Frequently Asked Questions

1. For which transactions would I need to go to the Office of the Registrar?
2. What is Ferpa?
3. What is e-campus?
4. How can I find information concerning registration policies and procedures?
5. How can I add or drop a class?
6. How can I add or drop a class after the deadlines?
7. What is a "WP" or "WF" grade?
8. How can I change my major?
9. How can I get an official transcript?
10. How can I get verification of student status?
11. I am a veteran (or dependant of a veteran) and have been approved for VA benefits.  Who do I contact to initiate certification for these benefits?
12. How do I transfer credit from another institution?
13. Will grades from courses I take at another institution count towards my JMU GPA?
14. What do I need to do when I am ready to graduate?
15. Can I participate in the May or December graduation ceremony if I will complete requirements at a later date?
16. Am I eligible for graduation honors?

 

 

For which transactions would I need to go to the Office of the Registrar?

 

The Office of the Registrar houses Registration Services and Student Record Services.  Registration Services is found on the 3^rd floor of Warren Hall and acts as counter area for any questions pertaining to registration, course adjustment, withdrawal and re-entry and social security number changes.  Student Record Services can be found on the 5^th floor of Warren Hall and can answer questions pertaining to grades, graduation and diplomas, major/minor changes, transcripts and verifications, transfer credits, and Veteran's Benefits.

 

What is FERPA?

 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.   James Madison University adheres to and annually informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.  This act, with which the institution intends to fully comply, was designated to protect the privacy of educational records.  Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) students have certain rights with respect to their educational records.  Additional information of FERPA can be found in the undergraduate catalog or online.

 

What is e-campus?

 

E-campus is JMU's online registration system.  Students have access to it through an electronic i.d. and password.  Not only can students register for classes via e-campus, but they can also check course offerings, view their unofficial transcript, have access to their class schedule, as well as other important information.

 

How can I find information concerning registration policies and procedures?

 

The Office of the Registrar publishes a student handbook that gives information concerning course registration, academic policies and procedures.  The handbook is available at the Registration Services desk (3^rd floor Warren Hall) or online.

 

How can I add or drop a class?

 

Classes may be added or dropped on e-campus through the end of the free add/drop period.  Refer to the Dates and Deadlines  for each semester for specific dates.

 

How can I add or drop a class after the deadlines?

 

Adding a class after the add deadline requires the signature of the instructor and department head of the course.  Classes may be added with these signatures through the last day to add a class with signatures deadline.  Refer to the Dates and Deadlines for each semester for specific dates.

 

Withdrawing from a course occurs after the drop deadline.  A student who withdraws from a course before the end of  the course adjustment deadline will receive a grade of "W" for the course.  This grade will be recorded (and remain) on the student's transcript regardless of the status of the student in the course at the time of the withdrawal.  Refer to the  Dates and Deadlines for each semester for specific dates.  Withdrawing from a course will not result in a tuition reduction and will not be counted towards GPA. 

 

What is a "WP" or "WF" grade?

                   

In extraordinary situations, a "WP" (withdrawn passing) or "WF" (withdrawn failing) grade may be assigned at the instructor's discretion upon the student's request to a student who becomes unable to complete some course requirements after the course adjustment deadline.  The form (e.g., verbal, written) and timing of such requests are determined by individual instructors; the student is responsible for ensuring that the request is made in an appropriate manner and at an appropriate time.  In response to such a request, the instructor may choose to record a grade of "WP" or "WF", but is not obligated to do so (and may record any grade other than "W").

 

How can I change my major?

 

Students who would like to change their major should obtain a Change or Declaration of Major Form from the Office of the Registrar.  Students must take this form to the head of the academic unit they wish to enter for approval.

 

How can I get an official transcript?

 

Transcripts are only issued at the written request of the student.  The request can be submitted by completing the Transcript Request Form found in the Office of the Registrar or online.  Transcripts will be sent within three to five business days after we receive your request.  There is no charge for transcripts.

 

How can I get verification of student status?

 

Enrollment verification can be submitted by completing the Request for Letter Giving Student Status Form.  This form is available in the Office of the Registrar or online.  Verification will be sent within three to five business days after we receive your request.

 

I am a veteran (or dependent of a veteran) and have been approved for VA benefits.  Who do I contact to initiate certification for these benefits?

 

Contact Trudy Ham, VA Program Coordinator

     Office of the Registrar

     MSC 3528

     Warren Hall 504

     Telephone (540) 568-6569

     E-mail hamth@jmu.edu

 

How do I transfer credit from another institution?

 

A student wishing to earn credits at another institution, either during the summer or during a regular session, must obtain permission from the Office of the Registrar in advance of taking courses from another institution.  Course descriptions are required for courses taken outside the Virginia Community College System.  The Office of the Registrar will make the determination concerning the course and its application toward a JMU degree following consultation with the head of a department or the director of the school, if necessary.  Permission to transfer credit into the General Education Program will be based on an evaluation of the extent to which the course meets the objective of the General Education Program.  To complete final hours away from JMU, students must have the approval of the dean of their major.  The Permission to Take Courses for Transfer Credit form is available in the Office of the Registrar or online.

 

Will grades from courses I take at another institution count towards my JMU GPA?

The letter grades earned for dual enrollment or other transfer course work will not appear on the JMU transcript nor will they be included in the JMU cumulative grade point average.  The grades will, however, be included in the grade point average used to determine graduation honors for students eligible for graduation honors.

 

 

What do I need to do when I am ready to graduate?

 

If you are an undergraduate student, complete the Application for a Bachelor's Degree available in the Office of the Registrar and submit it to your academic advisor by the deadline printed on the back of the form.  You will need to indicate the major/minor courses in which you are currently enrolled as well as the courses you plan to take during the semester requirement will be satisfied.

 

Can I participate in the May or December graduation ceremony if I will complete requirements at a later date?

 

Students can participate in the May ceremony if all requirements for graduation will be completed during the subsequent summer session, but the diploma will not be awarded until the end of the summer and will be given an August date.  The December ceremony, however, is only for students who will complete all requirements during the fall semester.  Students who complete requirements in the spring semester cannot participate in the December ceremony.

 

Am I eligible for graduation honors?

Students who have completed at least 60 credit hours at JMU with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above are eligible for graduation with honors.  To determine whether honors apply, however, the Office of the Registrar will calculate a combined grade point average including all JMU coursework and all coursework completed at any other institution the student may have attended.  If the combined grade point average is less than 3.5, then no honors will be awarded.  If the combined grade point average is equal to 3.5 or above, then honors will be awarded as follows:

Honors	Average
Cum laude	3.5--3.699
Magna cum laude	3.7--3.899
Summa cum laude	3.9 and above