About the Day
This event is designed to be flexible to meet your needs, so there is no "set schedule" that must be followed. You are encouraged to explore campus and various areas of interest at your leisure throughout the day.
Jump to see events for:
Want to plan your day now?
Download the Guidebook app to plan your day, explore campus, get directions, and more.
Arriving on Friday?
Early Check-In is available from 4 - 8 p.m. on Friday night. Learn more.
The following are the events available during Explore JMU: Academic Open House on September 23.
A printed program for the day will be available at check-in. See detailed check-in directions and parking information.
Check-in is from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Event programming runs between 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Academic Events
Our events to explore academic programs are grouped by academic colleges. You are welcome to attend as many academic events as your schedule allows.
Expand the sections below to see times, locations, and programs for each academic college. Room numbers for academic information sessions will be included in the paper program and Guidebook app.
Need help? A great way to find what sessions fit you best is to search for your major or minor in our Find My Program page. That helps you figure out which academic college houses your primary interest. If you are undecided about your potential major in college, feel free to check out any academic session and our Exploratory Students session.
Academic College Events
Locations: Harrison Hall & Wilson Hall
Majors Fair: 8:30 - 10 a.m.
*Major Information Sessions: 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
- English
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, & Cultures
- History
- Justice Studies*
- Philosophy & Religion*
- Political Science; International Affairs; Public Administration*
- Sociology & Anthropology*
- School of Communication Studies*
- School of Media Arts & Design*
- School of Writing, Rhetoric & Technical Communication*
Location: Hartman Hall
College overview sessions: 9 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship: 9 a.m. - Noon
Major Information Sessions: 9 - 9:45 a.m. & 10 - 10:45 a.m.
- Accounting
- Computer Information Systems
- Economics
- Finance & Quantitative Finance
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
Location: The Union
Teacher Education Overview: 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. & 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Major Information Sessions: 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- Elementary Education (PreK - 6th grades)
- Inclusive Early Childhood (Birth - age 5)
- Special Education (K - 12th grades)
- Middle Grades Education (6th - 8th grades)
- Secondary Education (6th - 12th grades)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PreK - 12th grades)
Location: Health and Behavioral Studies Building, Miller Hall & Grafton-Stovall Theatre
Major Information Fair: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Major Information Sessions: 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. & 10:45 -11:30 a.m.
- Health Professions:
- Dietetics
- Health Services Administration
- Occupational Therapy (graduate program)
- Athletic Training (graduate program)
- Physicians Assistant (graduate program)
- Kinesiology
- Communication Sciences & Disorders
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Social Work
Locations: Engineering/Geosciences (EnGeo) & King Hall
Major Information Tables: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Major Information Sessions: 10 - 10:40 a.m., 10:45 - 11:25 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Geography
- Information Technology
- Integrated Science & Technology
- Intelligence Analysis
Interested in learning more about STEM opportunities at JMU? Check out the STEM at JMU Overview.
Locations: Engineering/Geosciences (EnGeo), Physics/Chemistry (Phys/Chem) & Bioscience Buildings
Major Information Tables: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (1st floor of EnGeo & Phys/Chem Buildings)
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Academic Presentation & Discussion: 9:30 - 10:20 a.m. & 10:30 - 11:20 a.m.
- Building Tours & Lab Demos: 10:30 - 11:20 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
- Chemistry/Biochemistry
- Hands-On Activities: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
- Lab Demos: 9:30 - 10 a.m. & 10:30 - 11 a.m.
- Student Tours & Parent Presentation/Q&A: 10 - 11 a.m. & 11 a.m. - Noon
- Geology/Environmental Science
- Information Tours: 10 - 11 a.m. & 11 a.m. - Noon
- Information Tours: 10 - 11 a.m. & 11 a.m. - Noon
- Physics/Astronomy
- Information Sessions: 10 - 10:45 a.m. & 11 - 11:45 a.m.
- Information Sessions: 10 - 10:45 a.m. & 11 - 11:45 a.m.
- Mathematics/Statistics
- Information Sessions: 10 - 10:45 a.m. & 11 - 11:45 a.m.
Interested in learning more about STEM opportunities at JMU? Check out the STEM at JMU Overview.
Locations: Forbes Center & Duke Hall
Major Information Tables: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Major Information Sessions & Facility Tours: 9 - 9:45 a.m. & 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
- School of Art, Design and Art History
- School of Music
- School of Theatre and Dance
Tours of Wayland Hall Arts Learning Community at 11 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Interested in Art, Dance, Music or Theatre Education? Learn more about Teacher Licensure with the College of Education from 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. & 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Location: Godwin Hall & the Union
- Hospitality Management
- Information Session: 11 - 11:45 a.m.
- Information Session: 11 - 11:45 a.m.
- Sport and Recreation Management
- Information Sessions: 9 - 9:45 a.m. & 10 - 10:45 a.m.
Location: Engineering/Geosciences Building (EnGeo)
Overview Presentation: 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. & 9:15 - 10 a.m.
Find out about the wide range of majors in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at JMU. This session emphasizes how exemplary pedagogy and experiential learning manifest in distinctive and meaningful programs in a range of STEM fields at JMU.
Additional Academic Events
Want to join the world’s greatest Air Force? Learn how Air Force ROTC Detachment 890 produces exemplary leaders and discover the Air Force/Space Force’s breadth of available career fields—to include flying jets, operating space satellites, working as an intelligence or cyber officer, serving in the medical professions, and building business deals with contractors.
Location: Festival Conference & Student Center, Highlands Room
Open House: 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Do you have what it takes? Join us as Cadets and Cadre from the JMU Army ROTC Duke Battalion discuss the program and answer questions about what is necessary to fulfill the Professional Military Education requirements for a commission as an Officer in the US Army upon graduation.
Location: Festival Conference & Student Center, Highlands Room
Open House: 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Intentionally choosing Exploratory as your pathway at JMU allows individuals to take courses from a variety of areas across campus with the goal of finding their best fit major. Exploratory Advising supports and guides students in the process of finding a major, helping students thoughtfully explore their interests, goals and career aspirations through a variety of resources.
Location: Grafton-Stovall Theatre
Overview with Q&A: 1 - 1:45 p.m. & 2 - 2:45 p.m.
Learn more about our Honors College and how you can be part of a program designed to strengthen your education at JMU.
Open House: 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Hillcrest House
Pre-Professional Health (PPH) Advising provides aspiring health professionals with the information, advising, and application support necessary to engage in career exploration, achieve excellence in core competencies, and prepare for admission to health professions schools.
Location: Engineering/Geosciences (EnGeo) Building
Minors: Pre-Athletic Training; Pre-Dentistry; Pre-Medicine; Pre-Optometry; Pre-Physical Therapy; Pre-Pharmacy; Pre-Veterinary Medicine; Pre-Physician Assistant; Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Overview with Q&A: Noon - 12:45 p.m.
- Health Student Panel: 1:15 - 1:45 p.m.
- Overview with Q&A: 2 - 2:45 p.m.
Come learn about the 80+ study abroad programs available to JMU students.
Location: The Union 256
Information Sessions: 1 - 1:45 p.m & 2 - 2:45 p.m.
Wherever you are in your journey, this session is for you! From picking competitive classes that will set you up for success to deciphering confusing terminology to navigating your college applications, this session is a great starting point to ensure you’re on track for a successful college search.
Location: Wilson Hall, Auditorium
Information Sessions: Noon, 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
The information in these sessions is primarily for high school freshmen, sophomores & juniors. All are welcome to attend.
Are you applying to JMU? This session is the right place for you! Hear from the Office of Admissions and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships about the JMU application process and timeline, how to apply, what we’re looking for in competitive applicants, the JMU financial aid process, and more.
Location: Festival Conference and Student Center, Balloom A
Information Sessions: Noon, 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
The information in these sessions is primarily for high school seniors. All are welcome to attend.
Explore many of the university offices and departments that encourage success, involvement, and leadership for all JMU students. Get your questions answered, explore student resources, and learn more about opportunities with students, faculty, and staff who are committed to enriching the lives of students through learning and participation outside of the traditional classroom.
Location: The Union, Ballroom (5th Floor)
Resource Fair: 1 - 3 p.m.
Join us for an admissions information session specifically designed for prospective transfer students. In this session, you will learn more about the Madison Experience, transfer admissions process, and resources available to ease your transition to JMU. There will be time allocated
for questions.
Location: The Union, Room 302
Information Sessions: 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
University Advising and the Office of the Registrar will talk with you about opportunities at JMU and how to make the most of them as a transfer student. We’ll address frequently asked questions related to transfer credit, choosing a major, working with an academic advisor, understanding general education requirements, and more. We’ll save time to answer any questions you may have, too.
Location: The Union, Room 302
Information Sessions: Noon & 2 p.m.
Come explore our amazing University Recreation Center (UREC) and learn about the multitude of opportunities that are available to students through UREC.
Location: University Recreation Center
UREC Open House: 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Campus Tours
Take a 45-minute tour with a Student Ambassador tour guide to see one side of campus or the other. The tours focus on the student experience at JMU.
East Campus Tours
Offered continuously from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Leave from the lower level of Festival.
West Campus Tours
Offered continuously from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Leave from the Burruss Fountain.
MSC 0101
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
