James Madison University Top Questions

The best thing about this school is that it is not too large (~ 20,000 undergrads) so your major classes are not too large and it is possible to become close with your professors and get involved with research and projects. One thing I would change about my school is the impression that other people often have of it. I feel as though many people who do not attend JMU view the university as a huge party school with zero focus on academics. Although a party school, there are many hard-working students who go on to great graduate or professional programs after JMU. I typically spend most of my time in the Honors student lounge (Hillcrest) while I am on campus, as it is less populated than the libraries and much quieter. Also, printing is cheaper! In regards to a college town, JMU has a small downtown area with a handful of bars. Harrisonburg, VA as defined by the JMU campus is significantly different than Harrisonburg outside of the JMU campus; I would not say that Harrisonburg is a college town. There is a lot of school pride at JMU, with "bleeding purple" or being "THE University of VA".

I think really highly of JMU after spending the last four years of my life here. I have never been part of a community, where from the first day you arrive as a freshman to present day, that allows me to meet new people and find awesome things to do in Harrisonburg that I never knew about. I think the best thing about James Madison University is the passion of the student body, whether it is standing behind our university athletics, or fund-raising for an important philanthropy event. You can always expect to garnish support from the community no matter what endeavor you plan on. If there was one thing I'd change, I think I would focus on keeping the community as it is without worrying so much about constant expansion into the future and trying to build Harrisonburg into something it is not. I think as of now the student population is just right, being right around 20,000 undergrads. It is enough people that you're not constantly being recognized, but you also have a good shot of seeing one of your friends as you pass by the quad. There is great offerings for entertainment when you are not busy with schoolwork, having a vibrant Downtown with many bars and clubs. Parties are also big here, since it is an open door policy and no one ever really pays for entry to a party. We have some of the greatest school pride I've ever seen, and most people that see how passionate we are about JMU tend to agree. We've recently had controversy over some of our party behavior, but I think the administration has worked well with the student body in fixing some of the largest issues while still respecting the student's rights and decisions.

JMU is such a tight knit community. Everyone at the school is so nice and will help you out with anything you need, We are known for being such a trusting and polite school to attend. Everywhere you go people always hold the doors for you. That is a big thing on our campus I have never once had someone not hold the door for me even when I'm a few steps behind someone. One time I was walking to my dorm carrying a bunch of groceries and someone I had never met before went out of their way and walked all the way up the path to my dorm and opened the door for me without even hesitating. People on our campus leave their backpacks or JAC cards on tables to hold their spots and no one ever touches them. It would be so easy for someone to steal them but our community isn't like that. One time I saw someone leave their computer on a table and walk away for 10 minutes or more. This is not something that would normally happen but at JMU people know that someone would be looking out for them making sure no one took their stuff. Honestly I know this is hard to believe but I would not change one thing about JMU it is such a loving community and just being around the other people on campus lifts your mood every single day. I don't think JMU is too small I think it is actually the perfect size. There are about 20,000 students including graduate students. JMU is trying to expand their student body so they are adding many new buildings. I have never heard a bad statement about JMU aside from the partying aspect of it. When I tell people I go to JMU a lot of times they jump to the conclusion that I party all of the time but JMU is so much more than that. When I'm on campus I spend the majority of my time in ISAT which is the integrated science and technology building. It is a newer building on east campus. JMU is definitely a college town. Everything is centered around JMU. The administration here is great I have had amazing professors who have made such a huge impact on my education. They are easily approachable and very qualified for their jobs. President Rose is actually retiring this year so we will be getting a new president soon. This president has not been announced yet. The biggest recent controversy at JMU is the riot that occurred at springfest in 2010. Springfest is a time when there is a lot of partying and this attracted many people from out of town to come to JMU just for the partying aspect which got out of hand and a riot formed. The JMU students have been widely blamed for this incident but there were a lot of people who came from other schools or other areas which also contributed to this incident. Since this incident JMU was increased the police patrolling the area to make sure this doesn't happen again.There is so much school pride at JMU everyone here is so happy to be part of the JMU community and they show it everywhere they go especially at the football games. JMU also has an amazing food selection. I am still not tired of the food and I eat on campus at least 3 times a week. JMU was actually ranked #5 for best college food. One of my favorite things to eat are the crepes from festival. They are filled with fresh fruits and taste amazing. All of the produce and fruit are from local farms so they are very fresh and taste great. One of the major student complaints recently is that there is limited parking on campus. This is not a problem though because there are buses that run all over campus and go to all of the off campus apartments. I live off campus and take the bus everyday and it is not an inconvenience at all because the buses run very frequently. I also live close enough to campus that I could walk if I wanted. One thing to also realize is that JMUs campus is more spread out then a lot of other campuses. You can walk from one side to the other in about 20 minutes depending on how fast you walk. This isn't a problem either though because like I said buses are running constantly and they are free to students. There are buses that go to the apartments and buses that just circle throughout the campus so if you have one class on one side of campus and another class on the other side right after you will be able to get there on time.

I absolutely love JMU. Not only is it a beautiful campus full of beautiful people (inside and out), but the professors here are amazing (well most of them). JMU has such school spirit and school pride its unbelievable and something you'd have to witness or be a part of to really comprehend. The "party school" label that JMU has I have to agree with for the most part. There are a bunch of parties at JMU, and yes, many students attend them. But in my opinion, that is awesome. That we have so many students out and about that actually have a life and have a great time outside of schoolwork, and still have such great academics, I think says something more that a school where students just stay in and study. We know how to balance ourselves. There are also so many great organizations and programs on JMU campus for those that aren't into the party scene too! Also, great food :)

Dining plan is awesome, classes are fun and interesting. Social scene is great, and campus is beautiful. Student body is also extremely involved with extra curriculars.

I truly love being here at JMU. Its a great atmosphere to learn and grow in. And although we get a pretty bad rep for partying, the students are studious and work pretty hard to keep JMU academically succesful. Drinking is a big pass time here and the campus police are pretty chill when it comes to drinking (so long as you aren't peeing near the road, throwing up on the road or falling over.)

the people are friendly, the flowers are beautiful, the girls are pretty

The best thing about James Madison would be that most everyone is friendly. Its in a small city of Harrisonburg in Virginia and southern hosipiality is a signature. I would change the parking situation and also before the University expands, i would make sure there are enough room for the students (classes, housing, etc.) because right now as a nursing major it is nearly impossible to get the classes in that I need on time.

The think I like most about JMU is the community. Everyone is really nice and welcoming, even to freshmen. The professors are more than eager to help those that come to them with problems or questions. The campus is beautiful, even if the "ode d' dog food" comes with the morning mist. We have a student paper that even if it doesn't always print the most accurate news it makes for a great laugh in the opinion section. The campus is so safe during the day that students often leave their cellphones, iPods, and JACards (cards that are a student's lifeline at JMU) just sitting on tables while students get food. At night, our campus is so well-lit and heavily patrolled by the police department that nothing dangerous threatens the campus. In addition, free escorts are provided to students who need to go anywhere for any reason. But the best part of JMU, is our school pride. Every student at JMU bleeds purple and gold and we are THE University of Virginia.

The best thing about JMU are the academics. The professors are first-class and really get involved with their students. One thing I would change would be our parking situation on-campus. The school is just right as it is now, unfortunately they are expanding rapidly and it is beginning to get to large. People are generally pleased when they hear I go to JMU. Most of my time on-campus is spent at UREC or in Harrison Hall. Definitely a college town. The administration at JMU could be more helpful and clear. The biggest controversy here since I have been at school has been the canceling of 9 sports due to Title 9 restrictions. There is a TON of school pride here. The punch system for our dining is a little unusual. One experience I'll always remember is winning the National Championship for football my freshman year. The most frequent student complaints are about parking and crowded dining facilities.