PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISER AND/OR COLLEGE CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.
SUBJECT: Important Information Regarding Your Current Academic Standing and Spring 2026 Enrollment
NOTE: If you have been allowed to return to JMU through continued enrollment appeal/the re-entry process, you are subject to the terms in your contract letter.
At the end of the fall 2025 semester, you are on academic probation. Your cumulative GPA is below the academic suspension threshold, so you are receiving an academic suspension alert. This means that your academic standing is serious. To avoid academic suspension at the end of the spring 2026 semester, you must improve your performance significantly.
For more information about JMU’s academic standing policies, including probation and suspension thresholds, please visit:
https://www.jmu.edu/acstudserv/standing.shtml.
Spring 2026 Enrollment Information
While you remain eligible to enroll at James Madison University for the 2026 spring semester, students on academic probation are limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours. This policy is designed to help you focus on improving your academic performance.
Please note:
- As you accumulate more credit hours, each grade has a smaller impact on your cumulative GPA.
- A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required for graduation from JMU.
If you are currently registered for more than 13 credit hours, we strongly recommend meeting with your academic adviser to discuss adjustments to your schedule. The deadline to make changes is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026. Schedule changes can be made through MyMadison, and system availability details are posted there.
If you do not reduce your credit hours to 13 or fewer by the deadline, the Office of the Registrar will adjust your schedule and notify you of the changes.
Credit Hour Appeal Process
If you believe you have extenuating circumstances that justify exceeding the 13-credit limit, you may request an exception. This process requires:
- A discussion/consultation with your academic advisor.
- Emailing the college contact person of your major college to request an exception to the credit hour limit.
Please be aware that approval is not guaranteed and will depend on a formal review.
Financial Aid Considerations
Changes in your academic standing or enrollment (such as dropping below 12 credit hours) may affect your financial aid eligibility. We encourage you to:
- Review Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
- Contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships with any questions.
Recommended Spring 2026 Academic Support Interventions
During the spring 2026 semester, we strongly recommend that you participate in one of the following academic support interventions designed to help you unlock your full potential. We believe in your ability to succeed, and the assigned academic support intervention will give you the tools and strategies you need to reach your goals.
- Student Success Strategies Seminar (UNST 190): Student Success Strategies Seminar is a one-credit course designed to help you build essential skills for academic success and personal growth through weekly sessions on topics like time management, learning strategies, and goal setting. This seminar provides practical tools and support to help you thrive in college and beyond. To express interest in enrolling in the Student Success Strategies course, please complete the UNST 190: Student Success Seminar Form.
- First-Year Success Seminar (COB 110): This one-credit First-Year Success Seminar class is designed to assist first-year COB students with the transition from the high school classroom to the college classroom by developing a better understanding of the learning process while acquiring essential academic skills.
- Student Success Coaching: Using a strengths-based, appreciative coaching approach, Student Success Coaching assists with academics, well-being, basic needs, and social connections. Visit the Student Success Coaching website to learn more.
- Academic Mentor Program (AMP): Get paired with a Peer Learning Assistant for four personalized sessions focused on goal-setting and effective study strategies, with the option to keep meeting for ongoing support. Visit the Academic Mentor Program website to learn more.
- Rebound: Join the Rebound Program and connect with a mentor for eight weeks of personalized support, reflection, and resources to help you move forward with confidence.
Other Resources to Help You
We encourage you to take full advantage of the academic and support resources available at JMU during the 2026 spring semester:
- Academic Advising: Meet with your advisor to review your schedule and discuss your academic path. If you're considering a change of major, contact University Advising.
- Academic Support Services: Make use of the Learning Centers (including the University Writing Center, Science and Math Learning Center, Communication Center, Peer Academic Coaching, and PASS), as well as additional support through the SLI Resource Center, individual departments, and student organizations. A full list of resources is available at JMU Learning Resources.
- Office of Disability Services (ODS): If you need accommodations or support, please visit ODS Website for more information.
- Self-Care and Wellness: JMU offers a variety of self-care resources through the Counseling Center, Well Dukes, and UREC.
We understand that this may be a challenging time for you, and we are here to assist you on your academic journey. Your academic advisor and college contact are available to help guide you through your options and support your success.
Wishing you a successful and productive spring semester.
College Contacts:
College of Arts & Letters, Dr. Becky Childs at childsrl@jmu.edu
College of Business, Ms. Michelle Duncan at duncanml@jmu.edu
College of Education, Dr. Dara Hall at halldm@jmu.edu
College of Health and Behavioral Studies, Dr. Kevin Apple at applekj@jmu.edu
College of Integrated Science and Engineering, Dr. M. Afzal Upal at upalma@jmu.edu
College of Science and Mathematics, Dr. Brycelyn Boardman at boardmbm@jmu.edu
College of Visual and Performing Arts, Dr. Karin Tollefson-Hall at tollefkl@jmu.edu
Professional & Continuing Education (Adult Degree/BIS), Ms. Virginia Trovato at trovatvp@jmu.edu, and Mr. Daniel Robinson at robinsdl@jmu.edu
University Studies (IDLS, Independent Scholars, and Exploratory Studies/Undeclared majors), Dr. Audrey Burnett at burnetaj@jmu.edu
