Happy New Year!
As we kick off a new semester, we want to take a moment to remind you that the Office of Family Engagement is here to support you throughout your student’s journey at James Madison University. Whether you’re navigating the excitement of their first year or preparing for graduation, we are committed to providing resources, communication, and opportunities to keep you informed and connected. This newsletter is just one example of that commitment, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of these incredible contributors.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the Madison Family Newsletter and look forward to a fantastic spring semester!
Warm regards,
Tracey Kite, Director, Office of Family Engagement
In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- Spring 2026 Student Check-In Process
- Virtual Career Ready Week: January 12-14
- Last Chance: Encourage Your Student to Apply for the Unpaid Internship Scholarship
- Out-of-State Student Travel
- JMU Dining Updates
- The World is Your Duke’s Classroom
- JMU’s FAFSA Priority Filing Date is March 1
- Madison Scholarships Hub Open for 2026-27
- A New Year Means New Ways to Volunteer with CEVC
- Ethical Reasoning in Action: What’s Ahead in 2026?
- Check Out the New JMU Libraries Magazine
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hello JMU families,
I hope you and your Dukes have been enjoying the break, and you’re getting to spend some quality time together. We also get a bit of a break, and I was able to do some traveling with Jamie and we saw Dukes in Falls Church, Richmond, Williamsburg and even Hawaii (Happy Anniversary to those JMU parents BTW). We’ve enjoyed meeting Dukes everywhere we’ve been!
For our newest JMU families, welcome! We’re happy to have you all as part of the JMU community. I encourage you to read this full newsletter each month. It’s full of great information for all phases of your student’s time at JMU.
For the families of graduating seniors, if you’re able to, I encourage you to come have one last visit here with your student before commencement. Walk around campus, visit the arboretum, explore the local community, and take a walk down memory lane with them. Have them share stories of their time here and reflect on their journey. I’ll be encouraging them to make the most of their last semester on campus, and I hope you do the same. Here’s the commencement website for more information about dates, times and other details. Remember though, you are now part of this family from now on, so I hope you will always feel welcome here in the years to come.
Updates
On Jan. 7, your student should have received an email from the registrar's office titled Spring 2026 Check-in. It's important that this is completed, so the university has up-to-date information in case of an emergency. Please encourage your student to complete this step if they haven't already.
Reminders
Spring semester classes begin on Tuesday, Jan. 20, so there is still plenty of time for your Dukes to prepare. Here are a few things they should be sure to bring back:
- JACard
- Room key
- Warm clothes – we’ve had some nice days here, but winter is definitely not over yet.
- Phone and computer chargers (and the computer too – I know they won’t forget their phone.)
- If they live off campus, it’s a good idea to bring a snow shovel. They’ll realize the benefit when everyone else is trying to use pots and pans to get their car out when we get snow.
Residence halls reopen on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. (and again, they need to remember their room key.)
The Academic Calendar lists opening, spring break, registration, closing and other important dates so bookmark this as a great reference.
Starting off right
As we start this new semester, here are a few tips I’d love you to share with your student:
- Be open to new experiences. Whether this is your first spring or your last, there will be new things to experience, ideas to discover and people to meet. Never again in your life will you be surrounded by this many possibilities so make the most of it. I met some of my lifelong friends in my last year at JMU.
- Reach out for help early.
- Academics - The Learning Centers, Learning Success Strategies and office hours for each class are a great place to start.
- Belonging – Check out Be Involved to learn about over 450 clubs and organizations to find the ones that are right for you. Volunteer through the Community Engagement and Volunteer Center. Get a job on campus, with Dining Services or in the local community.
- Well-being – Well Dukes coaching, Rebound and TimelyCare all provide support in different ways. UREC is another great resource.
- Embrace the community. Alumni all over the world talk about what a special place JMU is so take a minute to find what that means to you. Also explore the local community and support the small businesses and non-profits that you won’t find everywhere else.
Events
Here are a few examples of events happening this month:
- Jan. 21 | MLK Week Keynote speaker Donzaleigh Abernathy | 6:30 p.m. | Wilson Hall
- Jan. 23 | Building Connections | 3 – 4 p.m. | SSC 4049
- Jan. 27 | Student Org Night | 6 – 9 p.m. | Festival
- JMU Sports - We have great Winter and Spring sports coming your way!
More events can be found on the Event Calendar, Be Involved and Dukes Weekly.
Questions to ask your student
On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you to be going back?
We hope it’s a 10, and that you’ll be happy about that too. It doesn’t mean they won’t miss you! If the number is lower on the scale, I hope some of the tips listed above will help them feel hopeful about the possibilities of this new semester and that they’ll be willing to give them a try. Everyone has their own experiences, and they happen in their own time frame. We’re here to help that happen.
What are three goals you have for this semester?
Encourage them to have one for academics, one for personal well-being, and one for whatever else they choose (maybe career). They don’t have to be big, life-changing goals. Small changes can make a big difference. That is what I do each year instead of making resolutions, and it's much easier to continue the progress. Life changes through small, consistent changes that we stick to over time!
Looking forward to a great semester!
Every new year and every new semester holds so much promise, and this one is no exception. With our new strategic plan being finalized, it’s exciting to see our plans for the future and how we’ll continue to send our students into the world to do amazing things. I’m honored to be part of your students’ journeys.
I hope you enjoy the rest of winter break and that everyone has safe travels back.
Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Spring 2026 Student Check-In Process
Submitted by: Office of the Registrar
The required Spring 2026 “Check-in” process is available to active students on January 7 via the MyMadison Student Center. The university requires student validation or completion of the following important information:
- Validation of attendance (is the student returning and planning to attend – studies abroad experiences are considered returning)
- Validation of emergency notification information (student information is requested)
- Validation of emergency contact phone numbers (phone numbers of people for JMU to contact in case of emergency)
- Validation of addresses (if living off campus, it is permissible for the student to list the same local and home address)
- Review of the student’s class schedule
- Student Privacy – Consent, or not, to release student Address, Email, and Phone Number Information to third parties
- Tax Dependency – List those individuals who claim the student as a dependent on their tax returns; and/or, list others to whom the student provides consent for JMU to disclose education records upon written request.
- Validation of social security number (first semester students only)
Submitted by: Carlos Yanez, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
Help your student start the spring semester strong by encouraging them to join UCC's Virtual Career Ready Week! This weeklong series of online programs is designed to build essential career skills and prepare them for future success.
Featured sessions include:
- 1/13: Job Search 101
- 1/13: Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) 101
- 1/14: Internship 101
- 1/14: Networking 101
Don't let them miss this opportunity to get career-ready before spring semester starts!
Submitted by: Carlos Yanez, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
This is the last opportunity to remind your student to apply for the University Career Center’s Unpaid Internship Scholarship for Spring 2026.
If your student is participating in an unpaid, for‑credit internship, clinical experience, student teaching, or a similar work‑based learning opportunity, they may be eligible for financial assistance to help offset related costs.
This scholarship helps ease the financial burden of unpaid experiences. 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
- Are Pell Grant eligible
- Have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA
All majors are welcome to apply.
How to Apply
Students must apply through the Madison Scholarship Hub.
Application Deadline Spring 2026: Extended to Thursday, January 15
Encourage your student to apply if they are gaining valuable experience through an unpaid opportunity aligned with their academic and career goals. This scholarship can reduce financial stress and allow them to focus on learning and professional growth.
For full eligibility details and internship requirements, visit our website.
Out-of-State Student Travel
Submitted by: Amy Sfaelos, CollegeTransit LTD
Happy New Year JMU families! First, thank you everyone for using our service this past year. By using CollegeTransit in 2025, you helped remove approx 1.4 million vehicle miles from roads. That has a positive impact on the environment, highway congestion, safety, student car insurance and parental sanity!
- Spring Break transportation is now available on our website with stops in Allentown, Morris Plains, Tarrytown and Melville.
- Winter Break’s return to campus bus still has some seats available for the trip on January 18.
As a reminder since we do get the question often - CollegeTransit does NOT overbook seats.
We hope you all have been having a wonderful Winter Break and are looking forward to an even better spring semester!
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, JMU Dining
It’s not too late for students to grab a commuter meal plan and make the most of their semester. Research shows that students with meal plans are more likely to succeed academically, stay enrolled, and build lasting friendships.
Plus, when they use Dining Dollars, they’ll avoid Harrisonburg’s 12.5% sales and meals tax—saving money every time they dine!
Bonus: All students who have a commuter meal plan by February 6 will be entered to win a Sony Bluetooth speaker. They don’t want to miss out; sign up today!
Encourage your student to mark their calendars for Game Night on January 28 from 4:30–8 p.m.! They will enjoy a mouthwatering menu and dive into nostalgic fun with classic 90s video games. Dukes don’t want to miss this throwback experience!
Submitted by: Matthew Zittritsch, Assistant Director of Engagement & Outreach, Center for Global Engagement
Traveling is one of the most powerful and unforgettable learning experiences. Studying abroad offers your Duke an invaluable opportunity to grow into a more independent and confident adult while gaining a global perspective that lasts a lifetime. Plus, it’s an impressive boost to any résumé!
There are still plenty of study abroad opportunities available. Study Abroad Week runs February 9–13, and it’s the perfect time for your Duke to explore what’s possible. They can hear inspiring stories from students who’ve studied abroad, attend drop-in advising sessions, enjoy fun cultural events, and sample delicious international cuisine.
Let the world be your Duke’s classroom—start the journey today!
JMU’s FAFSA Priority Filing Date is March 1
Submitted by: Claire Bergan, IT Specialist, Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Department of Education opened the 2026–27 FAFSA on October 1, 2025. Students should act promptly to maximize their financial aid opportunities.
To receive priority consideration for all types of financial assistance, the federal government must receive and process your 2026–27 FAFSA by March 1, 2026—JMU’s official priority filing date.
Submitting after March 1 may reduce eligibility for certain aid programs, including state grants.
Please note: Meeting the priority filing date does not guarantee university or state grant funding. Awards depend on the number of qualified applicants and the size of annual funding allocations.
The FAFSA is free, carries no obligation, and is available online at studentaid.gov. For additional resources, including instructional videos, visit our website.
Madison Scholarships Hub Open for 2026-27
Submitted by: Steven Cox, Associate Director of Scholarships, Financial Aid & Scholarships
The 2026-27 scholarship application cycle has arrived!
Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To log in to Madison Scholarships Hub, students go to MyMadison and under the Student tab click on the logo for Madison Scholarships Hub.
Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the general application information as well as information pulled directly from the student academic record. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the general application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Students should review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunity they are presented with and if they meet the qualifications, they click apply to submit additional required information. Scholarships primarily open in January for the upcoming award year. Many scholarships require financial need, so if your student has not done so, make sure to file the 2026-27 FAFSA at this time as well. They may be prevented from qualifying/applying for recommended scholarships without the FAFSA on file.
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards, Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication, & Innovation, CEVC
January is here, and so is a fresh start! This semester, your student can sign up for opportunities to serve, connect, and make an impact, all while prioritizing their well-being and growth. Check out our events and experiences below to make their spring semester meaningful and memorable.
Alternative Spring Breaks | March 14-21
Is your student passionate about creating change? If so, they can travel with a student-led group of Dukes to work alongside community leaders to address pressing social issues during spring break. Cost: $350. Need-based assistance is available (with the potential to receive up to 50% off the break cost). Registration Deadline: February 8 at 11:59 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Spread the Love Happy Hour | February 14-21 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) | SSC 2200
The trees are changing, the weather is warming, and the air smells like love. Happy Valentine's season! Tell your duke to celebrate the holiday with CEVC. We will have food, crafts, and a social happy hour!
This will be co-sponsored with the pantry. We’ll highlight campus resources like the JMU Pantry, chat about food insecurity, and create affirmations that spread a little love where it’s needed most.
Leadership Opportunities
We’re hiring students for 2026-2027!
Does your Duke want to build their leadership skills while making a difference? Encourage them to join our team and be part of a group of passionate students driving meaningful social change!
Learn more about student leadership opportunities or click on the application links below!
- Student Program and Outreach Summer Coordinator 2026
- Student Leaders for Dukes Making a Difference (DMAD) 2026
- Student Engagement Coordinators 2026-2027:
Cheers to a January filled with joy and endless possibilities! Explore more by visiting jmu.edu/cevc, drop us a line at cevc@jmu.edu, or give us a call at 540-568-6366.
Submitted by: Kacey Damaty, Assistant Director, Ethical Reasoning in Action
The Ethical Reasoning in Action (ERiA) office is ready to welcome students back for the Spring 2026 semester! We offer students opportunities to practice using the Eight Key Questions (8KQs) ethical reasoning strategy throughout their time here at JMU.
Wellness Passport Events: During this 60-minute workshop facilitated by Ethical Reasoning Educators (EREs), your Duke will practice the skill of asking questions before making decisions using real-world ethical dilemmas and the 8KQs. If your Duke enjoyed their One Book step, It’s Complicated Online, they will appreciate the opportunity to truly experience ethical reasoning in person.
Elev8 Ethics Events and Podcast: A signature speaker series that welcomes guest speakers from different professional fields around the country to share their perspectives on current ethical issues. Listen to the latest episode of the Elev8 Ethics Podcast with your Duke and see what questions come up. Keep an eye on our social media pages (@JMU8KQ) for updates and announcements.
Ethical Reasoning Educators: EREs are undergraduate peer educators who volunteer with Ethical Reasoning in Action. EREs create and present introductory workshops on the 8KQs to fellow students in residence halls, in classrooms, and in Wellness Passport events. EREs receive training in leadership, ethical decision-making and workshop facilitation. If you think your student would be interested, encourage them to let us know by visiting our website.
Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing, Libraries
Hot off the presses: it’s the third edition of the JMU Libraries Magazine! This special issue features our progress on the restoration, renovation, and expansion of Carrier Library, set to reopen in August 2026. We hope you enjoy reading about some of Carrier’s new spaces, services, and features!
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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