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 and University Planning 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: JMAC 6
Phone: (540) 568-6751
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/dining

To meet the varied needs of individual students, Dining Services provides different meal plans. All on-campus residents choose from among three meal plans, which come with the “Student Housing and Food Contract” [19 meal plan, 14 meal plan and 10 meal plan].  Commuters, who do not automatically have a meal plan, may purchase any of the on-campus plans and have the additional options of a Weekly 7, Weekly 5, Weekly Super 5 or Commuter 50 Block.

The department offers a declining balance account that operates like a debit card; all meal plans come with declining balance. Dining dollars can reload with Dining Dollars Gold for a five percent discount and pay no sales tax on purchases. Dining Dollars Gold transfer from year to year.  Cash sales are also welcome at all dining services locations.

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 Relations and Recruiting
Phone: (540) 568-7379
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/cap

Career and Academic Planning coordinates academic advising for all first year students and undeclared students, assists students in choosing or changing their major and deciding upon a career direction, and provides a variety of job search programs and graduate school application services.

First Year Academic Advising

Academic advising is vital to student success. The adviser assists students in shaping their educational experience to meet specific intellectual, personal and career goals. Advisers do not decide the student’s goals or program, but help students learn how to develop appropriate goals, make good choices that enhance learning and personal growth, and succeed 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, advanced placement credit, and class enrollment procedures. Advisers continue to work with first year students until midway through the spring semester, at which time first year students that have declared a major are assigned to advisers in their academic unit. Students remaining undeclared are assigned to a professional adviser in Career and Academic Planning. First year 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 educational choices they make, both short and long term, but they can make those choices in a supportive environment. Effective academic advising is a relationship between student and adviser. Students must be aware of their own interests, values and goals; knowledgeable about relevant policies and requirements; and willing to take initiative to seek assistance when it is needed. Advisers should respond to the student as an individual, be aware of student progress, and help the student 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 is 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 a career.

Academic and Career Resource Center

The resource center, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Success Center, provides information and assistance related to choosing a major and career planning, internships/summer jobs, job search tools and career trend information. FOCUS, a web-based career exploration tool is available to all students online. Resources include books, printed materials, handouts, databases, career software and web-based information, organized on a self-help basis so that students and faculty may browse at their leisure. Staff members are available to answer questions and help students use resource materials.

Graduate School Information

Each fall semester, JMU offers a graduate and professional school fair open to all majors. Information on the graduate or professional school application process is available on Career and Academic Planning’s website. A workshop series on the application process and factors to consider are also offered each academic semester. For individual assistance, students can make an appointment with a career adviser.

Employment, Internship and Job Search Services

Connecting with Employers

Business, industry, government non-profit and educational employers come to JMU throughout the year to conduct job interviews with graduating seniors and internships for all class levels. Information about the on-campus interview program, participating employers and the wide range of opportunities available to students can be found on Career and Academic Planning’s website. Students create a profile on Recruit-a-Duke, an online platform that connects students to on-campus interviews and thousands of position postings. Employers participate in a practice interview program that can help students prepare for actual interviews.

Resume Development

Assistance with writing resumes is available to students in many formats. Students can access resume writing resources via Career and Academic Planning’s website. Offered throughout the year are resume writing workshops and other programs such as ResumePREP where students can receive feedback from employers. Students can also see career advisers for individual assistance by making an appointment or attending walk-in resume reviews.

Career Fairs

The office sponsors a number of career fair events each year to provide students with the opportunity to interact with employers and obtain jobs, internships 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, 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 students may use at any time. InterviewStream allows students to record a practice interview related to their major or career choice and review the videos themselves or share it with others for feedback.

Job postings for all majors can be found on Recruit-a-Duke, 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

Recruit-a-Duke and the Career and Academic Planning website offer resources on how to find, apply and secure an internship which 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 academic unit and the Office of the Registrar.

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 JMU 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.

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 12-13 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 are offered (60-70 programs). 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 and 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; American University of Cairo in Egypt; 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 (CS-L) programs allow students to learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized community service. Students, faculty, staff and community agencies partner to help prepare students for lifelong community service and civic engagement. Students can serve in over 80 community agencies through service-learning courses or by coming to the CS-L office during the first three weeks of each semester.

In addition to local service opportunities, Alternative Break Programs are student led and developed service trips to locations in the United States and abroad. Trips are offered at Thanksgiving, spring and May breaks. Local trips are also offered on weekends. Trips fill up quickly, so check the CS-L website regularly for sign up details. For students eligible for Federal Work Study, America Reads and Community Work Study places students in elementary schools to tutor in reading and in community service agencies that address a variety of community needs.

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. Appointments can be made in person or over the phone (568-6552). 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: Madison Union, Room 300, 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 one- and one-half 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, Room 1164
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.

Services for digital communication include:

• One-on-one consultations for choosing the most effective online tools and planning a project
• Resources and tutorials on effective digital design, communication, navigation, and usability
• Usability testing for digital projects
• Collaborating with faculty to design effective digital assignments

Services for oral communication include:

• 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
Location: 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. Consult the website for a current list of supported courses. The SMLC is equipped with a 34 unit 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:

• 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

JMU Libraries & Educational Technologies

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

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

JMU Libraries & Educational Technologies (LET) 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. LET values adaptability, collaboration, diversity, learning and strategic innovation. LET nurtures a user-oriented focus in helping students, faculty and staff succeed at JMU.

LET is here to support students’ academic success. It provides comfortable, safe places to learn, create, explore and collaborate, as well as collections, technology and help from knowledgeable faculty and staff. 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.

LET recognizes that a big university library system can be overwhelming. It offers assistance navigating the libraries and educational technology services at the help desks, via email or online chat, or by appointment. LET manages the Madison Research Essential Skills Test (MREST), a General Education requirement for all freshmen and select transfer students. LET also provides 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 early 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 6801
Phone: (540) 568-6913
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety

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 of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices

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

We support JMU’s mission by developing and upholding university standards with cooperation from students, faculty and partners in order to promote accountability, student development and the restoration of the individual and the community.

Student Government Association

Location: Madison Union, Room 203, JMU Box 3523
Phone: (540) 568-6376
Website: http://sga.jmu.edu

Students, faculty and administration share the responsibility for governing JMU. They are represented on the University Council, on its commissions and on standing and special committees reporting to these bodies. The Student Government Association collectively represents the university student population. 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 a wealth of information about university policies and regulations, university facilities and student organizations.

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; Wellness, Orientation, & Multicultural Engagement Associate Vice President; Office of Disability Services; Orientation Office; Office of the Registrar; Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices; Student Affairs Technical Services; Student Success Center Operations; Student Life & Involvement Associate Vice President; University Business Office; and University Health Center. 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
Website: https://www.jmu.edu/titleIX/

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and James Madison University policy protect people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities which receive federal financial assistance. Title IX states that 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.

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 follow 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.

All students must submit an Immunization Form (including a TB screening) to the UHC as a condition of admission. This information is needed to satisfy Virginia law and university requirements and to assist in care. Students will use the UHC’s online portal, MyJMUHealth, to enter immunization dates, upload the completed and signed immunization form (or other official record), upload a copy of their health insurance card and complete a brief health history. If the Immunization Form is not completed and uploaded, an enrollment hold and $50 fine will be placed on the student’s account.

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, which runs a 24/7 sexual violence response hotline when JMU is in session)
  • 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) 568-8737
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.

The main UREC facility is located near the JMU Convocation Center on the east side of campus. The recently expanded and renovated multi-level fitness and wellness center has 278,515 square feet of activity space. UREC features a wide range of facility spaces, including a six group exercise studios, three multi-activity centers, two sports forums, two indoor tracks, seven racquetball courts, one squash court, a demonstration kitchen and a meditation room. There is a Fitness Center with cardio deck, an Aquatics Center with two indoor pools, spa and sauna, and a Wellness Center with an athletic training room, personal training, assessment, and massage studios. The Adventure Center has a 360 degree climbing wall, bouldering wall, cycle repair and adventure equipment checkout. Visit the Equipment Center to check out sporting equipment and learn more about locker rooms 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 Center

Location: Madison Union 330, MSC 3501
Phone: (540) 568-5901
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/dux

The Dux Center (pronounced “dukes,” which is Latin for “to lead” or “leadership”) is JMU’s leadership resource clearing house for students. The premier program sponsored by the Dux Center is Kijiji Citizens of Influence.

The Dux Center also provides information about leadership programs offered by areas across campus. 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 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

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

University Unions 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 3501
Phone: (540) 568-5555

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

Four buildings house the programs and services which the University Unions provide for the JMU community. They are the Madison Union (Grafton-Stovall Theatre, Taylor Hall and Warren Hall) 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 3501
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 Scheduling

Location: Madison Union 245, MSC 3501
Phone: (540) 568-6330
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/madisonunion

Student Activities and Involvement

Location: Madison Union 320, MSC 3501
Phone: (540) 568-8157
Fax: (540) 568-2382
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/osai

The Office of Student Activities and Involvement houses Student Organizations, Student Government, Mad4U, Make Your Mark on Madison Leadership Program and the University Program Board. The Office of Student Activities and Involvement provides a wide range of educational, social and cultural events, as well as support services for all JMU student clubs and organizations. 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

Taylor Down Under, located on the ground floor of Madison Union, is comprised of a lounge, the Corner Pocket Game Room and a coffee bar. The TDU lounge area is a popular hangout for all students. This area offers computers for student use, television, 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 the University Unions. 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.