Reentry to the University

Degree-seeking students who have not attended JMU for one or more semesters and who wish to return to their studies at JMU are classified as re-entry students. The re-entry process is contingent upon the student's length of absence and academic standing at the time of departure. To avoid delays in registration, the Intent to Enroll Form (for undergraduate students who have been absent from JMU for less than two years) or the Office of Admissions Re-entry Form (for students who have been absent for two or more years) must be submitted by the indicated deadline for the anticipated semester of return.

Deadlines for Submission of Intent to Enroll and Re-entry Forms:

• Fall Semester: July 1
• Spring Semester: November 1
• Summer Session: April 1

Re-entry after Absence of Less Than Two Calendar Years

Students in Good Standing:
Students who left the university in good standing and who have been absent for one semester or more without declaring a formal leave of absence must submit an Intent to Enroll Form to the Office of the Registrar.
Students in good standing who have declared a formal leave of absence for non-medical reasons will be automatically activated and eligible to register for the stated semester of return without further action on their part (provided there is resolution of outstanding registration holds). Activation for students who take a leave of absence for documented medical or mental health reasons will be contingent on receipt of a letter from the attending physician indicating the student is able to attend classes. This letter must be received in the Office of Student Withdrawal by the deadlines indicated in the table above.

Students on Probation:
Students who left the university on academic probation, and who have been absent for one semester or more, must submit an Intent to Enroll Form directly to the Director of Academic Student Services, MSC 7506, Harrisonburg, VA 22807. A personal statement citing the reason for departure and interim activities must accompany the form. Re-entry and continued enrollment are not guaranteed, but are contingent upon review by an academic review committee chaired by the Director of Academic Student Services. Such review may result in denial or conditional re-entry.

Students on Suspension:
Students who are placed on a first academic suspension may follow the appeal process stated in their suspension notification or apply for re-entry after the suspension period. A personal statement citing the reason for departure and interim activities must accompany all Intent to Enroll Forms. Students must submit all documents to the Director of Academic Student Services, MSC 7506, Harrisonburg, VA 22807. Re-entry and continued enrollment are not guaranteed but contingent upon review by an academic review committee chaired by the Director of Academic Student Services. Such review may result in denial or conditional re-entry.

With prior approval from the dean of the major college and the Office of the Registrar, a suspended student may choose to take courses at another institution. Course work completed during the period of suspension may be considered as part of the criteria for re-entry, but courses taken at another institution cannot be used to raise the grade point average at JMU, nor will the courses automatically transfer to JMU.
A maximum of 12 semester hours will be accepted as transfer credits. These hours will be considered once the student has been readmitted and has earned a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 in at least 12 credit hours attempted during the semester of return.

Re-entry after Second Suspension or Absence Exceeding Two Calendar Years

Students who are eligible to apply for re-entry after an absence of two or more calendar years, regardless of their academic standing at the time of departure, must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. Readmission is not automatic but subject to committee review of the application, the personal statement citing the reason for absence and evaluation of work completed at JMU as well as work completed at other institutions during the student's absence from JMU.

If a degree-seeking student leaves James Madison University after earning a portion of General Education credits and earns an approved Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Associate Degree, JMU will accept it in fulfillment of General Education requirements. Students who earn the approved degree while on academic suspension status from James Madison University are only eligible to re-enter James Madison University by agreeing to apply for the Transfer Equivalent Option upon their approved return to James Madison University.