The Madison Family Newsletter is created each month by the Office of Family Engagement in partnership with many members of the JMU community. For more family resources, visit our website.
In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- Time to Check Student Accounts
- Reasons Financial Aid Awards Can Change
- Concerned for a JMU Student? Refer them to Madison Cares
- Tutoring/Learning Centers
- JMU Dining Updates
- Student Hub: Pantry, Financial and Housing Assistance
- Warm A Winter Wish
- We Are Family: FREE JMU Traditions Magnet
- Duke Club: Diggin'Dukes 2025
- Ethical Reasoning at Quad Fest 2025
- Giving Thanks and Making Change with CEVC
- Career Center: Unpaid Internship Scholarship
- Reminder: JMU Passport Center is Accepting Applications
- Student Travel Home: Thanksgiving & Winter Break Updates to the Northeast
- Fly SHD: The Official Airport of JMU Announces New Flights
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hello JMU families,
We have 5 weeks left of the semester with classes and exams, and we are only 2.5 weeks away from the Thanksgiving break. This is a good time for students to focus on having a strong finish to the semester while also taking care of their own well-being.
Reminders
Thanksgiving break is Nov. 22–30. Residence halls close at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23 and will reopen at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. Now is the time to confirm when and how your student will be coming home for this break. You may think you know the plan, but your student may have a different idea. This is the first break when all their friends will be home from college, and they will want to spend time with them. Talking about expectations for being at events and spending time with family will be important.
For students who live off campus, please remind them to bring anything valuable home with them and to lock all doors and windows when they leave. They should also clean out the fridge and clean the dishes, so they don’t inadvertently create science experiments or welcome some uninvited guests like bugs and mice into their homes.
Updates
It’s nice for our students to know that breaks are coming up, while continuing to focus on classes. I hope you’ve been having regular check-ins with your student to talk through their academic progress. This is often the time when students get more anxious about their grades, so it's incredibly important that you know how they are doing and provide support. The student gateway has links to many academic resources to help them be successful. There are also links to health resources and other helpful information they may need.
Events
Here are some fun events that happen every week from Student Life:
Trivia Night | Tuesdays | 7–9 p.m. | TDU
Tea Time | Wednesdays | 3–5 p.m. | The Union, 3rd floor lounge
Crafternoon | Thursdays | noon–3 p.m. | The Union patio
These and many more events can be found on the JMU events calendar and on Be Involved.
Questions to ask your student
What would make your Thanksgiving break amazing?
Tip: The answer may be to sleep 12 hours every day, which probably isn’t what you want to hear, but it’s good to know now rather than after you’ve made family plans. Or maybe you’ll get lucky and find out something fairly simple you can do to make it special for them and the whole family. I remember I always wanted a traditional Thanksgiving meal with apple pie for dessert and was so disappointed when we had pumpkin instead. The little things can make a big difference, so ask.
How are you feeling about the semester right now? Follow up: What has been your favorite class and what class has been most challenging (and why?). Make this a conversation that goes beyond one-word answers.
Tip: This opens the door for them to share any successes or concerns they may have hesitated to share otherwise and can help prevent any surprises when grades are posted during break. It’s also a good time to use the two questions “Do you want me to simply listen, or would you like me to help you find solutions?” and then respect their answer.
How was class enrollment and how many credits do you have for the Spring semester?
Tip: This can be a stressful process and leaning into the successes of what they were able to get is a good start. You can help them strategize next steps from there, and I want to encourage you to not join them in the struggle. Being positive and helping them think through options is more productive and helpful than also being unhappy if they didn’t get their dream schedule.
Looking forward to time together
Soon you’ll be welcoming your Duke home for a nice Thanksgiving break, then in less than two weeks they’ll have more than a month off for Winter break. I am looking forward to heading to Northern VA and spending Thanksgiving with Jamie’s parents at our home there and getting some downtime of my own. If you live around Falls Church or Tysons Corner don’t be surprised if you see me at Orange Theory, Tysons Corner Mall, Home Depot, Ellie Bird, The Falls, Guitar Center, or many of my other favorite haunts up there over break.
I hope you’re all looking forward to this time together and that it’s everything you want and need it to be.
Take care and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Submitted by: Brandon Cline-Taskey, Director, University Business Office
Registration for spring semester is this week. Now is a good time to make sure that your student checks their account for any registration holds caused by student account balances, fines or fees. Most fines and fees are sent to the University Business Office to be collected through M3. The main exception to this is that parking fines stay in the Parking office for 30 days before being transferred to UBO. If you are an Authorized User, you can check M3 yourself as well.
In the UBO, we try not to make these items a surprise. Students and their Authorized Users are sent a statement notification email every two weeks if there is a balance on the account. In addition, students receive a weekly email every Monday if they have a UBO hold on their account.
Reasons Financial Aid Awards Can Change
Submitted by: Brad Barnett, Associate Vice President for Access & Enrollment Management/Financial Aid Director, Financial Aid & Scholarships
When students are awarded financial aid funds in a semester, it’s important to keep in mind that there are situations when financial aid awards can be reduced or canceled. This applies even after funds are received. The majority of these situations will be triggered as a result of action taken by the student, and we’re providing a list of some of the most common reasons this occurs.
- Changing Registration – Financial aid eligibility is based, in part, on the number of “’financial aid eligible” hours a student is taking during that enrollment period. If the registration changes, financial aid can also change. This is especially important to note during the add/drop periods of each term.
- Failure to Begin Classes – Students receiving financial aid must begin attendance in classes for which they were awarded financial aid. If that does not happen, adjustments could be made to financial aid awards.
- Receipt of Additional Aid – If a student receives additional aid that the Financial Aid Office was not aware of when the JMU financial aid package was created, then it might be necessary for some of the awards made through JMU to be reduced or canceled. This is called an “overaward” situation.
- Failing Classes – At the conclusion of a term the Financial Aid Office will evaluate grades for students who received financial aid funds. In some cases, a failed class could lead to a reduction or cancelation of certain financial aid awards.
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) – If a student is receiving financial aid under the terms of an Academic Plan associated with a SAP appeal, and if the student does not meet the terms of the plan, aid may be reduced or canceled.
- Repeating Classes – There are limits on how many times a student can receive financial aid for repeating courses. If we discover a student has exceeded those limits, then financial aid awards may change.
While the items above do not represent an all-inclusive list, they do provide information on the most common reasons that cause a financial aid package to be modified. With that said, generally speaking, if students receive a financial aid package and complete all of the classes for which they registered, then the likelihood of the financial aid package changing during the term is significantly reduced.
You can learn much more about the rules associated with financial aid eligibility by reviewing JMU Terms and Conditions for Financial Aid – Consumer Information.
Submitted by: Dom Rodriguez, Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Students
The Dean of Students office would like to encourage you to submit a Madison Cares Referral for students you are concerned about. Whether they are having trouble with their academics, are experiencing difficulties with their health, or navigating a family emergency, we are here to help! Our team will respond and address any concerns by providing outreach, university resources, and direct support to the student. Contact us at madisoncares@jmu.edu if you have any questions.
Submitted by: Audrey Robinson, Senior Associate Director, Learning Centers
The Learning Centers offer free study sessions, academic coaching, tutoring, and workshops run by faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Our six programs offer discipline-specific, customized instruction to help JMU students take their learning to the next level. For example, if your student is struggling with a statistics course, wants to talk over a paper they're working on, or wants feedback on a presentation they're preparing, the Learning Centers' team can help! Each of our programs has a wide range of tutoring and support services, but we're all focused on empowering your student to succeed in their academic work. We're located on the first floor of the Student Success Center, and online tutoring is also available. We can help your students build confidence, develop skills, and flourish in their academic journey!
Our Programs include Free Tutoring:
Communication Center/Speech and Presentation Prep
English Language Consultations
Peer Academic Coaching (PAC)
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
Science and Math Learning Center
Writing Consultations
JMU Dining Updates
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, JMU Dining
Check out JMU Dining's new website where you will find all the information you need about our meal plans, dietary and sustainability initiatives, events, and important dates.
November is full of great Dining events for students, including the Grand Reopening of Festival! Festival Food Court now includes Madison Press Deli, Ignite Pizza and Pasta, Burgers+Fries, and of course... Chick-Fil-A! We'll celebrate at Festival on Nov. 13 from 11:30-1:30 with games, activities, prizes, and FOOD!
Other events this month include Foodie Favorites at D-Hall on Nov. 12, and Friendsgiving at E-Hall on Nov. 20.
Speaking of Friendsgiving, JMU Dining will be closed during Thanksgiving Break from Saturday, Nov. 22 until 4:30 pm on Sunday, Nov. 30. D-Hall and Chick-Fil-A will be open with modified hours to accommodate university staff, but meal plan punches will not be accepted. Entry to D-Hall is $12, and both locations will accept Dining Dollars, Flex, and credit.
Submitted by: Basic Needs Advisory Board
Does your student need help with basic needs? Encourage your student to check out the Student Support Hub, an online central hub for information about different basic needs resources including The Pantry, cap/gown loans, Career Closet and more.
The Pantry is a food+ pantry that serves all students, no questions asked. There are three pantry locations on campus. Since August, we have had 2,790 visits to The Pantry with a total of 11,817.52 pounds being distributed. This averages to be about 4.25 lbs per person. We also saw that 10.6% of visits were students' first times to The Pantry.
The Student Support Hub website is overseen by the JMU Basic Needs Advisory Board (BNAB), a group of faculty, staff, students, and community partners who research, create, and advocate for resources and policy changes to better support students facing financial hardship.
Want to support The Pantry? People can donate money to The Pantry or “sponsor a shelf” and provide a recurring donation of a specific item. Currently, the highest Pantry needs are for monetary donations and basic hygiene items.
Submitted by: Melanie Tornese, Graduate Assistant of Marketing and Engagement, UREC
Each year, UREC receives wish lists of individuals and families from First Step, Mercy House and Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley. Their wishes are hung on a tree in UREC in early November for the JMU community to fulfill. Then, during our Warm A Winter Wish event, UREC and members of the community help wrap all the donated gifts!
You can encourage your Duke to participate by coming to UREC and take a wish, visit our Amazon Wishlist, donate wrapping supplies, compete in the Warm A Winter Wish Bake-Off, and/or attend the wrapping party!
For more information and deadlines to participate, visit our website.
Submitted by: Liz Fravel, Senior Associate Director, Office of Annual Giving
We're celebrating your place in the JMU family with a FREE, exclusive magnet highlighting our beloved campus traditions. Get yours today!
Submitted by: Grace Sheldon, Director of Internal Operations & Events, Duke Club
Mark your calendars: Diggin’ Dukes returns for its third year on December 2 — JMU Athletics’ 24-hour giving day dedicated to supporting our student-athletes. But you don’t have to wait until then to get involved!
All month long, join the momentum by following @JMUDukeClub on social media. You’ll find updates on fun challenges, campus events, surprise pop-ups with your favorite student-athletes, and more!
Thank you for supporting JMU Student-Athletes — Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.
Submitted by: Kacey Damaty, Assistant Director, Ethical Reasoning in Action
Over 180 people stopped by the Ethical Reasoning in Action tent at Quad Fest this year. Family members, alumni, JMU faculty, staff and students completed a quick survey for a chance to spin the prize wheel and learn about the Eight Key Questions (8KQ) ethical reasoning strategy. This simple skill - asking ethical questions "before" we act on our decisions - improves students' ability to see the ethical dimensions of any given situation. Ask your Dukes how they use the Eight Key Questions to help them navigate moral moments. To learn how to use this unique decision-making strategy, visit our website.
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards Barnes, Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication, & Innovation, Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC)
As finals approach and the holidays draw near, November is the perfect time for your Duke to pause, reflect, and give back. At the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC), students can engage in service projects that strengthen connections, support the community, and provide a meaningful close to the semester.
Events
Ho, Ho, Holiday Happy Hour | Dec. 5 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) | SSC 2200
Students can celebrate the season with festive crafts, ornament painting, and cookie decorating, while making items for local non-profits.
Alternative Breaks
Is your student passionate about creating change? They can travel with a student-led group of Dukes to work alongside community leaders to address pressing social issues.
Alternative Spring Breaks | Mar. 14-21, 2026
Cost: $350 for driving breaks, $995 for flying breaks. **Please note: prices are subject to change depending on airfare, fees, etc.**
Need financial assistance? Need-based assistance is available (with the potential to receive up to 50% off the break cost)!
Registration Deadlines:
- Nov. 30 at 11:59 p.m. for flying breaks
- Feb. 8 at 11:59 p.m. for driving breaks
Dukes Volunteer
Dukes Volunteer connects students with local service opportunities. They can volunteer one time or weekly throughout the semester.
Jubilee Climate Farm | Mondays, Sept. 1 – Nov. 27 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Support Jubilee Climate Farm by building natural solutions to climate change, food security, and farmland access to immigrants!
Food Recovery Network | Mondays, Sept. 1 – Dec. 1 | 3:15-5 p.m.
Help recover unused food from E-hall and deliver it to a local organization, turning surplus into support for our community.
Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community | Tuesdays, Sept. 2 – Dec. 2 | 10-11 a.m.
Head to VMRC to support enrichment activities with memory care residents.
For more information, visit the CEVC page, email us at cevc@jmu.edu or call 540-568-6366.
Career Center: Unpaid Internship Scholarship
Submitted by: Carlos Yanez, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
Help Your Student Offset Internship Costs. If your student is participating in an unpaid, for-credit internship, clinical, student teaching, or similar work-based learning experience, they may be eligible for financial support through the University Career Center’s Unpaid Internship Scholarship.
This scholarship is designed to help ease the financial strain that can come with unpaid opportunities. Eligible students may receive up to $4,000 to help cover expenses such as food, rent, tuition for required internship courses and transportation.
Who is eligible: Current undergraduate, degree-seeking JMU students who have already secured an unpaid, for-credit internship or similar experience. Students must be Pell Grant eligible and have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA. All majors are welcome.
How to apply: Students must apply through the Madison Scholarship Hub.
Application periods:
Spring 2026: Open now through December 15, 2025
Summer 2026: Open now through April 1, 2026
Encourage your student to apply if they’re taking on an unpaid opportunity that supports their academic and career goals. This scholarship can help reduce financial stress and allow them to focus on gaining valuable experience.
For full eligibility details and internship requirements, visit our website.
Submitted by: Huda Attaey, Communications Assistant, Center for Global Engagement
Planning international travel? The JMU Passport Center in Holland-Yates Hall is open for first-time passport applications!
Services are by appointment only and provided by the Center for Global Engagement.
For more information, please visit our website.
Student Travel Home: Thanksgiving & Winter Break Updates to the Northeast
Submitted by: Amy Sfaelos, CollegeTransit
Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks are now on waiting lists for both Northeast and Mid-Atlantic routes. As more students join the waiting list, we will try to add more buses or you will have the opportunity to fill seats that open up on confirmed buses.
A special ‘thank you’ to everyone who used our service during Fall Break. By using CollegeTransit buses, you helped remove over 150,000 car miles from the road which increased both safety and parental peace of mind.
See you all on the Thanksgiving trip!
Submitted by: Heather Ream, Director of Marketing and Communications, Shenandoah Valley Airport
Whether you’re planning a visit to James Madison University or getting your Duke home for a break, Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) makes travel to and from Harrisonburg easier than ever. Located just 15 minutes from campus, SHD is the official airport of JMU, offering reliable, convenient, and affordable jet service from major hubs directly into the Shenandoah Valley.
Smooth Transition, Same Great Convenience
Now through February 1, 2026: Contour Airlines flies from SHD to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) on a 30-seat regional jet. Thanks to a ticket and baggage agreement with American Airlines, travelers can book a single itinerary to Charlotte or beyond—with bags checked through to the final destination. (It’s not too late to book holiday travel for your student!)
Starting February 3: American Airlines service (operated by SkyWest Airlines as American Eagle) begins at SHD, adding even more options with daily flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Charlotte (CLT). These two major American hubs unlock hundreds of convenient connections across the U.S. and abroad, on a larger 65-passenger regional jet for an even better customer experience.
You can book flights now on either airline at aa.com.
Duke Dog–Approved Travel
At SHD, convenience and personal service come standard. Enjoy free parking, quick check-in, short security lines, and friendly local staff who make every trip simple and stress-free. SHD also offers a shuttle service with door-to-door transportation to and from the airport. We can pick your student up on campus, at an apartment complex, or anywhere in between, and will be ready to take them back home when they return. Families flying in can also take advantage of the shuttle or choose to rent a vehicle from Budget or Avis.
As JMU’s official airport, SHD is committed to making travel easier for students and families. Our team provides complimentary booking assistance by phone to help you choose the best schedules and fares. Just give us a call at (540) 234-8304.
Why Fly Local?
Flying from SHD saves time and money. Skip long drives, traffic, and parking fees at distant airports while supporting your community airport. Use the True Cost Calculator at flyshd.com to compare total travel costs (gas, parking, and time) and see the value of flying local.
Whether you’re visiting, sending your student home for the holidays, or they’re heading off on a spring break adventure, SHD is your friendly, stress-free gateway to the world.
For JMU travel details, shuttle reservations, or booking assistance, visit our website or contact Heather Ream, Director of Marketing & Communications, at hream@flyshd.com or (540) 234-8224.
Join 13,000+ fellow JMU parents and guardians in the official Facebook group! This group was created by the Office of Family Engagement in an effort to provide a safe online environment for parents & family members to engage with one another. Request to join the group here »
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