Welcome to the Centennial Scholars Program!

New Student Welcome is designed to help you begin your JMU journey with confidence. You'll meet fellow Centennials, connect with staff and mentors, learn about program expectations, and prepare for your first semester. Check back throughout the summer as additional information is added.

Event at a Glance

Thursday August 20, 2026 | Festival Ballroom

Time Scheduled Activity

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location Varies

  Early Move-In

12:00-12:30 PM

 Registration

12:30-1:45 PM

 Catered lunch

1:45-2:45 PM

 Financial Aid Presentation and Q&A

3:00-4:15 PM

 Parent Panel

3:00-4:15 PM

 Student Session

4:15-4:30 PM

 Closing

6:00-7:00 PM

 Dinner at D-Hall

7:00-9:00 PM

 Optional evening activities

RSVP

 closed

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, August 21, 2026

Time Scheduled Activity

12:00-1:00 PM

E-Hall

  Lunch

1:15-3:15 PM 

King 0136

 Student Expectations Meeting

 

Move-In Information

Thursday, August 20: Early Move-In, 9 AM- 12 PM | Location: Your residence hall 

Before arriving, please review: 

Once you arrive: 

  • Go directly to your assigned residence hall 
  • Check in with your residence hall staff 

We will have members of our team to help you move in. Look for staff and mentors wearing dark red First-Generation Student Success shirts so you can easily identify us! 

If you live close to JMU, please plan to arrive closer to 10 AM or 11 AM. This will help prevent residence hall staff from becoming overwhelmed earlier in the morning. 

Parking

You and your guests may park in student lots, in any unmarked, non-metered space. Avoid pay-by-plate spaces, fire lanes, and areas marked for special use. 

If you have any questions about parking on August 20, please contact Parking and Transit Services at parkingservices@jmu.edu or call 540-568-3300.

Move-In Directions
Wifi

Students and guests can connect to campus Wi‑Fi using the appropriate network and sign-in instructions below. 

User firstgen@jmu.edu
Password 821179
Questions?

Questions before New Student Welcome? Email us at centscholars@jmu.edu or reach us at 540-568-2803.

New Student Welcome FAQ

FAQs
New Student Welcome is required for all incoming Centennials, including first-year students, transfer students, and current JMU students who are newly joining the program. Guests are also welcome to attend from 12:00 PM–4:30 PM.
Early Move-In (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) is only for students living on campus. Commuters and students who are not living in university housing are not expected to attend this portion of the day.
If you're participating in another pre-wow program, you're excused from Thursday, August 20, but required on Friday, August 21.

If you are participating in Early Move-In, follow your assigned move-in schedule between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. All other incoming Centennials should plan to arrive by 12:00 PM at Festival Ballroom for the New Student Welcome.

Please allow extra time for parking and walking to the event location. You may park in any unmarked, non-metered space. Avoid pay-by-plate spaces, fire lanes, and areas marked for special use.

Bring anything you'll need for move-in, a water bottle, your JACard (if you've already received it), and a positive attitude, we're excited to welcome you!
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You'll be moving into your residence hall, walking around campus, and participating in activities throughout the afternoon.
Yes. Lunch is a required part of New Student Welcome (August 20) for all incoming Centennials. If you have dietary restrictions or another concern, please let us know on your RSVP form so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

Yes! Meals will be provided throughout the New Student Welcome.

  • Thursday Lunch: Provided for Centennials and their registered guests.
  • Thursday Dinner: Provided for Centennials.
  • Friday Lunch: Provided for Centennials.

Thursday Lunch: Yucatan Bowl

        • Cilantro Lime White Rice
        • Shredded Chicken (halal)
        • Braised Beef (halal)
        • Portobella Mushroom
        • Pico De Gallo
        • Salsa Roja
        • Romaine Lettuce
        • Avocado Ranch Dressing
        • Charro Beans
        • Guacamole
        • Dessert: Brownies & Cookies
        • Beverages: Lemonade, unsweetened tea, water

 

New Student Welcome is required for all incoming Centennials. If you are unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances, please indicate this on your RSVP form so we are aware of your plans.

Yes. Family members and registered guests are welcome to attend the New Student Welcome program even if the student is unable to attend. If you will not be attending, please indicate this on your RSVP form and note that your family or guests will still be attending.

Back to Top
Centennial Scholars Program
Student Success Center
MSC 1025
738 South Mason Street
Room 2180
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm

Summer Hours of Operation:
Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm
Fri: 8am-12pm