New Employees

Welcome to JMU!  We trust that you will find the campus a warm and welcoming place, and that your work will be both challenging and rewarding.  There are many steps that a new employee must take in order to be a fully-functioning member of the staff.  We hope that these pages will give you some guidance as you navigate your way around JMU.  Please feel free to stop by the ISSS office at any time and to ask questions as they arise.  We want to make your employment here as smooth and pleasant as possible.

Social Security Numbers

The social security number is a personal identification number issued by the U.S. government for tax purposes. Many stores and government offices request your social security number prior to cashing a check or granting other benefits to you. In addition, all U.S. employees must obtain a valid U.S. social security number. Therefore, if you do not already have one assigned to you, you are urged to apply for a social security number as soon as possible upon your arrival to campus. The local Social Security office is located at 227 E. Elizabeth Street in Harrisonburg. You will be required to take the following:

  • Passport;
  • Visa;
  • I-94 and/or I-797 showing current status;
  • Employment Authorization Document, if applicable;
  • I-20 or DS-2019, if applicable.

For additional, information, see the Social Security Administration Homepage.

Human Resources/Payroll

All new non-student employees to JMU must process employment paperwork through the Human Resource Department’s Onboard program. The HR Department will give you information about your benefits package, complete an I-9 form (which MUST be done on or before the 1st day of hire), and answer any questions you may have about employment at JMU. 

NOTE: Your JMU Department will request the Onboard Session on your behalf and you will be contacted by HR to schedule an appointment.

Due to the complications involving various treaties, immigration rules and tax regulations, all international employees MUST see JMU's payroll office in person prior to the processing of their first paycheck. You are strongly urged to request this meeting on or before your first day on the job; this appointment is typically scheduled during your Onboard process.  When visiting payroll, take along your passport, visa, and employment authorization documentation. The payroll office is located in Massanutten Hall at 1031 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA.