital printing services. Services include academic coursepack production, copyright permissions, full color, black/white digital printing, binding and laminating as well as wide format posters/printing. Both locations offer computer labs for working on projects with access to the production machines to complete projects.

Career and Academic Planning

Location: Student Success Center, MSC 1016
Advising: Room 3210
Interviewing: Room 3250
Phone: (540) 568-6555

Employer Services
Phone: (540) 568-7379
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/cap

Career and Academic Planning coordinates academic advising for all first year students, advises undeclared students, assists all students in choosing or changing their major and deciding on a career direction and supports the career readiness of all students through a variety of job search programs, graduate school application services and opportunities for students to connect with employers for jobs and internships.

First Year Academic Advising

Academic advising is vital to student success. Advisers assist students in shaping their educational experience to meet specific intellectual, personal and career goals. Advisers do not decide the student’s goals or educational program but help them learn how to develop appropriate goals, make good choices that enhance learning and personal growth and succeed both in and out of the classroom.

During summer orientation, all new students are assigned to faculty or professional advisers who discuss with them the university’s various programs of study, academic policies and procedures, incoming credit (AP, DE) and class enrollment procedures. The advisers continue to work with first year students until midway through the spring semester, at which time those first year students who have declared a major are assigned to advisers within their academic unit. Students who are undeclared are assigned to a professional adviser in Career and Academic Planning. Students must declare their major by the beginning of their sophomore year. Refer to Academic Policies and Procedures for information on declaring a major.

JMU students are responsible for the short and long term educational choices they make; however, they can make these choices in a supportive environment. Effective academic advising is a relationship between the student and their adviser. Students must be aware of their own interests, values and goals, be knowledgeable about relevant policies and requirements and be willing to take initiative to seek assistance when it is needed. Advisers should respond to the student as an individual, be aware of their progress, and help them make connections between academic choices and career possibilities.

Career Advising and Decision Making

Career and Academic Planning helps students understand the process of deciding on an appropriate major and relating that decision to possible career paths.

Students can meet with professionals and attend various programs to enhance their knowledge of majors, explore career fields, learn career decision-making strategies, discover more about their own interests and strengths and launch an effective internship, job or graduate school search.

Career and Academic Planning Course

UNST 102. Career and Academic Planning  is a course for first year students who want to explore the relationship between academic majors and career fields, identify their major and career interests and learn effective decision-making strategies for choosing a major and career.

Career Resources and Online Tools

The Career and Academic Planning website offers several free online tools to help students explore majors and career options, research employers and industries, and develop interview skills. Students are able to connect directly with internships, jobs, graduate schools and programs and services offered by Career and Academic Planning. These online tools include the Career Guide to JMU Majors, FOCUS, Vault, InterviewStream and Handshake.

Graduate School Information

JMU offers a graduate and professional school fair open to all majors every fall semester. Information on the process of applying to graduate or professional school is available on Career and Academic Planning’s website. Students can also make an appointment with a career adviser for individual assistance.

Internship and Job Search Services

Connecting with Employers

Companies and organizations representing a wide variety of industries including, business, government, non-profit and educational employers come to JMU throughout the year to conduct job interviews with graduating seniors and internship interviews for all class levels. The Career and Academic Planning website provides information about the on-campus interview program and participating employers, as well as the wide range of opportunities available to students. Students are able to create a profile on Handshake, an online platform that connects students to on-campus interviews and thousands of positions. Students can also connect with employers and receive feedback on their interviewing skills at InterviewPREP, a one-day interview practice event hosted in the Career and Academic Planning interview center.

Resume Development

CAP offers many resources to assist students with writing resumes. Students can access resume writing resources via the CAP website  and participate in resume writing workshops and other programs throughout the year. Students can also meet with career advisers for individual assistance by making an appointment or attending drop-in resume reviews.

Career Fairs

Several career fair events are sponsored each year by CAP to provide students with the opportunity to interact with employers and obtain job, internship and employment-related information.

Job Search

Job search related workshops and programs are offered throughout the academic year covering topics such as targeted job search strategies, interviewing, networking and use of social media in the search process. Students may also meet individually with a career adviser to tailor their job search. To prepare for interviews, students can use InterviewStream, a web-based interviewing practice application that is available at any time. InterviewStream allows students to record a practice interview related to their major or career choice, review the videos themselves and share it with others for feedback. Job postings for all majors can be found on Handshake, a web-based job search system. Students can use the Vault online industry guides to research specific career fields, obtain job search tips and find additional job listings.

Internships

Handshake and the Career and Academic Planning website offer resources on how to find and apply for internships that span a broad range of career fields. Students can also attend a workshop or meet with a career adviser to tailor their internship search. Vault is an online resource with extensive internship listings. Students are encouraged to speak with their respective academic departments for additional information on internships. If academic credit is desired, arrangements must be made in advance with the student’s academic department.

Center for Global Engagement

Location: 100 East Grace Street, MSC 5731
Phone: (540) 568-5209
Fax: (540) 568-3310
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/global

Semester Abroad Programs

Recognizing its responsibility to provide international experiences to JMU students, the university sponsors semesters abroad in Antwerp, Florence, London, Salamanca and Scotland. JMU students experience life in a different culture and gain direct access to the historical, artistic and sociopolitical traditions of the environment while pursuing an approved course of study toward their bachelor’s degree.

The programs are open to all students in good academic standing. Applicants should have at least a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester in Antwerp

Offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters, the Semester in Antwerp program is an experience-based program, blending classroom theory with field trips to actual European businesses and sites of historic and cultural interest. While in Belgium, students attend classes onsite at the University of Antwerp with business faculty who specialize in European Integration and the effects of economic and monetary union. This program is open only to business majors who have been accepted into COB 300. No foreign language is needed to participate in this program.

Semester in Florence

The program curriculum for the Semester in Florence program highlights the Renaissance tradition of the city through art, literature and culture-related courses, as well as focusing on 20th- and 21st-century Italy and Europe through politics and history. Previous background in Italian is not required; however, students must take at least 3 credit hours of Italian while in Florence. Offered all 3 semesters, fall, spring and summer, this program gives students the opportunity to complete 6 credits toward the General Education  requirement for arts and humanities. Interested students can also earn substantial credit toward a minor in Modern European Studies.

Semester in London

During the Semester in London, students study both classic and modern literature and then examine those great works in context, exploring how history influenced the present in Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. Internships are also available as part of the program. With more than 200 possible intern sites in London, positions are widely varied and open to all majors. This unique opportunity allows students to build essential life and career skills while experiencing the British lifestyle first-hand. This program is offered during the fall, spring and summer. Interested students can also earn substantial credit toward a minor in British Communication and Media .

Semester in Salamanca

Offered fall, spring and summer, the Semester in Salamanca program gives students the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Spain, as their exposure to theaters, concerts, cinemas and other performing arts groups will unveil a new aspect of learning. All courses are taught in Spanish; thus, all applicants must have completed the intermediate level of Spanish (SPAN 232 ) prior to departure. Upon arrival in Salamanca, students enroll in a 3-credit intensive language class at the level appropriate to their needs during their first month abroad. This requirement permits time for students to adapt to Spanish language and culture before entering regular semester courses.

College of Education  students also have the option of a semester program specifically for them, taking place every spring semester. Offering four required courses and a practicum in local schools, the program integrates the study of educational foundations, student diversity and pedagogical instruction with the exploration of Spanish history and culture.

Semester in Scotland

Students spend four weeks in Edinburgh and four weeks in St. Andrews as part of the Semester in Scotland program. This study abroad opportunity is open to all majors. Classes are taught by JMU professors and faculty members from the University of Edinburgh and University of St. Andrews, two of the best and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Participating students take 13 credits in General Education  courses. Course offerings vary each summer but will always cover courses in Clusters Two, Three, Four and Five of JMU’s General Education  curriculum.

Summer Abroad Programs

During the summer, many international courses and travel study classes (80-90 programs) are offered. Specific course offerings vary from year to year. A typical summer schedule might include classes in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, China, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malta, Mexico, Montreal, Morocco, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Scotland, South Africa and Spain.

Program Cost

The programs’ costs differ, but all programs include tuition, housing, a basic food allowance, course-related travel, including extended weekend trips, instructional events, such as theater, concerts, historical tours, guest lectures and some social activities.

All programs exclude the costs of students’ travel to and from the program site. Loans and scholarships may be applied, and semester abroad scholarships and assistantships are available. Students live in a central, convenient part of each city and have ready access to the faculty member in residence or the on-site director if any health problems or emergencies arise. Students enrolled in JMU-sponsored study abroad programs will be covered by a medical insurance policy for the period of time that they are participating in the JMU program.

Interested students can get information about study abroad programs from the Center for Global Engagement.

International Exchange Programs

The university is committed to increasing the opportunities for students’ global awareness. Numerous exchange programs with schools and universities abroad are available. JMU’s exchange programs are based at prestigious universities around the world, such as Flinders University in Australia; University of Leicester in England; Hiroshima University, Nanzan University and Ritsumeikan University in Japan; Yonsei University in South Korea; the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain; University of Versailles in France; and Malmo University in Sweden. Language requirements and curricula vary.

Exchanges are available to all majors and minors. Students should consult the Center for Global Engagement for application deadlines and further information.

Study at Oxford, Cambridge or St. Andrews

The university also offers the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or a full academic year at three of Great Britain’s oldest and most respected universities: the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in England and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Participants will take part in tutorials across a wide range of topics and live with and share all of the benefits of regular university students. Study at Oxford, Cambridge or St. Andrews is open to all JMU students possessing a 3.3 grade-point average; students do not need to be honors students to participate in this program.

External Abroad Programs

Students may apply to participate in other approved study abroad programs. The university will accept credits earned abroad at approved institutions in accordance with its policy of accepting transfer credits. Approval of proposed study programs must be obtained from the Center for Global Engagement and the head of the academic unit in which the transfer credit will be awarded.

Center for Multicultural Student Services

Location: Madison Union, Room 207, MSC 3504
Phone: (540) 568-6636
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/multicultural

The Center for Multicultural Student Services celebrates the diversity of JMU students by fostering student growth and development, heightening awareness and educating its constituents regarding ethnic and cultural diversity.

The purpose of CMSS is:

  • To assist the university in its goal of recruiting and retaining a diverse student population through a variety of programs and services designed to assist students in achieving their academic and career aspirations.
  • To encourage the development of a climate in which the accomplishments of multicultural students are appreciated.
  • To create an environment through which multicultural students can continue to share in and contribute to the mainstream of campus life.

The office works diligently to provide the following services:

  • Cultural Programming and Awareness
  • Leadership Development
  • Recruitment and Retention
  • Student Support

Community Service-Learning

Location: Student Success Center, 2nd Floor Room 2100, MSC 1011
Phone: (540) 568-6366
Website: https://www.jmu.edu/csl

Community Service-Learning (CSL) cultivates positive social change through mutually beneficial service partnerships, critical reflection and the development of engaged citizens. CSL facilitates intentionally designed short-term immersive and longer term service experiences that engage students in preparing, reflecting and learning through meaningful service to the community. Students, faculty, staff and community agencies partner to help achieve community-identified goals and prepare students for lifelong engaged citizenship and purposeful community involvement. Students can serve in over 80 community agencies by enrolling in a service-learning course or by coming to the CSL office.

Students eligible for Federal Work Study can earn their financial aid by tutoring in local elementary schools to improve reading comprehension or by working in local nonprofit organizations to address a variety of community needs.

In addition to local service opportunities, Alternative Break Programs are student developed and led experiences that serve communities in the United States and abroad. Breaks are offered during winter, spring and May breaks. Weekend Breaks are also offered each semester to work with communities within four hours of JMU. Breaks fill up quickly, so check the CSL website regularly for registration information.

Counseling Center

Location: Student Success Center, Room 3100, MSC 0801
Phone: (540) 568-6552
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/counselingctr

The Counseling Center provides free, confidential personal counseling services to all full-time JMU students. Initial visits do not require an appointment, as the Counseling Center has walk-in hours Monday – Friday, 10AM – 3PM.  After-hours crisis services may be accessed by contacting the Office of Public Safety (568-6911).

Counseling at the Counseling Center frequently involves issues such as relationship problems, self-esteem, depression, anxiety/stress, eating and body image concerns and difficulty adjusting to college life.

Services include:

  • Personal Counseling: Individual counseling provides students with the opportunity to freely explore any personal problems or concerns which have a negative impact on the quality of their lives. The Counseling Center operates under a short-term treatment model in which the student and counselor collaboratively identify and address the student’s primary concerns within a limited number of sessions. Students who request or require longer-term treatment are referred to community resources.
  • Specialized Treatment Programs:
    • Tackling Anxiety: This treatment program provides effective strategies and interventions to reduce anxiety, worry, nervousness and panic symptoms.
    • Tackling Society: This treatment program helps reduce social anxiety symptoms and increase confidence, assertiveness and connection.
  • Group Counseling: Each semester, students may participate in small group experiences on issues related to their needs (e.g., depression, eating disorders, anxiety, grief, etc.).
  • Sexual Trauma Empowerment Program (STEP): The Counseling Center provides crisis, individual and group counseling to students who are survivors of sexual assault. Referral services are also available to students who choose to pursue judicial charges through JMU or criminal charges through the court system.
  • Psychiatric Services: The Counseling Center has psychiatric providers who prescribe medications that may be helpful to students dealing with psychological issues. Only students who are currently engaged in ongoing treatment at the Counseling Center are eligible to receive these services. The cost of any medication and/or necessary lab work is the financial responsibility of the student. Students who are exclusively interested in psychiatric services are provided an off-campus referral.
  • Consultation: In person or over the phone, the Counseling Center provides consultation to students, faculty, staff and others who are concerned about the distressed, unusual, problematic or potentially harmful behavior of others.
  • Outreach Programming: Workshops on a wide variety of mental health topics may be requested by visiting the Counseling Center online.
  • Peer Mentor Program: This program is designed to help first year and transfer multicultural and international students make a successful transition from high school to the university.

Office of the Dean of Students

Location: Student Success Center, Room 3010, MSC 3534
Phone: (540) 568-6468
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/deanofstudents

Staff are committed to providing students with impartial and independent support regarding university policies, procedures and regulations. Specific types of assistance include:

  • Assisting students who are considering withdrawing from the university prior to the end of the semester.
  • Facilitating communications and connections with university personnel and departments.
  • Notifying faculty of extended class absences when a student is incapacitated or has experienced extraordinary circumstances over the course of several days. Such notifications are sent as a convenience for the student, but do not excuse the student’s absence. It is the responsibility of the student to contact each professor upon their return regarding the professor’s policy for missed classes, assignments, etc.
  • Referring students to resources to increase the likelihood of their success.
  • Supporting and advising students and families in crisis and/or challenging situations.
  • Consulting with faculty, staff and students regarding distressed and disruptive students to include referrals to appropriate resources.

Office of Disability Services

Location: Student Success Center, Suite 1202
Phone: (540) 568-6705
Fax: (540) 568-7099
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/ods

Disability Services collaborates with the JMU community by providing programs and services that support the university in creating inclusive, equitable environments that value disability, diversity and accessibility. Services include:

  • Equal access to university programs and services
  • Provision and coordination of reasonable accommodations
  • Disability-related support services
  • Liaison to faculty, staff and students on disability related issues

Disability services is comprised of the following areas:

Accessible Media & Technology

Email: alt-media@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/ods/accommodations/accessible-media

Accessible Media and Technology provides course materials in alternative formats for students with qualifying disabilities, manages the accessible technology labs and supports university faculty and staff with designing accessible course materials. Services include:

  • Textbooks and articles in alternative formats such as audio, large print, accessible PDFs and Braille
  • Captioning for videos and recorded audio
  • Educational programs on creating accessible course materials

Accessible Technology Computer Labs with specialized software and furniture are located in Carrier Library (Room 119), Rose Library (Room 1204) and the Student Success Center (Suite 1202).

Learning Strategies Instruction

Email: lsi@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/lsi

Learning Strategies Instruction (LSI) is the direct-instruction of curriculum-based strategies designed to improve the actual process of learning. Available to any student, LSI promotes learning efficiency in current courses and is available in such areas as:

  • Memory
  • Note-taking
  • Reading comprehension
  • Studying
  • Test-taking
  • Time management

Screening & Referral Service

Website: http://www.jmu.edu/ods/accommodations/screening-and-referral.shtml

This office provides a two hour clinical interview exploring a broad range of historical, academic, study habits/skills, academic frustrations and emotional components. A screening does not yield a diagnosis; rather, it assists in the decision making process for recommending the next step in the process.

Housing Accommodation Committee

Email: specialhousingrequest@jmu.edu
Website: https://www.jmu.edu/ods/_files/housing-accommodation.pdf

Deadlines for housing accommodation requests are concurrent with deadlines for the associated housing contract.

Office of Equal Opportunity

Location: 1017 Harrison St., MSC 5802
Phone: (540) 568-6991
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/oeo

The Office of Equal Opportunity administers JMU’s commitment to providing an equitable and safe environment for the entire JMU community. JMU adheres to a strict policy that prohibits discrimination of any kind in JMU’s hiring practices, admissions, academics or programs involving JMU employees or students. The Office of Equal Opportunity is a resource for all university community members to ensure the protections and rights provided in the non-discrimination policy and other university polices and/or state and federal laws.

The responsibility for overall coordination, monitoring and information dissemination about JMU’s program of equal opportunity, non-discrimination and affirmative action is assigned to the Office of Equal Opportunity. The OEO also monitors JMU’s compliance with federal and state laws.

Any university community member who believes they have been subjected to discrimination due to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status may file a complaint with the OEO. Our office investigates complaints of discrimination and harassment and provides preliminary findings.

Honorary Societies

The following honorary and professional societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies maintain active chapters on the JMU campus. These honors societies are not administered by the Honors College.

  • Beta Gamma Sigma (business)
  • Golden Key National Honor Society
  • Kappa Delta Pi (education)
  • Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics)
  • Omicron Delta Kappa (scholarship and leadership)
  • Percy H. Warren Chapter of Mortar Board Honor Society
  • Phi Alpha Theta (history)
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society
  • Phi Sigma Tau (philosophy)
  • Psi Chi (psychology)
  • Sigma Tau Delta (English)

Other honorary and professional societies at JMU include:

  • Alpha Kappa Psi (professional business society)
  • American Production and Inventory Control Society (resource management)
  • Beta Alpha Psi (accounting)
  • Beta Beta Beta (biology)
  • Data Processing Management Association (information systems)
  • Delta Sigma Pi (professional business society)
  • Epsilon Chi Omicron (international business)
  • Eta Sigma Delta (hospitality and tourism management)
  • Eta Sigma Gamma (honorary)
  • Financial Management Association (finance)
  • Institute of Management Accountants (accounting)
  • Kappa Delta Pi (education)
  • Kappa Pi (art)
  • National Association of Social Workers Program Unit
  • Order of Omega (Greek leadership)
  • Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society
  • Phi Chi Theta (business and economics)
  • Phi Epsilon Kappa (physical education honorary)
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (music)
  • Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics)
  • Pi Sigma Epsilon (marketing)
  • Rotaract (business)
  • SIGGRAPH (digital media production)
  • Sigma Alpha Iota (music)
  • Society for Collegiate Journalists
  • Society of Human Resources Management
  • Society of Professional Journalists
  • Tau Beta Sigma (band)

JMU Learning Centers

Location: Student Success Center, Suite 1100
Phone: (540) 568-2932
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/learning

JMU’s Learning Centers support students, faculty and staff through the following programs and free services:

Communication Center

Location: Student Success Center, Room 1155
Phone: (540) 568-1759
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/commcenter

The Communication Center provides resources and assistance with digital and oral communication projects and promotes students’ communication excellence through attention to process, innovation and audience-centered design. The center offers consultations, class workshops and online resources for faculty and students across campus. The center provides the following services:

  • Speech preparation assistance
  • Assistance with speech outlines and research
  • Speech anxiety reduction strategies
  • Developing audience-centered presentations and visual aids
  • Enhancement of speech delivery and style

English Language Learner Services

Location: Student Success Center, Room 1155
Phone: (540) 568-2881
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/ells

In addition to opportunities to work on academic skills in a cooperative environment, multilingual learners can seek consultation on such topics as:

  • Reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • American academic culture
  • Multilingual writing groups

Peer Assisted Study Sessions

Location: Student Success Center, Room 1119
Phone: (540) 568-4370
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/pass

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) help students successfully complete historically challenging courses. Students work together in regularly scheduled out-of-class study sessions that are facilitated by peer educators. These sessions are designed to help students master course content and develop their organizational, study and learning skills. Refer to the PASS website for a current list of supported courses.

Science & Math Learning Center

Location: Student Success Center, Room 1107
Phone: (540) 568-3379
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/smlc

The Science and Math Learning Center (SMLC) provides support to JMU students enrolled in first and second year science and mathematics courses by providing a secure, supportive learning environment that fosters independent thinking. The center provides a walk-in tutoring service by both faculty and trained peer tutors in the following subject areas: physics, chemistry, mathematics and statistics. Refer to the SMLC website for a current list of supported courses. The SMLC is equipped with an educational computing lab.

University Writing Center

Location: Student Success Center, Room 1121
Phone: (540) 568-1759
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/uwc

The University Writing Center works directly with student and faculty writers, provides resources on writing strategies and supports writing across campus. The center provides the following services:

  • Individualized writing consultations
  • Writing space for Writing Center users
  • Faculty consultations for designing assignments and responding to student writing
  • In-class workshops on writing-related issues for any academic course or department
  • Supports students working on digital assignments (formerly “DigiComm”)

JMU Libraries

Carrier and Rose Libraries, Music Library, Educational Technology and Media Center

Phone: (540) 568-6150
Website: http://www.lib.jmu.edu

JMU Libraries engage with JMU’s diverse communities in their creation and search for knowledge through academic resources, physical and virtual spaces and educational and research services. The Libraries value adaptability, collaboration, diversity, learning and strategic innovation. The Libraries nurture a user-oriented focus in helping students, faculty and staff succeed at JMU.

The Libraries are here to support students’ academic success. They provide equitable, accessible and welcoming places to learn, create, explore and collaborate. They strive to provide collections, services, programs, expert help, and technologies that support a variety of research and learning needs, perspectives, and lived experiences. Students who take full advantage of the Libraries’ resources early in their academic careers are more confident and skilled when it comes to doing university-level research.

The Libraries recognize that a big university library system can be overwhelming. They offer assistance navigating services at the Ask The Library desks in each library, via email or online chat, or by appointment. The Libraries manage the Madison Research Essential Skills Test (MREST), a General Education requirement for all freshmen and select transfer students. The Libraries also provide online tutorials and walk-in workshops on a variety of information literacy and technology topics, from finding articles for papers to 3D printing. Every major has a dedicated librarian, who will teach in classes and work with students at any stage of their university careers. There are two main libraries (Carrier on West Campus and Rose on East Campus) that each provide study, collaboration and maker spaces, and several small branches.

Orientation Office

Location: Student Success Center, Suite 2200, MSC 1010
Phone: (540) 568-1787
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/orientation

The Orientation Office provides a variety of academic and social programs and services to support new students’ transition to the university. All first-year students entering in the fall semester attend a one-day orientation program in June or July and a five-day program in August. All transfer students entering in the summer and fall semesters attend a one-day orientation program in May or June and a three-day program in August. For new transfer students entering in the spring semester, Orientation is offered as a one-day program in December.

All orientation programs provide new students with academic advising, information about essential student services and insights on how to be a successful student. There are numerous opportunities to meet new people, learn about key academic resources and get involved in campus and community activities.

Pre-Professional Health Advising

Dr. Sharon Babcock, Director

Heather Patterson, Assistant Director

Phone: (540) 568-6652
Email: pph@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/pph

Pre-professional health (PPH) advising offers offers minors and advisory programs that outline recommended courses, activities and competencies for students who are preparing for careers in health professions that require masters or doctoral education.

Health profession schools are most concerned with the overall scope and quality of an applicant’s undergraduate performance. Students are encouraged to select a major based on interests and aptitudes. Regardless of baccalaureate degree program, competitive applicants must demonstrate excellence in academic accomplishments, prerequisite course work, career exploration, health-related experience, community service and standardized admission tests as well as intra- and inter-personal competencies. Students are encouraged to establish mentoring relationships with faculty, clinical mentors and supervisors. Pre-professional health advisers are available to assist students in making academic and career-related decisions. Planning and evaluation services are available for students and alumni during the application process to health profession schools.

Service in the community and experience in health-care settings are highly recommended to students considering a professional health career. Requirements for these types of activities vary among programs; students should inquire with their respective program adviser for guidance. Student organizations provide venues to participate in community service and to interact with health professionals; thus, students are encouraged to become involved in the American Medical Student Association, Pre-Dental Society, Pre-Med Association, Pre-Occupational Therapy Association, Pre-Optometry Club, Pre-Pharmacy Society, Pre-Physical Therapy Society, Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Pre-Vet Society, International Service Learning Club, The Huber Connection and The Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Students must complete all courses to earn a minor. The courses outlined below fulfill the admission requirements of many, but not all, professional programs. Since professional schools have unique requirements, students must inquire with schools of interest for definitive admissions requirements.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Public Safety

Location: Anthony-Seeger Hall, MSC 6810
Phone: (540) 568-6913
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/publicsafety/

The Office of Public Safety consists of law enforcement and safety services. The office supports and advances the educational purposes of the university through the provision of a safe and secure environment for learning, working and personal development.

Police

The university police are commissioned officers with comprehensive law enforcement powers. University police continually patrol JMU’s campus and facilities, providing full-service protection to the JMU campus community.

The Campus Police Cadet Program carefully screens and trains students to aid the university police. Cadets are on duty from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. each weeknight and until 3 a.m. on weekends. Cadets are responsible for patrolling the campus and securing academic and administrative buildings each evening. In addition, they provide escort services to students walking across campus. When cadets are off duty, university police officers escort students as needed.

Safety

The university safety engineer is responsible for conducting safety surveys and inspections; investigating fires, hazardous material spills and other dangerous conditions; and providing environmental and workplace safety and health awareness training.

Office of the Registrar

Location: Student Success Center, Room 5300, MSC 3528
Phone: (540) 568-6281
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/registrar

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for:

  • Athletic certification
  • Class enrollment
  • Class schedule preparation
  • Degree audits
  • Diploma issuance
  • Enrollment verifications
  • Graduation
  • Student records
  • Transfer credit evaluation
  • Transcript issuance
  • Veterans Affairs

Residence Life

Location: Huffman Hall, MSC 2401
Phone: (540) 568-4663
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/orl

The Office of Residence Life oversees multiple functions related to living and learning at James Madison University. Offices and programs within the department focus on student learning, student development and successful transitions throughout the university experience.

Student Learning Initiatives focuses on the development of resident students by offering many services and programs specifically targeted toward this group. Community Development oversees the selection, training and supervision of residence hall staff, develops policies and procedures for hall operations, and administers the delivery of programs and services designed to promote student success. Housing Operations manages all university-sponsored housing facilities, including the administration of contracts and room assignments. Business Operations coordinates all maintenance and housekeeping services and manages residence hall summer projects.

Office Telephone Number
Business Operations (540) 568-7576
Community Development (540) 568-3501
Director’s Office (540) 568-6275
Student Learning Initiatives (540) 568-3598
Housing Operations (540) 568-4663

Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices

Location: Student Success Center, Room 2122
Phone: (540) 568-6218                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/osarp                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Email: osarp@jmu.edu

We facilitate student development and restoration through a fair process that holds students accountable to community and university standards in order to support student and community success.

Student Government Association

Location: Madison Union, Room 331, JMU Box 8022
Phone: (540) 568-6376
Website: http://sga.jmu.edu

The Student Government Association of James Madison University is an organization dedicated to collaborating with all members of its community to advocate for student opinion, while fostering a proactive, inclusive environment.

SGA promotes the welfare of students by providing the medium through which students can actively voice their concerns and by serving as a liaison between the students, faculty and administration at JMU.

Student Handbook

Website: http://www.jmu.edu/handbook

The Student Handbook contains all university policies and explains the campus accountability processes, as well as the process used to address allegations of sexual misconduct. It is important to note that processes and policies can change; the information in the online handbook is the most up-to-date version used by OSARP. It is your responsibility to know and follow federal, state and local laws as well as JMU policies.

Student Success Center

Location: Student Success Center, Room 3010, MSC 1012
Phone: (540) 568-5959
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/successcenter

At JMU, all students can be successful if they rise to the challenges they face as students, take full advantage of the many academic and student support services available to them on the campus, and participate deeply in engagement opportunities on campus and beyond.

Student success succinctly describes JMU’s pervasive philosophy of collaborative, campus-wide efforts to coordinate programs and support services that: help students become more efficient, effective and engaged learners; address students’ physical and emotional health; and provide advice and assistance for a variety of financial, curricular, technical and employment concerns.

The James Madison University Student Success Center houses a number of university departments, resources and functions that support student learning, student health and student services. These include: Card Services; Career and Academic Planning; Centennial Scholars Program; Community Service-Learning; Counseling Center; Dining Services; EPIC Center; Financial Aid and Scholarships; Information Technology Computing Support; Learning Centers; Learning Strategies Instruction; LGBTQ & ALLY Education Program; Madison Advising Peers; Office of Disability Services; Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices; Office of the Registrar; Orientation Office; Student Affairs Technical Services; Student Employment; Student Life & Involvement Associate Vice President; Student Success Center Operations; University Business Office; University Health Center; and Wellness, Orientation, & Multicultural Engagement Associate Vice President. The Student Success Center is a comprehensive facility unlike any other in scale and scope of programs, services and resources. All of the departments in the center collectively contribute to the success of all JMU students.

Title IX

Location: 4035 Madison Hall, MSC 7806
100 E. Grace Street
Phone: (540) 568-5219
Email: titleix@jmu.edu
Websitehttps://www.jmu.edu/access-and-enrollment/titleIX/index.shtml

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities receiving federal funding. Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”  Sexual Misconduct, including Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment, are all forms of sex-based discrimination prohibited by Title IX.  JMU Policy 1340 in conjunction with Policy 1324 and Policy 1302 set out the university’s commitment to providing a learning environment and workplace free from all forms of illegal  sex discrimination and provides procedures for university students, employees, visitors, and affiliates to file reports and/or formal complaints.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Chief Title IX Officer, who is responsible for overseeing the university’s compliance with Title IX including receiving and responding to incidents of sexual misconduct involving JMU community members. Contact information and procedures for filing reports and/or formal complaints is available on the Title IX website.

University Advising

Location: Roop Hall, Room 200 MSC 1024
Phone: (540) 568-7350
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/advising

University Advising provides support to help students understand graduation requirements and assists them with their academic planning and tracking. The office develops advising resources for students and faculty and maintains the academic advising website for the university.

Advising Services

Major Advising

University Advising provides full-time academic advising support in select academic programs with large student enrollments to help students make progress in major requirements. Full-time academic advisers are joint appointments between the academic unit and University Advising.

International Study Center Students

The international advising coordinator helps international students make progress from the International Study Center to JMU by assisting them with General Education requirements, selection of a major, graduation requirements and course registration.

Prospective Transfer Students

Three transfer advising coordinators have office hours on the following Virginia community college campuses to assist prospective transfer students with their academic planning: Blue Ridge, Germanna, John Tyler, Lord Fairfax, Northern Virginia, Piedmont and Reynolds. Transfer advisers are available by appointment to advise prospective students on JMU majors and General Education  requirements.

New Transfer Students

University Advising coordinates the advising and class registration process for new transfer students matriculating to JMU in the fall and spring semesters. All new transfer students who have earned at least 30 transfer credits must declare a major upon entering the university and are advised by an adviser in their major.

Madison Advising Peers

Madison Advising Peers (MAP) are JMU students who care about their fellow students and are committed to helping them achieve their college goals. MAPs work in conjunction with faculty advisers by providing supplemental academic advising information and assisting other JMU undergraduate students who may have general advising questions. A MAP can be a supportive and friendly resource for students who feel overwhelmed and confused.

University Health Center

Location: Student Success Center, MSC 7901
Phone: (540) 568-6178
Fax: (540) 568-6176
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/healthcenter

The University Health Center is staffed by a team of board-certified medical providers, substance abuse prevention specialists and certified health educators who administer care in a confidential and professional manner.

New students at JMU are required by state law to submit specific information about immunizations. JMU does NOT require a physical exam, but you must comply with the immunization requirement prior to attending classes. Therefore, it is mandatory that you complete the following steps:

  1. Print the JMU immunization form (http://www.jmu.edu/healthcenter/Forms/Immunization%20Form) and have it completed and signed by a health care professional. If a different immunization form is used by your health care provider or you have a completed one from another college or university, it will be accepted in lieu of the JMU form.
  2. Log in to your MyJMUHealth account (http://www.jmu.edu/healthcenter/myjmuhealth) to upload a scanned copy of the completed and signed immunization form, as well as a copy of your health insurance card (front and back):
  3. While in your MyJMUHealth account, complete the required TB Assessment (4 questions) and the brief Health History (4 questions) under the “forms” tab.

These steps only have to be completed once, not every year.

The University Health Center offers office visits at no additional cost and low-priced specialty services to students.

In addition, the health center offers:

  • Alcohol and other drug prevention, intervention and recovery programs and services
  • Allergy Clinic
  • General Medicine Clinic for routine and preventative care
  • Health education programs 
  • International travel immunizations
  • Lab services
  • LGBTQ & Ally Education Program
  • Patient advocate
  • Peer health education organizations:
    • CARE (Campus Assault ResponsE)
    • REACH (Reality Educators Advocating Campus Health)
  • Pharmacy dispensing (for prescriptions written by on-campus providers)
  • Nutrition services
  • X-ray services
  • Safer Sex Supplies
  • Sexual violence prevention and advocacy services
  • Specialty clinics including dermatology and orthopedics
  • Urgent Care Clinic
  • Women’s Health Clinic

University Recreation

Location: University Recreation Center, MSC 3901
Phone: (540) 568-8732
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/recreation

University Recreation (UREC) promotes and advances healthy lifestyles through participation opportunities, educational experiences and supportive services. The qualified staff is committed to excellence and attentive to the developmental needs of participants. Educational programming areas include adventure, aquatics, challenge courses, fitness, group exercise, informal recreation, intramural sports, nutrition, safety, sport clubs, wellness and youth programs.

UREC, a 278,515 square foot facility, is located on the east side of campus. UREC offers eight basketball/volleyball courts, seven racquetball/wallyball courts, four badminton/pickleball courts, two batting cages, a squash court, a table tennis area, and two indoor walking/running tracks. The Fitness Center includes 25,000 square feet of cardiovascular and weight training equipment, with areas for stretching, functional fitness and specialty training areas. There are six group exercise studios, each purposed for specific activities. The Aquatics Center offers two pools, one a 25M by 25Y main pool, and a smaller fitness activity pool that includes a jetted fitness channel, bubble bench, waterfalls, volleyball, basketball and log rolling. There is also a 32 person heated/jetted hydrotherapy pool and a dry sauna. The Adventure Center includes a climbing tower, bouldering wall, climbing shoe and adventure equipment checkout, bike rentals and repair shop, trip instruction space and an outdoor boat yard. The Wellness Center includes an athletic training room, meditation room, personal and small group training, fitness assessment and nutrition counseling spaces, as well as two massage therapy studios. There is also a demonstration kitchen and wellness education room, as well as a wet/dry classroom. There is also a 200 person capacity club room for large meetings and training events. The Equipment Center is open for checking out sporting equipment and for locker and towel services.

UREC also encompasses several satellite facilities. University Park, located at 1090 Devon Lane, includes an open event lawn, tennis, sand volleyball and basketball courts, sports turf, pavilion, disc golf course, and TEAM Challenge Course. Additional UREC satellite facilities include the UREC Turf, East Campus Fields, spaces within Godwin and Memorial Halls and several fields and courts around campus.

A valid JACard is needed to enter UREC and University Park. Online registration is available for educational programs, group exercise classes and intramural sports. Programs requiring fees can be registered for in-person at the main UREC facility using FLEX or online at URECregister.jmu.edu using a credit card.

University Unions

Location: Madison Union 200, MSC 3501
Phone: (540) 568-3341
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/universityunions

The University Unions Department reflects a broad range of programs, facilities and services created to build a sense of community for the campus as a whole. The facilities are the gathering places for the campus, with meeting rooms, assembly spaces, lounges and support services available. They are places where ideas come to life, learning is put into practice and the various constituencies of the campus find common ground.

University Unions is comprised of the following units:

The Dux Leadership Center

Location: Madison Union 330, MSC 3503
Phone: (540) 568-5901
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/dux

The Dux Leadership Center (pronounced “dukes,” which is Latin for “to lead” or “leadership”) helps JMU students become better leaders. The center provides leadership programs like MYMOM, the Strengths Conference based on Gallup’s Clifton Strengths Finder assessment, as well as 1:1 leadership coaching programs and opportunities. Students may check out equipment, books and other resources useful for leadership development, team building and experiential learning leadership activities.

Professional staff in the Dux Leadership Center are certified trainers for the DISC Personality Assessment program and can provide customized workshops to help people learn more about themselves, how to connect with others and how to build teams more effectively. They also serve as leadership consultants, assisting individuals, groups and organizations in the development of their leadership capabilities.

Festival Conference and Student Center Scheduling

Location: MSC 4201
Phone: (540) 568-8932
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/festival

Festival Conference and Student Center provides gathering places for the campus, with meeting rooms, assembly spaces, lounges and support services available. It provides a comprehensive approach to the coordination of services necessary for campus events and coordination of scheduled meetings and conferences throughout the year.

Facilities Services (University Unions)

Madison Union, MSC 3506
Phone: (540) 568-5555

Festival Conference and Student Center, MSC 4201
Phone: (540) 568-1715

Three buildings house the programs and services which the University Unions provide for the JMU community. They are the Madison Union, Grafton-Stovall Theatre and Festival Conference & Student Center. Facilities Services address physical building, operations and information concerns in these spaces.

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Location: Madison Union 404, MSC 3508
Phone: (540) 568-4195
Fax: (540) 568-6444
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/osai

The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life works with social fraternities and sororities to foster cooperation and communication amongst the chapters, the university and the community. Staff members advise the InterFraternity and Panhellenic Councils, as well as Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol (GAMMA), Greek InterVarsity and Order of Omega Greek Leadership Honor Society. Staff members also work with individual chapters to promote the development of character, leadership, scholarship and service.

Madison Union

Location: Madison Union 245, MSC 3506
Phone: (540) 568-6330
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/madisonunion

Madison Union and Grafton-Stovall Theatre provide gathering places for the campus, with meeting rooms, assembly spaces, lounges and support services available. It provides a comprehensive approach to the coordination of services necessary for campus events and coordination of scheduled meetings and conferences throughout the year.

Off-Campus Life

Location: Festival Conference & Student Center, Suite 1130, MSC 4214
Phone: (540) 568-6071
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/ocl

Off-Campus Life (OCL) is here to assist students in gaining necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions within the off-campus community, to provide support and resources to off-campus students allowing them to maintain an academic focus and to inspire and empower students to be responsible citizens who create safe, values-oriented communities.

OCL also administers the Utility Deposit Assistance Program (UDAP). UDAP is a JMU sponsored program that allows students to obtain utility connections without paying the up-front deposit costs. JMU becomes your guarantor for payments up to specified limits for water, electric and gas. This $40 contract can be purchased through the student tab in MyMadison.

Student Activities, Leadership & Involvement

Location: Madison Union 320, MSC 3502
Phone: (540) 568-8157
Fax: (540) 568-2382
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/osai

The Office of Student Activities, Leadership & Involvement hosts Student Organizations, Mad4U, PLA (Presidents Leadership Academy) and the University Program Board. The Office of Student Activities, Leadership & Involvement provides a wide range of educational, social and cultural events, as well as support services for all JMU student clubs and organizations. The BeInvolved website offers access to all student organizations on campus. Student Organization Night at the beginning of each semester offers an opportunity for all students to meet members of clubs, learn about organizations and discover how to become involved with them.

Taylor Down Under

Phone: (540) 568-7853 or (540) 568-5555

Located on the ground floor of Madison Union, this huge space is comprised of a lounge, billiard tables, fooseball, iPads for loan, board games and Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Shop with Carvel ice cream. The TDU lounge area is a popular hangout for all students. There is a computer lab for student use, wireless printing, evening entertainment on the TDU Stage, comfortable seating and an information desk.

University Program Board

Location: Madison Union 324, MSC 3505
Phone: (540) 568-6217
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/upb

Campus entertainment is scheduled through the University Program Board, a student organization advised through Student Activities, Leadership & Involvement. Concerts, films, speakers, trips and numerous other activities designed to complement the educational mission of JMU are arranged by the UPB. The board also solicits collaborative programs with other student organizations, university departments and schools. Committees for which students may volunteer include film, special events, center stage, spirit and traditions and spotlight sounds.

Withdrawal from the University

Location: Office of the Dean of Students
Madison Union, 300, MSC 3534
Phone: (540) 568-6468
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/deanofstudents

The Office of the Dean of Students assists students who are considering withdrawing from the university after the first three weeks of the semester. The student and staff member discuss personal, financial and academic implications including pertinent policies and procedures directly involved with their withdrawal. The staff member will provide and assist the student with the proper withdrawal procedure. Details regarding the process are located at http://www.jmu.edu/studentaffairs/departments/deanofstudents/withdrawals-loa.shtml.