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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I get a transcript?
A. As a service to alumni, the JMU Office of Alumni Relations pays for the mailing of all academic transcripts. To receive a copy of your transcript, call (540) 568-6281 for automated assistance or click here.

Q. How do we define alumni?
A. All graduates of the university are automatically members of the JMU Alumni Association. All annual donors to the university are considered active alumni. Associate membership is granted to all individuals who have completed 12 credit hours and request membership with the association.

Q. Does being a "legacy" play a role in the admissions process?
A. For the last 10 years, JMU has experienced a steady increase in applications from prospects who are legacy students. A "legacy" is defined as someone whose parent(s) and/or grandparent(s) attended JMU. For information on JMU's admissions process and how being a "legacy" affects this, contact the Office of Admissions at 540-568-5681, or visit their website.

Q. How can alumni get involved with the JMU Alumni Association or with JMU in general?
A. There are many opportunities for alumni to continue their relationship with the university: Participate in activities with your local alumni or affinity chapter; contact Stephanie Whitson, assistant director of major events, to serve in a leadership role for your class reunion activities

Q. I often receive marketing materials from the JMU Alumni Association. Why is the association involved in these projects?
A. These programs are referred to as affinity partnerships and are considered and offered on an annual basis. The association evaluates proposals based on their value from either a service or value standpoint and select those that will represent a true benefit to members of the association.

Q. How are the royalties from these affinity partnerships used by the JMU Alumni Association?
A. Royalties from these partnerships support the priority programs of the JMU Alumni Association. Some of the key areas supported include: the expansion and enhancement of the Alumni Career Network, the continued growth of alumni legacy scholarships, expanded programs for class reunions, and program growth within geographic alumni chapters.


Q. Does the JMU Alumni Association offer a temporary medical insurance policy?
A. Yes, the JMU Alumni Association does offer short-term medical insurance through their partnership with Marsh. Click here for more info.

Q. How can I update my address/information?
A. Updates can be emailed to advancementgr@jmu.edu. Alumni can update their own records by using the Online Community.

Q. How can I get the address of another alumnus?
A. You can use the Online Community's Online Directory or contact the JMU Office of Advancement Gifts and Records at (540) 568-2822 or the Office of Development at (800) 296-6162.

Q. When is Alumni Weekend?
A. Alumni Weekend is organized and sponsored by individual fraternity and sorority chapters. Contact information for each chapter is available via the Student Organization Services website.

Q. How can I get mailings? I never get any chapter information.
A. Update your contact information by emailing advancementgr@jmu.edu, or via the Online Community.

Q. Why don't I receive Madison magazine any more?
A. It's possible that JMU doesn't have your current address. You can update your address by emailing advancementgr@jmu.edu, or via the Online Community.
Virginia state budget constraints currently restrict distribution of the magazine. The best way to ensure that you receive Madison is to make a gift to JMU.

Q. How do I get involved in a JMU Alumni Group?
A. Check out information on alumni chapters, alumni affinity chapters, spirit cities and Dukes Around the World and review the JMU Alumni Association calendar of events. 

Q. What is the difference between an alumni chapter, a spirit city, an alumni affinity chapter and "Dukes Around the World?"
A. All four are types of JMU alumni groups created and maintained in conjunction with the JMU Alumni Association, but each share a different commonality. An alumni chapter is a regionally based group of JMU alumni where at least 200 JMU alumni live; a spirit city is a regionally based group of JMU alumni where fewer than 200 JMU alumni live; an alumni affinity chapter is a group of JMU alumni with similar interests, hobbies or undergraduate experiences that is not geographically based; and Dukes Around the World are regionally-based groups of JMU alumni where a very small number of JMU alumni live. Visit the chapters page for a full list of chapters.

Q. How can I start an alumni chapter in my area?
A. For information about starting a chapter, contact Alan Maynard, chapter coordinator, at (540) 568-2786 or visit the chapters page.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a job in my company that I would like alumni or students to see?
A. For information about posting a position, contact the Office of Career and Academic Planning. 

Q. Who can I contact for career networking possibilities in my geographic area?
A. JMU Alumni Groups host regular career networking events. Contact your local alumni group for more information. 

Q. What are we doing when JMU athletics teams are in my town?
A. Check out information on alumni groups in your local area. There are also away-game football tailgates and basketball receptions planned annually. For specific information on athletics or ticketing, contact the JMU Duke Club.

Q. What is the Alumni Board of Directors and what is its role?
A. The Alumni Board of Directors is a corporate board of directors with the responsibility of directing the JMU Alumni Association Inc. Membership on the board includes: 16 at-large members; an executive committee including a president, president-elect, past president and the executive director; and representatives from the JMU Board of Visitors and the Student Ambassadors (student alumni association). The board represents the interests of all graduates by reviewing and setting the strategy for the association. The board also determines its award and scholarship recipients and determines the annual affinity partnership programs. All active members of the JMU Alumni Association are eligible to serve as directors. Nominations are received and reviewed on an annual basis.

Q. Does University Recreation (UREC) offer special alumni memberships?
A. Yes, they do! For more information visit the UREC website.

Q. How can I get an alumni directory?
A. The JMU Alumni Association sponsors an alumni directory every five years. The last issue was published in summer of 2003 and production on a new directory will begin soon.

Q: I'm having trouble with the Online Community (lost my password, would like to forward my permanent alumni email address, having trouble registering, need to change my settings, etc.). Where can I find help?
A: Visit the member services page of the online community. If you still need assistance, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni_link@jmu.edu or (888) JMU-ALUM.

Q. Do you offer any assistance in locating accommodations for special weekends like homecoming, reunions and commencement?
A. Although the Office of Alumni Relations does not reserve rooms for alumni, you can visit the Office of Parent Relations' list of area hotels and restaurants.

 


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