The One Book Experience has two parts: The One Book digital  publication & the New Student Checklist. It contains all the necessary steps for students to complete so they can be successful at JMU. First, accept your offer of admission and pay your deposit in the MyMadison Applicant Center. Once your deposit has been processed, you will receive an email (to the address you provided on your JMU application) to activate your eID in your new student role. Once you have activated your eID you will be able to log into the New Student Checklist below. 

Begin Your New Student Checklist

Video: The One Book Experience Overview
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Family and Supporter One Book Experience

Family and Supporter Checklist

The One Book is designed to be a one-stop-shop resource for students, but it also has a lot of information that can benefit the family and supporters of incoming students. In The One Book you can find an overview of the New Student Checklist, information about crucial campus resources and a directory of key offices. 

Summer Orientation is an important part of your student's transition experience, but it can also be a valuable part of your experience as well! Families and supporters will have their own schedule of events throughout the day. During Summer Orientation we will share information about academic expectations, health and well-being, career outcomes and much more. Summer Orientation takes place during late June and July. Students can add you to their Summer Orientation reservation in their New Student Checklist.

The JMU Office of Family Engagement can be a valuable resource for you during your student's time at JMU. Make sure that you stay up to date on everything taking place on and off campus by following the Office of Family Engagement on Facebook and Instagram. 

New students at JMU are required by Virginia law to submit specific information about immunizations and complete a TB screening. This is one of your student's New Student Checklist items, and this step is vital because non-compliance could lead to a hold being placed on your student's account. You can learn more about the Pre-Entry Health Requirements on the University Health Center's website.
Fall 2025 statements will be available on Monday, July 14. Students can add anyone who is helping them pay for college to their JMU Madison Money Manager (M3) account as an authorized user. The University Business Office can only talk about the financial account with the student and their Authorized Users, so make sure that anyone who needs access is added. Students have a Madison Money Manager step in their New Student Checklist that can assist them in completing this process.
In college, grades are not automatically available to anyone other than the student as mandated in the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). It is essential to set expectations about how and when grades are communicated.

Move-in will be August 15 & 16 for First-Year students and August 17 for on-campus Transfer Students. First-Year Students will receive an email to their JMU Dukes account on August 4 to select their move-in day and time. It is important to plan ahead, and students are encouraged to coordinate time with their roommate to allow for a seamless move-in process. Families should plan to say their goodbyes by 6 pm as students will start their Weeks of Welcome experience on the evening of their move-in date. 

As your new Duke prepares to move to Harrisonburg, packing can be an essential part of the process. The Office of Residence Life provides a Move-In Guide on their website, and a recommended Packing Checklist can be found on page 16 of The One Book.

Once your Duke has settled into the JMU community, Family Weekend can be a great opportunity to visit and see their JMU experience. Family Weekend 2025 will take place from September 26 to 28. The Office of Family Engagement has information about events, accommodations, and everything you need to know about this fun weekend on their website.

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Office of Orientation and Transition
Student Success Center
MSC 1010
738 South Mason Street
Room 2100
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807