First-Year Student
 Welcome!
Please read and apply this information carefully as you go through the One Book steps, and also as it will answer many of your questions!
 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:
Once you have paid your deposit and verified that you wish to attend JMU James Madison University provides every new student with the One Book (your pre-JMU guide).
In order to guarantee that you obtain the One Book and complete your steps as soon as possible, as well as to comply with JMU and oIP's greening efforts, the One Book is made available to you online. This version of the One Book
complements the One Book website. [Please note that a printed version of the One Book can be sent to you. Do take into consideration that it may take at least 15 business days before it arrives. Inform Thomas Lavenir of your request, and make sure to include your mailing address as it should appear on the enveloppe].
Make sure to complete the One Book steps as soon as possible to begin following important steps such as indicating what major you intend to declare, what classes you would like to be pre registered in and to complete your housing assignment and math placement test.
If the deadlines are past due, you must still complete all of the steps in the order that they appear.
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 Orientation Program, Reservation Form:
Several orientation programs at JMU are offered to ensure that you obtain all of the necessary information, yet this can be quite confusing.
The first orientation program is the Summer Springboard orientation which is offered throughout the month of June and July for all new first-year students. If you are residing in the United States or can come to June, July orientation you will register for your classes at that time. We realize that it may be impossible for you to attend considering that you may be in your home country or at least outside of the United States. You are welcome to come to this orientation. Whether you are able to attend the international student Summer Springboard orientation reservation form.
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 Summer Springboard 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 Summer Springboard orientation. 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 during this fun, two-day orientation program held before the general August orientation. 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.
In addition to the special international orientation, every first year students are expected to attend the August campus-wide "1787" orientation in the days immediately following Transitions.
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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, August 16th 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, August 16th. Be sure to send your itinerary to Thomas Lavenir 5 business days prior to your arrival 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. While we do not recommend any particular hotels/motels, we suggest that you consider the Best Western Hotel or the Holiday Inn (NOT the Holiday inn Express) in light of their location and price. Make sure to inform them that you are JMU students as you may be given a student discount).
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 Activate your JMU e-ID :
Your e-ID gives you access to JMU's e-mail system: e-campus. 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 :
First Year International students who complete “One Book” steps 1-5 by May 20 will be registered for a full class schedule (12-16 credits) prior to their arrival in August for “Transitions.”. Students who attend June/July orientation will complete their registration the day they are on campus for orientation. Even if it is after May 20, you should still complete “One Book” steps 1-5 as soon as possible to facilitate registration into any classes either prior to your arrival or when you arrive on campus.
For your first semester you will take 12-16 credits, roughly five classes. The classes you register into or are pre registered into are determined by the following:
- Your intended major which you must indicate in step 5 of the “One Book”
- Math placement scores which you will complete as part of step 3 of the “One Book”
- Your level of fluency reading and writing in English
- The class preferences you list on your General Education Scheduling form which you must complete as part of step 2 on the “One Book.”
- Any prior college level work or credit (such as International Baccalaureate or A levels) that you might have completed or anticipate receiving credit for which you will report in the General Education scheduling form as part of step 2 of the “One Book.”
James Madison University requires all students, regardless of major, to complete General Education requirements. Most first year students take primarily general education classes during their first year. Some general education classes you take will relate to or double count for your major, others will not. However all students must complete the requirements successfully.
You will be able to view your schedule on ecampus prior to your arrival, (if you have been pre registered for any classes.) However it is a work in progress and may change several times before you actually arrive in August. When you do arrive for “Transitions” in August you will receive a copy of your schedule and have an opportunity to learn why you are registered into the classes you are in.
Take time prior to your arrival to learn about JMU majors and General Education.
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
When you arrive in August 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. Please remember two things:
- If you attend June/July Orientation you will register for classes at that time.
- You may only be registered into one or two classes that count for your major during your first semester and this is considered “typical” for JMU students.
Questions? Contact Amy Sirocky-Meck.
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Placement Tests:
All new students at JMU are required to complete the Math Placement Test in order to fulfill one of their Gen. Ed. requirements. This 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.
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-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 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.
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 Health Record Form:
The JMU Health Record Form can be sent to the indicated address or will be collected during Transition. You will also need to bring copies of your immunization records. 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 are 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 that you will not be able to register 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.
 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 one 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 Transitions.
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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. You can have your order be sent to:
Your first & last name
c/o Thomas Lavenir
James Madison University - Office of International Programs
1031 South Main Street - JMAC 6, Suite 23
Harrisonburg, VA 22807 - USA |
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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