Academics

Nov. 28-29

Thanksgiving Holiday.

University closed.

Dec. 23 (noon)-31
Winter Holiday.

University closed.

2:30 p.m. ("Two Small Pieces of Glass") and 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. ("IBEX")
Miller Hall

The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first-come, first-seated basis; the first show is geared toward families with young children while the second and third shows appeal to older children and adults; each show is followed by a 25-minute "star talk" that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

2:30 p.m. ("Two Small Pieces of Glass") and 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. ("IBEX")
Miller Hall

The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first-come, first-seated basis; the first show is geared toward families with young children while the second and third shows appeal to older children and adults; each show is followed by a 25-minute "star talk" that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

The 2013 Virginia Software Summit will take place on August 5, 2013 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The program is tentatively scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information, including registration, will be available soon. In the meantime, please save the date.

About the Summit: The Virginia Software Summit brings together higher ed and our software vendor partners to discuss innovative, improved and more cost effective ways to provision software for faculty, researchers, staff and students. From licensing negotiation to tracking and reporting software use, managing software is complex. The emergence of cloud computing and continued economic pressure adds complexity to an already challenging software management environment for platform vendors, application vendors and higher education software consumers.

See the Virginia Software Summit site for information on past events: http://virginiasoftwaresummit.org

Aug. 5-9
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday
Memorial Hall

The theme of this year's camp, for rising third to rising eighth graders, is "Words In Motion." The goal of the poetry camp is to inspire children to explore all the ways they can be creative with words.

The cost of the camp is $75 for the week and includes lunch and a snack each day. Scholarships are available.

Registration begins April 8 at http://www.jmu.edu/furiousflower.

Sponsored by the Furious Flower Poetry Center.

Noon-1 p.m.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Pavilion

“Easy and Economical Vertical Gardening” with Lee Norford of Lowes Garden Center. Learn how to use common old or new stuff like pallets and rain gutters to put the vertical spaces in your garden to work. Grow flowers or seasonal plants like spring greens and lettuce or strawberries from wall mounted, strung or suspended rain gutters. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum. Free.

7-10 p.m.
Leaving from the Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Enjoy being drawn through the woodlands of the arboretum by beautiful Belgium and Percheron teams of horses and an experienced coachman on a warm summer night in a romantic convertible carriage. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

Noon-1 p.m.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Pavilion

“Living Patios, Paths and Bird Baths” with Jennifer Rucinski, Mast Landscape Group landscape designer. Learn how to use moss and lichens in shade gardens. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum. Free.

7 p.m.
JMU Sculpture Garden located between the Music Building and Duke Hall (Rain location: Memorial Hall Auditorium)

A newcomer to the 2013 series, the Shenandoah Valley Pipe Band brings traditional Scottish and Irish pipe music to the Shenandoah Valley. With six pipers and six drummers, the band has played in a variety of festivals and parades, and won the best marching unit in the Staunton July 4th parade. The band was founded in early 2009 by pipe major Kathy Hawkins, several of her piping students and a small group of drummers who had never before played the highland drums.

Audience members are encouraged to bring picnic dinners and lawn chairs to the concerts. Parking is available between Duke Hall and Miller Hall, between the Forbes Center and Anthony-Seeger, and in the Warsaw Parking Deck. Sponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Free.

11 a.m.-noon
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Children will develop an understanding of the importance of nature from children’s literature selections. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and a brown-bag picnic lunch for after storytime. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

Noon-1 p.m.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Pavilion

“Succulents... Gardening Outside the Box” with Julia Stutzman, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum education coordinator and JMU adjunct faculty in biology. Gardeners wanting to move away from water-thirsty gardening can learn about gardening with succulents. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum. Free.

Noon-1 p.m.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Pavilion

“Down to Earth Dirt Deli” with Sandy Greene. Be sure to bring a brown-bag lunch to eat while enjoying this lecture because the soil horizon parfait and subterranean sub sandwich that will be created from custom all natural soil ingredients aren’t edible! Learn all about the Earth’s soil layers and explore soil quality and management practices at this fun and interactive lecture. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum. Free.

11 a.m.-noon
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Children will develop an understanding of the importance of nature from children’s literature selections. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and a brown-bag picnic lunch for after storytime. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

11 a.m.-noon
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Children will develop an understanding of the importance of nature from children’s literature selections. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and a brown-bag picnic lunch for after storytime. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

Independence Day.

University closed.

June 13-16 and June 20-23

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

This classic tale follows the adventures of Ralph, a reckless, young mouse that ventures out from the knothole of his motel room to find a toy motorcycle. Ralph decides to take the bike for a spin, but the ride doesn’t last long. Fortunately, a young boy named Keith comes to the rescue, taking Ralph on a journey of friendship and motorcycling that he won’t soon forget.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

June 13-16 and June 20-23

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

This classic tale follows the adventures of Ralph, a reckless, young mouse that ventures out from the knothole of his motel room to find a toy motorcycle. Ralph decides to take the bike for a spin, but the ride doesn’t last long. Fortunately, a young boy named Keith comes to the rescue, taking Ralph on a journey of friendship and motorcycling that he won’t soon forget.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

June 13-16 and June 20-23

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

This classic tale follows the adventures of Ralph, a reckless, young mouse that ventures out from the knothole of his motel room to find a toy motorcycle. Ralph decides to take the bike for a spin, but the ride doesn’t last long. Fortunately, a young boy named Keith comes to the rescue, taking Ralph on a journey of friendship and motorcycling that he won’t soon forget.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

June 13-16 and June 20-23

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

This classic tale follows the adventures of Ralph, a reckless, young mouse that ventures out from the knothole of his motel room to find a toy motorcycle. Ralph decides to take the bike for a spin, but the ride doesn’t last long. Fortunately, a young boy named Keith comes to the rescue, taking Ralph on a journey of friendship and motorcycling that he won’t soon forget.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

June 13-16 and June 20-23

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

This classic tale follows the adventures of Ralph, a reckless, young mouse that ventures out from the knothole of his motel room to find a toy motorcycle. Ralph decides to take the bike for a spin, but the ride doesn’t last long. Fortunately, a young boy named Keith comes to the rescue, taking Ralph on a journey of friendship and motorcycling that he won’t soon forget.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Noon-1 p.m.
Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

“No Friend Left Behind” with Gail Turnbull, assistant director of the arboretum, highlighting the arboretum’s social media sites and sharing how following can be a fun way to increase gardening know-how.

For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum. Free.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

July 18-21 and July 25-28

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Studio Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The best-selling children’s paperback of all time, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher, and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider on a campaign to save him. Watch this timeless tale come to life in a thrilling theatrical presentation.

For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Noon-1 p.m.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Pavilion

“Early Colonial to Victorian Garden Design” with landscape architect Nate Miller, who shows period examples and plant samples of early American gardens.

For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum. Free.

7-10 p.m.
Ernst Terrace, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Enjoy dining, live music performed by Heat of the Night, dancing and fine wine. For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum. Reservations needed by June 19.

7 p.m.
Memorial Hall Auditorium

A perennial favorite, The 29th Army Band returns to play patriotic and popular music. Chief Warrant Officer Donald Carson conducts the band. Established in 1917, the 29th has supported the troops fighting in World Wars I and II, Bosnia and Iraq. Based in Petersburg, Va., the band has performed moral-building concerts and provided ceremonial backgrounds for funerals, changes of command and community concerts.

Audience members are encouraged to bring picnic dinners and lawn chairs to the concerts. Parking is available between Duke Hall and Miller Hall, between the Forbes Center and Anthony-Seeger, and in the Warsaw Parking Deck. Sponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Free.

Independence Day Weekend.

University closed.