Kate
The best thing about James Madison is always seeing someone you know everywhere you go. I would change where you could punch and where you could use Dining Dollars! JMU is the perfect size. People react in a good way, a lot of people are alumni, or say what a great school James Madison is. I spend most of my time walking, or taking the bus getting to classes. Harrisonburg is a college town, just go to Wal-mart on freshmen move-in day, you'll see. I haven't spoken personally to JMU administration, however I think they are doing a great job. The last biggest controversy I believe was the fake i.d. scam?? There is a ton of school pride, everywhere you look there is purple and gold. One experience I will always remember is coming here for CHOICES and it was freezing, snow and ice covering the ground, I told my dad no way, I'm not coming here, I'm so cold, absolutely not, but by the end of the day I had fallen in love. The most frequent student complaints, are not enough parking, and where are the buses?!
Jamie
The people are the best thing about JMU! Our campus is known for it's enthusiasm and politeness (holding doors, smiling). I think the size of JMU is perfect - it's not too big where you just get lost in a crowd, but too small where everyone knows your entire life story.
On sunny days - everyone on the Quad - playing frisbee, studying, hanging out, or sun bathing. On rainy days - I like Taylor Down Under (TDU) or Airport Lounge (APL) for studying, watching tv in APL, or playing board games, watching open mic, or grabbing a drink from Java City in TDU.
I think the JMU administration is very helpful and hands on. During freshmen move in day this year, I saw many of them rolling up their sleeves and helping move students into their dorms. I think they care about us as much as our professors do.
There is a TON of school pride; I don't know anyone who can't belt out the fight song on command.
One experience I'll always remember is the first night freshmen year when I met my RA, my Orientation Guides, and my suitemates (who are my best friends). I think it was a momentous night since we were all nervous to be away from home for the first time. Also, we had to play an icebreaker where everyone had to give themselves a nickname and we still refer to some of our friends by the nicknames, so it's pretty funny.
Lack of parking is probably the most frequent student complaint.