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Weeks of Welcome 2026

by

Orientation

Fri, Aug 7, 2026

8 AM – 9 PM EDT (GMT-4)

TBD

Details

Your Weeks of Welcome adventure starts on move-in day and keeps the excitement going through the first weeks of the semester! It’s your chance to meet new friends, discover JMU traditions, and learn about the resources that will help you thrive.
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

Fri, Aug 21, 2026
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Karaoke

Sing your heart out! Karaoke Night: Where Dreams Take Center Stage!

Sat, Aug 22, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
FROG Group Lunch

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.

Sat, Aug 22, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
FROG Group Dinner

Grab a bite to eat with your FROG Group before heading over to evening programs.

Sat, Aug 22, 2026
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Community Time with RA (Saturday Move-In Students)

Meet with your RA to go over community expectations for your residence hall!

Sat, Aug 22, 2026
8:00 PM – 8:45 PM
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WOW 101 (Saturday Move-In Students)

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.

Sat, Aug 22, 2026
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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Festival Fun Fair

Join UPB at Festival Conference Center for a night of games, crafts, fun, and more!

Sat, Aug 22, 2026
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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Karaoke

Sing your heart out! Karaoke Night: Where Dreams Take Center Stage!

Sun, Aug 23, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
FROG Group Brunch

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.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
WOW 102

Join your FROG Group to learn more about academic expectations, navigating campus, and helpful tips to interact faculty/staff.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
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Neighborhood Hangouts

Connect with your FROG Group to meet new students living in your residential area and explore other residential neighborhoods on campus.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Lights of Madison: New Student Welcome

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.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Dukes From Day One: Fight Song T-Shirt Giveaway

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!

Sun, Aug 23, 2026
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
FROG Group Dinner

Grab a bite to eat with your FROG Group before heading over to evening programs.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
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Playfair

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.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Ice Cream Social

Treat yourself to an evening of Ice Cream at Warner Commons! Unwind and connect with friends while creating your own sundae.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026 10:00 PM
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 12:00 AM
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Late Night TDU

Treat yourself to an evening of games at Taylor Down Under! Unwind, play games and connect with friends.

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
8:45 AM – 11:30 AM
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First Year Advising

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

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
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Transfer Student Check-In

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.

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Transfer Welcome Brunch

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.

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Transfer WOW 101

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.

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
East Campus Tour

East Campus Awaits: Discover, Engage, Connect! Join your OPAs for a quick campus tour of East Campus before heading over to your session!

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
11:45 AM – 2:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
FROG Group Lunch

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.

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
11:45 AM – 2:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
WOW 103

Join your FROG Group to learn more about ???

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Transfer Lunch

Grab a bite to eat with your T-WOW Group before heading to your next session.

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM
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Major Meetings

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).

Mon, Aug 24, 2026
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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UREC Fest

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.

Tue, Aug 25, 2026
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Transfer WOW 102

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.

Tue, Aug 25, 2026
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
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Transfer SSC Open House

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.

Wed, Aug 26, 2026
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
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JMU Golf Day at Heritage Oaks - Schedule a Tee Time by 8/25/26

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

Wed, Aug 26, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Out of State Student Ice Cream Social & Trivia Night

Treat yourself to an evening of Ice Cream at Warner Commons! Unwind and connect with friends while creating your own sundae.

Thu, Aug 27, 2026
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
ME Treats & Crafts

Come make bookmarks, grab treats, and learn about queerness on campus!

Fri, Aug 28, 2026
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Student Org Night

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.

Fri, Aug 28, 2026
9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
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Festival Lawn Movie

Join UPB on Festival Lawn after Student Org Night for a movie under the stars! Follow @upbjmu for more details

Wed, Sep 02, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
SSC, Room 1075
Student Employment Part-Time Job Fair

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!

Fri, Sep 04, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Open House & Volunteer Fair - Registration Required

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)
Mon, Sep 07, 2026
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
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Sleep Well, Dukes

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.

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Tue, Sep 08, 2026
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Healthy Relationships

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.

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Thu, Sep 10, 2026
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Digital Thriving

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.

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