First yeaR Orientation Guides (FROGs) are student leaders who play a vital role in welcoming new students and their families to JMU. FROGs serve as mentors, resources, and ambassadors for JMU by supporting new students during Weeks of Welcome and assisting with their transition to university life. Through leadership, teamwork, and service, FROGs help foster a sense of belonging and pride within the JMU community. FROGs help prepare students to become active and authentic members of the JMU learning experience.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

• Serve as positive role model and representative of James Madison University
• Welcome and guide new students during move-in and Weeks of Welcome
• Facilitate small group icebreakers, discussions, and activites to support new students' transition to college
• Provide accurate information about academic programs, campus resources, policies, and student life
• Assist with Weeks of Welcome logistics, including move-in, meals, educational sessions, and social programs
• Collaborate with fellow FROGs, Residence Life, and Orientation and Transition staff to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience
• Uphold university values and policies while maintaining professionalism at all times
• Commit to personal growth and development through participation in training, discussion, and reflection

Eligibility

• Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student during the Fall 2026 semester
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• In good disciplinary standing

Benefits

• FROGs are volunteers; however, they receive:
  • Two FROG shirts and one additional Orientation and Transition item of their choosing
  • Provided meals during training, move-in, and Weeks of Welcome
  • $100 Dining Dollars GOLD and graduation cord upon completion of all FROG responsibilities 

Housing and Parking

• FROGs living off-campus in Fall 2026 are responsible for making their own arrangements to move into their housing prior to training beginning August 12, 2026.
  • The Office of Orientation and Transition will provide a letter indicating involvement in Weeks of Welcome if need is indicated through proper channels, such as the onboarding survey. There is no guarantee the request will be granted. 
• FROGs living on campus in Fall 2026 will be permitted to move into their housing assignment early. 
• The Office of Orientation and Transition does not provide parking passes or pay parking tickets. FROGs are responsible for making their own parking arrangements. 

Required Dates of Service

FROGs must be available to attend and actively participate in all training and programs that occur on the following dates: August 12-18 and August 22. There are few exceptions to these dates. Because of significant FROG responsibilities during those dates, FROGs are unable to work or train for another job during that time, including but not limited to Resident Advisers and MAPs. 

• Sunday, April 12: FROG Spring Training
• Wednesday, August 12 - Thursday, August 13: Fall FROG Training
• Friday. August 14 - Saturday, August 15: First-Year Move-In
• Sunday, August 16 - Tuesday, August 18: Weeks of Welcome
• Saturday, August 22: Weeks of Welcome

Contact

Contact Mallory Powers, Assistant Director of Transition, at power3md@jmu.edu with questions.