Welcome to JMC: Information for incoming Madison students

Welcome to James Madison College! This page collects the key dates, events and resources you need as you prepare for your first semester, including required events during your first week, advising information and answers to common questions about courses, housing and student support.

• JMC Colloquium and Student Org & Resource Fair: These events are your official introduction to James Madison College and we look forward to meeting you there!
  
  Colloquium, which is a required event for all incoming transfer and first-year students, will begin at 9 a.m. on Aug. 28 in the Wilson Hall Auditorium (Room C102). Meet members of the JMC community and learn about academic, career and student resources. Faculty and an alum will also lead an interactive discussion exploring how JMC’s fields might approach a hypothetical proposal to build an AI data center on MSU’s campus. Pick up your free JMC t-shirt at this event!
  
  Visit Club Spartan on the third floor of Case Hall for the Student Org & Resource Fair between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 28. This event is an opportunity to connect with various JMC-affiliated student organizations and find out how to get involved during your first year on campus. Staff will also be available to share information about college resources.
   
• Have questions about enrolling in classes or your course schedule? The advising team is available for drop-in advising help during the first week of class. From Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, you can stop by Room 328, South Case Hall between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for help. No appointment necessary!
  
  After Labor Day, we will move to normal advising hours, which include scheduled and drop-in express advising. Advisors will begin posting their availability for scheduled appointments on Sept. 2. For full details and instructions, visit our JMC Advising page.
  
  If you need assistance with an urgent matter prior to the start of the semester, please email a member of the advising team directly.
   
• Academic advisor assignments: Advisor assignments for the 2026-27 academic year will be sent to students via email on Friday, Aug. 21. For information on our team or how to connect with your advisor, visit the JMC Advising page.
   
• Moving into your residence hall: Visit Residence Education & Housing Services (REHS) for information on move-in dates for incoming students. MSU's New Student Orientation programming will officially begin on Aug. 26. (If you're an Early Start participant, your move-in date will be earlier than the one listed at the link. Contact Dr. Brian Johnson with questions.)
   
• MC 100: The First-Year Experience: During your NSO advising appointment, your JMC advisor enrolled you in MC 100. This course is required for all JMC first-year and transfer students. It will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning the class will consist of a combination of in-person and online class requirements. Dates for in-person class sessions will be listed in your syllabus, which you'll receive at the beginning of the semester. If you have questions about the course, please contact your JMC advisor or Dr. Brian Johnson (john3582@msu.edu).
   
• Questions about life in Case Hall? Find more information on how to connect with Case Hall staff who will support you during your time living on campus.

• Student support resources: JMC provides information on resources available to Madison students on our website. Parents, family members and supporters can visit our page about supporting their JMC student from home and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter, which will provide information on important dates and deadlines and help you stay informed on what's happening at JMC. 
   
• Have questions about tuition or financial aid? The Spartan One-Stop is designed to resolve most enrollment or billing account inquiries that arise for students and families. Visit their Contact webpage for information on how to connect by email, phone or in person.
   
• Enrollment Reminders:
  The deadline to add or swap classes is often earlier than students expect. To verify the deadline for your specific class, click on the course section in the schedule where you enrolled. The pop-up box with the "Enroll or Add to Cart" button will display the last day to add or drop the class. Verify that you can add the new class before you drop anything from your current schedule.
  
  Falling below full-time status (12+ credits) can impact things like housing and financial aid. Please make sure to consult with an advisor before dropping a class that takes you below 12 credits.