Statue of James Madison in the fall

These New Graduate Student sessions take place in "The Union", 5th floor Ballroom.  

Although on-campus orientation is not mandatory, you are strongly encouraged to attend. All of the sessions offered during orientation are optional, so you have the opportunity to attend whichever sessions will be most relevant and helpful to you. You are encouraged to participate in the entire orientation, and yet you are free to attend relevant sessions based on your own availability and time constraints. 

There is no charge to attend, however we do ask that you register so that we have an accurate account of attendance. 

Register to Attend

Schedule for May 15, 2024 & August 15, 2024

Location: The Union Ballroom, 5th Floor

New Graduate Student Orientation Anticipated Agenda
(agenda is subject to change)

Time

Event

8:30 am

Registration

9-9:05 am

Welcome  - Dean of The Graduate School

9:05-9:10

Introduction to the Libraries

9:10-9:45 am

Session 1:  Making the Transition

  • Masters Students (Madison Union Ballroom) 
  • Doctoral Students (Location TBA)

9:45 -10:20 am

Session 2:  Learning Strategies/ Time Management

  • Learning Success Strategies

Break

 

10:25 – 11:00 am

Session 3: Personal Wellness  

  • Counseling Center

11:00- 11:35 am

Session 4:  Financial Considerations as a Graduate Student

  • Financial Aid

11:40 am – 12:00 pm

Session 5: Graduate Student Life

12:00 pm

Lunch Groups at D-Hall (a meal ticket will be provided to those who register)

Post-lunch

Optional Self-Guided tours - visit the Student Success Center (SSC), University Recreation Center (UREC), Forbes Center, Libraries: both East Campus (Rose) and West Campus (Music Library), and academic buildings.

Parking

The closest Commuter Student parking is in Grace Street Parking Deck (GPS Address: 258 E Grace St.). Lot C4 or the Chesapeake Avenue and Warsaw Avenue Parking Decks are the next closest parking areas. View the Campus Parking Map.

You will need to obtain your campus parking pass from Parking Services prior to parking in designated commuter spots on campus, or risk receiving a ticket. Visit parking services's website for information on purchasing your parking pass online, fees, and parking areas. You may also visit the Parking Services office, located in the Champions Drive Parking Deck, in person. 

You may also want to download the free JMU Parking App, that will inform you if spaces are available in various parking decks. 

Please contact The Graduate School (grad@jmu.edu or 540-568-6131) if you may require assistance to access and participate in the event (wheelchair, walking, interpretation services, etc.). A staff member will contact you to ensure that you have the assistance you need. 

Past Presentations:

Click to view the PowerPoint Presentation from these past sesions:

Special Topic Presentations:

Resources:

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