Exchange Students

We have broken down the following important steps that you need to take prior to your departure.

Activate your JMU electronic Identity (e-ID): Your e-ID gives you access to all JMU on-line services including your very own JMU email account. You need to complete this step before you can complete any of the following steps. Instructions for activating your e-ID, along with your username and temporary Social Security number, are included in your mailed acceptance packet. If you have any questions, please e-mail Kelly Poppen.

Access the online undergraduate catalog. Kelly Poppen will pre-register you for a full load (12-15 credits) of classes based on your major, class availability and your transfer of credits. You will obtain your class schedule and meet with Kelly Poppen during Transitions. At that time, you will have the chance to ask questions and make changes to your schedule. Make sure to print the course descriptions of all of the classes you have taken in college.

In order to be able to fully participate in Transitions, we strongly urge you to arrive on campus on Sunday, August 17th or earlier.

If you will reside on-campus, the residence hall staff will be available to check you in during on Sunday, August 17th starting at 9 a.m. You should report directly to the office of International Programs where staff will be available during the specified times.

When you pack your suitcase, remember:

• Bring your Health Record Form: (enclosed with your admission materials, also found here). Without it you will be unable to attend classes.
• In the winter we have snow and ice. You will want a warm coat to wear as you walk between classes on campus. The normal winter temperature is in the range of 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit (around 0 degrees Celsius) although, it can get as cold as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (around -15 degrees Celsius).
• Bring a few items that remind you of home (pictures, crafts, clothing, sports equipment, etc.) and to share with other students, including traditional clothes. You will have several opportunities throughout the year to showcase your culture and country.

At home, allow plenty of time to say good-bye and plan how to keep in touch. You will be extremely busy during your first weeks and months, so it is important you explain to your family and friends that long periods between communications should not alarm them. It will all be part of this new adventure.

Organize your passport and all of your visa documents and supporting documents in one place on your person, not in your checked luggage so that they are easy to find and manage. Make sure that you have your: (a) valid passport with proper, currently valid stamp; (b) form DS-2019; (c) evidence of funding as appropriate to the visa classification and your intended activities in the U.S.; (d) contact information for the International Student and Scholar Services (e) your SEVIS receipt.

Contact Information:

If you are still unclear as to what you need to do please feel free to contact:

• Kelly Poppen, for information related to your class schedule and exchange program stipulations

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• Thomas Lavenir, for information related to Transitions and to the different steps that you need to fulfill.

• Gina Kudrav, for information related to immigration and visas.