Welcome Back Students
Parents and families are a vital part of the JMU Honors College community. They play an important role in the success of students, and we want to ensure that families stay informed and connected to the College.
Our parent and family newsletter allows us to share updates on Honors College news, activities, events and initiatives each semester. The next newsletter will be sent in late spring, and will include all graduation details. Parents and family members are also encouraged to follow JMU Honors on social media. In particular, we use our Facebook page to share news, share resources and build community with one another.
We are grateful for the ongoing engagement and support of parents and families, and we look forward to your student’s achievements in JMU Honors!
COVID Safety
As you know, the Honors College will welcome students back for full in-person classes for fall 2021 following JMU’s standard academic calendar.
The Honors College will follow all campus recommendations to maximize our students’ safety. Information about how JMU is working to stop the spread of COVID-19 is available on the JMU website. Our focus is prioritizing the health and safety of Honors College community members. Thanks to the collaboration of our students, faculty and staff, we hope to offer a highly successful year of in-person teaching and learning.
Thank you for all that you continue to do to support the health and well-being of our Honors family!
Montpelier Trip Opportunity
We are offering an opportunity for students to travel as a group to James Madison’s Montpelier on Saturday, October 2. There is no cost to participants, and event details include a Highlights of Montpelier Tour, the Mere Distinction of Colour exhibit, and an interpreter-led end of day discussion. Participants are required to wear masks in all indoor spaces, including on the bus during travel. Registration details will be going to your students’ inboxes this month, with a registration deadline of September 2. Please remind them to RSVP if they are interested in attending!
Family Weekend
Family Weekend
The Honors College welcomes all visiting family members and students to attend a Family Breakfast at Hillcrest on Saturday, October 9 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.! Join us under the tent at Hillcrest House before JMU takes on Villanova. Breakfast offerings include sandwiches, fresh fruit, coffee and juice. Visit with Dean Newcomer and the entire Honors team while enjoying the beauty of our campus in the fall. Please RSVP by October 1.
Following the Family Breakfast, don’t miss the opportunity to find out what it’s like to participate in an Honors interdisciplinary seminar with the Saturday Scholars program at 11:00 a.m. in The Union, Room 404. This program will feature an Honors faculty member presenting a short “sample” lecture from an actual Honors seminar class. Bring your questions!
Finally, if you are unable to attend Family Weekend in person, we will be offering Hillcrest Declassified on Monday, October 11 at 12:00 p.m. This virtual student panel will be livestreamed on the JMU Honors College Facebook page, and will give viewers an insider glimpse into life as a JMU Honors student. This program is great for curious parents and family members, as well as prospective students who are considering JMU. No registration is required. Save the date so that you don’t forget to catch us on Facebook!
Homecoming 2021
JMU’s 2021 Homecoming will not be contained to a single weekend – we will be celebrating for throughout October and into the first weekend of November. Watch the JMU Alumni Association website for event registration details all over campus. Here’s a sneak peek of what JMU Honors has in store for you:
Tuesday, October 12-Escape from Carrier Library
Virtual Escape Room on Zoom, 7 p.m.
Join the Honors College team for this virtual escape room challenge! You're stuck in the stacks in the basement of Carrier and time is running out before you’re late to class! Work together to escape from Carrier Library. You have 60 minutes to complete the experience and time moves quickly! Registration on the JMU Alumni Association website coming soon.
Friday, November 5-Duke Dog Dash Virtual Fun Run
Hillcrest, 4 p.m.
Dukes from around the world will be participating in this virtual fun run all weekend long. If you’re planning to be in town already for the Homecoming game, join the Honors College team! We will meet together at Hillcrest for a leisurely 1 mile walk at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 5. Proceeds from the event will support the Dukes Pay It Forward Fund. All participants will receive a t-shirt and race bib. Registration on the JMU Alumni Association website coming soon.
Friday, November 5-QuadFest
The Quad, 5-11 p.m.
QuadFest is back and bigger than ever! Grab your family and friends and join the Honors College on the Quad for a night of carnival fun. There will be free food, a DJ, photo-booth, giveaways, and games! Enjoy live performances by the JMU Cheer team and the JMU Dukettes, as well as HomecomSING, an outdoor concert of JMU a capella groups, and an outdoor movie on the Quad under the stars. In addition to all of this fun, be sure to seek out the Honors student organization table and play their carnival game for the chance to win a sweet prize! Registration on the JMU Alumni Association website coming soon.
Saturday, November 6-Homecoming Tailgate
Hillcrest, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Gather at Hillcrest for a pre-game tailgate between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. We’ll have a big tent and all tailgate fixings, as well as lawn games and a chance to mix and mingle with Honors students, family members, staff, faculty and friends. Kickoff is at 3:30, so there will be plenty of time to hang out on the Hill before the game gets underway. Registration on the JMU Alumni Association website coming soon.