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
- 10 Tips for Finding Great Study Spaces During Finals at JMU
- Senior Candle Lighting and Toast
- Residence Hall Move-Out
- Donate or Repurpose at Move-out
- Spring 2026 Final Grades Coming Soon
- Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Summer Session Deadlines and Tuition Charges
- One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) Updates
- Will Graduating Students Lose Access to Their JMU Accounts? Yes
- A New Way to Get Tech Help: Coming This Summer
- 2026-2027 Meal Plans
- 2026 Coaches Caravan
- Reflections From an Ethical Reasoning Educator
- New Photos and Video of Carrier Library
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Dear JMU families,
As we wrap up this year, I want to thank you for your support and partnership throughout the year. Meeting you and your students is always a highlight, whether it’s around campus or somewhere else as I travel. I hope to see you around this summer!
For families of students completing their first year, I hope the information we shared beginning with orientation and throughout the year was helpful to you and your Dukes. We are excited to help you and them prepare for the rest of their years here.
For those of you with students who are graduating, congratulations! I’m excited to see them as they cross the stage, and we are so proud of their accomplishments. I can’t wait to see what they do next, and I have no doubt they will make a difference in our world.
To all of you, thank you once again for trusting us with your Duke, and letting us be part of your family’s life. We take that trust very seriously and we are so appreciative of this time we have spent together.
Reminders
We’re often asked if we work over the summer and the answer is yes, offices are open over the summer although it is a time that many of us take well-earned vacations. Please reach out if you have questions but understand it may take us a little longer to respond.
For families whose students are returning home this summer, there often is a period of adjustment for all of you. They are used to the independence of college life, and you may still see them as the person they were last summer. I hope you find some middle ground and spend quality time together while they continue to grow as a person. If they could use some help dealing with things, TimelyCare is available to students over the summer also.
Updates
If your student lives on campus, we ask that they move out by the day after their last final. If that’s not an option, they have until noon on May 14. We recommend moving out before then if possible, since there will be a lot of people on campus beginning Thursday for commencement ceremonies. You can find more information on the residence life Check out and Move out Information page.
For students living off campus, be sure they read the information provided by the rental companies carefully. There may be some specific details they need to follow to avoid additional charges and hopefully get their deposits back.
If there are items they don’t plan to take home, consider donating them. Their residence halls or apartment complexes should have information about where and when they can donate approved items.
Events
Events are wrapping up for the semester, and you can visit this website for commencement information.
Questions to ask your student
Looking back, what was the best part of this past year?
Tip: If they come up with an answer quickly, you may be able to get more than one answer or even have a full conversation! If the year didn’t go as they planned, maybe ask about specific people they met who may have made a difference for them.
What are you most proud of?
Tip: This can be especially important, even if their academics did not go as planned. By celebrating even small victories, it shows you’re invested in their whole selves and not only their grades.
What did you learn that you found helpful (or that surprised you)?
Tip: This could be about a subject, themselves or something else entirely. Regardless of the answer, by taking an interest in what they have to say they may be open to a deeper conversation.
Have a great summer!
I hope this past year has been everything you and your student hoped for, and that they learned and grew in many ways. I hope you get to spend time together this summer making memories as a family. To those of you whose Dukes are graduating, I wish them and you well as they follow a new path in life.
Take care, Be Well and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, Libraries
Even during finals week, there are plenty of empty seats available all over campus if your student knows where to look! In fact, JMU offers study spaces in over 30 buildings.
Here are 10 top tips to help your Duke find great study spaces at JMU:
- Find out which JMU buildings are offering expanded study space during finals week.
- Study in one of JMU’s computer labs any time they’re not reserved.
- Check the schedule outside meeting rooms in The Union and Festival. When they’re not reserved, students can use them to study. Just be sure to leave the furniture how they found it.
- Students can reserve a room for themselves or their group in the University Career Center. While they’re there, they can check out the Career Closet for a new professional outfit!
- Try one of the designated quiet study spaces at JMU.
- Study with a buddy so they can use one of the group study rooms at JMU.
- Use one of the 24-hour study spaces at JMU.
- Wake up early to snag their favorite study spot while others are still asleep.
- Use the JMU Study Spaces Map to find a spot that’s off the beaten path.
- If your Duke prefers to study in the Libraries, don’t forget we have four locations!
JMU Libraries created the JMU Study Spaces Map with assistance from partners all over campus to help students find convenient places to study while Carrier Library is closed for renovation and expansion. Using this map and the tips above, they’re guaranteed to find a great spot!
Submitted by: Jessica Savoie, Associate Director, Alumni Relations
Families of the Class of 2026, your Duke can join the JMU Alumni Association on the Quad for Senior Candle Lighting and Toast, JMU’s oldest Madison Tradition on May 13. As the sun sets, members of the Class of 2026 are officially inducted into the JMU Alumni Association through a candle lighting and pinning ceremony.
You have been part of your Duke's journey every step of the way, and today is no different! Join your Duke for Dinner at D-Hall (pay at the door), line the sidewalk between Carrier and the Quad for the Library Procession and then join us in raising a glass on the Quad to their accomplishment. There is a $10* charge to participate with your Duke in the Candle Lighting and Toast portion of the evening.
Local families are welcome to watch the special drone performance at 8:45 p.m.
*No refunds will be given for inclement weather.
Residence Hall Move-Out
Submitted by: Sydney Wood, Social Media and Marketing Manager, Residence Life
The end of the year is quickly approaching. That means it's time to start thinking about moving out of your student's residence hall! We encourage students to move out as soon as possible after their last exam and before the final closing of the residence halls.
Residence Halls officially close on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at noon.
Students who need to stay after this time will need to fill out a request and have it approved by Residence Life.
Submitted by: Zora Hancock, AmeriCorps VISTA, Off-Campus Life/The Pantry
Helping with move-out? Students living on campus can leave certain items in Residence Life's Why Wait Donate areas in all residence halls.
Some off-campus apartment complexes have their own donation process, which we encourage students to reach out to for specifics.
Dukes can also donate to locally-owned thrift stores Mercy House and Gift and Thrift. Larger furniture items can be brought to The Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and nicer clothing items can be sold at DART. Non-profits like The Arc of Harrisonburg and Our Community Place also accept in-kind donations of items like unopened toiletries or art supplies.
Finally, you can donate your sealed, in-date food items to The Pantry at JMU which will be open all summer long.
Spring 2026 Final Grades Coming Soon
Submitted by: Office of the Registrar
Final grades for the Spring 2026 semester will be available to students on Wednesday, May 20.
Students can check final grades by logging in to MyMadison and navigating to their Student Center, where grades will appear under the “Grades” section.
Students may also access their unofficial transcript through MyMadison to view final grades.
If your student has questions about their final grade, please have them contact their instructor directly.
Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Submitted by: Jessica Hopkins, Assistant Director of Compliance, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Satisfactory Academic Progress, often referred to as SAP, is a set of academic standards students must meet to remain eligible for financial aid. These standards are required by federal regulations and help ensure students are making steady progress toward completing their degree. SAP is reviewed at the end of each semester and is based on factors such as grade point average (GPA), successful course completion, and overall progress toward graduation.
How SAP is Evaluated
There are three components of the evaluation process that must be met:
- GPA – GPA standards mirror the university’s academic suspension policy and are based on the total number of credit hours a student has attempted.
- Pace – Students must earn credit for at least 67% of the hours they have attempted. This calculation is performed by dividing the number of credit hours earned by the number of credit hours attempted. Withdrawals, “F” grades and incompletes are all scenarios that will lower a student’s pace percentage.
- Maximum Time – Students may not receive financial aid for more than 180 attempted hours. However, once 150 hours have been attempted, we conduct a degree audit to determine if it is mathematically possible for the student to meet graduation requirements before reaching 180 hours. If it is not, the student will be identified as not meeting SAP at that time. If a program(s) requires more than 180 hours, an appeal may be submitted for review.
What Happens if SAP is Not Met
If a student is unable to meet SAP requirements, their eligibility for federal financial aid, including loans (both student and parent) will be lost. An email regarding the area(s) of noncompliance will be sent to the student and a reminder will appear on the “To-Do” list in MyMadison. If extenuating circumstances such as illness or personal hardship affected academic performance, students may submit a SAP appeal for review.
2026-27 SAP Appeal Deadlines
- Summer 2026 – July 6, 2026
- Fall 2026 – August 31, 2026
- Spring 2027 – February 1, 2027
Note: Students with a GPA issue for SAP and academic suspension status should be aware that two separate appeals may be required.
Resources and Family Support
Families can play an important role in supporting student success by encouraging open conversations about academics and well-being. Gentle check-ins, reminders to seek help early when challenges arise, and reassurance during stressful periods can help students stay motivated and informed. Campus resources such as tutoring, academic advising, coaching, and counseling services are also available to help students get back on track. By working together and staying proactive, students and families can navigate SAP requirements successfully and keep long-term goals within reach.
For full details about SAP requirements, appeal deadlines, resources available to students, and to use the online SAP estimator, students and families can visit our website.
Summer Session Deadlines and Tuition Charges
Submitted by: Brandon Cline-Taskey, Director, University Business Office
Summer semester works a little differently than the fall and spring semesters. A few key details can help you and your student plan ahead.
One of the biggest differences is the schedule: students can choose from 13 different summer sessions. Some begin as early as May 18, and others run as late as August 25. The most common option is the first four-week session (May 26–June 18). Your student may take classes in zero, one, or multiple sessions. Because summer courses cover the same material as a 15-week fall or spring course, the pace is faster. It’s a good idea for students to plan for a focused, intensive learning experience.
With so many sessions, there are also a lot of add/drop deadlines to track. Encourage your student to double-check their enrollment and keep an eye on their dates. If they think they may need to add or drop a class, have them review the summer Dates and Deadlines from the Registrar’s Office so they can make changes on time. If a student withdraws from a class after the add/drop deadline for their session, they will receive a “W” for that class and tuition will not be refunded. Deadlines can come up quickly in summer—sometimes within a day or two—so planning ahead really matters.
Another important difference is cost: summer tuition is charged per credit hour. As you make summer payment arrangements, be sure to factor that in. Your student can review tuition and any other summer charges in Madison Money Manager (M3).
The Office of the Registrar contributed to this article.
One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) Updates
Submitted by: Jessica Hopkins, Assistant Director of Compliance, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
As JMU prepares for upcoming changes connected to new rules expected to take effect in the 2026–27 school year, we want to keep families informed and engaged throughout the process. At this time, final rules have not yet been released, and the information available is unofficial and incomplete. Even so, our office is actively reviewing current guidance and planning ahead so we are ready to respond thoughtfully once final details are confirmed.
Because information may continue to evolve, families are encouraged to regularly visit our One Big Beautiful Bill Act (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. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we navigate this developing process together.
Will Graduating Students Lose Access to Their JMU Accounts? Yes
Submitted by: John Stevens, Knowledge & Outreach Coordinator, Information Technology
Any non-returning student graduating this spring or summer will have their JMU accounts, including email, deleted this fall. Learn how they can prepare now and when account deletion will take place.
Submitted by: John Stevens, Knowledge & Outreach Coordinator, Information Technology
JMU Information Technology will replace its current IT Service Portal this summer with a brand-new website for getting tech help. Learn how students can request help and what to expect with the change.
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, JMU Dining
Give Your Student Convenience—and a Chance to Win Big—With an Off-Campus Meal Plan
Planning ahead for the 2026-2027 academic year has its perks! When your student enrolls in an Off-Campus Meal Plan, they’ll enjoy flexible dining options and be automatically entered to win exciting monthly prizes.
Students who sign up between June and September are eligible for exclusive giveaways each month—and the earlier they enroll, the more opportunities they have to win. Each month, two students who have signed up for an Off‑Campus Meal Plan will be selected as winners.
Monthly Prize Lineup
June: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
July: JMU Fall Semester Parking Passes
August: Two Tickets to the Family Weekend Fantastic Feast (crab leg dinner)
September: Electric Scooters
An Off-Campus Meal Plan helps ensure your student has reliable, convenient access to meals throughout the year—while rewarding early planning with the chance to win practical and fun prizes.
*Reminder: the last day to change your Off-Campus Meal Plan selection without a fee is July 3. See our website for more details.
Submitted by: Grace Sheldon, Director of Internal Operations & Events, JMU Duke Club
Join us on the road this spring for the 2026 Coaches Caravan! We're excited to return to Richmond and Northern Virginia while adding brand-new stops in Roanoke, VA and Charlotte, NC. And as always, the Caravan will wrap up right here at home in The Valley.
Coach Billy Napier will be hitting the road with us for the first time, joining Coach Preston Spradlin, Coach Sean O'Regan, and Athletic Director Matt Roan. This year's lineup promises an unforgettable Caravan experience. We hope to see you there! Please visit the link below for more information.
All tickets will include light bites, access to an exclusive Q&A session with our coaches, and a commemorative Coaches Caravan poster customized to your city! Please reach out to Grace Sheldon, Director of Internal Operations & Events at sgs6mn@jmu.edu or (540) 568-3267 with any questions.
Submitted by: Kacey Damaty, Assistant Director, Ethical Reasoning in Action
"My name is Annika, and I’ve been involved with ethical reasoning for 4 years. Ethical reasoning and eight questions have truly shaped my JMU experience and are something that I will take with me post-grad. The work I’ve done with ethical reasoning has shaped me into a better presenter, a more confident decision-maker, and afforded me an array of unique opportunities.
One opportunity that sticks out is the Initi8 conference. I was able to speak at a collegiate conference to faculty members from numerous universities about the 8 KQ. It instilled in me confidence to navigate professional situations using the 8 KQ.
The 8 KQ has helped in my personal life as well. Having a tool that provides me with a framework for asking questions and allows me to slow down from conclusions makes decisions easier and allows me to not second-guess myself. I find so much value in just asking a question. In a world where it feels like everything and everyone is vying for your attention and demanding an opinion, taking a moment to engage critically with the material and asking questions provides certainty in the quality of my decision.
While I can’t guarantee that I’ll always make the right decision, I know that I made one to the best of my ability. Lastly, the relationships that 8 KQ has given me are priceless. Kacey and Dr. Early have been a dream to work with and have fought for opportunities for me in every way. I’m eternally grateful to have been a part of this program and will take the lessons I’ve learned with me forever."
Ethical Reasoning Educators (EREs) are undergraduate peer educators who volunteer 2-4 hours a week with Ethical Reasoning in Action. EREs create and present introductory workshops on the Eight Key Questions (8KQs) to fellow students in Residence Halls, in classrooms, and in Wellness Passport events. Students interested in becoming an ERE should contact ereducators@jmu.edu or call (540) 568-8143 for additional information.
New Photos and Video of Carrier Library
Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, Libraries
Excitement is building as we approach the August 3 reopening of the renovated and expanded Carrier Library!
Check out these recent photos of the progress on Carrier or this video from The Breeze TV for the latest updates on the library's interior.
To ensure we can open Carrier on time, some library spaces, collections, and services will have limited availability from May through July as we move miles of books, thousands of pieces of furniture, and more.
We appreciate the grace the JMU community has continued to show as we manage the moves during this final, complex phase of the Carrier renovation.
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