SMAD Day 2025 is Friday, Oct. 17
SMAD Day brings together students, alumni and faculty for informative career sessions and networking opportunities. Sessions will cover careers, portfolios, resumes, interviewing, and more.
SMAD Day also is a wonderful opportunity for alumni to catch up with each other and share their career and life journeys with current students — as well as update each other and faculty on their achievements.
SMAD Day 2025 schedule:
Morning SMAD Day Panels, Opportunity Fair, and Résumé/Portfolio Reviews
LOCATION: Taylor Hall (student union complex)
- 8:30 a.m. in Taylor 400 — Alumni welcome registration and breakfast
- 9 a.m.-noon in Taylor 405 — Career, Internship and Student Organization Opportunity Fair
- 9:30-11 a.m. — Résumé Reviews by concentration
- Creative Advertising and Interactive Design in Taylor 404
- Digital Video & Cinema in Taylor 306
- Journalism in Taylor 304
- 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Career Panels featuring SMAD alumni
- Creative Advertising in Taylor 400
- Digital Video & Cinema in Taylor 306
- Interactive Design in Taylor 402
- Journalism in Taylor 304
"Dog Day" Lunch
LOCATION: On the grassy area between Harrison Hall and Converse Hall
- Noon-1:30 p.m. — Hot Dogs (including veggie dogs and gluten-free options) and refreshments, plus student-alumni-faculty-staff mingling.
Afternoon Networking, Screenings, Games and More!
LOCATION: Harrison Hall
- 1:30-3:30 p.m. — SMAD student film screenings, networking opportunities, and games (Various Rooms)
- 3:30-4:15 p.m. — Alumni are welcome to sit in on the broadcast of Breeze TV in the Alison Parker Studio featuring the studio's new LED wall technology.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to register for SMAD Day?
Walk-ins may register on-site, but participation will be on a first-come, first served basis, especially for the resume / portfolio reviews and panels, which might have limited space and reviewer availability.
Can I attend without participating the resume / portfolio review?
Yes. You can get a lot out of the day without participating in the resume / portfolio review.
What should I wear?
If you are planning to participate in the resume / portfolio review, you should consider business casual to make a good first impression.
For alumni and general attendees, consider wearing your SMAD swag or JMU colors.
What should I bring for the day?
Any materials you want to share (resumes, portfolio, your laptop, etc.).
Do I need to attend all day?
No, but make sure to check the schedule so you can hit the events that are most relevant to your interests.
What is the review format?
Most reviews will be in a round robin / speed dating format.
Can I, as a SMAD student, present my portfolio digitally to an alum during the resume/portfolio review?
You may present your portfolio digitally, but consider bringing a laptop or tablet to display it. SMAD labs will not be available for use during the reviews. Notify the room coordinator when you arrive for SMAD day if there are special considerations.
It is your responsibility to be prepared: check the Wi-Fi and/or make sure your laptop battery is charged. Technical support and charging stations will not be provided.
Will there be food?
Yes, we'll have hot dogs for everyone at lunchtime. And if anyone has dietary restrictions, please list them on the registration form so that we can provide an alternative.
Alumni are welcome to start arrriving at 8:30 a.m. to mingle and get coffee and a continental breakfast.
What's the parking situation?
Alumni will get free parking by entering the code you'll be provided after registering. SMAD will send you an email with that parking information about a week before the event.
All regulations for JMU students, faculty and staff will remain in effect, and students attending the event are required to park in appropriate student parking lots with a JMU parking permit.
You can view the JMU online parking map here.
