James Madison University's Office of Human Resources provides this information as part of our Dual Career and Community Resources program, which serves to assist new and prospective employees and their families in learning about life on campus and around town. JMU recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining the very best professionals, and we want to ensure your transition to the area is a successful one.
Read on to learn more about working and living in the area, and connect with both campus and community resources!
A Great Place to Live and Work
Ranked as No. 2 on the list of top public regional universities in the South in the U.S. News & World Report 2016 edition of its “Best Colleges” guidebook, JMU takes great pride in recruiting only the most inventive and visionary faculty and staff to support its mission.
JMU’s unique home in the scenic Shenandoah Valley provides a wealth of opportunities. The great outdoors, sports and recreation, a piece of history, high art and plenty of interesting and family-friendly destinations downtown and around Harrisonburg - it's all here. Faculty and staff are immersed in a diverse community, with warm hospitality, that values and supports the pursuit of work/life balance. We encourage you to explore the richness of our campus and surrounding area.
Campus Resources
Navigate Campus
Learn more about where to park, accessibility information for buildings around campus, and check out JMU's new interactive map!
Connect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources
There are several offices across campus to be aware of that progress JMU’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, provide resources, and support faculty, staff, and students.
Stay Connected & Engaged
Madison is an official publication of JMU and is produced by the Division of University Advancement. The print edition publishes three times a year, and digital editions are available in the months in between.
Balanced Dukes is the work-life balance and integration program for James Madison University to support and enhance the overall wellbeing of faculty and staff. The program offers wellness programs, initiatives, and campaigns that encourage health and wellness throughout campus.
Experience the Forbes Center
The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts is the home to JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance, and provides performance venues and support spaces for the School of Music. The 175,000-square-foot facility hosts dance, theatre and music performances by critically acclaimed guest artists and JMU faculty members, students and alumni.
Faculty and Staff can receive discounted tickets to many shows with their JACard (JMU's official All-in-One identification card). Free parking is available just minutes away from the performance venues. Interested parties can sign up for the center's mailing list to stay up to date on performances and events.
Discover UREC
JMU employees can enjoy facilities access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park. UREC is a multi-level fitness and wellness center with 278,515 square feet of activity space. This includes a 33-foot climbing wall, eight racquetball courts, three multi-activity gyms, locker rooms, wellness suite, equipment center, two outdoor courtyards, and six group exercise studios. Faculty and staff can also apply for spouse access cards and dependent access cards.
Attend JMU Athletics Events
There is no charge for employees for admission for regular season home events for baseball, cross country, field hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Admission costs for postseason events are provided when necessary. Learn about upcoming events and games below!
Community Connections
Get to Know the Area
Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harrisonburg offers lots to explore right off campus. From beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation to the city's vibrant downtown district, there's something for everyone! Learn more about the Friendly City and surrounding Rockingham County.
Settling In: The Essentials
Get connected with resources of immediate interest as you relocate.
Local Area Resources
- Board of Elections
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce's Information Request Form
- Local Utilities Services
Housing
Transportation
- Charlottesville Albemarle Airport
- Shenandoah Regional Airport
- Amtrak (Staunton and Charlottesville)
- Harrisonburg Transit and Bus Route Finder
- Zimride Ridesharing
Childcare/Caregivers
Schools
- Virginia School Quality Data
- Augusta County Public Schools
- City of Harrisonburg Public Schools
- Rockingham County Public Schools
- Staunton City Schools
- Virginia Council for Private Education
Pet Care
Dog Parks & Dog Friendly Parks:
Pet Daycare & Boarding:
More to Do
Arts, Entertainment & Family Fun
Stop by the local theatre, take your family to the library, tour one of our local art galleries, and get involved in the vibrant community.
- American Shakespeare Center
- Arts Council of the Valley
- Court Square Theatre
- Explore More Discovery Museum
- Massanutten Resort
- Massanutten Regional Library
- Upcoming Events
Food & Dining
The surrounding area boasts a long list of specialty foods, locally crafted drinks, and dining and grocery options sourced from local vendors and farms. Connect with information on food co-ops, farm-to-table dining, international food markets, and more.
- Farm-to-Table
- The Friendly City Food Co-Op
- Rockingham County Farmer's Markets
- Specialty Grocery
- Vineyards & Wineries
Outdoor Recreation & National Parks
We have dozens of parks around the community, local resorts to frequent, and outdoor programming and events. Find information about city parks, swimming and aquatics, outdoor activities and classes.
- Harrisonburg City Parks
- Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation
- Parks and Rec Events
- Rockingham County Parks and Recreation
In the Shenandoah Valley, we most notably have the Shenandoah National Park right in our backyard. Opened in 1935, the park encompasses nearly 200,000 acres along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Surrounded by nature and national parks on all sides, there are endless outdoor options to explore.
Volunteer & Community Opportunities
Make your unique mark on your new home. Get involved in local organizations, give back, and connect with community and support.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Friendly City Safe Space
- Harrisonburg Community Boards
- Harrisonburg Community Resources Center
- Our Community Place
- United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
- VolunteerMatch, Harrisonburg
Identity Specific Resources
Connect with local resources, support groups, and networks for identity-specific resources.
Diverse Ability & Neurodiversity Resources
- Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership
- The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
- Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
- Virginia Disability Services Agency
- Valley Associates for Independent Living (VAIL)
LGBTQAIP+ Resources
- Friendly City Safe Space
- JMU LGBTQ Employee Group
- JMU Safe Zone
- PFLAG Blue Ridge
- Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
- Shenandoah Valley Equality
- Shenandoah Valley YES! Alliance
Veteran Resources
To learn more about the Dual Career and Community Resources Program, request additional information, or contact our team with questions about the program:
Note: This information is provided as an outreach to new employees by the Office of Human Resources. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee it. The links provided do not constitute any endorsement or recommendation by James Madison University.