November 20:
Last day to adjust December payment plan payment:
Today is the final day to adjust the December payment of the spring semester payment plan. The payments will be invoiced on the 30th and will not be able to be adjusted after that point. If you need to make a payment plan adjustment, please contact our office at
or 540/568-6505.
Any adjustments that will increase the plan will require the payment plan account holder to log on to M3 and confirm the adjustment before the payment is invoiced to take effect.
**Since the university will close on the 23rd and reopen on the 30th, this day is earlier than usual. This is also the first payment of the spring semester payment plan.**
November 20:
Travel Signature Day:
The ISSS office will be open from 8 am to 5 pm today, to have your immigration document signed for Thanksgiving/fall break travel.  If you plan to travel outside the United States during the Thanksgiving/fall break and plan to return to JMU, you will need a signature on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.   
November 20:
Scholarly Writers' Lockdown:
Location:  Rose Library, CFI Suite, Fifth Floor
This registration link allows you to register for any Scholarly Writers' Lockdown dates for Fall 2015.
Need the time and space to advance or complete that writing project? Scholarly Writers’ Lockdowns provide an opportunity to faculty members who desire time and a place to focus on scholarly writing during the academic year.  Join colleagues, who will be independently working on their own writing, in a common space.  Leave with a sense of accomplishment and with increased scholarly productivity. 
Note:  Coffee is available for purchase at Starbucks. A CFI consultant will not be present during Scholarly Writers’ Lockdowns during the academic year. However, a writing consultations are available and can be requested in advance by submitting a .  These requests must be made a week in advance.
Faculty participants will make progress toward:
Feeling an increased sense of belonging to the JMU community,and
Developing a holistic and integrated career plan.
Faculty participants will make progress toward the following scholarship area outcomes:
Advancing your scholarship agenda,
Advancing a current scholarly writing project, and
Enhancing scholarly productivity.
November 20:
Seminar: Temporal turnover of skin microbial communities and variable fungal infections in direct-developing frogs:
Bioscience 1007
Temporal turnover of skin microbial communities and variable fungal infections in direct-developing frogs
Ana V. Longo, Ph.D.
NSF Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Maryland/ Smithsonian's Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics
Host-associated microbial communities on the skin act as the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Yet, for most natural systems, we lack a clear understanding of how fine-scale spatial and temporal variability affect structure and composition of skin microbial communities, and in turn, promote or limit the colonization of opportunistic pathogens. Here, we ask whether the loss of beneficial microbes—due to temporal properties of microbial pools—predisposes hosts to subsequent infections. We report on a spatiotemporal study of three amphibian populations infected by the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Our focal host species is a direct-developing frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) that has suffered declines at some populations in the last 20 years, while others have not experienced any changes. We quantified skin microbial α- and β-diversity over four months, a period encompassing two seasons and ample variation in natural infections and environmental conditions. We detected an overall increase in microbial diversity through time, characterized by the replacement of bacterial species and the recruitment of putatively beneficial microbes. Our results underscore how natural fluctuations in temperature and precipitation between months can create opportunities for microbial replacement, potentially attenuating pathogen transmission, and thus contributing to host persistence in E. coqui populations.
November 20:
Public Star Party on November 20:
Mark your calendar now for our NEXT  on Friday, November 20! Our monthly star parties is the public's opportunity to come on campus, look through our telescopes, and perhaps see our Moon, Jupiter and its 4 Galilean moons, Saturn and its majestic rings, binary stars and oh so much more!
will be on hand to answer your cosmic questions and provide impromptu live, star talks highlighting the Valley sky! While our skies are , we will show you objects through our telescope that you cannot see with the unaided eye.
Public star parties are scheduled for the last Friday of every month. If inclement weather forces us to cancel, we will try again on Saturday. The decision to observe or not will be made by 4pm that day and will be posted on the , the Planetarium's  page, and on . If you're on social media, please "follow" us on
and "like" us on
to find out about all our special events at the Planetarium this year!
November 21:
Fall Break:
Parking regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Including summer sessions, breaks and holidays.
November 21:
Home Football Game:
When the university hosts a home football game, parking is restricted in the lots surrounding Bridgeforth Stadium. Refer to posted signs. Home football game dates and times are available on the JMU Sports website at .
Beginning at 4:00 PM on the Friday before each home football game, C3, C4, C9, G, P, R1 and R8 Lots, and the Champions Drive Deck are reserved and access is restricted through the conclusion of the football game on Saturday. Only those vehicles displaying a valid football parking permit or authorized permit issued by Athletic Facilities and Events will be granted access.
On game day, all vehicles parked in reserved areas that are not displaying a valid football parking permit or authorized permit issued by Athletic Facilities and Events are subject to towing and a $100 fine.
November 21:
Thanksgiving Break:
Thanksgiving break for the students!  We hope you come back feeling refreshed and ready for finals!
November 21:
MRD Alumni Band Weekend // JMU vs. Villanova Home Game:
Alumni Band Weekend is full of events from November 20-22, 2015. If you are participating as an alum, please v A link to the alumni event page complete with an itinerary is on this site.
Brunch at Godwin: We regret to inform you that the brunch which is normally provided before the game has been cancelled because of a Volleyball game in the gymnasium of Godwin. But nonetheless, we wish the JMU Volleyball team all the best at their game!
Those who live on campus will be provided with extended-stay priviledges and will be able to access to dining facilities as a part of each student's meal plan. Immediate mandatory checkout will be directly following the game.
November 21:
Residence Halls Closed for Thanksgiving Break:
All residence halls will close at 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 21, 2015.
Check Out Information
Before leaving for Thanksgiving break, please do the following:
L lower roller shades or blinds.
Turn heat on to lowest setting.
Unplug electrical appliances, including radios, TVs, clocks and computers. Refrigerators and aquariums can remain plugged in. However, please be aware that power may go off in halls due to maintenance work or unplanned outages.
Remove trash and recycling to the proper location.
Turn off room lights and lock room and suite doors. 
Reopening 
All residence halls will reopen at 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 28. Dining Services will reopen at 4:30 pm. 
November 22:
Thanksgiving Break:
Special statement about the Marching Royal Dukes and Playoffs: Students living on campus are required to be packed and out of their dorms November 21st directly after the game. If JMU has a playoff game on November 28th, we will release more information as we find out specifics the week of Thanksgiving. If JMU hosts a playoff game, students living on-campus will receive early move-in priviledges that Saturday, November 28th. We appreciate your patience and flexibility.
Information for JMU Fans about the NCAA FCS Playoffs:
November 23:
Thanksgiving Break:
The University will be closed for Thanksgiving Break beginning Monday, November 23 through Friday, November 27. We will reopen on Monday, Novemer 30.
November 23:
Thanksgiving Break:
Thanksgiving Break - Classes do not meet during this week.
November 23:
Closed for Thanksgiving:
James Madison University, including the University Business Office, is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
November 23:
Parking Services Closed at Noon:
Parking Services will be closed from Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27. Normal office hours will resume Monday, November 30.
November 23:
University Closed:
James Madison University will be closed November 23 - November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Please see the
webpage for additional dates and frequently asked questions.
November 24:
Parking Services Closed at Noon:
Parking Services will be closed from Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27. Normal office hours will resume Monday, November 30.
November 25:
Parking Services Closed at Noon:
Parking Services will be closed from Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27. Normal office hours will resume Monday, November 30.
November 25:
Philosophy and Film club screening!:
The Philosophy & Film Club will continue its Fall 2015 lineup with a screening of Children of Men.
All are welcome, and feel free to check out the Club's Facebook page!  /groups/4197/
Where: Jackson Hall, room 1B
When: 11/25 from 7-9 p.m.
Who: Please direct any questions to the Philosophy & Film Club coordinator, Dr. Anne van Leeuwen ()
November 26:
Parking Services Closed:
Parking Services will be closed from Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27. Normal office hours will resume Monday, November 30.
November 26:
Thanksgiving Holiday:
The Office of Disability Services will be closed from November 26th to the 27th for Thanksgiving.  Our office will reopen on November 30th at 8 a.m.
November 27:
Parking Services Closed:
Parking Services will be closed from Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27. Normal office hours will resume Monday, November 30.
November 28:
First Round of NCAA Playoffs:
The MRDs participate in all post-season football games/performances. Please mark your calendars for this date, details will be updated as the football season progresses.
If JMU is chosen to host playoffs at Bridgeforth Stadium, those who live on campus will be provided with early arrival priviledges and will be able to access to dining facilities as a part of each student's meal plan.
November 30:
CSM Seminar Schedule - Nov 30 - Dec 7:
Dept. of Biology:
Friday, in Bioscience 1007 from 12:20pm-1:10pm
No seminars this week.
Dept. of Chemistry:
Friday, in ISAT 159 at 3:35pm
No seminars this week.
Dept. of Geology:
Thursday, in Memorial 7370 from 4:00-5:00pm
No seminars this week.
Dept. of Math:
Monday, Nov 30 in Roop 103 at 3:30pm
Ashleigh Baber, James Madison University, Material Science
Title: 
Wednesday, Dec 2 in Roop 103 at 2:30pm
Math Ed Candidate
Title: 
Monday, Dec 7 in Roop 103 at 3:30pm
Jonathan Gerhard, Vicky Kelley, Noah Watson, Zev Woodstock, James Madison University, current students
Title: 
Dept. of Physics:
Thursday, Dec 3 in HHS 1301 from 3:30pm-5:00pm
Franceso Tombesi, NASA GFSC and Univ. of Maryland College Park
Title: TBA Black Holes
November 30:
Last Day to complete Incomplete work for Spring and Summer:
Last Day for students to complete Incomplete work for Spring 2015 and Summer 2015
November 30:
Fall Classes Resume:
Classes meet as scheduled.
November 30:
Children's Drawing and Printmaking Art Workshop:
Nov. 30, Dec. 2 and Dec. 4
Noon-2 p.m.
Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Children will learn botanical drawing and printmaking from artist/educator Jewel Hertzler. Interdisciplinary historical and science facts will be taught along with botanical drawing techniques. The three-part workshop emphasis will be on contour line drawing and creating visual texture. Students will focus on drawing winter trees, branches, pine cones and evergreens.
or call 540-568-3194 to register.
Printmaking supplies are included in the workshop fee of $35.
November 30:
Scholarly Writers' Lockdown:
Location:  Rose Library, CFI Suite, Fifth Floor
This registration link allows you to register for any Scholarly Writers' Lockdown dates for Fall 2015.
Need the time and space to advance or complete that writing project? Scholarly Writers’ Lockdowns provide an opportunity to faculty members who desire time and a place to focus on scholarly writing during the academic year.  Join colleagues, who will be independently working on their own writing, in a common space.  Leave with a sense of accomplishment and with increased scholarly productivity. 
Note:  Coffee is available for purchase at Starbucks. A CFI consultant will not be present during Scholarly Writers’ Lockdowns during the academic year. However, a writing consultations are available and can be requested in advance by submitting a .  These requests must be made a week in advance.
Faculty participants will make progress toward:
Feeling an increased sense of belonging to the JMU community,and
Developing a holistic and integrated career plan.
Faculty participants will make progress toward the following scholarship area outcomes:
Advancing your scholarship agenda,
Advancing a current scholarly writing project, and
Enhancing scholarly productivity.
December 1:
RA Applications Available
December 1:
Scholarship Agendas: Organize Projects, Manage Your Time
December 1:
Getting Naked (TD1704)
December 1:
Economics Speaker Series: William C. Grant
December 1:
Deadline to submit Senior Honors Project Application and Proposal
December 1:
JMU Jazz Chamber Ensembles
December 1:
December 1:
JMU Concert Band
December 2:
Scholarship Agendas: Organize Projects, Manage Your Time
December 2:
JMU K-12 Education UnConference
December 2:
Deadline to submit Senior Honors Project for May 2015 grads
December 2:
Philosophy and Film club screening!
December 2:
JMU Treble Chamber Choir and University Choruses
December 2:
JMU Chamber Winds I
December 3:
Interpreting Results from Student Evaluations of Teaching (Workshop)
December 3:
ICMA-RC One-On-One Counseling Sessions
December 3:
Optional Practicial Training
December 3:
Reflections on Terrorism
December 3:
JMU String Chamber Ensembles I
December 4:
5 payment spring semester plan deadline
December 4:
Scholarly Writers' Lockdown
December 4:
TIAA-CREF One-On-One Counseling Sessions
December 4:
Seminar: "What about the Nucleus? ¿ New Roles for Neurodegenerative Disease Proteins"
December 4:
Interpreting Results from Student Evaluations of Teaching (Workshop)
December 4:
global connections
December 4:
senior dinner
December 4:
Harrisonburg Holiday Parade
December 4:
Alcoholics Anonymous
December 5:
December payment plan payment
December 5:
Finals Week for Fall Semester
December 5:
Putnam Exam
December 5:
Computer Based Praxis Test
December 5:
Holidayfest
December 6:
DMA Recital - James Richardson, voice
December 7:
Scholarly Writers' Lockdown
December 7:
December 7:
JMU Guitar Ensemble
December 8:
Resume Writing Workshop
December 8:
JMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band
December 9:
Holiday Dinner and Music
December 9:
Festive Greens Workshop
December 9:
Grants and Foundation Accounts (TD1101)
December 9:
de-stress with bhangra
December 9:
Philosophy and Film club end of semester pizza party!
December 9:
JMU String Chamber Ensembles II
December 10:
Cascade Overview Training
December 10:
Sonos Handbell Ensemble
December 10:
JMU Chamber Winds II
December 11:
Classes End - Semester and 2nd Block
December 11:
Scholarly Writers' Lockdown
December 11:
Moonlight Holiday Carriage Rides
December 11:
JMU Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band
December 11:
Alcoholics Anonymous
December 12:
Winter Break
December 12:
The 11th Annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
December 13:
DMA Recital - Brianne Little, flute
December 13:
DMA Recital - Joel Collier, euphonium
December 13:
JMU Group Voice Recital
December 14:
Final Examinations
December 14:
Travel Signature Day
December 14:
Office Closed for Professional Development
December 15:
Travel Signature Day
December 15:
Cascade Open Lab Training
December 15:
Quarterly Deadline for VRS Hybrid Voluntary Deductions
December 16:
First spring semester statements available
December 16:
Travel Signature Day
December 16:
CSM Holiday Reception
December 17:
Travel Signature Day
December 18:
Completion of graduation requirements deadline
December 18:
Travel Signature Day
December 18:
Fellowships Available for Faculty and Student Affairs Professional
December 19:
December Commencement
December 19:
Winter Break Begins
December 19:
Fall Commencement
December 19:
December Commencement
December 19:
JMU Commencement
December 19:
Graduate School Ceremony
December 19:
DMA Recital - Wei Zhang, piano
December 19:
DMA Lecture Recital - Kyle Yampiro, baritone
December 19:
DMA Recital - Gianne Ge Zhu, piano
December 20:
DMA Recital - Ross Alhorn, trumpet
December 21:
CISE Holiday Gathering
December 22:
Last day to adjust January payment plan payment
December 22:
University Business Office Closed
December 22:
University Closed
December 24:
Christmas Holiday
Ongoing Attractions
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Open daily dawn to dusk
Off University Boulevard
Contains a wide variety of trees and plants native to V call (540) 568-3194 free.
JMU Meteorite Collection
Open daily
First- and second-floor hallways, Physics and Chemistry Building
Features fragments of meteoroids that survived passage through the atmosphere to fall to the earth's surface as mass includes specimens from Diablo Canyon, Ariz., the Sahara Desert and the Central European Strewn F free.
Masks from Around the World Collection at the College of Education
8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
Lobby of War Memorial Auditorium, Memorial Hall
Featuring 50 masks, this collection was donated to the college for use by its students interested in studying the interplay between cultu the collection includes masks used in performance, masks of Asia and masks of E free.
JMU Mineral Museum
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Room 6139, Memorial Hall
The Department of Geology and Environmental Science opens its collection of over 550 crystals and gemstones from around the for information, call (540) 568-6130; free.
JMU Libraries and Educational Technologies' Special Collections
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and by appointment
Room 207, Carrier Library
Features manuscripts, rare books and periodicals, oral histories and other resources for study, including many acquisitions focusing on the Central Shenandoah V for information, call (540) 568-3612; free.
“Dressing for Education: Carrier Library’s Diamond Jubilee ” Exhibition
Open during all library hours through spring semester 2015
Historic west wing of Carrier Library
Presented by JMU Libraries and Educational Technologies, the exhibition features artifacts, images and ephemera from Special Collections paired with items from the School of Theatre and Dance’s Historic Clothing Collection. Additional images provided by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society and JMU Facilities Management. Come experience campus fashion, technology and architecture circa 1939; free.
John C. Wells Planetarium
Miller Hall
The planetarium offers full-dome shows and special e groups can schedule visits by calling (540) 568-4071; check the planetarium's website at
for th free.
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
540/568-6211}