Weeks of Welcome 2026
by
Fri, Aug 7, 2026
8 AM – 9 PM EDT (GMT-4)
TBD
Details
From fun social events and campus celebrations to helpful programs and community-building experiences, there’s something for everyone. Your First yeaR Orientation Guide (FROG) will help you uncover the full schedule and share all the details at your first meeting. Get ready to make memories, build connections, and kick off your JMU journey in style! 🎉💜💛
Agenda
Upcoming Events
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sing your heart out! Karaoke Night: Where Dreams Take Center Stage!
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Leap into lunch with your FROG group at one of our many dining locations! This program is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and Transition. Please call 540-568-1787 for more information.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Grab a bite to eat with your FROG Group before heading over to evening programs.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Meet with your RA to go over community expectations for your residence hall!
8:00 PM – 8:45 PM
You and your hallmates will meet each other and your First yeaR Orientation Guide (FROGs). Your FROG is excited to meet and help you get acclimated to your new home for the next four years. This meeting will be your first time meeting those who will be living alongside you this year and to learn what to expect over the next few days, weeks and semester! Your FROG group number was emailed to your Dukes email account. This program is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and Transition. Please contact Orientation at 540-568-1787 for more information.
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Join UPB at Festival Conference Center for a night of games, crafts, fun, and more!
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sing your heart out! Karaoke Night: Where Dreams Take Center Stage!
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Leap into lunch with your FROG group at one of our many dining locations! This program is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and Transition. Please call 540-568-1787 for more information.
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Join your FROG Group to learn more about academic expectations, navigating campus, and helpful tips to interact faculty/staff.
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Connect with your FROG Group to meet new students living in your residential area and explore other residential neighborhoods on campus.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
New Student Convocation is your official welcome to the JMU community. Convocation serves as the beginning of your academic experience where you will be introduced to students and faculty who represent the excellence embodied at Madison and the unique JMU traditions. You will have an opportunity to learn more about this community and the expectations for success. This program is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and Transition. Please call 540-568-1787 for more information.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Join the Office of Alumni Relations and the JMU Alumni Association for Dukes From Day One! Receiving your FREE upside-down Fight Song t-shirt is a Madison Tradition and one you won't want to miss! Stop by to pick up your shirt and enjoy yard games, a photo booth and more!
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Grab a bite to eat with your FROG Group before heading over to evening programs.
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Gather under the stars to experience one of the most popular campus attractions in history! Start bonding with other students in an exciting and entertaining experience that will leave you talking for years.
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Treat yourself to an evening of Ice Cream at Warner Commons! Unwind and connect with friends while creating your own sundae.
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 12:00 AM
Treat yourself to an evening of games at Taylor Down Under! Unwind, play games and connect with friends.
8:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Meet with your Academic Advisor to learn about college classroom behaviors, how to use a syllabus, time management, the Honor Code and how to communicate with your advisor. You can also discuss your class schedule and General Education plans. Find your exact time and location by major at (SEE YOUR FROG EMAIL or go to the Orientation & Transition Weeks of Welcome webpage). All first-year students are required to attend. There will be two Advising Rotations: Rotation 1 – 8:30-9:45am; Rotation 2 – 10:00-11:15am
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Meet the Orientation and Transition Office in Festival Ballroom to check-in for Transfer Weeks of Welcome. You will connect with other transfer students and your T-WOW group leader, who will be an important resource as you begin your Madison experience. This program is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and Transition. Please email orientation@jmu.edu for more information.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Join us for your official welcome to campus! You will hear from Transfer Student Initiatives and Dr. Tim Miller all while enjoying a catered brunch.
10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
Connect, Engage and Celebrate with other transfer students and your T-WOW group as you start your journey at JMU! Your T-WOW group leader will be going over what to expect over the next few days, weeks and semester. This meeting will be your first time connecting with your peers and learning about the Weeks of Welcome schedule. This program is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and Transition. Please call 540-568-1787 for more information.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
East Campus Awaits: Discover, Engage, Connect! Join your OPAs for a quick campus tour of East Campus before heading over to your session!
11:45 AM – 2:30 PM
Leap into lunch with your FROG group at one of our many dining locations! This program is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and Transition. Please call 540-568-1787 for more information.
11:45 AM – 2:30 PM
Join your FROG Group to learn more about ???
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Grab a bite to eat with your T-WOW Group before heading to your next session.
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM
There are some important things you need to know to be successful in your major. This session will provide you with important details regarding progression standards, application deadlines, degree requirements and much more. Find your exact time and location by major at (SEE YOUR FROG EMAIL or go to the Orientation & Transition Weeks of Welcome webpage).
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Come find out why UREC is for everyone! Be sure to check out the pools, climbing walls, group exercise studios, basketball and volleyball courts and fitness. If you plan to work out or swim, wear appropriate attire. Bring your JACard to get in! This program is sponsored by UREC, call 540-568-8701 for more information.
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Connect, Engage and Celebrate with other transfer students and your T-WOW group as you start your journey at JMU! Your T-WOW group leader will be going over what to expect over the next few days, weeks and semester. This meeting will be your first time connecting with your peers and learning about the Weeks of Welcome schedule. This program is sponsored by the Office of Orientation and Transition. Please call 540-568-1787 for more information.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Swing by to grab some JMU freebies and check out offices within the Student Success Center that will help you succeed in every aspect of college life.
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Whether you want to improve your golf game or just play for fun, head out to the Heritage Oaks Golf Course for the JMU Golf Day! Students will have the opportunity to take a shuttle from the Godwin bus stop (See myStop Mobile app for route details). Last bus leaves Heritage Oaks leaves at 5pm. To schedule your Tee Time, please call 540-442-6502 and let them know the following by 8/25/26: I am a JMU student and I want to schedule a tee time for the JMU Golf Day for the discounted rate (listed below).
Student Cost - $35 for 18 holes (cart included)
Club Rentals $10 - limited amounts available
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Treat yourself to an evening of Ice Cream at Warner Commons! Unwind and connect with friends while creating your own sundae.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Come make bookmarks, grab treats, and learn about queerness on campus!
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Student Org Night is our traditional involvement fair where recognized student organizations and campus departments are available to talk with JMU students wanting to be involved in their community.
9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Join UPB on Festival Lawn after Student Org Night for a movie under the stars! Follow @upbjmu for more details
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Looking for a part-time job?
Whether you're interested in working on campus or gaining experience in the local community, the JMU Student Employment Part-Time Job Fair is your one-stop event to connect with a range of employers.
Meet with representatives from JMU departments and local businesses offering flexible, student-friendly job opportunities. Bring copies of your résumé, dress to impress, and be ready to make a great first impression!
Why Attend?
Explore paid part-time job opportunities that fit your class schedule
Connect with JMU offices and local employers in the Harrisonburg area
Get tips on applying, interviewing, and succeeding in part-time roles
This event is open to all JMU students—no registration required. Come prepared to network and take the next step in your college career!
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Stop by the CEVC office during one of our sessions on 9/4 to meet community partners, learn about all of our volunteer opportunities, make items to donate to community members in need, and enjoy a FREE baked potato bar!
*This event is a wellness passport event, but any student can register and attend.
- Session 1 (11am-12pm)
- Session 2 (12pm-1pm)
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Learn about the importance of sleep, how it impacts our body's ability to function and how you can improve your sleep. Registration Required. *Please note: 5 or less registrants 48 hours before the event start time will result in a cancelation of the event.
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Learn about healthy and unhealthy dating behaviors and how to talk to someone who may be in an unhealthy relationship. Participants will learn to recognize possible warning signs of different forms of abuse and reflect on personal values they desire in their own relationships in this interactive program—registration required. *Please note: 5 or fewer registrants 48 hours before the event start time will result in a cancellation of the event.
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Discover the connection between social media and mental wellness and learn how to create an online environment where you can thrive. Registration is required. *Please note: 5 or fewer registrants 48 hours before the event start time will result in a cancellation of the event.