Welcome!
Meet Dr. Bethany Blackstone, Honors College Dean
The Honors College staff and I are eager to welcome you to the university and the Honors College. I began my service as Dean of the Honors College this month, so, like you, I am preparing for my first semester at JMU. As we count down the days until move-in, I hope you feel the same excitement and anticipation I have felt this summer as I readied myself for my arrival at JMU. The Honors community includes students, staff, and faculty united by commitments to academic excellence, engagement, and inclusion. We are eager to see how you--individually and collectively--will contribute to and shape that community.
Honors College faculty and staff are here to help you navigate the program's requirements and to support you. We look forward to seeing you on campus, at Honors events, and at Hillcrest House. JMU provides abundant opportunities for each student to build their ideal undergraduate education; I am glad Honors will be a part of yours.
Please introduce yourself if you see me around campus and let me know about your best finds for local food and hiking trails. Best wishes for a great fall semester!
Here, at the Halfway Point
As the cover photo of this newsletter suggests, summer is well underway, The start of school, however, will be here before you know it. Hopefully you are getting your questions answered at Springboard, and you are excited about what is to come. In the Honors College, we are busy preparing for your arrival - new swag has been ordered and the event calendar is filling up! This newsletter includes information that will be helpful in your preparations to begin your JMU journey. Check out the info, and let us know if you have any questions!
Orientation & Move-in
As discussed in Springboard, Honors students will NOT move in early. The Office of Residence Life manages the sign-up process for Move-In Day appointments. The dates of move-in for first year students are August 19-20. If you have questions about move-in processes or your dorm, give the Housing Office a call at 540-568-4663 or email them at res-life@jmu.edu.
Honors move-in activities will be low-key with an emphasis on fun! On Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20, you and your family are invited to drop into the Shenandoah Hall Multipurpose Room for a refreshing lemonade break between hauling suitcases and boxes. Be sure to stop by and introduce yourself.
After you get settled in your dorm, plan to swing by the Hillcrest Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 21 or Sunday, August 22 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. In addition to grabbing ice cream, you'll be able to pick up your welcome swag, participate in fun activities, and learn about Honors student organizations. You'll also be able to meet some HON 100 Teaching Fellows and get their insider perspectives.
If you don't make it to the Ice Cream Social, don't fret! You'll have an opportunity to pick up your welcome materials at the Honors First-Year Cookout on Wednesday, August 31 between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. To attend, you must RSVP no later than August 24.
Common Read
In case you missed the announcement last month, there is a book that you need to read! Goodbye, again by Jonny Sun is chock full of ideas that are great to explore as you transition to college life. HON 100 Teaching Fellows will include themes from the book in class, and there will be student programs offered in the Honors College relating to the book as well.
While the entire Honors community is encouraged to participate in the Common Read, we have assigned Goodbye, again to all first year students to explore during the summer. Copies of the book are available for less than $20 from major retailers online. Anyone needing assistance in procuring the book may contact Dr. Alysia Davis.
New HON 200 Course Offering
If you are still looking for a HON course to take during the fall semester, a new course was recently added to the fall line-up. Consider taking HON 200: Multicultural Leadership!
This team-taught course explores ideas for how leadership looks different based on one’s background and culture. Students will design individual and/or group projects that reflect current strategies for leadership that focus on diverse histories and cultures. There will be a specific focus on Black and Latinx community leaders. The course meets Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. - 8:20 p.m. in Burruss 229.
Jump Start Your Research
Are you interested in doing research early in your JMU career? The Honors Witherspoon Scholarship provides $4,000 for a summer research experience with a professor. Witherspoon is open to first- and second-year students in the Honors College. The application deadline is spring 2023, so with this opportunity on your radar now, you will have plenty of time to seek out opportunities and connect with your professors.
Read about our current Witherspoon recipient, Grant Johnson. He's working on an archival project this summer focused on the Bridgewater Little League Association. If you’re interested in research and want to learn more about how to get started, contact our Assistant Dean, Dr. Felix Wang.
Honors Traditions
Get a Free T-shirt!
Would you like your FIRST FREE JMU HONORS T-shirt? If so, take part in the Class of 2026 social media challenge any time between now and the end of July. Follow JMU Honors on any of our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), make a post about what you're excited about for the upcoming year, and use the hashtag #jmuhonors2026 to receive a free shirt during move-in days.
Credits:
Created with images by tonktiti - "3d podium on tropical beach with blue sky white clouds bstract background. Copy space of product presentation and summer nature concept." • Piman Khrutmuang - "calendar page date close up"