COVID-19

Are both Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 courses available online?

JMU is open for the Fall 2021 term and we are looking forward to welcoming you to our campus.

If you cannot join us on campus, we are offering some programs online so you may benefit from the opportunity to begin your program virtually from home. You can also choose to complete your English courses virtually, and then you can begin your academic degree courses when you are able to arrive on campus.

How many credits will I earn for my online courses?

The number of credits per course for the International Year (IY) are the same for online courses as they are for on-campus courses:

• 1-Semester IY: 12 credits
• 2-Semester IY: 9 credits
• 3-Semester IY: 6 credits
• IEP + 3-Semester IY: 1 credit

Who will teach my online courses?

Your courses will be delivered online by the same highly trained university faculty who deliver our on-campus courses.

How will my online courses be conducted?

Your courses will consist of high-quality interactive sessions that include live and recorded video and voice sessions. Some of our courses will be live while some courses can be completed on your own time. Some examples of interactive sessions you may participate in during your course may include:

• Participating in a live discussion online
• Watching an online presentation and inserting your own video comments or questions throughout the video
• Participate in a discussion board on your own time
• Viewing a lecture and participating in a Zoom meeting with your professor to answer questions

Do I need to be available at a specific time to participate in the course online?

The course materials can be accessed at your convenience. There will be live interactive class sessions and recorded sessions that will be available for you to access. You will be informed of any required live interactive sessions well in advance so that you can plan ahead. Recorded sessions can be accessed at any time based on your own schedule.

Required interactive sessions may be scheduled in different time zones to allow students to interact with instructors and other students. When working on group presentations, you will have the flexibility to find a time which is convenient for everyone in the group.

While some class sessions may be scheduled at a specific day and time, some will not. Students will be expected to have self-discipline and be active participants in the virtual classroom. Students will be required to check the class materials and assignments regularly, whether the class meets at a scheduled time each week. Students must be engaged in the program Monday through Friday and meet all assignment deadlines.

How will I be graded during my courses?

ISC students will be graded on a traditional letter grade scale (A to F) during all sessions.

What is the attendance policy for online classes?

Attendance may be taken at synchronous (real-time) class meetings. JMU students are expected to access all their assigned learning materials in a timely fashion and are expected to complete all assignments, exams, quizzes, discussions by the deadlines. You should expect to check Canvas Mondays through Fridays to ensure you have all the information you need to complete your assignments on time. Assignment completion may be used to verify attendance as well.

What type of materials and platform will I use for my courses?

We utilize the virtual learning platform Canvas and additional platforms like WebEx and Zoom to support your learning. Canvas houses course outlines, materials, discussion forums, recorded sessions, collaboration tools, and more as the learning management system that James Madison University uses for all classes, and it does not require a VPN. The online platform will include course materials and recorded sessions that will help you review those course materials. You will submit all assignments for JMU through the Canvas platform.

What tools do I need to start online courses at JMU?

You will need the following resources to support your virtual learning:

• Textbooks
• Laptop or PC
• Internet with good Internet connectivity
• Webcam (for PC) or laptop camera for interactive discussions
• Time – each course will require a time commitment (participation in sessions and online groups, assignments, etc.)

Since I am studying virtually, is there a tuition discount?

The full tuition price is required for virtual learning at James Madison University. Your tuition price reflects the value of the high-quality education and the caliber of JMU instructors, which is the same as if you were studying on campus.

ISC students will continue to have access to all of student support services online and our online engagement tools to help you feel a part of JMU’s community while studying virtually.

What is the latest US health guidance on COVID-19?

The official updates from the US government provide the very latest information, including health and travel advice (both for those coming into the country and those travelling abroad) and information on current travel restrictions. This is an evolving situation and advice is being regularly updated. Read more information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Is JMU offering vaccine clinics?

JMU is partnering with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to provide weekly vaccine clinics on campus. These clinics provide vaccines for all JMU students regardless of immigration status. Visit JMU’s website for more information. https://www.jmu.edu/stop-the-spread/healthcenter/covid-vaccine-faq.shtml#vaccine-clinics-at-jmu

What measures is JMU taking to ensure that students, faculty, and staff remain safe?

All faculty, staff, and students must complete the five-question COVID-19 survey on the LiveSafe app each day and receive a green check mark before they come to campus.

Anyone may be asked for proof of their LiveSafe health screening completion. When asked, community members will provide proof of that day’s successful completion.

Faculty members will be asking students to show their green check mark as part of on-campus classes where possible and appropriate.

All students receive a Covid-19 test prior to moving into on-campus housing. Random mandatory Covid-19 testing takes place on campus for monitoring purposes at no charge to students.

For more details, visit JMU’s website. https://www.jmu.edu/stop-the-spread/academic-affairs/faq_student.shtml

Where can I find out more information about JMU’s protocols and requirements?

Visit JMU’s Stop the Spread website for more information. https://www.jmu.edu/stop-the-spread/index.shtml

Please contact Center staff or email globalstudentsupport@studygroup.com for assistance if you have further questions.

What healthcare arrangements are in place if a student becomes ill?

Students often fall ill with everyday colds, coughs, and infections – and our staff are well trained to look after any student that is feeling unwell. Given the current situation, we are extra vigilant of all illnesses.

Please be assured that the US government is well prepared and has put in place infection control measures, and the hospital system is well prepared to manage any further cases should they occur.

If a student falls ill with symptoms that could be coronavirus, they can receive immediate testing at the University Health Center, or at sites throughout the community. If the virus is diagnosed, students who live on campus are moved to quarantine dorms where they can isolate with all food provided and regular monitoring from university health staff for two weeks. Those living off campus will be asked to self-quarantine and will receive support as needed from university staff.

Who should I contact with any other questions?

If you/your child are/is due to begin studies with us soon and you have an urgent inquiry regarding the coronavirus outbreak, please contact globalstudentsupport@studygroup.com for assistance. To help us provide the information that you need quickly, please include your student ID and James Madison University International Study Center in the subject of your email.

For inquiries related to students who are already at James Madison University, please contact Center Staff at jmuiscadmissions@studygroup.com. Alternatively, please contact globalstudentsupport@studygroup.com for assistance.

Are there travel restrictions for entering the USA?

The official updates from the US government provide the very latest information. This includes health and travel advice (both for those coming into the country and those travelling abroad) and information on current travel restrictions. This is an evolving situation, and advice is being updated regularly.

For more information, visit https://www.usembassy.gov/

What should I do if my travel plans are affected by travel restrictions?

If your travel plans are affected by travel restrictions, please email globalstudentsupport@studygroup.com to discuss your individual situation.