Spring Admits
 Welcome!
Please read and apply this information carefully as it will answer many of your questions!
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 Paying your deposit
 In the acceptance packet you received from the Admissions Office an invoice (used to pay your tuition deposit) was included. By using this invoice and paying this deposit is your official way of accepting JMU’s offer of admission; your deposit is credited toward your tuition bill. Your deposit is due postmarked by the deadline indicated in your acceptance packet. Once your deposit is received and processed (it typically takes several days), you will start to receive additional information from key offices at the university that are ready to welcome you to JMU! For more information and to pay your deposit click here
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 One Book and the One Book Steps:
 Every new transfer students is required to complete all of the One Book steps found here. it not only serves as your pre-JMU guide but also as your guide towards ensuring that JMU is ready is ready for your arrival. After you have paid your deposit and verified that you wish to attend JMU, you will need to complete all of the One Book steps.
Every new first year students (also referred to as Freshmen), must Complete the following steps (the One Book steps do not apply to you):
- Activate their e-ID. [Please contact Thomas Lavenir once you have done so in order to be granted access to the Math Placement Test].
- Complete the online Housing Contract and decide whether you wish to participate in the Madison International Program by living in Ashby Hall. If you do, make sure to contact Thomas Lavenir as soon as possible.
- Complete the Math Placement Test.
- Complete the Health Record Form.
 If you have any questions concerning the One Book and/or the general steps that you must take care of, please contact Thomas Lavenir.
 If the deadlines are past due, you must still complete all of them in the order that they appear.
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 Orientation Program, Reservations & your Orientation Date:
 A special international student orientation (Transitions) has been developed to address some of the information and opportunities that you need to know as well as to enable you to transition here at JMU. Unlike the December orientation, International students must attend Transitions. It will address immigration requirements for maintaining your temporary status, as well as health insurance, classroom issues, safety, transportation and resources for internationals, and the information that you will have missed by not attending the December Transfer orientation on
Friday December 4th, 2009. A campus tour, shopping trips, opening a bank account, as well as issuing you your new JMU card (JAC Card) are also part of the agenda. You will also make new friends, and get answers to your questions. In addition you will meet with your academic advisor who will explain academic requirements and procedures and go over the schedule of classes you will be taking during the fall semester.
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 Activate your JMU e-ID :
 Your e-ID gives you access to JMU's e-mail system. This is the online system you will use to keep track of your academics as well as any financial obligations. You must also activate your E ID in order to take the important math placement test and complete other One Book steps.
 In order to activate your e-ID, you will need to use your U.S. Social Security number. If you do not have one, JMU has assigned you a “temporary number.” It is NOT the official U.S. Social Security number and may only be used at JMU. A mailing containing the One Book has been sent to you informing of your temporary number. If you have not yet received it and need to obtain your "temporary number" please e-mail Thomas Lavenir.
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 GenED Scheduling Form & Class Selection :
 You will be registered for 4-6 classes or 12-16 credits for your first semester. You will be registered for these classes prior to your arrival. A courseload of 12-16 credits is the recommended number of credits for ALL new students at JMU. All students at JMU regardless of major must complete all general education requirements in order to graduate from JMU. Some of the requirements in General Education may be similar or count for your intended major, some may not. Regardless all students must complete general education. The classes selected for you for your first semester will be based on the cluster one and five preferences you indicate as well as your math placement test and TOEFL scores and any other college level credit you have received.
 In order for your advisor to be able to work with you to determine appropriate classes, the university must have an official copy of your college level work completed outside JMU. Any work completed at an American College or University can be submitted directly to the office of the Registrar at:
- Office of the Registrar
- James Madison University
- 800 S Main St - MSC 3528
- Harrisonburg, VA 22807
- USA
If you have completed university/college level work at a university outside the United States , then you must submit your transcript to one of the global evaluation services. Until our registration office has received a copy of your work translated by one of these services we will not be able to determine appropriate classes for you to register in. The following is a list of global evaluation services. This is not a comprehensive list, these are just some of the services we have received transcripts from previously. Choose the Global Evaluator according to your preferences. The university does not endorse any one service.
- WES – World Evaluation Service
- GCE – Global Credential Evaluators
- Joseph Silny
- AACRAO - American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
- CED - Center for Educational Documentation
- ECE - Educational Credential Evaluators
When you submit your work to the Global Evaluation Service of your choice please have the service mail your results directly to the registrar at the following address:
Please keep in mind the university may not be able to count all previous college/university work you have completed toward specific requirements in your major, minor, general education or degree requirements.
 IS 202 for International Students-Most international students will automatically be pre registered for IS 202 for International Students for the first semester you attend JMU. This is a one credit course that will provide you with additional support as you transition intellectually, emotionally and physically to university life in the United States. The credit you receive for successfully completing the class can count toward credits you need for graduation. The course is taught by members of the Career and Academic Planning Staff. For more information on this course please contact Amy Sirocky-Meck
 During Transitions, you will be given a copy of your schedule for the semester. An advisor will explain how the credits you are registered in will count for general education, degree requirements, electives and possibly major requirements.
 Prior to your arrival, familiarize yourself with the majors at JMU as well the General Education program by going to (link for major information on one book) and (link of onebook for general education).
 Questions: Contact Amy Sirocky-Meck.
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 Math & English Placement Tests
 You will not be pre-registered for classes unless you complete the Math Placement Test. The math placement test is what we use at the university to determine the appropriate math class for you. To take the test you must:
- Pay your deposit
- Activate your JMU E ID
 Complete the test at the One Book math placement test website by the deadline indicated. If it is past the deadline you must still take the test.
 Students without a math placement test score WILL NOT be eligible to take a math class during the spring semester.
 All new students at JMU are required to complete an English Composition course (GWRIT 103) by the end of their first year. If English is not one of your native languages your placement into the class will be based on your TOEFL or SAT scores, any intensive English language training you have received, or any university level credit you have received in English Composition. It is common for some students to complete WRIT 100 (an introductory composition course) prior to taking GWRIT 103. Many students will be pre registered for this class which will give them an excellent opportunity to further develop skills in American Academic Writing.
 Questions: Contact Amy Sirocky-Meck
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 Housing Contract, Theme Housing & Living On/Off-Campus :
 In order to be eligible to be living on campus, you must sign a housing contract. Once you have signed a housing contract you may opt to participate in exciting theme housing options. The office of International Programs recommends that you consider living in Ashby Hall- Madison International Learning Community. This residence hall provides a very welcoming place for international students and US citizens who are looking forward to living in this close-knit community to learn from one another and make lasting friendships. Click here for more information.
If you choose to live off-campus (not Denton's), you will be on your own to find a place to live. You can get started by going to JMU's off-campus life website. The Office of International Programs will not provide assistance in finding off-campus housing. Keep in mind that most apartments in Harrisonburg require a signed one-year contract, and oftentimes a Social Security number, which you will not have.
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 Health Record Form:
The JMU Health Record Form can be sent to the indicated address or be submitted in person when you are on campus. The office of International Programs will be collecting the form during Transitions and will make sure to give them directly to the Student Health Center. Should you require some vaccinations, note that you can get vaccinations at the Student Health Center by making an appointment and paying a small fee… however, you are urged to make sure that all of your vaccination requirements, check-up and your doctor or health practitioner’s signature is taken care before you arrive to JMU.
 It is crucial that the Health center receives your health record. If the health center does not have your completed record, a “hold” will be placed on your record which means you can not be registered for classes or make any changes to your schedule.
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 Health Insurance:
All JMU international students are required to have health insurance. You will be automatically enrolled in the CISI – Cultural Insurance services International health insurance plan unless you show us proof that you have you are enrolled in a health insurance plan (by presenting your insurance card and policy to Gina Kudrav once you are on campus).
 Currently each student is billed approximately $310 per 6 months of coverage. Coverage starts on August 15th and runs until February 15th and then again until August 15th. It does not cover preventative costs such as physicals, shots or teeth cleaning. CISI’s policy is written specifically for international students and is valid here in the U.S. as well as anywhere else in the world. If you need to go to the hospital or doctor, you will need to present your insurance card first and you will need to pay a deductible of $50. To be reimbursed for medical care outside the JMU Health Center, you will need to submit a completed claim form and receipts from payments made to the doctor or medical facility.
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 Tuition, Expenses, and Quick Bill:
Click here to see an estimated breakdown of the expenses that you can expect as a JMU student. Some of these expenses, including the tuition fee are broken down for you in more details at the University Business Office’s website. By virtue of living on campus you are automatically placed on the 14-meal plan, however you can always opt to upgrade and/or downgrade if you want, once you obtain your JMU identification card (JAC card).
 QuikBill provides you and your family with instant access to your student account charges. QuikBill is currently configured so that the student is the only who can view and pay his or her bill online through this system. If a family member or sponsor of that student needed access to QuikBill to enable this individual to view and/or pay the bill, the student will need to create an account for this individual.
 Opening a bank account in the U.S. will facilitate the transfer of funds from your home country to the U.S. which is why a trip to the downtown Bank of America will be scheduled during the first or second week of classes (based on everyone availability).
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 Flight & Hotel Reservation
In order to be able to fully participate in Transitions, we strongly urge you to arrive on campus on Sunday, January 10th or earlier. You should fly into Shenandoah Valley airport (SHD) as there is no easy way to travel from other airports to JMU/Harrisonburg. Please note that if you will reside on-campus, the residence hall staff will be available to check you in no earlier that on Sunday, January 10th. Be sure to send your itinerary to Thomas Lavenir by Sunday, January 10 the latest so that he can arrange to have a JMU driver pick you up from Shenandoah Airport only (this one and only time).
A list of local hotels can be found at this link. We recommend that you stay at the Best Western Hotel in light of its location and price, and especially due to the fact that this is the only location where a JMU van will come and pick you up on Sunday to help you move-in into your residence hall. When you make your reservation, make sure to inform them that you are JMU students as you may be given a student discount).
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 Don't Forget!
 Bring your completed and signed Health Record Form. Without it you will be unable to attend classes.
 The residence halls do NOT provide bed linens, pillows, blankets, or towels. You may purchase these items in advance on the Office of Residence Life's website or in Harrisonburg at one of our many discount or department stores. Please note that there will be many opportunities during Transitions and afterwards to go shopping! There is a link off of the Office of Residence Life that students can use to access the linen company for orders.
 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.
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 Advice!
 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 that 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 I-20 or 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.
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 Who should I contact?
 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.
 Amy Sirocky-Meck regarding math placement tests, course scheduling, major preferences, general education and any other academic questions.
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