Academic calendar
Fall 2026 First Block runs Aug 26, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.
- Summer Session 2026 - 13 WeekSummer Session 2026 - Thirteen WeekSummer Session 2026 - Thirteen-Week Session
- Summer Session Thirteen-Week 2026
- Summer Session 2026 - 10 WeekSummer Session 2026 - Ten WeekSummer Session 2026 - Ten-Week Session
- Summer Session Ten-Week 2026
- Summer Session 2026 - 12 WeekSummer Session 2026 - Twelve WeekSummer Session 2026 - Twelve-Week Session
- Summer Session Twelve-Week 2026
- Summer Session 2026 - 8 Week 2Summer Session 2026 - Eight Week (Two)Summer Session 2026 - Eight Week 2Summer Session 2026 - Eight-Week Session IISummer Session 2026 - Eight-Week Session Two
- Summer Session Eight-Week 2 2026
- Summer Session 2026 - 6 Week 2Summer Session 2026 - Six Week (Two)Summer Session 2026 - Six Week 2Summer Session 2026 - Six-Week Session IISummer Session 2026 - Six-Week Session Two
- Summer Session Six-Week 2 2026
- Summer Session 2026 - CLNSummer Session 2026 - CLN Session
- Summer CLN Session 2026
- Fall 2026 First BlockFall 2026 First Block (7W1)Fall Semester 2026 - First BlockFall Semester 2026 - First Block (7W1)Relevant now
- Fall Semester 2026
- Fall Semester 2026 - Second Block (7W2)
- Fall 2026 Second BlockFall 2026 Second Block (7W2)Fall Semester 2026 - Second Block
- Winter Session 2027 - Session 1Winter Session 2027 - Session 1 (one week)Winter Session 2027 - Session 1 (one-week first)Winter Session 2027 - Winter 1W1Winter Session 2027 One Week - First (WS1)Winter Session 2027 WS1Winter Session 2027 WS1 (One Week - First)
- Winter Session 1 2027Winter Session 2027 Session 1 (1 week)
- Winter Session 2027 - Session 2Winter Session 2027 - Session 2 (two weeks)Winter Session 2027 - Session 2 (two-week)Winter Session 2027 - Winter 2W1Winter Session 2027 Two Week - First (WS2)Winter Session 2027 WS2Winter Session 2027 WS2 (Two Week - First)
- Winter Session 2 2027Winter Session 2027 Session 2 (2 weeks)
- Winter Session 2027 - Session 4Winter Session 2027 - Session 4 (three weeks)Winter Session 2027 - Session 4 (three-week)Winter Session 2027 - Winter 3W1Winter Session 2027 Three Week - First (WS4)Winter Session 2027 WS4Winter Session 2027 WS4 (Three Week - First)Winter Session 4 2027
- Winter Session 2027 Session 4 (3 weeks)
- Winter Session 2027 - Session 3Winter Session 2027 - Session 3 (one week)Winter Session 2027 - Session 3 (one-week second)Winter Session 2027 - Winter 1W2Winter Session 2027 One Week - Second (WS3)Winter Session 2027 WS3Winter Session 2027 WS3 (One Week - Second)
- Winter Session 2027 Session 3 (1 week)Winter Session 3 2027
- Spring 2027 First BlockSpring 2027 First Block (7W1)Spring Semester 2027 - First BlockSpring Semester 2027 - First Block (7W1)
- Spring Semester 2027
- Spring 2027 Second BlockSpring 2027 Second Block (7W2)Spring Semester 2027 - Second BlockSpring Semester 2027 - Second Block (7W2)
- Summer 2027 One-Week SessionSummer Session 2027 - One WeekSummer Session 2027 - One Week (1W1)Summer Session 2027 - One Week OneSummer Session 2027 1W1Summer Session 2027 One-Week Session
- Summer 2027 Thirteen-Week SessionSummer Session 2027 - 13 WeekSummer Session 2027 - Thirteen WeekSummer Session 2027 - Thirteen Week (13W)Summer Session 2027 13WSummer Session 2027 Thirteen-Week Session
- Summer 2027 Two-Week Session 1Summer 2027 Two-Week Session OneSummer Session 2027 - Two Week FirstSummer Session 2027 - Two Week First (2W1)Summer Session 2027 - Two Week OneSummer Session 2027 2W1Summer Session 2027 Two-Week Session 1
- Summer 2027 Four-Week Session 1Summer 2027 Four-Week Session OneSummer Session 2027 - Four Week FirstSummer Session 2027 - Four Week First (4W1)Summer Session 2027 - Four Week OneSummer Session 2027 4W1Summer Session 2027 Four-Week Session 1
- Summer 2027 Six-Week Session 1Summer 2027 Six-Week Session OneSummer Session 2027 - Six Week FirstSummer Session 2027 - Six Week First (6W1)Summer Session 2027 - Six Week OneSummer Session 2027 6W1Summer Session 2027 Six-Week Session 1
- Summer 2027 Eight-Week Session 1Summer 2027 Eight-Week Session OneSummer Session 2027 - Eight Week FirstSummer Session 2027 - Eight Week First (8W1)Summer Session 2027 - Eight Week OneSummer Session 2027 8W1Summer Session 2027 Eight-Week Session 1
- Summer 2027 Ten-Week SessionSummer Session 2027 - 10 WeekSummer Session 2027 - Ten WeekSummer Session 2027 - Ten Week (10W)Summer Session 2027 10WSummer Session 2027 Ten-Week Session
- Summer 2027 Twelve-Week SessionSummer Session 2027 - 12 WeekSummer Session 2027 - Twelve WeekSummer Session 2027 - Twelve Week (12W)Summer Session 2027 12WSummer Session 2027 Twelve-Week Session
- Summer 2027 Two-Week Session 2Summer 2027 Two-Week Session TwoSummer Session 2027 - Two Week SecondSummer Session 2027 - Two Week Second (2W2)Summer Session 2027 - Two Week TwoSummer Session 2027 2W2Summer Session 2027 Two-Week Session 2
- Summer 2027 Four-Week Session 2Summer 2027 Four-Week Session TwoSummer Session 2027 - Four Week SecondSummer Session 2027 - Four Week Second (4W2)Summer Session 2027 - Four Week TwoSummer Session 2027 4W2Summer Session 2027 Four-Week Session 2
- Summer 2027 Eight-Week Session 2Summer 2027 Eight-Week Session TwoSummer Session 2027 - Eight Week SecondSummer Session 2027 - Eight Week Second (8W2)Summer Session 2027 - Eight Week TwoSummer Session 2027 8W2Summer Session 2027 Eight-Week Session 2
- Summer 2027 Six-Week Session 2Summer 2027 Six-Week Session TwoSummer Session 2027 - Six Week SecondSummer Session 2027 - Six Week Second (6W2)Summer Session 2027 - Six Week TwoSummer Session 2027 6W2Summer Session 2027 Six-Week Session 2
- Summer Session 2027 - CLNSummer Session 2027 CLN Session
- Summer 2027 CLN Session
- Fall Semester 2027
- Winter Session 2028
- Spring Semester 2028
- Summer Session 2028 - One Week
- Summer Semester 2028Summer Session 2028
Campus language
Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.
Showing 109 of 109 terms
1
- 1787
- The name of the week-long orientation program for incoming freshmen.
- 1787 Week
- The official name for the freshman orientation week held before fall classes begin.
B
- Bluestone
- The specific type of local limestone used to construct the historic buildings on the original side of campus.
- Bluestone
- The historic residence halls located on the main Quad, built with native limestone.
- Bluestones
- The historic residence halls located on the Quad, constructed from local limestone.
C
- Cheesy Thursdays
- A long-standing tradition at D-Hall where specialty grilled cheese or mac-and-cheese dishes are served.
D
- D-Hall
- Gibbons Hall, the main buffet-style dining hall located on the main campus.
- D-Hub
- The Dining Hub, a dining facility that serves as a major food hub near the center of campus.
- Dartying
- Day-partying; a prominent part of the JMU social scene, especially on Saturdays in the spring.
- Dining Dollars
- Funds attached to a meal plan used specifically for tax-free food purchases.
- Dining Dollars
- Currency included in meal plans that can be used at any on-campus retail dining location.
- Dirty Bird
- A common student nickname for Eagle Hall, often used due to its older facilities and reputation for rowdy freshman behavior.
- Duke Deal
- A pre-set meal combo at retail dining locations that can be purchased with one meal punch.
- Duke Deals
- Specific meal combinations at retail dining locations that can be purchased for exactly one punch.
- Duke Dog
- The official mascot of JMU, a costumed bulldog.
- Dukes
- The nickname for JMU students, named after the university's second president, Samuel Page Duke.
- Dukes
- Dukes Dining, a retail dining location featuring multiple food vendors in the Madison Union.
- Dukes Up
- The official hand sign of JMU, made by forming a fist with the thumb tucked over the fingers.
E
- E-Hall
- The East Campus Dining Hall, known for its modern facilities and weekend brunch.
- Eagle
- Eagle Hall, a prominent high-rise freshman residence hall on the main campus.
F
- FE
- Fraternity & Sorority Life (often used in the context of 'Greek Life' recruitment).
- Fest
- The Festival Food Court located on East Campus, featuring various retail dining options.
- Festi
- Festival Conference and Student Center, which houses a major food court on East Campus.
- Festival
- The food court located within the Festival Conference and Student Center on East Campus.
- Fez
- The Festival Student Center dining area on East Campus.
- Flex
- A debit-like account on the JACard that can be used for laundry, printing, and off-campus vendors.
- Flex
- A declining balance account on the JACard used for tax-free food purchases on campus.
- FROG
- Freshman Orientation Guide; upperclassmen who lead new students during orientation.
- FROG
- Freshman Orientation Guide, a student leader who assists new students during orientation week.
- FROG Week
- The week-long orientation period for freshmen before fall classes begin, led by FROGs.
- Frogger
- The act of attempting to cross South Main Street through traffic rather than using a designated bridge or crosswalk.
- FROGs
- First-Year Orientation Guides, upperclassmen who assist new students during move-in and orientation.
- FROGs
- First Year Orientation Guides, the student leaders who assist freshmen during 1787 Orientation.
- FSL
- Fraternity and Sorority Life, referring to the Greek life community on campus.
G
- Go Dukes
- The universal greeting, cheer, and sign-off used by the JMU community.
- Greek Row
- The area of campus housing dedicated to fraternity and sorority chapters.
H
- H-burg
- A common abbreviation for Harrisonburg, the city surrounding the university.
- Hburg
- Shorthand for Harrisonburg, the city where the JMU campus is located.
- Hillside
- The residential area containing Hillside, Bell, and McGraw-Long Halls.
- Hold My Crown
- A common phrase associated with the 'Dukes' identity and school pride.
- Hold My Door
- A common campus tradition and unofficial rule where students hold doors open for those behind them.
- Hold My Spot
- A common phrase used when students leave an item to save a seat in the library or dining hall.
- Hold That Dog
- A phrase associated with the Duke Dog mascot and game-day traditions.
- Hold that door
- A deeply ingrained campus tradition where students hold doors for anyone walking behind them, regardless of distance.
- Hold That Line
- A common phrase from the JMU fight song used during athletic events.
- Hold the door
- A deeply ingrained JMU tradition where students hold the door for anyone walking behind them, regardless of distance.
- Holding the door
- A deeply ingrained JMU tradition where students hold the door for anyone following them, regardless of distance.
J
- J-M-U-Duuuukes
- The standard university chant used at sporting events and graduation.
- JACard
- The official student identification card used for building access and payments.
- Jennings
- Paul Jennings Hall, one of the newest residence halls on the East Campus.
- JMU Bubble
- The phenomenon of students feeling isolated from the outside world due to the immersive campus environment.
K
- Kissing Rock
- A large limestone rock on the Quad; legend says if you kiss someone there, you'll marry them.
L
- Lakeside
- The residential area near Newman Lake, primarily consisting of Eagle and Shorts Halls.
M
- Madizone
- The official digital platform for JMU athletics and school spirit content.
- Market
- Market 64 at the Student Success Center, offering grab-and-go options and specialized food stations.
- Market 64
- The dining area located within the Student Success Center (SSC).
- MRDs
- The Marching Royal Dukes, JMU's high-profile marching band.
O
- OP
- Outdoor Adventure Program, a division of UREC that organizes trips and equipment rentals.
- OPA
- Orientation Peer Advisers; students who assist with academic advising during summer orientation.
- OSL
- Office of Student Life, the department overseeing student organizations and involvement.
P
- P-Jacks
- Punchin' Jacks, a popular quick-service eatery located within the Student Success Center.
- P-Pod
- Provisions on Demand, the small convenience stores located throughout campus.
- PC
- Short for 'Punch Card,' referring to the use of a meal plan credit at retail locations.
- PC Duke
- P.C. Duke, a retail-style dining area located in the lower level of Duke Hall.
- PC Dukes
- A retail dining location in the Madison Union known for its variety of food stations.
- Punch
- A meal swipe used at dining halls or for a specific dollar value at retail locations.
- Punch
- A single meal credit used from a student's meal plan to enter a dining hall or purchase a meal deal.
- Punched
- The act of using a meal 'punch' from a student's meal plan to pay for entry or a meal deal.
- Punches
- Meal credits used to enter dining halls or to purchase 'Duke Deals' at retail locations.
- Purple Out
- A designated game day or event where all students are encouraged to wear JMU purple.
S
- S.A.R.P.
- Student Accountability and Restorative Practices, the office that handles student conduct and conflict resolution.
- SAFE
- Sexual Assault Facilitated Education, a peer education program on campus.
- SafeRides
- A student-run organization providing free, safe rides home to students on weekend nights.
- SARC
- Sexual Assault Resources and Counseling (often used in the context of the health center or advocacy).
- SGA
- Student Government Association, the representative body for the JMU student population.
- Shorts
- Shorts Hall, a residence hall located near the Student Success Center.
- Shorty
- Shortell Hall, a residence hall within the Village area.
- Skyline
- The residential area on East Campus, featuring newer dorms like Shenandoah and Chesapeake.
- SMLC
- Science and Math Learning Center; provides free tutoring for STEM subjects.
- SOGIE
- Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression; the campus center for LGBTQ+ support.
- SOPA
- The School of Performing Arts, often used to refer to the community of music, theatre, and dance students.
- Starships
- The autonomous white delivery robots that transport food from campus dining locations to students.
- Streamers
- The tradition of throwing purple and gold streamers after a JMU touchdown at Bridgeforth Stadium.
T
- TDU
- Taylor Down Under, a popular student hangout and performance space in the basement of Taylor Hall.
- TDU
- Taylor Down Under, a student hub in Taylor Hall featuring food, pool tables, and a stage.
- TDU
- Taylor Down Under, a student lounge and event space located in the basement of Madison Union.
- The Bluestones
- Historic stone residence halls located around the Quad, such as Logan and Converse.
- The Breeze
- The independent, student-run newspaper of James Madison University.
- The Breezeway
- The covered outdoor walkway connecting the ISAT and EnGeo buildings on East Campus.
- The Bridge
- The pedestrian bridge over Interstate 81 that connects the main campus to East Campus.
- The Bubble
- The phenomenon of students rarely leaving the immediate campus and student housing areas.
- The Burg
- A nickname for Harrisonburg, the city where JMU is located.
- The Den
- The Denny's Den location on campus, often used for late-night dining.
- The Dog Pound
- A quick-service dining area located within the Madison Union.
- The Hill
- The steep incline between the football stadium/Village area and the main campus.
- The Hill
- A group of bluestone dorms located near the Quad, including Hoffman, Wayland, and Gifford Halls.
- The Hub
- D-Hub, a dining facility that serves as a major food hub during campus renovations.
- The Kissing Rock
- A large limestone rock on the Quad; legend says couples who kiss there will marry.
- The Lake
- Newman Lake, the body of water on Main Campus often used as a landmark for the 'Lakeside' area.
- The Pod
- Shorthand for P.O.D. (Provisions on Demand), the small convenience stores found across campus.
- The Quad
- The central grassy lawn of the historic campus, used for studying, socializing, and events.
- The Treehouses
- A common student nickname for the Village area dorms due to their multi-level, wooded layout.
- The Tunnel
- The pedestrian underpass beneath the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks connecting campus sides.
- The Tunnels
- The pedestrian underpasses that allow students to walk under the train tracks and South Main Street.
- The Village
- A residential area consisting of suite-style dorms like Chappelear and Dingledine, known for its social atmosphere.
- Treehouses
- A nickname for specific older dorms in the Village area known for their unique layout.
U
- UPB
- University Program Board, the student-led organization that plans concerts, movies, and campus events.
- UREC
- University Recreation, the massive fitness and wellness center on campus.
W
- Wayland
- Wayland Hall, a residence hall specifically themed for students in the visual and performing arts.
Places and practicalities
Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.
- 1776
- The name of the multi-day orientation program for incoming freshmen before fall classes begin.
- 1787
- The name of JMU's comprehensive freshman orientation program held the week before fall classes begin.
- Assessment Day
- A day in February with no classes, dedicated to university-wide student testing and data collection.
- bistro_1908
- Bistro 1908
- Canvas
- The learning management system used by professors to post assignments, grades, and course materials.
- Carrier
- The main library located on the Quad side of campus.
- chick_fil_a
- Chick-fil-A
- d_hall
- D-Hall
- Dining Dollars
- Funds included with meal plans specifically for purchasing food at on-campus retail dining locations.
- Duke Deals
- Specific meal combinations at retail dining locations that can be purchased using a single meal 'punch'.
- dunkin
- Dunkin'
- e_hall
- E-Hall
- ECL
- Rose Library, formerly known as the East Campus Library.
- EnGeo
- The Engineering and Geosciences Building, often referred to in conjunction with ISAT.
- Festival
- Festival Conference and Student Center; the main student hub on East Campus.
- Flex
- A declining balance account on the JACard that can be used at the bookstore, vending machines, and off-campus vendors.
- Forbes
- The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts.
- HBS
- The Health and Behavioral Studies building located on the East Campus side.
- HDPT
- Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation, the bus system that provides free transit for students around campus and the city.
- HHS
- The Health and Human Services building, located adjacent to ISAT.
- ICS
- Inner Campus Shuttle; the specific bus route that loops through the main campus areas.
- Inner Campus
- The shuttle route that connects the historic Quad side of campus to the East Campus side.
- Inner Campus Shuttle
- The specific bus route that moves students between the Quad and East Campus.
- ISAT
- The Integrated Science and Technology building on East Campus.
- ISAT/CS
- The Integrated Science and Technology and Computer Science building on East Campus.
- JACard
- The official JMU student ID card used for building access, meals, and payments.
- JMU Shield
- The university's official safety app, featuring emergency contacts, a 'Friend Walk' tracker, and tip reporting.
- LiveSafe
- The mobile safety app used by the JMU community to report tips and access emergency services.
- Madison Alert
- The university's emergency notification system used for weather-related 'late starts' or safety alerts.
- Madison Union
- The student union building, also frequently referred to by its former name, Taylor Hall.
- Memorial
- Memorial Hall, the former high school building that now houses the College of Education.
- Mobile ID
- The digital version of the JACard used via smartphone for building entry and payments.
- MyMadison
- The primary web portal for students to manage class registration, financial aid, and personal records.
- Punch
- A meal credit from a student's meal plan, used for entry to dining halls or 'meal deals' at retail spots.
- Punches
- Meal swipes included in a meal plan, primarily used at D-Hall and E-Hall.
- Rose
- The library located on East Campus, formerly known as ECL.
- SafeRide
- A student-run service providing free, safe transportation home for students at night.
- SafeRides
- A student-run organization providing free, safe transportation home for students on weekend nights.
- Showker
- Zane Showker Hall, the primary building for the College of Business.
- SSC
- Student Success Center, a hub for student services, health, and dining.
- Starfish
- The online system used to schedule appointments with academic advisors and tutors.
- Starship
- The fleet of autonomous robotic rovers that deliver food from campus dining locations to students.
- TDU
- Taylor Down Under, a student lounge and event space in the basement of Madison Union.
- TDU
- Taylor Down Under, a student lounge and hangout space located in the basement of Taylor Hall.
- The Breeze
- The student-run newspaper that serves as a primary source for campus news.
- The Forbes
- The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, where theater and music performances are held.
- The Lib
- Carrier Library, the primary library located on the Quad.
- The Quad
- The historic central grassy area of campus surrounded by bluestone buildings.
- The SSC
- Student Success Center; a hub for student services including the health center, registrar, and dining.
- The Tunnel
- The pedestrian underpass that allows students to cross safely under the railroad tracks and Main Street.
- The Union
- Madison Union (formerly Taylor Hall), the primary student hub for activities and services.
- Wilson
- Wilson Hall, the iconic administrative building with the cupola overlooking the Quad.
Quick answers
Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.
- What academic term is relevant now?
- Fall 2026 First Block runs Aug 26, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026.
- How much campus context is included?
- 109 approved campus terms and 52 local details are included in full.
- Are all approved campus terms included?
- Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
- Where does this guide come from?
- Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.