JMU's fall semester begins with moving in to dorms and the Dance of Art and Science on the Quad JMU's fall semester begins with moving in to dorms and the Dance of Art and Science on the Quad JMU's fall semester begins with moving in to dorms and the Dance of Art and Science on the Quad

Learn more about JMU's Dance of Art and Science

Freshmen become DNA in a mass dance choreographed by the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange.

The dance of art and science
an interdisciplinary exploration of potential

"Everybody's DNA has two strands, but in order for information to get into the DNA or for you to get anything out of the DNA you have to open it up. In college, … in order for you to reach your full potential you have to open yourself up," says Carol Hurney, director of JMU's Center for Faculty Innovation. JMU's first-year students brought that metaphor to life in a one-of-a-kind orientation experience — "The DNA Dance." Under the guidance of the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, 4,000 freshmen and 280 orientation leaders took to JMU's Quad to perform the dance. Welcome to JMU, the new academic year and the enduring Madison Experience! Learn more.

Related: » Connecting Art and Science | » The Dance of Art and Science calendar

On-campus International Study Center at JMU offers programs to non-English speaking students

International Study Center

JMU provides two new academic pathways for international students at our International Study Center. The Foundation Diploma program allows undergraduate students to gain academic credits equivalent to freshman year study while achieving a high level of English proficiency. The Pre-Master's program fully prepares international students for graduate study.

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» International Students
JMU Faculty Share Adult Literacy Strategies with Colleagues in Iraq

Fostering literacy abroad

As the citizens of Iraq move forward on a path to self-reliance, a group of JMU faculty can point to their collaboration with professional colleagues in Baghdad as one example of helping to improve the future of people in the war-torn country through education. Delivered via videoconferencing with Arabic and English translation, the program acquainted Iraqi university professors with adult literacy research and practices.

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» JMU's College of Education
The Arts at JMU Welcome New Year in New State-of-the-Art Center

Connect to JMU Arts

The opening of JMU's fall semester brings special excitement with the inaugural season at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. The Forbes Center offers a wide variety of first-class entertainment for Shenandoah Valley audiences showcasing the best of JMU student and faculty talent as well as quality guest artists. For detailed information and ticket sales, visit www.jmu.edu/JMUarts.

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» Masterpiece Season
Headlines Events
  • Forbes Center Opens Masterpiece Season with Vassar, New Dance Festival

    JMU alumnus and contemporary country singer Phil Vassar will open the 2010-11 Masterpiece Season at ... More

  • JMU Faculty Share Adult Literacy Strategies with Colleagues in Iraq

    As the citizens of Iraq move forward on a path to self-reliance, a group of ... More

  • Connecting art and science . . . The DNA Dance

    By Jacquelyn Walsh ('09) Related StoryNeon orange, blue, yellow and red shirts crowded the Quad Thursday, Aug. 26, as ... More

  • » More news from Public Affairs
  • Visit the Madison magazine site

    Connect with Madison magazine

    Madison, the magazine of James Madison University, connects you to the life of the university even when you can't be on campus. Read the latest issue.

Headlines Events
  • Phil Vassar Concert

    Sept. 8, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

  • Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, "Chemistry of NASCAR"

    Sept. 9, 6 p.m., Room 2301, Health and Human Services Building

  • New Dance Festival

    Sept. 10-11, 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

  • » More JMU calendar information.
  • Visit the Madison magazine site

    Connect with Madison magazine

    Madison, the magazine of James Madison University, connects you to the life of the university even when you can't be on campus. Read the latest issue.