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
- JMU Invites Your Feedback
- Celebrating America and Virginia's 250th at JMU
- Internship 101 for Parents and Families
- Introducing Madison Micros: JMU’s New Micro‑Internship Program
- Spring Break Residence Hall Closing
- Parking Changes During Spring Break
- Spring Break Meal Plan Reminder
- Exciting News from JMU Dining
- Course Adjustment Deadline
- Helping Your Student Prepare for Summer Enrollment
- Summer 2026 Financial Aid
- JMU Giving Day Set for March 26
- Senior Class Gift
- CMSS & Women for Madison: Women's Connection Brunch
- Women for Madison: Rally Save the Date
- Off-Campus Life’s Housing and Community Fair
- Ethical Reasoning and AI Homework Agents
- 41st Annual Duke Club Golf Classic
- Watch Carrier Library Take Shape in Time-Lapse Videos
- Simplify Your Next Flight: JMU Travel Through SHD
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hello JMU families,
March has just begun and we’ve already had snow, rain and today we’re expected to reach 70 degrees. We did tell you the weather is unpredictable here, right? I'm hoping this warm spell will continue so everyone can get out and enjoy the beauty of campus and the Valley.
Reminders
Spring Break is March 16-20, so there are no classes that week. Residence halls will close at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 and will reopen at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 22. If your student is coming home for break, this is a great time to swap out some of their heavy clothes and snow gear for something lighter. But remind them to keep a few cold weather items here; because you never know what we’re gonna get. (Forrest Gump)
If you missed this month’s Facebook Live, you can still view it on the official JMU Parents & Families Facebook Group. (You will need to request to become a member of the group in order to view the video.) I really enjoyed doing this one at Hotel Madison as our monthly Musical Seeds event was happening in the lobby. If you listen carefully, you will hear the performance of Kenzie Crosby and Ian Garber in the background. They did a great job!
Updates
Many offices are recruiting for next year’s on-campus jobs. I can't emphasize enough the impact working on campus had on me. It was one of the best decisions I ever made and the experience I gained and the friends I made set me up for the career and life I have now. Many positions are listed under Jobs on JMU’s website, but if your student is interested in a specific department, they should also check out that page. Encourage them to do this now as many of them are starting the selection process soon.
Giving Day is March 26, a day when we come together to support our favorite causes. Our students benefit greatly from the generosity of so many who have given generously in the past. If you choose to “Give like a Duke”, the Food Pantries, JMU VALOR, Counseling Center, Community Engagement, Disability Services, and my personal favorite, the Jones Miller Student Emergency Fund are a few places to give and I encourage you to look into any area that means something special to you or your student. I encourage you to follow us on social media that day to see all the excitement that’s being generated for this place and community that we all love so much.
Events
In addition to Giving Day, here are some other events happening this month:
Reading and Leading | March 11 and 25 | 12:40 – 1:30 p.m.
Trivia Night | March 24 | 7 – 9 p.m.
How to Crush Real Life | March 25 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Disability Advocacy Week | March 30 – April 3
This is a small snapshot of suggestions. BeInvolved has a full list of what’s happening, I encourage your student to log in to see all the possibilities at JMU. Dukes Weekly, the email they receive every Monday at 1 p.m., is an important resource to get essential news and information.
Questions to ask your student
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to doing when the weather gets nice?
Tip: Encourage them to check out campus and the surrounding community – explore the arboretum, go to a sporting event or show at the Forbes Center, walk downtown and explore the shops, and go for a run through one of our many parks.
Is there anything that concerns you that you’ve not wanted to mention?
Tip: This can be tough but important. Sometimes our students have things going on and don’t want to share it because they don’t want to burden you or upset you. Whether the concern is big or small, let them know that you are there for them and will support and love them no matter what. If they are struggling academically, socially, emotionally or with physical and/or mental health, I encourage you to complete a referral to Madison Cares and a member of the Madison Cares Team will reach out to provide support, care and resources. This is a good option if you or your student aren't sure where to start in receiving help.
What has been your favorite part of the semester so far?
Tip: By March, students are ready for a break. Focusing on the positives of the break from academics and social expectations can help them recharge and be ready for a strong finish to the semester.
The university will be open for most of Spring Break, but we will be closed on Friday, March 20. Please also note that many of us (like me) take a few days off during this week so we can recharge too, so there may be a delay in response if you reach out.
Take care, Be Well and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Submitted by: Chris Orem, Strategic Planning Committee, Executive Director of Planning, Analytics & Institutional Research
President Jim Schmidt, in partnership with the strategic plan co-chairs, is leading an eight-month process to create the next JMU strategic plan. At this point in this process, they are receiving reactions to the draft plan from the JMU community through a series of meetings, town halls and a campus-wide survey. Parents and families are invited to be a part of this review process to refine a future-focused and revolutionary vision for this institution.
You can review the Strategic Plan Draft and provide your feedback through the Strategic Plan Feedback Form.
Submitted by: Kara Dillard, Executive Director, Madison Center for Civic Engagement
When delegates met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787, they were not a harmonious group. They argued, threatened to walk out, and held sharply incompatible visions of what the new nation should be. What James Madison helped forge from that conflict through deliberation, compromise, and the disciplined work of listening across difference was a constitutional framework that has outlasted nearly every government on earth.
As America prepares for its semiquincentennial, JMU and the Madison Center for Civic Engagement are readying to engage students in a week of civic learning about our history and deliberating about our next 250 years.
During civic education week, March 2-6, 2026, students will be able to visit the VA250 Mobile Museum, attend a special screening of Ken Burns' new documentary The American Revolution with discussion from JMU History and Political Science faculty led by the CEO of VPM, Virginia's Public Media. Students will also get a chance to deliberate together about the ideas, ideals, and values that should shape our next 250 years. Capping the week is a lunchtime birthday party for James Madison himself in D-Hall and E-Hall.
Submitted by: Emma Gibbons, Assistant Director for Internships, University Career Center
Ready to learn the best ways to support your student in finding internship opportunities? We’ll cover everything you need to know in a workshop just for parents & families on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. We will walk you through what an internship is, what to look for in a good internship program or opportunity and will show some of the most common ways internships are secured.
Questions? Contact: gibbonek@jmu.edu
Submitted by: Carlos Yanez, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
This NEW program gives JMU students the chance to gain real career experience through a small, project‑based micro‑internship (20-80 hours). It’s a flexible way to explore career paths and build experience for future internships, jobs, or grad school applications.
If your student is studying abroad, a summer athlete with a limited schedule, or just needs flexibility, micro‑internships are a great way to get real‑world experience with real companies (on their own time).
How to Apply:
Step 1: Log into Handshake
Step 2: Select the jobs tab on the left navigation
Step 3: Once under the jobs tab, select the JMU Collections filter and choose Madison Micros
Step 4: From the Madison Micros collection, you will be able to see all eligible positions.
Students should only apply for 3-5 positions. There is limited availability so it is recommended that your Duke only apply for positions where they meet the preferred qualifications/required technology access/knowledge.
Applications are open through March 22, at 11:59 p.m.
How Selections Work:
After March 22, employers will review applications and make their selections. The University Career Center team will reach out to your student with selections and where they've been matched, as each student can only have one project. Your student should be on the lookout for a phone call from our team around the first week of April.
If your student has any questions, please have them reach out to: Emma Gibbons, Assistant Director for Internships, gibbonek@jmu.edu.
Spring Break Residence Hall Closing
Submitted by: Sydney Wood, Social Media & Marketing Manager, Residence Life
Residence Halls are closing for Spring Break!
Closing: Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.
Reopening: Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m.
Parking Changes During Spring Break
Submitted by: Ben Lundy, Field Operations Manager, Parking and Transit Services
Parking and Transit Services will be performing parking lot maintenance in several campus parking lots during Spring Break.
Any students who plan on leaving a vehicle on campus should avoid parking in the following parking lots:
- R13, R14 and R15 Lots on Chesapeake Avenue, next to the Apartments on Grace. R16 Lot is available as a nearby alternative.
- The Chesapeake Avenue Parking Deck on Chesapeake Avenue (use R16 Lot)
- C3 Lot on Duke Drive, near the Village. R1 Lot behind Potomac Hall is a nearby alternative.
- C5 Lot between Godwin and Hartman Halls (use R1 Lot)
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, Dining
Did you know that meal plans are not always active during breaks? Here are a few reminders for Spring Break:
- JMU Dining will have reduced hours
- Meal Punches and Guest Punches are not accepted Saturday 3/14 – Saturday 3/21; however, Dining Dollars, Flex Dollars, and Credit Cards are still accepted
- Meal Punches and Guest Punches will be accepted Sunday 3/22 at 4:00 p.m.
- Standard operating hours will resume on Monday, 3/23
- Stay connected to social media (@jmudining) for reminders and updates
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, Dining
This April, JMU Dining is thrilled to launch DINING HQ on the first floor of D-Hall—your student’s new one‑stop destination for everything related to meal plans.
As part of this update, all voluntary meal plans will now be purchased through our new website.
Fall 2026 off-campus resident meal plan purchases begin April 20.
Not sure which meal plan to choose? Try our Find Your Fit tool on our website under Meal Plans.
Important Reminder:
FLEX is not a meal plan.
Students seeking a declining‑balance‑only option should consider opening a Dining Dollars Gold account. Dining Dollars Gold provides 5% savings on all on-campus dining purchases and is completely tax‑exempt (12.3%)—a great value for students who want flexibility.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help at mealplans@jmu.edu.
Course Adjustment Deadline
Submitted by: Office of the Registrar
The last day your student can withdraw with a “W” grade from a full semester class is Friday, March 27, at 11:59 p.m. Students can withdraw on their own through their MyMadison account and verify the withdraw went through by pulling up their unofficial transcript in MyMadison. “W” grades do not impact the student’s GPA, but are reflected on the transcript immediately following the student’s withdrawal.
After this deadline passes, students can only withdraw with instructor consent (“WP” or “WF”). Instructors are not obligated to assign a “WP” or “WF” grade, but the option is available for extenuating circumstances. “WP” and “WF” grades do not impact the student’s GPA, but are reflected on the transcript at the end of the term when final grades are posted.
Helping Your Student Prepare for Summer Enrollment
Submitted by: Office of the Registrar
Your student is getting ready to begin enrollment for Summer 2026 classes on March 27, 2026. We understand that enrollment can be stressful for some students. Here are some things that we have found helpful when talking about enrollment with students:
- We recommend that students log into MyMadison a few days before enrollment begins. This allows them to ensure that their MyMadison password is up to date. At this time, they need to check for holds that prevent enrollment and rectify any holds as quickly as possible. These are two of the most common, preventable, issues students face with enrollment.
- Students should identify the classes needed to make progress toward their degree and meet or make contact with their advisor(s), if necessary.
- Students should verify that they meet all the requisites for the classes so they will not have trouble enrolling. This can be done by looking at the class information in the class search.
- Students need to anticipate a certain amount of flexibility with their schedules. There is an ideal schedule that every student might want: no 8:00 a.m. classes, all classes finished by 2:30 p.m., etc. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. We encourage students to prepare several options for their schedule so they can easily pivot if their previous choice is now full.
Your student’s advisor(s) is the best resource for discussing class options to meet requirements within their major. If your student is not able to schedule an appointment with their advisor, the Madison Advising Peers (MAPs) are a great resource as well. Information about the MAPs can be found on their website.
Summer 2026 Financial Aid
Submitted by: Jessica Hopkins, Assistant Director of Compliance, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Students who enroll at least half-time (UG-6 credits and GR-5 credits) for summer 2026 in an approved program of study may qualify for summer financial aid.
To receive consideration, students must complete these two applications:
1. 2026-27 FAFSA
- If you are only interested in private loan options, a FAFSA does not need to be submitted
2. Summer Aid Application
- Available on our website when summer registration begins on March 30
We will use the information from both forms to determine eligibility for these types of funding during the summer:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized and/or Parent PLUS)
- Private Educational Loan (FAFSA is not needed for students only wanting to borrow a private loan)
If students anticipate receiving the Federal Pell Grant, they should complete the summer aid application regardless of enrollment level. Receiving a Pell Grant in the summer will not reduce the award amounts for fall and spring. (The only exception to this is if a student reaches their lifetime limit for receiving Pell.)
Conversely, borrowing a Direct Student Loan during the summer will reduce the loan eligibility for the following fall and spring terms.
- For example… juniors can borrow up to $7,500 for the Academic Year, so if $4,000 is used during the summer, that would leave $3,500 to split between fall and spring.
Submitted by: Liz Fravel, Interim Director, Office of Annual Giving
James Madison University is getting ready to Boldly Give on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Giving Day is a 24-hour celebration of the experiences that make the Madison journey so special for students and the families who support them.
On this day, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends come together to support the parts of JMU that mean the most to them. Gifts of any size help provide scholarships, strengthen academic programs, enhance student life and create the hands-on opportunities that prepare Dukes for what comes next.
This year’s Giving Day carries the excitement of a university stepping into a new era full of possibility. Families are an important part of that momentum. Your involvement helps expand opportunities for your student and future Dukes, and it shows what the Madison community looks like when it rallies together.
As March 26 gets closer, you will see ways to follow along, join the celebration and watch the impact happen across campus in real time.
Mark your calendar and plan to be part of this Madison tradition with your student and your fellow JMU families.
Submitted by: Elijah Keyes, Assistant Director of Campaigns, Office of Annual Giving
Make a gift in honor of your graduating Duke. This year, the Class of 2026 is supporting the Dukes Pay It Forward Scholarship, a need-based scholarship for students to ensure they receive the full Madison Experience your Duke has come to love.
Submitted by: Madison Watts, Social Media Manager, Women for Madison
Join us for the 2026 Women’s Connection Brunch on March 28: a collaborative celebration hosted by Women for Madison and the Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS) in honor of CMSS’s 40th Anniversary.
The program will feature:
- A structured networking activity designed to help attendees build confidence and strengthen their professional networks.
- Insights from Women for Madison and highlights from the CMSS 40th Anniversary Campaign.
- A dynamic Women’s Panel featuring student and alumni voices sharing intergenerational perspectives on philanthropy, involvement in organizations and affinity groups, career journeys, and the experiences that shaped their time at JMU.
Submitted by: Madison Watts, Social Media Manager, Women for Madison
Step into a space designed for collaboration and inspiration: a gathering that feels like a big circle where everyone connects, shares ideas, and grows together. At the heart of it all will be an energizing keynote by CEO of YWCA Rupa Murthy ('99) that will be sure to spark conversation. The Rally is April 16, 2026. Look for the link to register!
Submitted by: Jeremy Hawkins, Assistant Director, Off-Campus Life
Students thinking about living off campus are invited to attend the Off-Campus Housing and Community Fair on Tuesday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Union Patio at James Madison University.
Hosted by JMU Off-Campus Life, this event connects students with local housing providers and community organizations to help them better understand their options and prepare for the transition to living in the Harrisonburg community. Students can speak directly with apartment communities and property managers to ask questions about housing options, leasing practices, and what to expect when renting in the area.
In addition to housing providers, students will meet representatives from local services such as the Harrisonburg Police and Fire Departments, Harrisonburg Public Transportation, and the Massanutten Regional Library. Campus partners including the Community Engagement and Volunteer Center, the Civic Engagement Office, and JMU Alternative Transportation will also be present to help students learn how to stay connected, engaged, and supported while living off campus.
The fair is also a great opportunity for students who have already signed a lease to learn more about the resources and services available to them in the Harrisonburg community and how to stay involved once they move off campus.
The fair is a popular event each year because it brings many helpful resources together in one place, making it easy for students to ask questions, explore housing options, and begin building connections in their new community.
Because the event is held outdoors, an inclement weather date of Tuesday, April 7, has been scheduled if needed.
Submitted by: Kacey Damaty, Assistant Director, Ethical Reasoning in Action
Imagine that a company developed an AI chatbot called Automates, claiming to be able to do your job for you. It can complete all the mundane paperwork, prepare presentations, and submit reports associated with your job automatically. All you have to do is give the app access to your work platforms with your company login information. For $40 a month, would you use it?
Now imagine that your student is facing the same decision. A fictional AI chatbot, called Socrates, promises to do all the academic work for them. The company that developed the bot states: “Meet Socrates: He logs into Canvas every day, watches lectures, reads essays, writes papers, participates in discussions, and submits your homework automatically.” All your student needs to do is sign up with their school ID and password and pick a membership tier: $40, $100 or $200 a month.
Your student comes to you with this new technology, saying: "I’m struggling in my statistics class. I don’t really need it for the kind of jobs that I am looking for, but I must do well in the class to graduate. If you purchase access to this app for me, I’ll be less stressed and I think I will get a better grade in all my classes.”
The Eight Key Questions (8KQ) ethical reasoning strategy helps us to examine our initial intuitions to the decisions that we face. What questions would you want your student to ask themselves before deciding to use-or not use-Socrates? What questions would YOU want to consider before you answer them?
Here are some of the questions we came up with. Use them to inspire your own questions or as talking points with your student.
- How can I act in a way that respects my work and the work/ effort of those around me?
- Does using this AI help me develop a skill that will benefit me?
- What responsibilities does this create for me and my company/school?
- How does using this go against the general family values?
- What kind of future citizen do I want to be in the world?
- How does this program limit my autonomy now and in the future?
- How much stress is my student experiencing and how does my response affect that level of stress
- How does this decision align with professors’ expectations?
- How does AI handle confidential information? Does this violate my rights or the rights of others?
(Source)
Ethical Reasoning in Action provides support to students, families, faculty, and staff at JMU who are interested in using the 8KQ to make more informed ethical decisions in their everyday lives. For more information, visit our website or email us: ethicalreasoning@jmu.edu.
41st Annual Duke Club Golf Classic
Submitted by: Grace Sheldon, Director of Internal Operations & Events, JMU Duke Club
Gather family, friends, colleagues and fellow alumni: Get ready for the 41st Annual Duke Club Golf Classic! The tournament will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Lakeview Golf Club, with a shotgun start at 10:00am. Registration will include: an exclusive JMU gift, greens fees and golf cart, breakfast and lunch, unlimited beverages throughout the day and more.
All tournament proceeds will go to the Proud & True Fund (PATF) and immediately benefit student-athlete scholarships and the JMU Athletics general operating budget. Your support significantly impacts the 18 varsity sports and 500+ JMU student-athletes as they relentlessly pursue conference and national championships.
For questions or more information, please contact Grace Sheldon, Duke Club Director of Internal Operations and Events, at sgs6mn@jmu.edu or 540-568-3267.
Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing, Libraries
Throughout the Carrier Library renovation and expansion, the construction firm’s project camera captured images of the build.
Now that the exterior is complete and work has moved indoors, we invite you to look back at the progress through these time-lapse videos! Want more Carrier updates?
Find more videos on our YouTube playlist, construction photos on our website, and information in our renovation FAQs.
Submitted by: Heather Ream, Director of Marketing & Communications, Shenandoah Valley Airport
For JMU families, travel is part of the college experience. Whether it is moving a student in for the semester, flying home for a long weekend, or planning a visit to campus, getting to and from the Shenandoah Valley should feel simple. That is why many Dukes and their families choose to fly through Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, located just minutes from Harrisonburg and the campus. As the Official Airport of James Madison University, SHD offers a convenient, low-stress alternative to larger airports that require long commutes.
SHD offers daily nonstop service to two major hubs on American Airlines, Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. From these hubs, travelers have access to American’s extensive domestic and international network, with hundreds of connecting flight options each day. That means JMU students can reach destinations across the country and around the world with just one stop. Flights can be booked at aa.com.
Flying from SHD saves time and eliminates much of the stress that comes with travel. Parking is free and located directly outside the terminal, making arrivals and departures quick and easy for families. The airport’s smaller size also means shorter security lines and a calmer environment, something students especially appreciate during busy travel seasons like Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break. Instead of navigating traffic and crowded terminals in larger cities, travelers can begin their trip close to campus and still access a global network of destinations.
SHD also offers an on-demand airport shuttle service for students who may not have a car on campus. The shuttle provides convenient transportation between the airport and JMU, making it easy for students to travel independently during academic breaks or long weekends. Shuttle reservations can be made by calling 540-234-8304. Our professional drivers are very dependable, and you won’t have to worry about possible delays to the airport from rideshare services.
For families flying in to visit their Duke, rental cars are available right at the airport. Avis and Budget Rent a Car both operate on-site at SHD, allowing visitors to pick up a vehicle upon arrival and head straight to campus or explore the Shenandoah Valley. With convenient airline service, free parking, shuttle transportation, and rental cars for visiting families, SHD makes traveling to and from JMU efficient, comfortable, and connected.
Visit aa.com to book a flight!
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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