Whether you begin your graduate program in the summer or the fall, you are welcome to attend either new graduate student event. The June session is intended for summer start students, and the August session is intended for fall start students.
Thursday, June 1, 2023
8:30 am to noon
Thursday, August 17, 2023
8:30 am to noon
These New Graduate Student sessions take place in "The Union", 5th floor Ballroom.
Although the 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 the orientation, however we do ask that you register so that we have an accurate account of attendance.
June 1 and August 17 Location - The Union Ballroom, 5th Floor
New Graduate Student Orientation Anticipated Agenda (agenda is subject to change.)
8:30 am Registration
9:00-9:10am Welcome - Dean of The Graduate School
9:10 – 9:45 am Session 1: Making the Transition
- Masters Students (Madison Union Ballroom)
- Doctoral Students (TBA)
9:45 – 10:20 am Session 2: Learning Strategies/ Time Management
– Learning Strategies Instruction
10:20 – 10:25 am Break
10:25 – 11:00 am Session 3: Personal Wellness - Counseling Center staff
11:00- 11:35 am Session 4: Financial Considerations as a Graduate Student
- Financial Aid
11:40am – 12:00pm Session 5: Graduate Student Life presentation - Graduate Student Association
12:00 - 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 - Campus Parking Map - Lot C4 or the Chesapeake Avenue and Warsaw Avenue Parking Decks are the next closest parking areas.
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 (https://www.jmu.edu/parking) 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 powerpoint presentations:
View the PowerPoint Presentation from the May 26, session.
View the PowerPoint Presentation from the January 14 session.
View the PowerPoint Presentation from the August 13 session.
View the PowerPoint Presentation on Assistantships from the August 13 session.
Resources
Information on your JAC CARD
Important Library information
MSC 6702
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Mon - Fri:
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. &
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch
