Welcome to JMU

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James Schmidt, President

"I am honored to serve as the next president of James Madison University... Over three decades in public higher education has prepared me to lead this great institution into the future, and I am committed to leading JMU’s vision and strategic direction, enhancing academic excellence and research, and ensuring an exceptional student experience."

View President Schmidt remarks


Bob Kolvoord, Interim Provost

Bob Kolvoord, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

"Welcome to James Madison University and to our academic community. I speak for all of Academic Affairs, when I say we are happy you are here. Thank you for being a part of our faculty community."

Get Started: Schedule Your Onboarding Session

The Office of Human Resources (HR) assists new faculty in successfully integrating into employment at the university. Once an A&P or instructional faculty member accepts a position at JMU, the hiring academic unit communicates with HR regarding the need for the new faculty member's onboard session. The faculty member is contacted by HR, and an onboard appointment is scheduled prior to the faculty member's first day of work. The quicker your onboard session is completed, the faster you will receive a parking permit, a JACard (JMU Access Card), an eiD (electronic identification) and access to the university's computing system.

In addition, a member of the HR Benefits Team will contact new faculty members to provide information about benefits enrollment and to schedule a consultation with a Benefits Specialist.

If you have questions, call JMU-HIRE (568-4473), email humanresources@jmu.edu, or visit the HR website.

Things to Do During Your First Week On Campus
  • Get your JACard from Card Services. The JACard is the official all-in-one JMU identification card. This is proof of your affiliation with JMU for classroom, computer lab, and university functions. It can also function as your building access key and bus pass.
  • Acquire your parking pass from Parking Services.
  • Get started with Canvas. Visit the Canvas section of the JMU Libraries' Guide to Online & Hybrid Teaching at JMU. Contact the Libraries' Learning Technology Services staff if you need to set up a Canvas course shell.
  • Check in with your departmental administrator about classroom and office keys and determine the status of your office computer and other computing needs.
  • Be sure to get a copy of the appropriate handbook:
  • Visit your classroom(s) and familiarize yourself with the equipment and technology available.
  • Subscribe to the CFI’s Weekly Digest newsletter, which announces upcoming CFI programs and other faculty resources. If you do not receive this email, please contact the CFI at cfi@jmu.edu. View non-CFI faculty programs on the Faculty Success Hub.
  • Subscribe to the CFI's Teaching Toolbox newsletter, which offers reflections and teaching tips.
  • For individualized support for your teaching, scholarship, or academic career, you are invited to request a CFI consultation. JMU Libraries is also offering personalized consultations on a range of topics, including course design and instructional technologies.
  • Check out HR's UConnect program.
  • Check out the full week of programming for Faculty Welcome Week, and select the links below to learn more about New Faculty Welcome and New Faculty Academy.
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image for New Faculty Academy
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Faculty Support Areas

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