First-Year Frequently Asked Questions

 

Questions about signing up for Summer Springboard

  1. Does it matter which day I attend Summer Springboard Orientation and will I have a better chance of getting the classes I want if I attend one of the first orientation dates?
  2. What if I am unable to attend Summer Springboard?
  3. If I cannot attend Summer Springboard, can my parents attend Orientation and register for me?
  4. I have already submitted my orientation reservation on the web page, but I want to change the date that I have been assigned.

Questions about Summer Springboard

  1. What are the dates for Summer Springboard?
  2. How many family members or guest can attend Summer Springboard?
  3. Do I schedule my fall courses during Orientation?
  4. How long will we be on campus for Summer Springboard?
  5. I am interested in 2 majors, which do I declare?
  6. I am interested in a pre-professional program (such as pre-med or teacher education), what should I do?
  7. What if I declare a major that is different from the major I listed on my JMU application?

 

1. Does it matter what day I attend Summer Springboard Orientation, and will I have a better chance of getting the classes I want if I attend one of the first orientation dates?

No. Class scheduling is not influenced by which Summer Springboard date you attend. We divide course availability by the total number of program days and make an equal number of seats in each class available for each Orientation day. Your date is automatically assigned once your reservation is complete; a confirmation email is sent to your JMU email account.

2. What if I am unable to attend Summer Springboard?

Students are expected to attend Summer Springboard as it is your opportunity to meet with your freshman advisor, ask questions, and complete your fall course registration. It is a full-day of opportunities for you and your family to discover everything that JMU offers. If you are unable to attend please check the "unable to attend" bullet found on the “My Orientation Reservation” step.

Even if a student is not able to attend Summer Springboard he or she should still go to the One Book website and complete all the steps by the stated deadlines. This information is critical for your enrollment at JMU.

DISCLAIMER: Students who do not attend Summer Springboard Orientation will not have another opportunity during the summer to meet with their academic advisor or complete their fall course registration.  Students unable to attend will have course schedules created based on their declared major and General Education preferences.  No changes may be made to the course schedule until 1787 August Orientation.

Please note that all incoming student accounts are billed the $175 Orientation fee, whether or not students attend Summer Springboard.

3. If I cannot attend a Summer Springboard session, can my parents attend Orientation and register for me?

Parents and/or family members are encouraged to attend Summer Springboard, even if the student cannot attend. However, parents and/or family members will not be able to complete course registration for the student. Please contact the Orientation office with the student's full name, and student ID number, stating only parents/family members will be attending. Please see the information above on students who cannot attend Orientation

 

4. I have already submitted my orientation reservation through The One Book website, but I want to change my major.

You may edit the reservation section to change your declared major through the One Book website until one week prior to your scheduled orientation date.

The step will lock down one week prior to the scheduled orientation date; at which time, change of major requests must be sent by email (orientation@jmu.edu). Include your full name, phone number, student ID#, the major selected with your original Orientation reservation and the new major you would like to declare, with your request. Requesting a change of major after you have submitted and reviewed your assigned orientation date may cause your date to change depending on freshman advisor availability for the new major. The email request must be submitted via your JMU e-mail account.

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5. What are the dates for Summer Springboard?

Please refer to the Orientation home page for specific program dates.

6. How many family members or guest can attend Summer Springboard?

Students are asked to limit their Summer Springboard guests to 2.

7. Do I schedule my fall courses during Summer Springboard?

Yes, after you meet with your freshman advisor you will complete your course registration.

8. How long will we be on campus for Summer Springboard?

Summer Springboard Orientation is a full day program. Check-in begins at 7:45am and the day wraps up around 5:30pm when students finish advising and course registration.

   

9. I am interested in 2 majors, which do I declare?

Declare only your primary major of interest on “My Orientation Reservation” step on The One Book website. Make sure to let your freshman advisor know that you plan on pursuing two majors. Your advisor will help you determine the best time to add a second major.

10. I am interested in a pre-professional program (such as pre-med or teacher education), what should I do?

On “My Orientation Reservation” step on The One Book website, under the “Declare your Major” task list item, select your desired pre-professional or teacher education program in the pre-professional section. If you are interested in the teaching professions use The One Book to ensure you select the correct major.

11. What if I declare a major that is different from the major I listed on my JMU application?

That's fine! The major you indicate on the “My Orientation Reservation” step will be your JMU major. Students sometimes change their major from the time they apply for admission to the time they make their Summer Springboard reservation.

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