JMU is not as diverse a school as many other colleges. It is predominately a white campus but there are people from different backgrounds. JMU is said to be full of girls wearing UGG boots and Northface jackets. That is probably the majority of the people on the campus but not everyone dresses like that. There are a lot of people from northern virginia who are of high socio-economic class. I would say JMU is probably more liberal than conservative. There are a lot of religious groups on campus for people who want to get involved to get involved. It would be so much better if JMU was more diverse than it is especially since I came from such a diverse highschool but sadly it isn't as diverse as I would want it to be. I don't think people would feel out of place at all based on race because JMU is such a loving community.

There are so many organizations on campus its almost impossible to narrow it down. We have a decent sized greek life, but even those I know that are a part of sororities or frats, that is only one of their extracurriculars. Usually they're also involved in many other campus wide activities. My personal favorite org is MYMOM (Make Your Mark On Madison). Its a leadership club and is only one semester, but is so incredibly inspiring! Ther also is a pretty big night life in appartments off campus. Its never hard to just hop on the "night bus" and find your way into a party. Most people are very welcoming, and I've been here 2 years, go out atleast 2 nights a week, and have never payed for a drink, which is nice :) I'm sure plenty of people have heard of all the bad things about JMU's party rep, but for the most part, it's really not like that here. And Springfest was a once and never again mistake, involving mostly people from other schools.

Off-campus parties at JMU are there, and a big part of many JMU student's college experience. Fortunately, there are so many other opportunities for everyone. Clubs and organizations can be seen throughout campus putting on Late Night Breakfasts, concerts, Open Mic Nights, and intermurals.

Be the Change.

JMU rocks!

I have on the whole LOVED JMU! Although there are some things I would change for the most part it was a wonderful experience and I've made some really lasting friendships.

COME TO JMU!

If you value basic amenities as an undergrad living on campus, DO NOT GO HERE. Freshmen and anyone who is forced to live on campus are treated like cattle that they have to take care of. Bathrooms are very dirty, toilet paper is a commodity, and any department you try to contact treats you like an annoyance. The internet is god awful beyond reason, i.e. you can't access youtube, play any games or download any music on campus internet. Classes are nice, but the university is just horrible until you get off campus.

Studying Abroad through JMU Study abroad Program in Florence, Italy was the best experience of my life. I traveled there to meet 14 other JMU students I did not know and developed amazing friendships and memories. I lived with a family in Italy and got an accelerated lesson in the Italian language as a result. The JMU program plans several trips around Italy in which a tour guide is offered. The courses there are the Italian language as well as other options such as art history, literature, humanism, cinema and political science. There is no better place in the world to study art history than in Florence. Each week the class would go to a church or art museum that had to do with what we were learning. My experience in Florence is one that I will never forget. It was the most amazing time of my life thus far. I gave me assurance that I could survive independently outside of my comfort zone and learn to love and appreciate a totally different culture than my own. It curbed my interest for travel and exploration as well. Everyone in the program loved his or her time in Italy. Most students at JMU choose not to study abroad for the reason that they don't want to miss out on a semester at JMU in Harrisonburg. This obviously shows that people love JMU and is a good thing one could say. But the study abroad program is a JMU experience outside of Virginia. The JMU spirit and pride is transported to unimaginable places around the world. Every student should at least consider studying abroad if they can. I would do it again in a second. It was worth everything it cost both physically and psychologically.

JMU's best quality is the friendly campus feeling. Everyone knows everyone it seems.

In general, I don't appreciate GenEds because they "waste" alot of time when a person could be taking classes that are actually in his or her major. But...a lot of them are interesting and helpful for a rounded education. I particulary like my Religion and World History classes because they give a broader scope on different places and cultures in the world.

COME TO JMU!

Professors will always try to know your name by any means necessary. It's nice that almost every class is very small encouraging class participation and familiarity among students and faculty, which then lets students talk outside of class with each other. STudents study a lot, the standards have definitely risen, and become very conscious of their grades and how well they do, but at the same time it's not as stressful allowing for free time and activities inside the JMU community.

The best thing about JMU is the people, most of the students and faculty here are very friendly and eager to help and serve others. We show that in a variety of ways, from holding doors to giving away free alcohol. We are also very involved, there are hundreds of organizations and everyone finds their niche. If I could change one thing, I would make it so it was illegal to smoke on campus. JMU is the perfect size, it is not too small, you don't know EVERYONE, not EVERYONE knows your business, but you still see someone you know every where you go. When I tell people I got to JMU, I usually get a good response, that they've heard good things. Occasionally people tell me what a party school it is, and I simply say it's like any other college, and I don't drink, if that says anything. I spend most of my time on campus in academic buidlings such as ISAT, if not academic buildings, eating! If not eating, in the SafeRides office. College town, Harrisonburg wouldn't be much without JMU, although there are lots of unknown secrets! JMU has pretty good administration, students have a lot of say, it feels like a student-run campus. We have some great administators that are so personable, and others you barely see. The biggest recent controversy on campus was probably title 9, last year when they got rid of a lot of male sports to be proportionate to our female, male ration. We have a ton of school pride! Purple and gold is everywhere, lots of people go out to the football games, nobody cares who we are compared to or if other schools think they are better, we are outstanding students who stay classy. Lots of things are unusual about JMU, we are the only school to have a main road, a railroad, and a highway run through our campus! It's unusual to go to a party and not have to pay for alcohol apparently, we have an unusual design to our campus, with buildings that are classic bluestone, traditional red brick, and modern white brick. One experience I'll always remember is mudsliding down a hill in front of my dorm freshman year, good times! The most frequent complaints will be about the expansion of our campus, some don't think it should get any bigger because it's perfect!

There are a lot of girls here. Amen.

Almost all of them. We are a heavily white, upper-class population but the college is working on recruiting more minorities. We are a heavy drinking and party school even though the campus is dry. Yes, the alcohol is mostly free at parties and the parties always rock. We do have a buch of social fraternities and sororities but we have so many more devoted to business, particular majors, music, and service. While there are times you wonder how someone made it into JMU, most of our students are incredibly bright although they may not always act the most mature. We are well known for our band and music programs and our marching band has performed all over Europe several times. And yes, our mascot can take yours in a fight.

The people are so friendly and outgoing here.

Professors absolutely know your name. My favorite class is Legal Communication (SCOM 431). My least favorite is Interpersonal Comm (SCOM 320). Students study for about an hour a day. Class participation is very common and students often have intellectual discussions outside of class. Students are somewhat competitive grade wise with one another. The most unique class I've taken has been Religion. My major is one of the fastest growing majors on campus and has been incredibly interesting to study. I do not spend time with professors out of class. JMU's academic requirements are fair compared to other schools. Education is geared towards getting a job after graduation.