As we welcome new families, 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 summer!
Warm regards,
Tracey Kite, Director, Office of Family Engagement
In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- New Students: One Book Steps & Summer Orientation
- The Madison Family Handbook is Here
- First-Year Send Offs & Parents Council
- Early Access to JMU Football Single Game Tickets
- Save the Date for Family Weekend October 2-4, 2026
- 2026-2027 Financial Aid Offers
- Authorized Users and the Monthly Payment Plan
- 2026-2027 Off Campus Meal Plans
- The University Career Center is Open All Summer
- For Transfer Students: Dukes Career Connections (DCC)
- Discover UREC's MOAT Program
- Helping Dukes Build a Lifetime of Career Connections
- Dukes Getting Around Campus
- Direct Student Travel to NY, NJ, CT & PA
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hello JMU families,
The summer is in full swing here on campus, and I have just returned from a trip to England as well as a few extra days off. The purpose of the overseas trip was training with our Study Abroad staff so I could learn more about the program and meet the teams that work with our Dukes Abroad. I have two takeaways from this experience that I wanted to share. First, some of the best people around are working at the five different JMU programs, and I am so proud of the work they do to create meaningful and life-changing experiences for our Dukes. Second, I think every student would benefit from one of these experiences and I want to recommend everyone try to make this part of their JMU journey. There are so many options for students in regard to location, time of the year, and type of experience so help your Duke look into these opportunities.
Welcome new families!
For all of our new Dukes families – welcome! We’re excited to have you as partners during your student’s time here and I’m looking forward to meeting you at Summer Orientation. I hope you take some time to read this newsletter each month, it contains a lot of helpful information that can answer many questions you may have. It will include a message from me each month which is designed based upon feedback we got from Parents Council members. I haven’t had the opportunity to meet most of you yet, so I will share that I serve as the Vice President for Student Affairs here at JMU and I am a proud graduate of JMU for both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. I have been in this role since 2018 when I returned to JMU after 18 years away working at other institutions. I truly love this work and know that I am living my life purpose in this work every single day, and I feel privileged to be able to partner with you during this next chapter in your student’s life journey.
Updates
The Office of Orientation and Transition and the rest of the JMU community are ready to welcome our new Dukes and families to campus! As always, they have a great program planned and I’m looking forward to meeting many of you while you’re here. I get to speak to all of you at orientation and I love the opportunity to welcome you all to JMU and begin your journey as a family. One of my favorite parts of the orientation program is the students who will guide both you and your student through the next few months. These current students have invested their summers in your experience and I want to thank them for everything they do to add to this experience that begins this summer.
I did want to offer two other quick pieces of advice. First, attend everything – we put this schedule together with a great deal of intentionality and there is value in all of the sessions and the opportunities to meet other families. My second piece of advice is to bring some extra layers, as you will be inside for much of the day and sometimes the spaces get pretty cool.
Reminders
To keep up with key dates throughout the school year, the university calendars page has links to the Academic calendar (which includes dates for openings, closings, holidays), the Event calendar and other helpful dates.
Questions to ask your student
One of the things I like to do each month is share a few questions to get some conversations started with your Duke. I know that many conversations with college students result in lots of “fine”, “good”, “I don’t know”, etc. so I try to give you some questions that should lead to longer responses and conversations.
What is something you really want to do for fun this summer before you leave for JMU in August?
Tip: This may be a chance for you to do something as a family, but if not, it’s still a way to learn more about them and engage in conversation. Who knows, by following up with “Anything else?” you may get to something that works for both of you. Be prepared with a menu of options if you get an “I don’t know” response.
What are one or two things you want to accomplish this summer?
Tip: This may be a lofty goal, or something simple. Either way, showing your support and helping them achieve this goal is one more step in your relationship with your Duke.
What is something you are looking forward to at JMU and what is something you are nervous about?
Tip: These can be really valuable conversations to get ahead of next semester and a frantic call when something doesn’t go well or when their expectations aren’t met. This is a good opportunity for listening while also taking some notes so you can utilize their own thoughts later during good and challenging times this fall.
Enjoy your summer!
For returning families, I hope you and your Duke are doing well and enjoying some time together before they return this fall. For all families, know that we are here for you all summer as we prepare for another great year, and we can’t wait to see you again soon. For those of you sharing your Dukes with us for jobs, internships or classes, we enjoy having them around. Campus is pretty quiet right now, so the energy they bring is appreciated!
Take care, Be well and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Submitted by: Lauryn Fridley, Assistant Director, Orientation & Transition
For our new Madison families: Encourage your student to keep working through their New Student Checklist steps. Some of these steps that assist your student in transitioning to JMU have deadlines that affect their ability to make an Orientation reservation and enroll in classes. We also recommend continuing to review The One Book digital publication, as it is full of information and resources that will assist you and your student through August. Both you and your student should be receiving monthly emails from the Office of Orientation and Transition directly with information, upcoming deadlines and tips to be the most prepared for Orientation. Please have your student reach out with any questions along the way. We are here to best support them during this exciting time! We look forward to seeing you and your student at Orientation soon!
The Madison Experience is more than just a chapter in your student’s life, it’s a transformative journey that will shape their future in meaningful ways. As JMU welcomes your student with open arms, we extend that same heartfelt invitation to you, their family.
To help you navigate this exciting new chapter, the Office of Family Engagement has created this Madison Family Handbook. Inside, you’ll find essential information, helpful resources, and guidance to support your student throughout their time here.
At JMU, you’re a vital part of the community. Alongside students, faculty, staff, and alumni, you help enrich the Madison Experience and contribute to the vibrant spirit that defines our university.
Welcome to the JMU family. We’re glad you’re here!
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 consisting of a meal, a program, Q&A opportunities and a bag full of JMU goodies.
The JMU student may attend at no charge. Guests are $15/person regardless of age.
Registration will open June 10!
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 August 9, 2026.
Early Access to JMU Football Single Game Tickets!
Submitted by: Grace Sheldon, Director of Internal Operations & Events, JMU Duke Club
Did you know that as a JMU Duke Club Member, you can receive early access to all JMU Football single game tickets, including Family Weekend?
To gain early access, you just need to become a JMU Duke Club Member by making a $75 Proud and True donation by the end of the day on June 18, 2026.
All Duke Club Members will be able to purchase single game tickets starting at 12pm ET on June 22nd through their Duke Club Member account.
This is a full week before the public on-sale which begins at noon on June 29.
Submitted by: The Office of Family Engagement
Join us for Family Weekend October 2-4, 2026! Keep checking the website for schedule & ticketing updates.
2026-2027 Financial Aid Offers
Submitted by: John Michael Schott, Assistant Director for Grants, Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Your student's JMU official financial aid offer will be available towards the end of June, as JMU is preparing for upcoming changes connected to new rules from the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that take effect in the 2026–27 school year.
Families are encouraged to regularly visit our OB3 website, where we will post updates, clarifications, and resources as they become available. This site will serve as our central hub for the most current and accurate information related to these upcoming changes.
In order to receive federal aid, make sure your student has filled out a 2026-2027 FAFSA. When offers are created, an email will be sent to your student's JMU Dukes email account letting them know their financial aid is available to view. Your student will be able to review their financial aid offer in MyMadison and accept their aid at that time. If they do not receive an offer, they need to check their To Do list in MyMadison for any missing documents we require. Our summer office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We are available all summer to help you and your student navigate financial aid at JMU. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we navigate these changes together.
Authorized Users and the Monthly Payment Plan
Submitted by: Brandon Cline-Taskey, Director, University Business Office
Fall student account statements will be available in mid-July. Students and their Authorized Users will receive an email when the statement is ready. If you are not yet an Authorized User, ask your student to add you so you can access the statement. Authorized Users should log into M3 at least once every semester to keep their account active.
If you prefer to pay semester expenses monthly, you can enroll in the OnPlanU payment plan. The plan has a $30 enrollment fee each semester. Enrollment opens June 1 and remains available until the semester due date.
The plan lets you pay tuition, meal charges, and on-campus housing charges in monthly installments. Payments are automatically processed on the fifth of each month. For budgeting help, visit the cost examples page or contact the University Business Office at (540) 568-6505.
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, JMU Dining
Win Big with the Off-Campus Meal Plan!
Living off-campus? Don’t miss out on convenient, flexible dining!
Sign up for an Off-Campus Meal Plan today and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the summer!
Why sign up?
* Easy access to campus dining locations
* Save time and money
* Flexible options to fit your schedule
TWO WINNERS EACH MONTH!
June: Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
July: JMU Fall Semester Parking Passes
August: Two tickets to Fantastic Feast—our Family Weekend Crab Dinner
September: Electric Scooters
Sign up now and you could be our next winner!
Submitted by: Carlos Yanez, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
Parents and families, encourage your Duke to take advantage of the free University Career Center (UCC) resources this summer while schedules are lighter.
Summer Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m–noon
Students can:
- Get feedback on resumes and cover letters
- Explore jobs and internships
- Practice interview skills
- Learn about Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs)
Submitted by: Carlos Yanez, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
If your student is transferring to JMU, Dukes Career Connections (DCC) is a great way to start thinking about and making progress toward their career goals from day one while feeling supported during the transition.
Students can:
- Meet other transfer students and build friendships
- Connect with local employers and alumni
- Explore career interests and strengths
- Learn about campus resources that support success
Program Details:
- Free to attend
- Meals provided from Wednesday dinner through Friday dinner
- Transportation to employer visits included
- Early move-in available for on-campus students
Dates: Aug. 19 (afternoon) to Aug. 21 (evening)
Starting at a new university as a transfer student can feel overwhelming, especially with limited time to adjust and getting comfortable in a new environment. DCC helps ease that transition by connecting students with others in similar situations while building community early on.
DCC wraps up before Weeks of Welcome, so students can begin the semester feeling more confident, connected and prepared.
Submitted by: Anaëlle Wagoner, University Recreation (UREC)
Looking for a significant way to help your student start strong at JMU?
The Madison Orientation Adventure Trip (MOAT) offers incoming students a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections before the school year even begins.
Over four days, new Dukes camp, hike and take part in activities like canoeing and rock climbing while building confidence in a fun, supportive environment designed to ease the transition to college life.
No prior experience is needed! Our trained student trip leaders are there to guide, support, and mentor participants every step of the way.
Submitted by: Jeff Hulett, JMU Personal Finance Professor and Startup Incubator Sponsor
As a JMU professor, I am proud to sponsor Pipeline, a student-driven initiative born in our academic programs. Developed by student entrepreneur Cameron Lynch, Pipeline helps Dukes bridge the gap between college and the professional world by turning family networks into career opportunities.
Our mission is to provide every student with a community-backed start to their career. Pipeline allows parents and students to work together, letting parents securely add professional contacts for their students to reach out to with ease.
Together, we are empowering students to build authentic relationships for a lifetime of professional development.
How to Get Involved:
- Register for Pipeline: Signing up is free for all JMU families. Start building your student’s network together at getpipeline.app.
- NoVa Career Bootcamp (August 18–19): Join us in Springfield, VA, for an intensive two-day dive into resumes, interviewing, and LinkedIn to supercharge your student's job search before the fall semester begins. Register for Pipeline & the Bootcamp!
Submitted by: Valerie Kramer, Alternative Transportation Manager, Parking and Transit Services
Welcome JMU Families!
Whether you support a new Duke or have been reading for some time, we are here to tell you about how your Duke can get around without a car - to, from, and on campus.
JMU contracts with the Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation (HDPT) for bus service, making all local buses fare-free for everyone. No need to swipe a card or show ID, just get on the bus. New Dukes will use the Inner-Campus Shuttle the most. The ICS runs at least 8 buses simultaneously on a counter-clockwise loop through campus, so a bus is never more than 5 minutes away. The ICS runs 7am-11pm M-Sat. The Shoper bus (1-10pm daily) takes Dukes living on campus to stores for supplies. The Green Line stops along Bluestone Drive in the Lake Region (Eagle, Shorts, and COB) and makes a loop around the Quad every 20 minutes.
Dukes living off-campus can take JMU-specific routes, all named by color, to and from campus for free. See the Dukes Ride website for details.
There are multiple options for travel out of the area. These options require tickets to be purchased from the vendors on their websites. JMU provides bus stops near the bookstore.
The Virginia Breeze has three daily service bus routes that stop at JMU: the Highlands Rythm (Blacksburg to DC), the Valley Flyer (Bristol to DC), and the Tidewater Current (JMU to Virginia Beach with stops in between). Both the Highlands Rythm and Valley Flyer offer stops at Virginia Tech, Dulles International Airport, and Union Station (Amtrak) in DC. The Tidewater Current stops in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Newport News on the way to Virginia Beach. The Virginia Breeze stops at JMU daily, whether or not JMU is in session.
For JMU breaks only, College Transit offers coach bus service to PA, NJ, and NY, and Adventures-N-Travel offers van service to airports.
Please purchase tickets for Fall Break, Thanksgiving, and Winter Break as early as possible. If you are waitlisted, stay on the waitlist. Vendors add more buses to the routes as they are able to fill them. On the day of departure, if the vendor has multiple buses for the same route, not all buses will arrive at the same time. Please be patient. Everyone who purchased a ticket has a seat on a bus.
For more information, see jmu.edu/transportation. Please visit our table when you come to campus for Orientation. Follow JMU Alternative Transportation on Facebook and GetAroundJMU on Instagram for tips and updates.
Direct Student Travel to NY, NJ, CT & PA
Submitted by: Amy & Jason Sfaelos, CollegeTransit LTD
Welcome to the JMU Family! As you plan for the year ahead, take the stress out of holiday travel with a service designed exclusively for college students.
CollegeTransit provides a dedicated student-only bus service that departs directly from campus and goes straight to convenient drop-off hubs across NY, NJ, CT, and PA. For over 30 years, we have specialized in getting college students home safely, giving parents ultimate peace of mind.
Our routes feature major regional stops, including:
- Pennsylvania: Allentown and King of Prussia
- New Jersey: Morris Plains and Howell Township
- New York / Connecticut: Tarrytown and Melville
Trip options, schedules, prices and drop-off addresses for the upcoming year will be posted on July 1st.
Visit CollegeTransit.com to learn more or to reach out with any questions. We look forward to helping your student get home safely and comfortably during university breaks!
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!
