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. Tim Miller
- Reminder: Complete the Family Weekend Survey
- It's Not Too Late for a Flu Shot
- Wellness Vending Machines
- Tutoring/Learning Centers
- 10 Tips for Helping Students Find Affordable Textbooks
- Reasons Financial Aid Awards Can Change
- Thanksgiving Break Housing
- JMU Dining
- Planning Ahead for Holiday Travel and Bike Storage
- Wellness Resources
- JMU Athletics Enters a New Era
- CHBS Expansion
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hi JMU families,
Days are getting colder here at JMU and with daylight savings, the nights are coming quicker. I know you’re looking forward to spending some quality time with your Duke over Thanksgiving, and I hope all of you enjoy whatever you do together as a family. I am heading back up to Northern Virginia for the week, but we will be back for basketball and football games at the end of the week! When students return, there will only be three weeks until Winter Commencement so things will move very fast.
Reminders
Soon your student will be registering for Winter and Spring 2027 classes. In last month's newsletter, the Office of the Registrar provided some tips to help you support your student through this process, so I encourage you to check it out again if you want to give them some guidance. In addition, we did a Family Webinar in October that included staff from Advising and some of our Madison Advising Peers and I recommend listening to this when you have a chance.
Thanksgiving break is Nov. 21-28 and during this time campus offices and residence halls will be closed. This is a good time for students to take home their summer clothes and bring back their warmer ones. While we're more likely to have wintry weather in January and February, we have had snow before winter break in the past, so I recommend being prepared in case that happens.
Whether they live on campus or off, please remind them of these important tips:
- Clean out refrigerators, throw out any perishable food, wash dishes, empty all trash cans and take all of the trash out before they leave.
- Take anything valuable home with them. This is especially for those who live off campus. Empty houses and apartment complexes are an easy target for thieves, unfortunately.
- Remember their laptop, chargers, medications and anything else they may need. Every year families are buying expensive new laptop chargers because they get left in one place or the other.
- Coordinate with roommates to have the last person leaving close and lock all windows and doors.
Updates
Breaks are a nice rest from classes and are also a good time to start planning for what's ahead. The Career Center has great tips for finding a job or internship, and it's something your student may appreciate looking into with you. This is new territory for most of them and is probably more intimidating than they want to admit. By looking at the resources together and discussing the process, you can support them while they are taking the lead in this important next step.
Avoid the Winter Break surprise and take a look at their grades together while they are home. While the three weeks left in the semester aren’t enough to turn anything around, knowing that they are struggling at this point gives you time to strategize and plan ahead for the Spring and put some good practices and expectations in place. Have them open up Canvas and MyMadison and show you how things are going while they are home, and you all can have conversations about next steps or celebrate how well they are doing this fall.
Events
After a very busy October, things slow down a bit this month, and many find enjoyment in self-care and helping others. Here are some suggestions:
American Red Cross Blood Drive | Nov. 9 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | The Union, Warren 256
Dukes Volunteer – Generations Crossing | Nov. 10 or 17 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Transportation is provided
Madison Cares Workshop | Nov. 11 | 10-11 a.m. | SSC 1075
Mindful Doodling | Nov. 12 | 10-11 a.m. | SSC 1075
The Mindful Self | Thursdays | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Serenity Center – The Union, Warren 419
Questions to ask your student
When you have time to be together, it can be tricky asking about grades, friends and campus involvement. Chances are your student has had multiple experiences and feelings: excitement, victories (small ones count too!), mistakes, disappointment and challenges throughout the semester. They may be hesitant to talk about some of these. You can help them understand that there can be growth in all of these.
Here are a few conversation starters to learn about their journey, whether it‘s their first semester or their last.
- What has surprised you most this semester?
- What are you most proud of?
- What's something you're still figuring out?
- What are you looking forward to over winter break?
- What have you learned about yourself this year?
What to expect
Your whole family is probably looking forward to having your Duke home for Thanksgiving. They have been looking forward to this time with family and friends too. I expect they will immediately sleep upon arrival at home and then they might run out to catch up with friends since they haven’t seen them since the summer. This is understandable and part of their time at home, but I want to recommend you set clear expectations about family events you have planned. I would talk about this before they get home so you can avoid hurt feelings and conflicting expectations for the week.
I hope you and your Dukes have a great month and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
If you haven't already, please complete the Family Weekend survey. Whether you joined us or couldn’t make it this year, we would love to hear from you.
Would you take two minutes to share your thoughts? We value your feedback, and submissions will only be used to further enhance future Family Weekend programming.
It's Not Too Late for a Flu Shot
Submitted by: Anne Brenneman, Director, University Health Center
Flu (influenza) activity is increasing in Virginia. It’s not too late for your student to get a flu shot. The University Health Center gives flu shots for $21. Students can walk into the pharmacy during regular business hours or make an appointment for an Immunization/Vaccine by scheduling through MyJMUChart or calling (540-568-6178).
Submitted by: University Health Center
Health Services has a One Stop Wellness Vending Machine which has stocked: Personal Protective Equipment, Personal Care Items, First Aid Items as well as Over the Counter medications. Students, Staff and Faculty can use Apple Pay, Credit card, or JACard to purchase these items.
The vending machines are at the locations below:
- Carrier Library (Ground Floor of the Jones Wing, accessible 24/7 with a JACard)
- Festival
- Student Success Center (1st Floor)
Submitted by: Laura Miller, Executive Director, Learning Centers
The Learning Centers offer free study sessions, academic coaching, tutoring, consultations, and workshops run by faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Our six programs offer discipline-specific, customized instruction to help JMU students take their learning to the next level. For example, if your student is struggling with a statistics course, wants to talk over a paper they're working on, or wants feedback on a presentation they're preparing, the Learning Centers team can help! Our programs have a wide range of tutoring and support services, but we're all focused on empowering your student to succeed in their academic work. We're located on the first floor of the Student Success Center, and online tutoring is also available. We can help your students build confidence, develop skills, and flourish in their academic journey!
Our Programs include Free Tutoring and Academic Support:
Writing Consultations
Science and Math Learning Center
Speech and Presentation Prep
Peer Academic Coaching (PAC)
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
English Language Consultations
Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, Libraries
As enrollment approaches, please remind your Duke about these 10 tips for finding affordable textbooks.
#1 Tip: Use Library Search to see if JMU Libraries has a copy to borrow.
Best Kept Secret: there's a filter in MyMadison where they can search for courses whose total textbook costs are $40 or less at the JMU Bookstore during enrollment!
Reasons Financial Aid Awards Can Change
Submitted by: Brad Barnett, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management/Financial Aid Director, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
When students are awarded financial aid funds in a semester, it’s important to keep in mind that there are situations when financial aid awards can be reduced or canceled. This applies even after funds are received. The majority of these situations will be triggered as a result of action taken by the student, and we’re providing a list of some of the most common reasons this occurs.
- Changing Registration – Financial aid eligibility is based, in part, on the number of "financial aid eligible" hours a student is taking during that enrollment period. If the registration changes, financial aid can also change. This is especially important to note during the add/drop periods of each term.
- Failure to Begin Classes – Students receiving financial aid must begin attendance in classes for which they were awarded financial aid. If that does not happen, adjustments could be made to financial aid awards.
- Receipt of Additional Aid – If a student receives additional aid that the Financial Aid Office was not aware of when the JMU financial aid package was created, then it might be necessary for some of the awards made through JMU to be reduced or canceled. This is called an “overaward” situation.
- Failing Classes – At the conclusion of a term the Financial Aid Office will evaluate grades for students who received financial aid funds. In some cases, a failed class could lead to a reduction or cancelation of certain financial aid awards.
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) – If a student is receiving financial aid under the terms of an Academic Plan associated with a SAP appeal, and if the student does not meet the terms of the plan, aid may be reduced or canceled.
- Repeating Classes – There are limits on how many times a student can receive financial aid for repeating courses. If we discover a student has exceeded those limits, then financial aid awards may change.
While the items above do not represent an all-inclusive list, they do provide information on the most common reasons that cause a financial aid package to be modified. With that said, generally speaking, if students receive a financial aid package and complete all of the classes for which they registered, then the likelihood of the financial aid package changing during the term is significantly reduced.
You can learn much more about the rules associated with financial aid eligibility by reviewing JMU Terms and Conditions for Financial Aid – Consumer Information.
Thanksgiving Break Housing
Submitted by: Dawn Ohanessian, Associate Director, Housing Operations, Residence Life
JMU closes for Thanksgiving Break. Students will need to leave campus housing by 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 and are able to return after 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.
All students needing to stay on campus during Thanksgiving Break will need to fill out a break housing registration form on the Online Housing Portal by 5 p.m. on Nov. 16. Students who fail to register by completing the break housing registration form by Nov. 16 may be subject to a $100 fine per day that they stay on campus during this break period.
Please note: Most JMU Dining Services will be closed during Thanksgiving Break. Services that are open will be advertised by Dining Services and will only be available for use with dining dollars (declining balance), cash, debit, or flex payments.
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, JMU Dining
Avoid Fees: Students with Off-Campus Resident Meal Plans can change or cancel their Spring 2027 meal plan selection online from Nov. 30-Dec. 4 with no administrative fee. Another change period will be available at the end of January; however, fees will apply.
Share Your Feedback: Help JMU Dining serve you and your student better by completing the Dining Styles Survey. Tell us what you enjoy most about your dining experience and where you'd like to see improvements. (In the survey, select "Other" and enter "parent" or "family member.")
Thanksgiving Hours: Most JMU Dining locations will close for Thanksgiving Break starting Nov. 21, and meal plan swipes will not be accepted during the break. D-Hall will reopen at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, for the football game, and meal plan swipes will resume that day. Many locations will operate with limited hours on Sunday, Nov. 29, so please check our website before visiting.
Submitted by: Valerie Kramer, Alternative Transportation Manager, Parking and Transit Services
As Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break approach, now is the time for students to make travel arrangements. Transportation providers often experience high demand during holiday periods, and the earliest reservations typically offer the greatest flexibility and availability.
JMU students have several convenient travel options available, including Virginia Breeze, Adventures-N-Travel, and College Transit. Students who know their travel plans should consider booking soon to secure their preferred departure and return schedules.
Students who keep bicycles on campus should also begin thinking about break storage plans. Extended breaks can leave bicycles and scooters exposed to weather and unattended for long periods of time.
Students living in residence halls may wish to speak with their Hall Director about whether bicycles can be brought indoors during break periods. If indoor storage space is available, bringing bikes inside can provide an additional layer of protection while residence halls are less occupied.
Students who are unable to store their bikes or scooters indoors should contact AlternativeTransportation@jmu.edu before leaving for break. We may be able to suggest additional storage options or resources to help keep their equipment secure while they are away.
Whether students are traveling across Virginia or across the country, planning ahead can help make holiday travel less stressful and ensure a smooth return to campus. As always, JMU Alternative Transportation is available to help students learn about biking, transit, and other transportation resources throughout the year.
For more transportation information, visit our website.
Submitted by: The JMU Counseling Center
As the end of the semester approaches and academic tasks increase, it is important to find efficient and effective ways to refocus and recharge. If your student is looking for a quiet, calming, or creative space on campus, know that the Counseling Center’s Oasis and Studio self-care spaces are available for students to use throughout the semester and finals week (Student Success Center, Suite 3100). For even more ways to manage stress and improve mental health, students can also attend free workshops offered by the Counseling Center.
Submitted by: Madi Alley, Assistant Director of Internal Operations & Events, JMU Duke Club
James Madison University’s acceptance into the American Conference marks a defining moment in JMU’s continued growth and national prominence. Selected for its academic excellence, competitive success, institutional investment, and long-term vision, JMU will join the conference no later than July 1, 2028, creating new opportunities for student-athletes and expanding the university’s reach among alumni, fans, and future Dukes nationwide.
As JMU Athletics prepares for this next chapter, support through The Duke Club’s Proud & True Fund is more important than ever. In a rapidly evolving college athletics landscape, unrestricted support provides the flexibility to invest in the areas that most directly impact the student-athlete experience and position of JMU Athletics for continued success.
The next chapter of JMU Athletics starts now. Together, we can help ensure the Dukes are ready to excel in the American Conference from day one.
JMU is expanding the College of Health and Behavioral Studies to prepare more health professionals, advance research and strengthen care across Virginia. Explore the vision for the new building and follow the project toward its expected opening in fall 2029.
Join 15,000+ 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 and family members to engage with one another. Request to join the group here »
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