• Parents and Family

  You've entrusted James Madison University with your most valued treasure: your child. It's a role we take seriously. The Office of Parent Relations is here to partner with you in preparing your student to become an educated and enlightened citizen who will lead a productive and meaningful life.

  Use this site to locate resources for parents and family members of JMU students and find information on the annual Family Weekend, Parents Council, send-off picnics, and other activities.

• Get to and from JMU

  Have a student trying to get home? We can help with that. Planning a visit to JMU? We have information on that, too.

• Stay connected

  Keep in touch with what's happening at the university through JMU news, The Breeze, Madison magazine, and more. Parents also receive the Madison Family Connection e-newsletter. Register your e-mail here.

• About JMU

  JMU is changing the world — one person at a time. Learn about our mission, academic programs, national rankings, and get information on tuition and fees.

The JMU Parents Council is an opportunity to participate in the dynamic programs at JMU. It was formed in 1978 to involve parents in the affairs of the university and to serve as a forum for the exchange of information concerning the various activities and programs of the university.

Apply Now  |  Download the application.

The Council consists of 191 representatives representing each of the four classes. Members are selected as married couples or as single parents. Representatives are eligible to serve for four years or until their children are no longer enrolled at JMU.

Current Member Directory  |  Alumni Member Directory

The purpose of the Parents Council is  

•     To provide advice and guidance to the Division of University Advancement on programs related to parents

•     To serve as a liaison between the university and parents

•     To serve as an effective spokesperson and advocate for the university

The JMU Parents Council meets twice each year - once in the fall on the Friday of Parents Weekend and once in the spring. During these meetings, the council meets in subcommittees and as a group for the general council meeting. Guest speakers will include administrators, faculty members, students and coaches who discuss various aspects of campus life.

Parents Council Spring Meeting April 19-20, 2013

Click here for a campus map.

Click here for map of meeting locations.

Click here for a full list of local accommodations.

There are five subcommittees of the Parents Council.  Each member of the council has the opportunity to serve on one of five subcommittees:

1.  Finance and Physical Development

2.  Academics

3.  Student Life

4.  Enrollment Services

5.  Resource Development

Parents interested in being considered for membership should complete the Parents Council Brochure/Application. Fifteen applicants will be selected for telephone interviews conducted by the chairpersons of the council. Final selection and notification will take place by the end of August.