University Advising
Location: Student Success Center 4045 MSC 1024
Phone: (540) 568-7350
University Advising Website
JMU students are responsible for the educational choices they make; however, they make these choices in a supportive environment. Effective academic advising is a relationship between the student and their advisor. Students must be aware of their own interests, values, and goals; knowledgeable about relevant policies and requirements; and willing to take initiative in seeking assistance when needed. Our academic advisors respond to their students as individuals, are aware of their progress, and help them make connections between academic choices and career possibilities.
University Advising supports students from matriculation to graduation, assisting with their academic planning and contributing to their academic success. University Advising hosts the Advising Hub on the 4th floor of the Student Success Center for general advising questions, maintains the academic advising website for the university, and develops advising resources for students and faculty. University Advising hosts and supports the following programs:
First-Year Academic Advising
Academic advising is vital to student success. First-year advisors assist students in shaping their educational experience to meet specific intellectual, personal, and career goals. Advisors do not decide their students' goals or educational program but instead help them learn how to develop appropriate goals, make good choices that enhance learning and personal growth, and succeed in and out of the classroom.
During the summer of their first year, all new students are assigned to first-year advisors who discuss with them our programs of study, academic policies and procedures, incoming credit, and class enrollment procedures. These advisors continue to work with first-year students until midway through the spring semester, at which time those students with a declared major are assigned to advisors within their academic unit. Students who are still exploring majors are assigned to an exploratory academic advisor in University Advising. Students must declare their major by the beginning of their sophomore year. Please refer to Academic Policies and Procedures for information on declaring a major.
Academic Advising for New Transfer Students
University Advising coordinates advising and course registration 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 academic advisor in their major. Advisors support new transfer students in reviewing transfer credit, enrolling in classes, developing academic goals, exploring career opportunities, connecting to campus resources, and understanding academic policies and procedures.
Exploratory Advising
University Advising assists students who are not sure which major they want to pursue or who wish to explore changing their program of study. Additionally, our academic advisors help students who are exploring the possibility of adding a second major/minor. Need help? Visit our website to learn more or make an appointment through MyMadison Connect, selecting "Other Advising Support".
Major Academic Advising
University Advising provides full-time academic advising support for select academic programs with large student enrollments, helping students stay on track with major requirements. Full-time academic advisors hold joint appointments between the academic unit and University Advising.
International Study Center Advising
The international advisor 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.
Madison Advising Peers
Madison Advising Peers (MAPs) 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 advisors 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. Visit the MAPs in SSC 4045 or email madisonadvisingpeers@jmu.edu with questions.
JMU Next Transfer Advising
The Transfer Initiatives office maintains online resources and provides academic advising to help prospective students understand transfer equivalencies and requirements for guaranteed admission. The three JMU Next Transfer Advisors can help any prospective transfer student from any college or university through virtual advising or in-person visits to Virginia community college campuses. They can also meet with current JMU students who have questions about transfer credit and coursework.