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
- First-Year Send Offs & Parents Council
- Pre-Entry Health Requirements
- Borrowing for Your Student's Education
- JMU Refund Policy
- GradGuard Tuition Insurance
- JMU Dining News
- Coaches Caravan - The Valley
- Think Global from Day One: Start Exploring Study Abroad
- Give Your Student a Head Start with Madison Momentum
- Opportunities to Engage with CEVC
- Better Conversations Together
- Dukes Vote Resources
- 2027 Capture Campus Photo Contest
- Student Travel for Fall & Thanksgiving Trips to NY, NJ, CT & PA Now Available
- Join the JMU Parent Loyalty Program Today
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hello JMU families,
Summer is here, and we have begun to welcome our newest Dukes and families during Summer Orientation. The temperature knows it’s summer too, with the first heat wave of the season moving in at the same time. I hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the summer, wherever you are.
Similar to last month, this message will have specific information for our families of incoming students. But I haven’t forgotten about our current Dukes! We’ve heard it would be helpful to have a list of key dates for the semester, all in one place. Most of these can be found on the academic calendar, but here is a list that you and your Dukes can copy into your calendars, the notes on your phones or whatever you use, so you have them when you need them.
Key Dates
First-year students will find out their housing assignments by Aug. 1.
Aug. 3-7: Move-in date selection – be sure to talk about this before they choose
Aug. 21 & 22: First-year move-in
Aug. 23: Transfer move-in
Aug. 23 & 24: Upper class move-in
Aug. 26: First day of classes
Sept. 4: Add/Drop deadline (semester and 1st block classes)
Oct. 2-4: Family Weekend
Oct. 7-11: Fall break (no classes but university is open)
Oct. 27: Course adjustment deadline and last day to withdraw (semester classes)
Nov. 6: Spring class registration begins
Nov. 23-27: Thanksgiving break (university is closed)
Dec. 12-18: Final exams
Dec. 19: December commencement
Updates
We hope that orientation is answering a lot of questions for you, and we also realize that it can be a lot to take in. We have found that there are lots of additional questions that come up after Orientation and as you start planning for move-in and the fall semester. It can be helpful to hear from experienced JMU parents who will be part of these virtual family webinars, and they are happy to share tips and answer questions.
I get to moderate these panels every year and always enjoy hearing their perspectives as we help you prepare for the first year at JMU.
Important Reminder
For incoming students, Pre-Entry Health Requirements were due July 6. We are required by state law to have this information, so it is very important that your student completes this One Book step right away if they haven’t already. It includes uploading their immunization form, taking a short TB screening (an actual TB test isn’t required in most cases), and providing insurance information. This is one of the steps that they may need your help with, since immunizations are something you probably handled for them through the years. This is also much harder to complete once they arrive on campus, so we strongly encourage you to complete this step soon. As a reminder, if they don’t complete this they will not be able to register for Spring 2027 classes.
Questions to ask your student
Have you started a list of what you need to bring to JMU?
Tip: If the answer is no, they may be feeling a little overwhelmed. It’s okay to offer to get them started, or better yet, you can do it together. And when you think of something that never occurred to them (like clothes hangers, power strips or ibuprofen), they’ll realize how helpful you can be. This is a hard balancing act as you want to help them while also allowing them to start taking charge of this next step in their journey.
How can I support you this year?
Tip: Let them lead this conversation and expect them to not really know what they want or need yet. This is the beginning of a longer set of conversations. It is an opportunity to develop a plan for regular check-ins and conversations about their experiences at JMU.
Looking forward to fall semester
I’ve enjoyed traveling over the summer and always love seeing Dukes wherever I go. I am always amazed to run into Dukes across the country and around the world. It’s been great meeting many of you during orientation and I’m looking forward to the rest of the orientation days and the new school year. All of JMU is getting everything ready and making plans for the best year ever. Until then, enjoy the rest of the summer with your Dukes and we’ll see you soon!
Take care, and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Submitted by: The Office of Family Engagement
Each summer, the JMU Parents Council and the Office of Family Engagement team up to host First-Year Send Offs. These events provide a great opportunity for new members of the JMU family to meet fellow Dukes in their regional area and ask any last-minute questions prior to move-in. Each event is approximately 2 hours and consists of a meal, a program, Q&A opportunities and a JMU swag bag.
The JMU student may attend at no charge. Guests are $15/person regardless of age.
Registration deadlines are soon!
If you are a parent or guardian of a first-year or transfer student entering JMU in Fall 2026, apply online to join the Parents Council. Applications are due Aug. 9, 2026.
Pre-Entry Health Requirements
Submitted by: Chris Ouren, Associate Director of Business Operations, University Health Center
First-Year Families: Required Pre-Entry Health Requirements were due July 6. If you have not submitted this information, or have a message that your information is incomplete, please complete it right away. You can check for confirmation through MyJMUChart. Fines and holds will be administered soon, so please be sure this step is completed.
Does your student need an appointment at the University Health Center (UHC)?
- UHC is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Options for making an appointment at UHC include:
- MyJMUChart: Select the reason you need an appointment. If you cannot see what you want, please call UHC at 540-568-6178
- Call UHC at 540-568-6178, option 2 during business hours
- Stop by UHC during business hours
- If your Duke just needs to talk to a nurse, call the UHC number during business hours and ask to speak to a nurse, or stop by and ask to speak to a nurse.
Borrowing for Your Student's Education
Submitted by: Colleen McAvoy, Associate Director of Loans, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Education loans are a frequently used means of funding a student’s education-related expenses (such as tuition and fees, housing and meals, and other off-campus costs such as rent, utilities, and groceries). Loans must be repaid, so budget carefully to avoid overborrowing and read all loan terms and conditions. Brief descriptions are below, and videos explaining the various loan types and how to apply are found here.
Federal Loans
Federal Direct Loans are provided by the federal government. These loans require students to submit a FAFSA annually and meet other eligibility requirements including enrollment of at least half-time (6 financial aid eligible hours for undergraduates) in a degree or eligible certificate program and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress.
New federal loan regulations take effect for the 2026-27 school year, bringing new loan limits for Parent PLUS Loans (with some limited exceptions) and requiring less than full-time loan adjustments for student loans. Information about these changes is available on JMU’s Financial Aid One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) site as well as studentaid.gov.
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans
- Are only available to students
- Do not require a credit check
- Have annual and aggregate loan limits
- Subsidized loans require a student to have financial need and do not accrue interest while a student is enrolled in at least half-time financial aid eligible hours.
- First-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling.
- For more details, visit studentaid.gov.
Federal Parent PLUS Loans
Parents of dependent undergraduates are offered the Parent PLUS Loan. Each year, in addition to submitting the student’s FAFSA, parent borrowers must:
- Submit a Parent PLUS Loan application and pass a credit check. Parents who are denied based on their credit may take additional steps to qualify.
- First-time borrowers must also submit a Master Promissory Note.
More details may be found here: studentaid.gov/plus-app.
Private Education Loans
Private loans are not backed by the federal government but are provided by the lender you choose. These loans can be borrowed by the student or in some cases another person on behalf of the student; all borrowers must pass a credit check. These loans require school certification. Requirements vary significantly per lender, so please be sure to review your eligibility carefully before applying. A comparison of federal vs. private loans may be found here. Additional information about private loans may be found on our website.
JMU Refund Policy
Submitted by: Brandon Cline-Taskey, Director, University Business Office
JMU tuition charges are based on the student’s enrollment. Enrollment in 12 or more credit hours is considered full-time. Once a student is enrolled full-time, the base tuition and comprehensive fee do not increase if the student enrolls in more classes. Similarly, those fees do not decrease if the student drops a class but remains enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. Course-specific fees, such as lab fees or Tuition Differential fees charged for College of Business or Nursing classes, are assessed regardless of the overall number of credit hours.
Students who drop a class by the add/drop deadline posted on the Registrar’s website will be refunded the tuition and comprehensive fee for that class if the drop results in the student being enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours. Course-specific fees (e.g., lab fees, etc.) are refunded in full until this date. After the add/drop deadline, unenrolling from a course is referred to as withdrawing from the course (not to be confused with a full withdrawal from the university). Withdrawing from a class after the add/drop deadline will not reduce tuition and comprehensive fees or class-related fees.
Students who officially withdraw from the university (i.e., withdrawal from all enrollment for the semester) by the withdrawal deadline for the semester will be refunded all tuition and mandatory fees except the enrollment deposit. Meal plan fees will be prorated from the dining hall opening date. Room refunds will be made in accordance with the Residence Life refund schedule as stated in the current Residential Contract.
Fall 2026 add/drop deadline
- Semester / 1st Block: Sept. 4, 2026
- 2nd Block: Oct. 28, 2026
Fall 2026 deadline to fully withdraw from the university: Sept. 15, 2026
GradGuard Tuition Insurance
Submitted by: Wes Breeden, Bursar, University Business Office
James Madison University has partnered with Allianz Global Assistance to offer optional GradGuard Tuition Insurance for interested families. For those who choose to utilize this option, the agreement you enter is with GradGuard, not with James Madison University.
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, JMU Dining
Summer is flying by—don’t blink and miss out! Make sure you’re set for the 2026–27 school year with your Off-Campus Resident Meal Plan so you’re always fueled and ready to go.
And here’s the fun part… sign up early and you could score BIG. Sign up by July 15 and you’ll be entered to win one of two fall JMU parking passes!
Good food, fewer worries, and a shot at prime parking? Sounds like a win—lock it in today!
Gentle reminder: Flex is not a meal plan. You can no longer cancel your meal plan and convert the refund to Flex.
Still using credit/debit/Flex to purchase meals on campus? There’s a better way! Dining Dollars Gold accounts offer a 5% discount on retail purchases, and all purchases are exempt from sales tax (12.3%). Funds in a Gold account roll over year to year and unused funds are refunded at graduation or separation from the university!
Submitted by: Grace Sheldon, Director of Internal Operations & Events, JMU Duke Club
The 2026 Coaches Caravan tour will conclude on July 17 at home, in the Valley. Join us for an evening inclusive of light bites, access to an exclusive Q&A session with our coaches, and a commemorative Coaches Caravan poster customized to your city!
Submitted by: Matthew Zittritsch, Assistant Director of Engagement & Outreach, Study Abroad
Did you know your student can begin planning for a life-changing study abroad experience as early as their first year at JMU? It’s never too early to start thinking about how a global experience can enhance academic learning, build confidence, and prepare your student for future careers.
At JMU, study abroad is more than travel. It’s an opportunity for students to gain cultural understanding, develop independence, and stand out in an increasingly global workforce. With programs available during summer, semester, and even short-term breaks, there are flexible options that can fit a variety of academic schedules and interests.
Families play an important role in helping students explore these opportunities early. Encouraging your student to ask questions, plan ahead, and consider how study abroad fits into their academic goals can make the process smoother and more rewarding.
If you’re attending Summer Orientation, we invite you to take the first step together:
Visit the Study Abroad table during your orientation day to learn about programs, timelines, and how your student can get started right away.
Starting early opens more possibilities. Help your student imagine where their JMU journey can take them…around the world!
Submitted by: Jeremy Hawkins, Assistant Director, Student Life
Starting college is an exciting transition, but it can also feel overwhelming. Madison Momentum is a free Pre-Weeks of Welcome Experience designed to help incoming first-year and transfer students begin their JMU journey with confidence before the start of the fall semester.
The program is open to Virginia students who are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant and will be entering JMU as a first-year or transfer student this fall. Through Madison Momentum, participants move into their residence halls early, connect with fellow new Dukes, engage with faculty and peer mentors, and become familiar with the campus resources that will support their success throughout college.
During the 2.5-day experience, students will participate in academic preparation workshops, learn strategies for navigating college life, build relationships with other students, and gain familiarity with the people and resources available to support them throughout their time at JMU.
Program highlights include:
- No cost to participate
- Early move-in to campus housing
- Opportunities to build friendships before classes begin
- Academic preparation and skill-building sessions
- Connections with faculty, staff, and peer mentors
- Introduction to campus resources that support student success
Madison Momentum will take place Aug. 19-21, 2026. Space is limited to 50 students, and registration closes July 24.
If your student is an incoming first-year or transfer student who is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, we encourage them to consider this opportunity to start their JMU experience with a strong foundation and a supportive community already in place.
You can view the full list of Pre-Weeks of Welcome Experiences.
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards Barnes, Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication, & Innovation, CEVC
The Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC) connects students and faculty with meaningful, community-based experiences to co-create just and sustainable communities.
For more information and ways to engage, visit jmu.edu/cevc.
Register for DMAD 2026 Today!
Dukes Making a Difference (DMAD) brings more than 100 New Dukes together before Weeks of Welcome, helping students build meaningful connections before classes begin. Through volunteering, learning about the Harrisonburg community, and meeting local leaders, participants discover what makes the “Friendly City” so special. Students gain a deeper understanding of their new home while forming friendships with other service-minded peers. DMAD is a memorable and impactful way to start the JMU experience, and we look forward to welcoming your Duke to JMU and the Harrisonburg community.
Date: Aug. 19-21, 2026
Cost: $135 (includes housing, meals, and transportation)
Scholarships: Need-based financial assistance is available!
Registration: Open through July 24, 2026
Become a Paid Madison Community Scholar!
Is your Duke passionate about gaining valuable work experience through sustained community engagement? *Participating students must receive a Federal Work-Study award as part of their financial aid package.
Madison Community Scholars (MCS):
- Gain work experience and career-readiness
- Partner with a local nonprofit, school, or government agency
- Improve leadership, professional, and interpersonal skills
- Earn while making a social impact
2026-2027 MCS Positions Available:
- Environment & Sustainability Support
- Education & Childcare Support
- Marketing & Social Media Support
Still have questions? Email us at mcs@jmu.edu.
Better Conversations Together
Submitted by: Aidan Heitt, Better Conversations Together Program Director, Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Starting college can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating conversations around complex or sensitive issues. Whether it's speaking up in class, discussing current events with friends, or understanding someone with a different perspective, these moments can be challenging for first-year students. The Madison Center for Civic Engagement's Better Conversations Together: Deliberation program is designed to equip students with the tools to engage in curious, productive conversations across differences. All incoming JMU students will participate in this experience as part of orientation.
The program begins with Perspectives, an interactive online learning experience available through the New Student Checklist beginning July 29. Developed by the Constructive Dialogue Institute, Perspectives helps students build skills in active listening, intellectual humility, perspective-taking, and constructive communication. After completing Perspectives, students will participate in a nonpartisan deliberative forum facilitated by one of the Madison Center's Democracy Fellows. In these small-group conversations, students will explore real-world issues with their peers, practicing how to navigate disagreement and listen for understanding. The goal isn’t to win an argument—it’s to find common ground and grow the skills needed for thoughtful communication in class, at home, and eventually, in the workplace.
We encourage parents and families to join in this learning journey. Talking with your student about Better Conversations Together can spark meaningful conversations before the semester even begins. To learn more about the program, visit jmu.edu/civic/bct. To gain family access to Perspectives, email jmubct@jmu.edu.
Submitted by: Angelina Clapp, Associate Director, Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Ensure that your new Duke has all the tools they need to be an informed voter this fall at their new home! Whether it’s voter registration, absentee ballot requests, or keeping on top of the many dates and deadlines, direct your student to the Dukes Vote website for all the information they need to stay civically engaged on campus this fall.
The Madison Center for Civic Engagement will be tabling across campus during the Weeks of Welcome to provide your Duke with information and resources on upcoming elections. If they have any questions about upcoming elections, they can come find us in Alger Hall (formerly Spotswood Hall) on the Quad. Make sure your Duke will be an informed voter this fall.
Submitted by: Liz Fravel, Interim Director, Annual Giving
Got a great shot of JMU? Submit your best views from throughout the year for a chance to have your photo featured in the 2027 JMU Calendar. We want to see your best photos that showcase JMU in all seasons and from all angles, including campus landscapes, buildings, students, Duke Dog, traditions and major events. The contest opens June 15, 2026. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 31, 2026, to be eligible.
Student Travel for Fall & Thanksgiving Trips to NY, NJ, CT & PA Now Available
Submitted by: Amy Sfaelos, CollegeTransit LTD
For those with students from the NY, NJ, CT and PA areas, transportation options for our student-only service from the JMU campus are now available on our website. Winter Break will be posted on Sept. 1.
CollegeTransit has been providing JMU students premium holiday transportation for over 30 years, and our buses for fall and Thanksgiving breaks fill up quickly. As these buses sell out, we will start waiting lists for additional buses to help as many students as possible get home.
You can visit our website at collegetransit.com to learn more about our student-only service.
Submitted by: Kimberly Rhodes, Senior Marketing Manager, Hotel Madison
At Hotel Madison, we're proud to be the official hotel of James Madison University and a home away from home for JMU families.
Whether you're visiting for move-in weekend, Family Weekend, a football game, or simply spending time with your student, our JMU Parent Loyalty Program was created with you in mind. Members receive 12% off the standard daily rate, as well as exclusive benefits and promotions throughout the year designed to make visits to Harrisonburg even more rewarding.
As a member, you'll also earn priority access to graduation reservations, helping you plan for one of your family's most important milestones.
Best of all, enrollment is free and takes only minutes to join!
We welcome you to be a part of our JMU parent family. For existing members, we are looking forward to seeing you soon.
Join 14,000+ 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 »
Connect with the JMU Family!
