Looking for Answers?

Students and faculty can find answers to their questions about academic issues here. For general university information, refer to the University Response Page. 

Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Prospective Students
Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Students

Graduate Students

Prospective Students

Faculty

Fall 2020 Schedule



Undergraduate Students

How can I find online classes?

To find out how courses are offered, search for classes in MyMadison. In the Room column, you will see one of two things listed: A room location or Online. If you see a specific hall and room number, the course will be in-person on campus. If you see Online, the course will be delivered in an online format.

For specific information regarding the format for the online class, check the class notes for that section of the class. If no additional information is provided, you can reach out to the instructor of the class, who will be listed, or the academic unit head.

How will classrooms be different this fall?

For classes that are taught in person, multiple safety precautions have been put into place in all classrooms, labs and studios. Face coverings - typically masks - will be required in all academic spaces, and rooms will be cleaned more frequently. You can see more details here.

Your program director has more information about how this is being handled within your academic unit and may be able to answer your questions in more detail.

Are we coming back to campus at the same time?

We carefully considered the academic calendar when planning the Fall 2020 semester. We determined that keeping our established dates of attendance, in parallel with our revised meeting schedule, provided an optimal health and safety plan for the JMU community.

With that said, new information emerges daily. We continue to adapt as guidance provided by CDC, the VDH and other medical sources evolves and will make the necessary changes to protect our students, faculty and staff.

I have a medical condition and am worried about classes this fall. What can I do?

If you need an accommodation related to a medical condition, contact our Office of Disability Studies.

There is a problem with my classes because of the new fall schedule. What should I do?

 Beginning July 21, you will have access to the Drop/Add process. If you have questions at that time, please contact your adviser or academic unit head to assist you in finalizing your schedule.

When can I register?

The new Schedule 2.0 will be open for students to start registering for Fall 2020 on July 21. To find your assigned time, log into MyMadison.

Are there counseling services available for students?

You can speak with a Counseling Center clinician by calling the Counseling Center at (540) 568-6552, Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

The clinician will help you develop a plan to respond to the situation and connect you with the appropriate resources.

There are more resources available from the Counseling Center's website.

What can I do if I am worried about a friend's mental health?

If you are concerned about a student, please consider sending a Madison Cares referral. Madison Cares is a centralized program for departments, students, parents, and community members to refer or consult about students of concern. We operate as an extended arm to students experiencing varying levels of social, emotional, academic, or mental-health stressors.

Students, university personnel, community members, or family members can submit a referral online about a student they are concerned about through the Madison Cares program. We will respond and address any concerns by providing care outreach, university resources, and direct support.

I'm an international student planning to study at JMU. What do I need to know?

If you're coming to Harrisonburg this fall, International Student and Scholar Services has all the answers and information you'll need.

What academic support services are available?

The Learning Centers and Libraries are here to support you, in person and online! The Learning Centers are continuing to offer online tutoring, consultations and study sessions. Likewise, JMU Libraries continues to offer students help with finding information for assignments and projects, as well as providing support for moving to online learning. For support with online classes, check out these resources.

Learning Centers:

JMU Libraries:

What if I have a question about the Honor Council?

Online reporting will operate as normal. Investigations will be delayed until Fall 2020. Changes will be posted on the Honor Council website.

What if I haven't taken the MREST and planned to graduate in May or August?

Students who have not yet completed the MREST (Madison Research Essentials Test) and who have applied to graduate in May or August 2020 will not need to complete the MREST. Due to COVID-19 testing center closures, a waiver has been granted to these students.

When can I take the MREST?

For first year students, registration holds have been deferred for those who did not pass the MREST by the original deadline.
Registration holds for other current students and discontinued students (e.g. students on academic suspension) have been lifted.
These temporary adjustments to regular MREST practices should allow you to register for summer and fall and make changes to your schedule in the months to come. Registration holds will be reinstated in the future, after normal on-campus functions resume.

Graduate Students

Are there counseling services available for students?

You can speak with a Counseling Center clinician by calling the Counseling Center at (540) 568-6552, Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

The clinician will help you develop a plan to respond to the situation and connect you with the appropriate resources.

There are more resources available from the Counseling Center's website.

Where can I find academic policies for graduate students?

Your program faculty should be your first point of contact, and The Graduate School is here to assist however they can. We've developed a series of FAQs specific to graduate students, found here.

What if I have already withdrawn from the university?

Graduate students who have officially withdrawn from the university and who wish to return for Summer or Fall 2020 should contact The Graduate School as soon as possible at grad@jmu.edu or 540-568-6131.

Prospective Students

Will JMU still accept transfer courses and dual enrollment credit?

Yes! JMU will maintain its current policy of accepting credit for courses with grades of “C” or higher. The Office of the Registrar will verify that students earned the equivalent of “C” or higher for any course with a grade of “credit,” “pass” or “pass+.” This policy will apply to all transfer course work, including dual enrollment credit.

Does JMU give credit for AP, IB and Cambridge exams?

Yes, the university will maintain its current policies for accepting these prior learning assessments taken during Spring 2020. See more information on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge.

For more information, visit JMU Admissions.

Faculty

How do I get support for online and hybrid teaching?

  • Check the Libraries’ COVID-19 response pagefor an overview of the support that the Libraries and CFI are providing for teaching in online/hybrid environments, including teaching guides, opportunities for consultations, virtual workshops, and more.
  • Ask the Libraryif you’re not sure where to start.

How do I access library materials, spaces and services?

 View an overview of the Libraries’ current services and resources.

Where can I refer students who are struggling with their mental health?

If you are concerned about a student in distress, you can speak with a Counseling Center clinician by calling the Counseling Center at (540) 568-6552, Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. The clinician will help you develop a plan to respond to the situation and connect you with the appropriate resources. You may also find it helpful to review the section of the Counseling Center’s website that was specifically designed to assist faculty in your efforts to support students of concern.

If you are concerned about a student, please consider sending a Madison Cares referral. Madison Cares is a centralized program for departments, students, parents, and community members to refer or consult about students of concern. We operate as an extended arm to students experiencing varying levels of social, emotional, academic, or mental-health stressors.

Students, university personnel, community members, or family members can submit a referral online about a student they are concerned about through the Madison Cares program. We will respond and address any concerns by providing care outreach, university resources, and direct support.

You may also contact The Dean of Students directly at (540) 568-6468 or email.

How should we handle course directives and waivers for experiential courses?

Because program curricula vary significantly in their use of experiential courses and how those courses address potential licensure or other external requirements, we encourage academic units to create appropriate course substitutions and/or waivers where possible to facilitate student progress toward degree and/or licensure as we continue to adjust to disruption. These adjustments will be reassessed by departments in Fall 2020.

When should I assign a grade of incomplete?

A grade of incomplete (“I”) is the result of an agreement between an instructor and a student. It is not the student’s choice to receive an incomplete grade, unlike the expanded CR/NC option available Spring 2020. Instructors should use their best judgement in agreeing to the incomplete option, just as they do normally.

Can I extend an incomplete grade from Fall 2019?

Faculty can change incompletes from Fall 2019 to a letter grade by May 11, 2020. Faculty can also opt to extend the due date for Fall 2019 incompletes by May 11, 2020. Incompletes for Fall 2019 will not be converted automatically to F’s if Incomplete grades are neither changed nor extended by May 11.

I have questions about academic policies related to COVID-19 that aren't addressed here. Who should I talk to?

Academic Affairs established a Response Team of representatives from each college to address the evolving issues raised in our response to the pandemic. Chaired by Fletcher Linder, the group meets online weekly to discuss student and faculty concerns. Feel free to reach out to any member of the group with questions or suggestions.

 

CSM

Marcus Davis

davis4mc@jmu.edu

COB

Scott Gallagher

gallagsr@jmu.edu

CAL

Chris Arndt

arndtjc@jmu.edu

COE

Dara Hall

halldm@jmu.edu

CHBS

Paula Maxwell

maxwelpj@jmu.edu

CHBS

Sharon Lovell

lovellse@jmu.edu

CVPA

Wren Stevens

stevenwr@jmu.edu

CISE

Bob Kolvoord

kolvoora@jmu.edu

Grad School

John Burgess

burgesjg@jmu.edu

Honors

Brad Newcomer

newcombr@jmu.edu

PCE

Nick Swartz

swartznj@jmu.edu

Libraries

Aaron Noland

nolandax@jmu.edu

Libraries

Bethany Nowviskie

nowvisbp@jmu.edu

CGE

Taryn Roberts

robertte@jmu.edu

CGE

Dietrich Maune

maunedx@jmu.edu

CARS

Keston Fulcher

fulchekh@jmu.edu

CARS

Dena Pastor

pastorda@jmu.edu

R&S

Carolyn Strong

strongcd@jmu.edu

Univ Advising

Mark Taylor

tayl29ma@jmu.edu

Registrar

Michele White

whitemm@jmu.edu

Univ Studies

Fletcher Linder

lindergf@jmu.edu

GenEd

Meg Mulrooney

mulroomm@jmu.edu

GenEd

David Daniel

danieldb@jmu.edu

Faculty Senate

Mark Piper

pipermc@jmu.edu

Learning Centers

Laura Schubert

schubelk@jmu.edu

Accreditation

Herb Amato

amatohk@jmu.edu

Accreditation

Kristi Shackleford

shackekl@jmu.edu

VPFC

Marilou Johnson

johnsomx@jmu.edu

CFI

Ed Brantmeier

brantmej@jmu.edu

Summer School

Catherine Crummett

crummecm@jmu.edu

ACE Fellow

Bob Klein

kleinbx@jmu.edu

 

 

 

Fall 2020 Schedule

Why is JMU moving to the new Fall Schedule 2.0?

Fall Schedule 2.0 is designed to maximize the health and safety of the JMU community. The new schedule allows us to incorporate two cleaning periods during the day, in addition to the regular morning and evening cleanings.

Who does the new Fall Schedule 2.0 apply to?

The new schedule for Fall 2020 applies to all students, undergraduate and graduate, enrolled in any type of course for credit at JMU.

What if I can’t attend classes in person?

The way a course is delivered will vary by course and course instructor.  Please contact your adviser or academic unit head to assist you in exploring your options.

What are my options if the new schedule doesn’t work with my plans for the fall?

Beginning July 21, you will have access to the Drop/Add process so you can modify your schedule. If you have questions at that time, please contact your adviser or academic unit head to assist you in finalizing your schedule.

When will I be able to modify my schedule?

Beginning July 21, you will have access to the Drop/Add process so you can modify your schedule. If you have questions at that time, please contact your adviser or academic unit head to assist you in finalizing your schedule.

I have a compromised immune system, and would like to have the choice of taking online courses. Who should I contact?

Any student with a compromised immune system or other health issues should work directly with the Office of Disability Services to identify their needs and discuss accommodations.
When registering for classes through MyMadison, the published schedule will indicate the delivery mode of each class so you can choose courses with the appropriate delivery method.

How flexible will my faculty be if I have COVID-19 related absence?

If you have a COVID-19 related absence, please notify your faculty/instructor at your earliest convenience. They will be able to provide you with details on their specific attendance policy for the course.

How can students and other members of the JMU community maximize health and safety for all?

Here are several expectations that will maximize the health and safety of our campus community:

  • Provide your own mask (cloth or clear) while on campus
  • Utilize good personal hygiene (i.e., self-monitoring of symptoms, hand-washing, application of hand-sanitizer, etc.).
  • Practice social distancing when going between classes, waiting for class session in hallways and other public spaces.
  • Follow visual cues such as colored tape and directional signage to maximize physical distance, when possible.

What are the recommended safety guidelines for spaces other than classrooms?

The health and safety of the JMU community are our top priorities. Guidance for general campus operations is updated as new requirements are announced.

How can I maximize my health when using public transportation and what is JMU doing to minimize my risk?

JMU is finalizing public transportation plans for Fall 2020. All passengers will be required to wear masks, and limits to the number of passengers/riders are being considered. The final plan will be in accordance with guidance from the CDC, the governor’s office, and other relevant health and safety sources.

Are students required to wear masks in class?

Faculty, staff and students are required to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth when in classrooms, labs and other public settings, indoors and outdoors, where physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

What will happen if a student refuses to comply with JMU COVID-19 classroom guidelines?

Possible outcomes are addressed in Academic Affairs Policy #12, which address classroom disruption.

Do I need to move my current schedule to the new format (Fall Schedule 2.0)?

If you’ve already registered, your classes have been automatically moved to the new schedule.

I am a first year student. When will I be able to enroll in Fall 2.0? Will my Summer Springboard Orientation date remain the same?

If you are a first year student, you will enroll in the new schedule June 15-16. Your virtual Summer Springboard Orientation will take place between June 22-July 17.

Are the start and end times of all fall classes changing?

No. Fall Schedule 2.0 generally impacts courses that begin after 11:15 a.m. (MWF) or 12:30 p.m. (TTh).

Has the move to Fall 2.0 impacted fall dates and deadline?

View the dates and deadlines link on the Registrar’s website for the academic calendar.

Who can help me if I need help with the registration process overall and/or with my Fall 2.0 schedule?

Please contact your adviser or academic unit head if you have questions concerning your Fall 2.0 schedule or need assistance with the registration process.

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