Transitions

General Description

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 grasp new concepts about U.S. American culture and student life. Not only is it important but necessary that you attend this orientation especially if you did not attend the Summer orientation. This fun, interactive, educational International Student Orientation is a two-day orientation program held prior to the main student Orientation in August and includes workshops, presentations, and activities. Topics include immigration regulations, health care and insurance, classroom and academic issues, safety, transportation, and information about resources and programs for internationals. We will also provide a few shopping trips and schedule a time for you to meet with your academic advisor. This is a great opportunity to make new friends as well as to obtain answers to any questions you may have. Click here to view the Transitions schedule!

Pre-Arrival Steps

While the end of August may seem like a long time from now, it will be there before you know it. You have accomplished the major steps of being accepted to college. Now that you have been accepted, there are still a few more steps that you need to take to ensure that JMU is ready for your arrival! These steps are specific to your status, therefore you will need to select the category that best suits your situation:

• If you are a new Study Group student, click: here
• If you are a new first-year (Freshman) student, click: here
• If you are a new transfer student, click: here
• if you are a new exchange student, click: here
• If you are a new graduate student, click: here

Traveling plans

This year's Transitions will be offered Monday, August 22 and Tuesday, August 23. In order to be able to fully participate, we strongly urge you to arrive on campus on Sunday, August 21. If you will be living on-campus, the residence hall staff will be available to check you in during the early arrival check-in times on Sunday, August 21. Specific arrangements will be communicated with you closer to Tranistions regarding checking and arrival procedure on campus.

You are strongly urged to make Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) your final airport destination. While other airports (see the travel information site) may be more convenient on some levels, there are no easy direct transportation to and from JMU. our office will provide a special shuttle from this airport only to our office. Make sure to send your flight and arrival information to Thomas Lavenir to ensure that a JMU shuttle picks you up!