About the Day

CHOICES is designed to be flexible, 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.

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Check-In

Check-in starts bright and early! Come to the Atlantic Union Bank Center (AUBC) from 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. to check-in. A printed program for the day will be available at AUBC. See detailed check-in directions and parking information.

Admitted students will receive a complimentary meal voucher at check-in.

Guests can *purchase meal vouchers online or from the AUBC concession stand during check-in (valid at D-Hall and E-Hall). Guests may also pay with debit/credit at any open dining facility.

*Pre-purchased meal vouchers must be printed out prior to arrival.

Event programming will run from 8:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Here a little early? Check in first, then take one of our Early Bird preview tours, offered from 7:15 a.m. - 8 a.m. at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.

Preview the layout of East Campus and get a peek at student life here at JMU. These tours will not go inside any campus buildings. Early Bird tours are approximately 20 minutes long. Please ask the staff behind check-in for directions.


Welcome Session

After you check in, get ready for a JMU welcoming like no other. From 8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, you'll hear from several speakers about all the things JMU has to offer. You'll even take part in some of our favorite JMU traditions.


Getting Around Campus

JMU Shuttle buses will run throughout campus until 5:30 p.m. Check for the "CHOICES Shuttle" signs in the bus windows. There will be seven total shuttle stops located around campus. Just look for the large purple flags. To learn more about the event locations and shuttle stops for the day, check out the CHOICES Campus Map.

All buses are ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible. If you need additional assistance, please ask one of our staff members. 


Session A Events (10 A.M. - 10:45 A.M.)

Atlantic Union Bank Center

Come learn how we prepare students for a career in business in this session and student panel. We offer majors in Accounting, Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Finance, International Business, Marketing and Quantitative Finance.

Festival, Ballroom A

Join us for an information session and student panel discussing pathways into the education field. We offer majors in Elementary, Inclusive Early Childhood, Middle Grades, Secondary and Special Education.

Wilson Hall, Auditorium (Also offered in Session D)

Come here to learn about the financial aid process.

Grafton-Stovall Theatre

Explore our entry-level professional programs designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills for a career in the health professions. We offer undergraduate majors in Dietetics and Health Services Administration and graduate programs in Athletic Training, Applied Nutrition, Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies.

Wilson Hall, Room 1001

Explore the past and employ digital and public history tools to inform others.

The Union, Ballroom (Also offered in Sessions B and C)

Learn about the Honors community, curriculum and cultural enrichment opportunities and how they can enrich your college experience.

Engineering/Geosciences Building, Room 1209

Learn how we apply systems thinking and responsible innovation to address complex problems like climate change and infectious disease in this unique interdisciplinary major.

Harrison Hall, Room 2105

Learn how modern media creators craft powerful stories in SMAD’s Creative Advertising, Digital Video and Cinema, Interactive Design and Journalism concentrations and check out our studio and equipment.

Forbes Center, Recital Hall

Join us for a presentation followed by a facility tour to learn more about the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees. Concentrations include Music Studies, Music Industry (BA) and Composition, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Music Industry, Music Theatre, and Performance (BM). Tour of facilities to follow at 11 a.m. and tour of Wayland Hall arts residence at noon.

Festival, Highlands Room

Come learn how the Pre-Law network of advisors offers attentive advising and quality co-curricular experiences that prepare students for law school.

Holland Yates Hall, 1st Floor Presentation Room (Also offered in Session B)

Come hear from advisors and students about how our pre-professional health minors (pre-athletic training, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, preoccupational therapy, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, and pre-veterinary medicine) enhance your preparation for graduate programs and careers in the health professions.

Festival, Ballroom B

Come learn how we center undergraduate student learning in a rigorous, research-based environment in our diverse range of majors. Come learn more about Biophysical Chemistry, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, and Astronomy.

Health and Behavioral Studies Building, Room G010

Join us for an engaging information session discussing the Social Work major and minors in Family Studies and Nonprofit Studies.

Forbes Center, Earlynn J. Miller Theatre

Join us for a presentation followed by a facility tour to learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre, Theatre or Dance. Tour of facilities to follow at 11 a.m. and tour of Wayland Hall arts residence at noon.

Wilson Hall, Room 1014

Embrace the study of languages as a major, in combination with other majors, as a language minor or professional minor, or out of personal interest.

Session B Events (11:15 A.M. - Noon)

Duke Hall, Gallery Court

Join us for a presentation followed by a facility tour to learn more about the programs in Art Studio, Art History, Art Education, Architectural Design, Graphic Design, and Industrial Design. Tour of facilities to follow at Noon and tour of Wayland Hall arts residence at 3:30 p.m.

Festival, Ballroom A

Join us for an interactive session and learn how your interest in biology can be transformed into a meaningful career by our dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art equipment, inquiry-based labs, and flexible learning paths.

Health and Behavioral Studies Building, Room G040

Explore how this pre-professional curriculum provides essential background for graduate study in the fields of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Wilson Hall, Auditorium

Come explore seven concentrations (Advocacy, Interpersonal, Cultural, Health, Organizational, Public Relations, and Generalist) in the School of Communication Studies which allow students to shape a wide range of future pursuits.

Festival, Ballroom B

Come learn how we nurture students' passion for technology and equip you to thrive in the digital era. Focus areas within the major include Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defense, Software Development, and Systems. Tour of facilities to follow session at noon and will last 30 minutes.

Festival, Highlands Room

Connect with JMU Black alumni as they share their experiences, insights, and personal “Why JMU” stories. Learn how the Black Alumni Chapter empowers students through mentorship, resources, and community—helping you thrive academically, socially, and professionally during and beyond your time at JMU.

The Union, Room 256 (Also offered in Session D)

Not sure what major is the perfect fit for you? No worries! Discover how the Exploratory program helps you figure out your best-fit major while keeping you on track for success. Come see how we can help you make your college experience your own!

The Union, Ballroom (Also offered in Session A and C)

Learn about the Honors community, curriculum, and cultural enrichment opportunities and how they can enrich your college experience.

Grafton-Stovall Theatre

Come learn about how classrooms, laboratories, simulation and clinicals support students’ achievement in the BSN program. Tour of facilities, given by current BSN students, to follow at 12 noon and will last 45 minutes.

Wilson Hall, Room 1014

Unlock the world’s diversity as you encounter new perspectives and global traditions with us! Gain skills in analysis, dialogue, and cultural competency that employers highly value.

Holland Yates Hall, 1st Floor Presentation Room (Also offered in Session A)

Come hear from advisors and students about how our pre-professional health minors (pre-athletic training, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-occupational therapy, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, and pre-veterinary medicine) enhance your preparation for graduate programs and careers in the health professions.

The Union, Room 306 (Also offered in Session C)

Transfer students, join University Advising and the Office of the Registrar to learn more about your transfer journey at JMU. We’ll address frequently asked questions related to transfer credit, choosing a major, advising, and understanding course requirements. We’ll leave time to answer your questions, too.

Wilson Hall, Room 2001

Stop in to explore skills and opportunities in Professional Writing and Publishing, Inclusive Design, Writing for Law and Society, and Science and Health Writing (or learn about the option to Design Your Own Career in Writing).

Session C Events (1:30 P.M. - 2:15 P.M.)

Festival, Highlands Room

Learn about our multidisciplinary engineering program with a focus on sustainable design. This major features a hands-on, team-based capstone project in a range of engineering application areas. Tour of facilities to follow at 2:15 p.m. and will last 45 minutes.

Wilson Hall, Room 1001

Come and explore studies in the English Department where you will develop expertise in research, critical reading and writing, equipping you with skills that are highly valued by employers.

Engineering/Geosciences Building, Room 2002

Join us for an information session and learn how we empower students to address complex problems in areas such as human and environmental change. We offer concentrations in Applied GIS, Environmental Conservation, and Sustainability and Development.

The Union, Ballroom

Learn how this major combines health-related course work with other disciplines to study disease, wellness and behavior change, and methodologies for analysis of health concerns to prepare students for entry into allied health careers or a variety of graduate programs.

The Union, 256 (Also offered in Sessions A and B)

Learn about the Honors community, curriculum, and degree path opportunities, and how they can enrich your college experience.

Godwin Hall, Room 353

Whether you work for a resort, restaurant or cruise ship, you’ll need a wide range of management, communication and leadership skills to capture the hearts of your patrons. This major will provide you with innovative learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, exposure to premier hospitality organizations and interactions with dynamic industry professionals.

King Hall, Room 259

Come here to learn how this integrated information technology degree focusing on highly relevant skills in cybersecurity, computer networking, and end-user design and development prepares students for a wide range of careers. Tour of facilities to follow session at 2:15 p.m. and will last 30 minutes.

Wilson Hall, Auditorium

Come explore the three majors and many paths in the Department of Political Science to learn how we help students prepare for careers in government, consulting, nonprofits and public policy.

Grafton-Stovall Theatre

Join us for an information session and student panel to learn how JMU’s BA or BS in Psychology prepares students for careers and graduate school.

Wilson Hall, Room 1014

Through courses, lab work, fieldwork, and independent projects, gain hands-on experience doing sociology and anthropology: immersion in people’s daily lives, interviewing, interpreting artifacts and data sets, and producing socio-cultural commentary.

Festival, Ballroom B (Also offered in Session D)

Exclusively for our admitted students: Join us for a Q&A panel with current JMU students who will share
their experiences. Bring your questions about living on campus, getting involved, finding your niche and more!

Festival, Ballroom A (Also offered in Session D)

Join the Student Affairs team as they talk about supporting students through the exciting transition to college life and the college experience for the first semester on campus. Bring your questions for the orientation, living on campus, student support, and resources available to all students!

Holland Yates Hall, 1st Floor Presentation Room (Also offered in Session D)

Learn about the unique study abroad programs for incoming first-year students and peek inside JMU’s portfolio of 80+ semester and short-term programs. At the end of the session, current students will share stories, experiences and takeaways from their own time abroad.

The Union, Room 306 (Also offered in Session B)

Transfer students, join University Advising and the Office of the Registrar to learn more about your transfer journey at JMU. We’ll address frequently asked questions related to transfer credit, choosing a major, advising, and understanding course requirements. We’ll leave time to answer your questions, too.

Session D Events (2:45 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.)

Festival, Highlands Room (Also offered in Session B)

Not sure what major is the perfect fit for you? No worries! Discover how the Exploratory program helps you figure out your best-fit major while keeping you on track for success. Come see how we can help you make your college experience your own!

Wilson Hall, Auditorium (Also offered in Session A)

Come here to learn about the financial aid process.

King Hall, Room 259

Join us as we discuss how students learn innovative ways to structure their thinking to assess complex real-world problems and prepare for a career as analysts, with a specialization in national security intelligence analysis. All students acquire subject matter specialties through a required minor or second major.

Wilson Hall, Room 1001

Come explore the ways in which the study of the justice fields can prepare you for meaningful careers in contexts as diverse as law, criminal justice practice, human rights policy, or social justice advocacy, activism and policy.

Grafton-Stovall Theatre

Join us for an information session to learn about the study of human movement. We offer concentrations in Exercise Science and Physical and Health Education Teacher Education.

The Union, Room 256

Whether working with a professional sports team, at a commercial fitness business or for a parks and recreation department, you’ll need competencies in marketing, leadership and project management to be successful. This program will challenge you to think critically, to use technology and to appreciate the global community. 

Festival, Ballroom B (Also offered in Session C)

Exclusively for our admitted students: Join us for a Q&A panel with current JMU students who will share their experiences. Bring your questions about living on campus, getting involved, finding your niche, and more!

Festival, Ballroom A (Also offered in Session C)

Join the Student Affairs team as they talk about supporting students through the exciting transition to college life and the college experience for the first semester on campus. Bring your questions for the orientation, living on campus, student support, and resources available to all students!

Holland Yates Hall, 1st Floor Presentation Room (Also offered in Session C)

Learn about the unique study abroad programs for incoming first-year students and peek inside JMU’s portfolio of 80+ semester and short-term programs. At the end of the session, current students will share stories, experiences and takeaways from their own time abroad.

Open House Events

The Union, Room 405

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us for an open house and learn about scholarship opportunities, earning a minor in Military Leadership, and the requirements to fulfill the Professional Military Education requirements for commission as an Officer in the U.S. Army upon graduation. Cadets and Cadre will be available for questions.

The Union, Room 405

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us for an open house and learn about how Air Force ROTC Detachment 890 produces exemplary leaders and discover the Air Force/Space Force’s breadth of available career fields. Check out our flight simulator and VR headset and ask questions about the program and a potential future as a U.S. Air Force officer.

Wilson Hall, 2nd Floor

10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Stop by to learn more about our variety of programs in Anthropology, Communication Studies, English, Global Religions and Cultures, History, International Affairs, Justice Studies, Media Arts & Design, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, World Languages and Cultures and Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication.

Hartman Hall, Atrium

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Drop in any time to explore the COB Learning Complex, take a tour, enjoy some refreshments, and learn more about our academic programs in Accounting, Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Finance, International Business, Marketing and Quantitative Finance. Faculty, Advisors and current students will be available for questions.

 

King Hall and Engineering/Geosciences Building, 1st Floors

9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Stop by to learn more about our programs in technology and applied science (Computer Science, Engineering, Geography, Integrated Science and Technology, Information Technology and Intelligence Analysis).

Festival, Allegheny Room

10:45 a.m. - Noon

Drop in to enjoy refreshments and learn more about a wide range of science and mathematics programs (Astronomy, Biology, Biotechnology, Biophysical Chemistry, Chemistry, Computational Analytics/Data Science, Earth Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics).

Student Success Center, 5th Floor

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Drop in for an opportunity to get your questions answered by Financial Aid staff.

Hillcrest House

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Stop by Hillcrest House and meet Honors College students, faculty and staff to learn more about the Honors Interdisciplinary Studies minor. Light refreshments will be provided.

Lakeview Hall

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Explore X-Labs, where innovation comes alive! Take an interactive tour of our makery, think tank, and newly upgraded Esports arena! Our courses, fellowships, and programs are available to all majors and provide opportunities to develop solutions to real-world problems.

The Union, Room 404

Noon - 2 p.m.

Say “Hi!” to the X-Labs team and learn more about this innovation space on JMU’s campus. At X-Labs, courses bring students and faculty from different colleges together to collaborate and tackle real-world problems. Want to learn more? Check out tours of our facility from 2 - 4 p.m.!

University Recreation Center

Noon - 5 p.m.

Explore the award-winning University Recreation Center and learn about the wide range of facilities, activities and services available to JMU students to build healthy lifestyle habits during their time at JMU.


Tours

Experience JMU campus through some of the various tours available today!

East Campus Tours

Offered continuously from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Leaving from the Lower Level of Festival.

West Campus Tours

Offered continuously from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Leaving from Burruss Fountain.

Engineering Tour

Offered from 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Leaving from Engineering Geosciences Building, Room 1G03.

Residence Hall Tours

Offered continuously from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Open Residence Halls: Chesapeake, Shenandoah, Chappelear, Hanson, Eagle and Hillside.


Student Life Showcase

3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. at University Recreation Center (UREC), MAC Gym 3

A spin through our Student Life Showcase is well worth your time. Check out some of the departments, services and organizations that serve our students and get all of your questions answered! You can also pay your deposit here. Direct transportation from UREC back to the Ballard Parking Deck will be provided from 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

If you've made your choice, you can pay your deposit at the Student Life Showcase!

Visit the Bookstore

Open 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Ready to show your JMU pride? Pick up some gear at the Bookstore, your one-stop shop for all JMU apparel, accessories, gifts and more. 

You'll definitely want to start stocking up on purple!

Mineral Museum

Open 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Festival, Room 1021

Enjoy world-class minerals from the Peter L. Via collection, meteorites from the Richard F. West collection, and a fluorescent mineral display. Admission is free!

The museum is open MWF 1-4 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month, 1-4 p.m.

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