Congratulations on your acceptance to the School of Strategic Leadership Studies!

Please review this page thoroughly, and be sure to complete the necessary processes so that you are prepared to begin your first year in the program. Feel free to reach out to Kira Lambert (lambe2ks@jmu.edu) with any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you!

SSLS New Student To-Dos
  1. Accept your offer of admission. Admission offers are sent via e-mail by The Graduate School. In your e-mail notification, click the “Applicant Status Page” link. This page will allow you to view your decision and accept your offer of admission. 
  2. Set up your @dukes.jmu.edu e-mail address. Directions are available here
  3. Contact First Year Advisor Kira Lambert to plan the courses you will be taking your first semester in the program.
  4. Register for classes in MyMadison.
  5. Send a high-resolution professional headshot, your research interests, and links to professional profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, professional website) to Kira for inclusion on SSLS website, newsletters, social, etc.
  6. Read the Ph.D. Degree in Strategic Leadership Studies Student Handbook. Please note updates for the 2022-2023 Academic Year are pending. 
  7. Attend new student orientations
    • Friday, August 12, 2022 (time TBD) - SSLS New Student Orientation in Hartman Hall Forum, College of Business Learning Complex
    • Monday August 15-Wednesday August 17th, 2022 - Stats Refresher Bootcamp (Zoom). Contact Dr. John Hathcoat (hathcojd@jmu.edu) to sign up. See the event flyer for complete information on course content. 
    • Thursday, August 18, 2022 8:30am-noon - The Graduate School's New Student Orientation. Register here
    • You're encouraged to explore The Graduate School's Orientation to learn more about graduate student life JMU. 
  8. Be sure to complete all items listed on The Graduate School's New Student Checklist
Student Handbook

All incoming students are required to read the Student Handbook and abide by all policies therein. The Handbook outlines important policies and procedures of the School of Strategic Leadership Studies, as well as academic and professional expectations of doctoral students enrolled in the program. In addition to being a reference for policies and procedures, the handbook provides specific information on all program requirements which include course work, the externship, the comprehensive exam, and the dissertation. The 2021-2022 SSLS Student Handbook is now available- 2022-2023 updates are forthcoming. 

Enrolling in Program Prerequisites

Conditional admission may be offered to students that have not yet taken an undergraduate financial accounting course. This prerequisite prepares students for the MBA course requirements in the SSLS curriculum. It is highly recommended that this prerequisite is taken the summer before LEAD classes begin in the fall. 

JMU Offerings:

  • Undergraduate Accounting: COB 241

Virginia Community College (VCCS) Offerings:

  • Undergraduate Accounting: ACC 211

Visit Virginia's Community Colleges course offerings web page for information on locations offering ACC 211.

Links to Resources
Other Resources

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