U N D E R G R A D UAT E
A D M I S S I O N S
2023–24
Connections are the heartbeat of JMU. Come here and you’ll join a community that fosters connections with people and learning, dreams and goals, ideas and the world. We care. We celebrate hard work. We cheer for our Dukes. We learn from each other. We are family. We’re all about giving you room to grow. Your best awaits you. Walking the walk. Guiding the debate. Crafting the knowledge. Helping the cause. Saving the day. Fueling your dreams.
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BEING TH
HE CHANGE
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Top Public Schools National Universities
Best College Campus in America
National University Rankings
U.S. News & World Report, 2022-23
Niche, 2023
Washington Monthly, 2022
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GET TO KNOW JMU ENROLLMENT
ACADEMICS
92%
James Madison University was founded in 1908 n Public university n
20,346 undergraduate students 1,878 graduate students
79%
from Virginia
n
from outside Virginia
90% freshman retention rate
S chool colors are purple and gold Mascot is Duke Dog
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1 7 NCAA Division-I sports 5 0+ non-varsity club sports that battle teams from other colleges 5 ,000+ Dukes who have fun and compete in intramural sports
S tudents from 48 states and territories and 95 countries
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58% female / 42% male
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26% students of color
n
1% international
Over 130 undergraduate programs of study n Average class size = 25 n
21%
SPORTS AND MORE
student faculty ratio
17:1
92% undergraduate student body
n
89% of classes have fewer than 50 students
4 libraries
1.5 million library visits a year
28% of students study abroad
LOCATION Harrisonburg, VA
#1 most Instagrammed location in Virginia
311 square miles of national park and 1.9 million acres of national forest nearby
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HARRISONBURG 81
Roanoke Bristol
Charlottesville
Washington D.C.
95
Richmond
64
Norfolk 3
80
%
of our undergraduates do research, a practicum, an internship or student teach by the time they graduate.
CRAFTING TH 4
JMU graduates succeed because they have a remarkable combination
of being able to work collaboratively and independently. This is the foundation of a JMU education. You will learn new, exciting ways of thinking. Your journey will be filled with intellectual challenges that will build your confidence and fill you with more than just knowledge. At JMU, you will have hands-on experiences and your mind challenged. This combination creates a graduate ready to change the world. Since we opened our doors in 1908, JMU has challenged students to give their best and embrace big ideas.
E KNOWLEDGE 5
98
%
of JMU classes are taught by professors, a rarity for schools our size.
PROFESSORS MAKE STUDENTS THEIR TOP PRIORITY.
At JMU, our professors invest themselves fully in the teaching process. Their focus is on undergraduates, and they will welcome your involvement in their realworld research and experiences. Faculty mentors await you. Expect to be challenged and supported. You will receive guidance from top professors in their fields, including opportunities to meet with them one-on-one for questions or advice. Our graduates say the relationships they forged with JMU professors made a significant difference that continues to last long past graduation. This partnership is life-changing.
Kamille Booth loves the active role her favorite
professor Lori Hostetler takes in overseeing her pre-student teaching training. Involved, present, genuine and authentic are words Booth uses to describe Hostetler. For Booth, the extra care from JMU education professors is turning out to be a true game-changer.
Watch the video at j.mu/profs
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HANDS-ON LEAR IS REAL-LIFE PROBLEM-SOLVING. Reading and lectures are important facets of the learning equation. At JMU, your focus will also be on bringing learning to life through real-world problem-solving. You will have access to your professors and great academic programs that have an eye on the future. You will meet classmates who are just as hungry to learn and grow as you are. Learning happens everywhere at JMU. The satisfaction of understanding is beautiful, and you get to experience that time and time again. Our version of hands-on learning promises to change much of how you see the world.
Diego Crespo Guido is an impressive
example of the JMU hallmark of learning by doing. An internship with JMU’s Enrollment Marketing team launched the Media Arts and Design major’s skills to another level and have him ready to take on his next challenge, a summer internship with the U.S. Tennis Association. He says the hands-on internship experience he is getting truly brings learning to life.
Watch his video at j.mu/handson
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NING 80
The First-Year and Transfer Student Research Experience pairs undergraduates with faculty members for 80 hours in a semester. The pay-offs are pure gold.
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Miranda Stanhope followed her sharp mind and her
servant heart as she changed her major from biology to health sciences. The cross-country and track star says health sciences better aligns with her interests in human health and her background of being an athlete invested in her own health at such a high level. Stanhope says the Madison system allows plenty of flexibility in making whatever switches you may need.
Watch her video at j.mu/yourpath
EXPLORE OUR MAJORS
AND FIND YOUR PASSION. College is about exploration. At JMU, this means an academic framework that allows you to explore the opportunities and discover your interests. We’ll support you as you find your passion. You don’t need to know what you want to do on day one. And it’s OK to change your mind. If you know your path, you can get started immediately. We will be here to challenge, support and cheer for you. When you find yourself involved in two or three different majors or your academic interests change along the way, we are here to support you and help guide your journey. Gear up, explorers.
39
%
of our 2021-22 graduates changed their majors. JMU Dukes can find their purpose and still graduate on time. Your success matters to us! 11
1,200
More than 1,200 students participate in study abroad each year.
STUDY AWAY
IT WILL CHANGE YOU FOR THE BETTER.
Los Angeles, California
JMU in LA gives undergraduates a chance to learn about and participate in the culturally powerful entertainment industry. This 10-credit summer program is open to all students. Classes are taught by entertainment-industry professionals. Students spend at least 180 hours at internships, and experience the culture of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry. Hotspots include Disney Studio, Paramount, Warner Brothers and Universal.
Dominican Republic
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Honors students use their Spring Break to take part in a highly specialized Central American engagement experience that includes volunteering with a local nonprofit focused on ethics and sustainable housing. The week-long trip also features lectures and a unique opportunity for transformative exposure to the Dominican culture. The trek is designed to help JMU students appreciate who they are and how they connect with the rest of the world.
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semester-long offerings in foreign lands
70+ short-term study abroad programs
20+
educational exchange partners across the globe, including Oxford and Cambridge
Our classroom is global. Opportunities are endless. You will expand your universe. Boost your confidence. Become a better version of yourself. Study-away opportunities give JMU students an amazing mix of classes, day trips and lifetime memories. Watch the video at j.mu/studyaway
Florence, Italy
JMU’s Semester in Florence program is a study abroad program designed for students who want to immerse themselves in one of the world’s richest cultures. Students take classes in Palazzo Capponi in Via dei Michelozzi, a 14,000-square-foot palace owned by Pio Istituto de’ Bardi. The city’s historic piazzas remain largely unchanged from their medieval beginnings, enabling you to tread the same streets as Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli, Da Vinci and Galileo, to mention just a few.
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LIFE AFTER JMU IS MARKED BY SUCCESS. Alumni success is in our DNA. With more than 150,000 alumni, you will find a connection through the growing JMU Nation that spans the globe.
JMU alumni are sought after for meaningful jobs because they know how work gets done. Our graduates can work in teams. And also on their own. Every JMU Duke knows what hard work looks like, what trying again feels like, what success tastes like. Join us and you will, too.
96
%
Cody Warner
Warner (’09) recently founded Cody Warner Criminal Defense in New York City. Warner was a philosophy and religion major during his time at JMU.
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from the JMU Class of 2022 were employed, enrolled in graduate school or seeking career-related endeavors within six months of graduation.
Mia Brabham
Brabham (’16) used her Note to Self to raise money for several community-based safety and social change causes. She says the 117-page work highlights, among other thoughts, “the tiny voice inside.”
Becky Schneider
Schneider (’17), a senior geospatial analyst at Fairfax Virginia-based Dewberry, was named a 2020 Rising Star by Women in Technology. Her clients include FEMA and the U.S. Geologic Survey.
Emily Warden, a 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Art & Style list honoree, found inspiration for her gift of art from JMU professors Mark Rooker and Allyson Taylor. The 2017 graduate’s meteoric rise through the ranks of the handrcrafted custom jewelry world is remarkable.
Watch her video at j.mu/afterjmu
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Adventure here
Hike, bike, snowboard, kayak or whatever else makes your heart happy. This beautiful area has it all.
Chill here
On a warm day, relax on the Quad or toss a Frisbee with friends. You will certainly not be alone.
Study here
With 1.5 million annual visits, JMU Libraries are much more than just books.
Eat here
D-Hall is among 28 amazing on-campus choices. There is a reason why JMU dining has been top 15 in the U.S. for decades!
Scan or visit j.mu/aerial to watch an aerial tour of campus!
WELCOME TO YOUR NEW NEIGHBORHOOD It’s all here. Get ready to be surprised. 16
Play here
Our spectacular University Recreation Center has something for everyone.
Cheer here
School spirit is alive and well at JMU. Sun Belt Conference, here we come again!
Live here
Wayland Hall is among 23 residence halls that house freshmen on campus.
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FINDING Y
400+ 18
With 400+ clubs and organizations on campus, you are destined to find something that will pique your interest and help you grow.
OUR HOME We know that happy minds thrive. You will find the right balance between work and play at JMU.
Clubs. Alternative Break trips. A cappella groups. Faith-based organizations. Movies. Concerts. (You get the idea.) The list also includes national-class food that you will enjoy with your people, and spending sun-drenched days hanging out on our Quad. Speaking of play, there are so many different outdoor recreation choices that we would need a whole book to include even half of them.
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LIVING ON CAMPUS A typical day at JMU is packed with learning, laughing and sharing. Hanging with friends. Finding time to study in your favorite spots. Soaking in the rhythm of this place that is here to help you find the best in yourself.
Juliana Cruz says that her on-campus living
experience—especially finding people as excited about studying as she is—set the stage for much of her future academic success. Life in Shenandoah Hall was a wonderful mix of studying and camaraderie that helped her gain knowledge and find out more about herself, too. For Cruz, that fast start made her Madison Experience a work of beauty.
Watch her video at j.mu/live
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different places to eat on campus, with so much variety that you’re guaranteed to find plenty of options you will like. Great food is a big deal to us.
2,000
The approximate number of residence hall programs each year, giving you chances to socialize, learn new things and have lots of fun.
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#
10
among colleges with the best student life in America, according to Niche from its 2022 survey. Residential Learning Communities that offer freshmen interested in the same academic fields the chance to live together, take classes together and do community service. 21
GETTING INVOLVED There’s so much to do here. The Madison Experience extends beyond the classroom. You will have many chances to have fun, be part of a team and make an impact. You’ll also make friends for life.
Amy Beladia knows about growth and about
making a difference. This Honors student’s list includes Student Government Association, University Program Board, Student Ambassadors and Honors Leadership Council, just to highlight several. She says her experiences in clubs and organizations are helping her hone skills that are setting her up for a bright future.
Watch her video at j.mu/involve
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8,000+
JMU Dukes take part in some level of sport each year. This includes intramurals and club sports that play against teams from other colleges.
750K+
visits a year to JMU’s University Recreation Center and UPARK outdoor facility include everything from group cooking classes to yoga and from ropes courses to sharing stories while on the treadmills. Opportunities are everywhere.
100+
local nonprofits are supported by JMU student volunteers each year.
“I feel like whatever I’m learning by being in all those organizations, I can apply to my classes and to my life.” — Amy Beladia
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SERVING THE COMMUNITY Community engagement is one of the many ways you get real-world practice for skills you learn in the classroom.
You will have unlimited opportunities to make a difference. Internships. Community service. Research. Endless choices to promote the greater good. Serving the community—especially one as remarkably diverse as the greater Harrisonburg community—is a significant passion for many JMU students and faculty. The growth you’ll experience from this will set you up for the rest of your life. We care about serving the community because it is a crucial part of being an engaged citizen of the world.
14K
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JMU students take part in around 14,000 hours of community service annually. Spreading good is a way of life here.
71
%
Percentage of JMU students who had a class that included a community-based project, 10% higher than any of the other schools in JMU’s same classification.
Jordan Pratt values the leadership mindset
that she has built for herself through JMU Relay For Life, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and several other community service initiatives. This finance major and JMU cheerleader’s leadership opportunities have her feeling as if she is ready to take on any real-world challenge that will come her way.
Watch her video at j.mu/serve
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EXPLORING THE AREA There’s a peace about this place that calls on you to explore more. Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain ranges in the western part of Virginia, Harrisonburg is a breath of fresh air and a bit of a pleasant surprise for first-time visitors. The same is often said of JMU.
53,000
Population of Harrisonburg, an incredibly diverse community, with the variety of a larger city and the charm of a small town.
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The dining destination of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg was Virginia’s first Downtown Culinary District city.
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Acres of peace and tranquility in the JMU Arboretum, located on the southeastern edge of campus.
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Lucien Anderson has found it easy to combine
his geology major with his passion for all things outdoors at JMU. His JMU journeys have taken him, among other destinations, to Switzer Lake, High Knob Fire Tower and rock climbing in West Virginia. He expects to carry what he has learned and done— including all the exposure to amazing people and places—with him as he writes the next chapter of his success story.
Watch his video at j.mu/outside
2,800+
UREC handles 2,800+ equipment rental requests a year for students pursuing their own adventure opportunities. 27
BLEEDING PURPLE
25K 28
There’s nothing like the celebrations from a packed house at 25,000-seat Bridgeforth Stadium to send the message that JMU is all about school spirit.
No matter the sport or the venue, our Dukes know how to win. And JMU fans truly bleed purple. We throw purple and gold streamers at every touchdown at Bridgeforth Stadium. We rock out to the JMU Pep Band during basketball games at the spectacular Atlantic Union Bank Center. We are in our second season as a part of the Sun Belt Conference. This move matches the overall growth and evolution of JMU perfectly, and our teams made their collective presence felt again and again. We work hard, play hard and compete with the best in the country. When it comes to winning, our Dukes make their mark.
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130+ ways to find your passion So many choices. Built-in flexibility if you change your mind. Experts to help you along the way. There’s something here for you!
A
Asian Studiesm Astronomym
Accounting African, African American and Diaspora Studiesm American Studiesm Anthropology* Architectural Design Arabicm Art* Art Education LicensureP Art History*
B
Biochemistry and Molecular Biologym Biology* Biophysical Chemistry Biotechnology Book Artsm British Communication and Mediam Business (General)m Business (see specific majors) Business Analyticsm Business Frenchm Business Germanm Business Italianm Business Management Business Spanishm
C
Chemistry* Chinesem Chinese Business Studiesm Christian Studiesm Chronic Illnessm Classical Studiesm
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Climate Sciencem Coaching Educationm Communication Sciences and Disorders Communication Studies* Computational Analyticsm Computer Information Systems* Computer Science* Creative Writingm Criminal Justicem Cultural Communicationm
D
Dance Dance Education LicensureP Data Analyticsm Dietetics Digital Video and Cinema# Disability Studiesm
E
Early Childhood Education (Inclusive) Earth Science Economics* Education (see individual programs) Educational Mediam Elementary Education Engineering English* Entrepreneurshipm Environmental Humanitiesm Environmental Information Systemsm Environmental Managementm Environmental Sciencem Environmental Studiesm Ethicsm Exploratory (undeclared)
F
Family Studiesm Film Studiesm Finance Foreign Language Education Licensure (French, Spanish, German)P Frenchm
G
General Psychology Geography* Geology* Graphic Design Geophysicsm Germanm Global Religion and Global Issuesm Global Supply Chain Managementm
H
Health Communicationm Health Sciences Health Services Administration Historical Archaeologym History* Honors Interdisciplinary Studiesm Hospitality Management Human Resource Developmentm Humanitarian Affairsm
I
Independent Scholars Individualized Study Industrial Design Information Technology Integrated Science and Technology* Intelligence Analysis International Affairs
To learn more about all academic programs, visit jmu.edu/academics
MAJORS, MINORS AND PROGRAMS Minor m | Major also available as a minor * | Concentration # | Program P International Business Italianm
Music Industry# Musical Theatre
Russianm Russian Studiesm
Jazz Studiesm Journalism# Justice Studies
Nonprofit Studiesm Nursing Nursing RN to BSN Program
Science, Technology and Societym Secondary Education Social Justice# Social Justice Studiesm Social Studiesm Social Work Sociology* Spanishm Spanish-English Translation and Interpretationm Special Education Sport and Recreation Management Sport Communicationm Statistics* Substance Use Disorder Educationm
J
K
Kinesiology
L
Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studiesm Latino Community Engagementm Legal Spanishm Legal Studiesm Linguisticsm Logic and Reasoningm
M
Marketing Materials Sciencem Mathematics* Mathematics for Middle Grades Teachersm Media Arts and Design Medical Humanitiesm Medical Spanishm Medieval and Renaissance Studiesm Middle Eastern Communities and Migrationsm Middle Grades Education Military Leadershipm Modern European Studiesm Modern Foreign Languages* Music Music Education LicensureP Music (General)m Music and Human Servicesm
N P
Philosophy Philosophy and Religion Physical and Health Education Teacher Education# Physics* Physics Minor for Engineersm Political Communicationm Political Science* Pre-Athletic Trainingm Pre-Dentistrym Pre-Forensic StudiesP Pre-LawP Pre-Medicinem Pre-Occupational Therapym Pre-Optometrym Pre-Pharmacym Pre-Physical Therapym Pre-Physician Assistantm Pre-TheologyP Pre-Veterinary Medicinem Psychology (General) Public Administration Public Policy and Administrationm
Q
Quantitative Finance
R
Religionm Roboticsm
S
T
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages* Telecommunicationsm Theatre* Theatre Education LicensureP
U
Urban and Regional Studiesm
W
Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studiesm World Literaturem Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communications*
Y
Youth Justicem
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Ready to apply? FRESHMAN APPLICATION DEADLINES Nonbinding Early Action – Nov. 1 Regular Decision – Jan. 15 TWO REQUIRED STEPS
1 2
Application – Apply online at jmu.edu/applynow Transcripts – Official high school transcripts and senior year schedule must be sent by the application deadline.
OPTIONAL INFORMATION n One letter of recommendation n Personal essay n S tandardized test scores (22% of applicants submitted in 2022-23) n SAT mid-50% range: 1190-1350 n ACT mid-50% range: 25-30 FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENTS Most fine and performing arts areas require an additional application, audition or portfolio review. For details, visit jmu.edu/arts/admissions
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WHAT WE LOOK FOR Admission to JMU is competitive and strong applicants are selected based on the following criteria: n Core academic courses: English, social science, foreign language,
lab science and mathematics* n Grades: Mostly A’s and B’s in core academic classes n R igor of course work: AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, Cambridge International, in addition to honors-level courses Other things considered include involvement in extracurricular activities and additional information found in the letter of recommendation and in the personal essay. Students can earn college credit for AP, IB, DE and CI courses taken in high school. More info: jmu.edu/admissions/earncredit * Mathematics requirement: One full year beyond Algebra II in a course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. If you have questions, please contact your JMU Admissions Counselor. jmu.edu/admissions/contact
2022-23 FRESHMEN APPLICANTS Applications: 37,055 Applicants accepted: 27,238 Applicants enrolled: 4,750
Affording JMU 2023-24 TUITION AND FEES (full-time student per year)
In-State
Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees*
$13,576
$30,790
Housing and Food
$12,264
$12,264
Total
$25,840
$43,054
*Courses within the College of Business and School of Nursing have additional course fees.
FINANCIAL AID TRANSFER ADMISSIONS TRANSFER APPLICATION DEADLINES Spring – Oct. 15 Summer – Feb. 1 Fall – March 1 TWO REQUIRED STEPS
1 2
Application – Apply online at jmu.edu/applynow Transcripts – All official college and high school transcripts must be sent by the application deadline.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR Competitive applicants should have completed or be in the process of completing at least 24 credit hours post-high school graduation with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in core college-level course work. Core areas include: mathematics, lab science, social science and language (English, foreign language, speech or communications). More at: jmu.edu/admissions/transfer 2022-23 TRANSFER APPLICANTS Applications: 2,236 Applicants accepted: 1,400 Applicants enrolled: 1,025
To determine your eligibility for assistance, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA Open date: December 2023 Priority filing date: March 1 JMU’s Federal School Code: 003721 More at: jmu.edu/financialaid
SCHOLARSHIPS JMU awards more than 500 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The process is very competitive due to the high caliber of students admitted. Signature scholarship programs at JMU include: Madison Award for Academic Excellence Scholarship Academic colleges and departments are responsible for selecting individuals who possess scholastic achievement within a particular area of study. This award is equivalent to 75 percent of in-state tuition and comprehensive fees. Second Century Scholarship Freshmen enrolling in one of JMU’s STEM programs may apply to receive a Second Century Scholarship. The scholarship amount is equivalent to in-state tuition and fees per year for four years. Centennial Scholars The Centennial Scholars Program provides financial assistance and a multi-level academic support network for under-represented students from Virginia. The scholarship amount is equivalent to in-state tuition and fees per year for four years. Honors College Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship The Honors College Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship is awarded based on demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, leadership and community service. The scholarship amount is equivalent to in-state tuition and fees per year for four years. The above scholarship opportunities and all others may require an additional application. For more details, visit jmu.edu/admissions/scholarships NON-DISCRIMINATION James Madison University does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination in its employment, programs, activities, and admissions on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information (including family medical history), marital status, military status (including veteran status), national origin (including ethnicity), parental status, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or on any basis protected by law, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. JMU complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, affirmative action, and anti-harassment. The responsibility for overall coordination, monitoring and information dissemination about JMU’s program of equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and affirmative action is assigned to the Office of Equal Opportunity. Inquiries or complaints may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity via OEO website, email oeo@jmu.edu, or phone 540-568-6991. JMU prohibits
sexual and gender-based harassment including sexual assault and other forms of inter-personal violence. The responsibility for overall coordination, monitoring and information dissemination about JMU’s Title IX program is assigned to the Title IX Coordinator. Inquiries or complaints may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator: Amy Sirocky-Meck via Title IX website, email titleix@jmu.edu or phone 540-568-5219. (Revised July 2022) CLERY ACT In accordance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act, the JMU Annual Security and Fire Safety report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety and is available on the JMU Police Department website at jmu. https://www.jmu.edu/police/ clerycompliance/righttoknow.shtml. A copy of this report can be requested at the JMU Police Department: MSC 6810, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 or by calling 540-568-6913.
Office of Admissions MSC 0101, 100 E. Grace Street Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 4 Harrisonburg, VA 22801
COME SEE FOR YOURSELF
We can’t wait to meet you on campus. Schedule your visit today! jmu.edu/visit
