Student Handbook
A Guide for Success as an ADP Student
2014-2015
Outreach & Engagement, Adult Degree Program, 127 Bruce Street, MSC 6906, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 (540) 568-4255
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to the Adult Degree Program!
Establishing your JMU e-ID and Email Account
JMU e-ID
JMU e-Mail
Computer Needs
Are you ready for online classes?
Registering for classes and using MyMadison
How do I use MyMadison?
Steps to Take Every Time You Use MyMadison
The ADP Online Modules
Current online modules available
Registering for the ADP Online Modules and ADP Only Gen Ed Courses
Selecting an Advisor
Duties of the Academic Advisor
Advisor form
Naming Your Concentration
Concentration Name Examples
Elements for Earning Credit
Courses
Exams and Tests
Assessments
Program Plan Guidelines
The Adult Degree Program Plan
Completing the Program Plan Form
Overrides
Do you have Management courses on your ADP Program Plan?
Taking courses at schools other than JMU
Developing and preparing your portfolio
Introduction
Portfolio Assessment Guidelines
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Individualized Study Major Senior Project
The Senior Project Forum
Additional Information
Student Assessment Day
Classes with Labs
Veterans
GCOM 121—Credit By Examination
University Graduation Honors
Financial Information
University Business Office
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid Links
Student Employment Center
Student Success Center
Departments and Areas by Floor
2
Revised 6/15/14
WELCOME TO THE ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM!
Congratulations on your choice to continue your education through James Madison
University’s Adult Degree Program.
The Adult Degree Program (ADP) is designed specifically to provide you, a returning
adult student, with the chance to not only complete your Bachelor’s degree but also
make it your own.
You will develop a program of study focused on your future career and educational
goals, a program that is like no other at the University or even within the Adult Degree
Program. Online classes, Portfolios of Prior Learning Experience, CLEP exams, and
Independent Study classes are all options that will allow you to finish your degree in a
timely fashion and fit your education into a schedule that includes work, family, and
social obligations.
Be assured that the program you design for yourself will meet the rigorous academic
expectations that distinguish JMU as a leading university in the nation. Your degree
from JMU will be recognized in locally and nationally.
You are off to a new and exciting chapter in your life. The next few years will involve a
lot of hard work but, it will be fun and rewarding as well. You will learn more than you
ever imagined, stretch yourself more than you thought you could to achieve your goals,
and meet many new friends who will encourage and support you on your journey. In
addition, when Commencement arrives and you walk across the stage to receive your
diploma, you will find, as so many ADP alumni have, that your education will take you in
directions and to places you never dreamed were possible.
Best wishes for a successful academic career at JMU and a wonderful and exciting
future.
Pamela G. Hamilton,
Director, ADP
Jackie Rufo, M.Ed.
Student Services Coordinator
“Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it.”
--- Goethe
3
Revised 6/15/14
ESTABLISHING YOUR JMU E-ID AND EMAIL ACCOUNT
JMU e-ID
Your JMU e-ID (also called “username” in some applications/systems) is your electronic
identification that provides access to password protected websites and services, such as
MyMadison, software downloads, and the JMU Official Wireless Network. This e-ID and
password is used to access email, Canvas, MyMadison, and other important JMU services.
Your e-ID is based on your name and is typically the first six letters of your last name followed
by your first and middle initials. For example, Dolley Payne Madison would be madisodp. If
someone has already been assigned that exact e-ID, your e-ID will include at least one number.
If you are a new student, you were sent an activation link to your home e-mail account. You will
use this link to access and set up your e-ID account. For assistance, go to
http://www.jmu.edu/computing/accounts/
More information, frequently asked questions, and links are available at
http://www.jmu.edu/computing/helpdesk/selfhelp/eid.shtml
JMU e-Mail
In the Individualized Studies Major, your student email is the main source of communication.
James Madison University uses @dukes.jmu.edu, a comprehensive email and communication
system for students, as its e-mail program.
Please be aware that all communications from JMU will come to your student email. This
includes vital communications from the Registrar, University Business Office, Financial Aid and
your faculty.
You can choose to have all your JMU email forwarded to another email account, if you like,
although it is not recommended for security reasons. For instructions, go to
http://help.outlook.com/en-us/140/ms.exch.ecp.learnredirectto.aspx
Computer Needs
The fact is you need a computer in order to go to college! If your home computer is more than 5
years old, you will need to invest in a newer model. There is no way around it! You will need a
reliable desktop or laptop computer to complete all your course work. No, you cannot do
everything you need to do with a tablet or iPad.
[Return to Table of Contents]
4
Revised 6/15/14
It is also advisable that you invest in flash drive storage devices to store course work and
projects on as a backup copy. You can also use “Cloud” storage, which enables you to access
files from any computing device that has access to the Internet. There are several free “Cloud”
storage options available for use. Dropbox is free, easy to use and works across different
platforms including Mac, Windows, Google and Androids. For more information check out the
review conducted by C/Net http://download.cnet.com/Dropbox/3000-18500_4-10903856.html
The James Madison University Bookstore offers computer systems, software, and peripherals at
special contract pricing. Customized Dell and Apple computer systems are available and are
each configured to meet JMU network and academic guidelines. For more information, please
call (540) 568-3989 or go to the website of the bookstore at
http://www.jmu.edu/bookstore/computers/index.shtml
You are not required to purchase your computer through the bookstore although the information
available regarding the configuration requirements by each college at JMU is quite helpful.
There is a wireless network available on campus (JMU Official Wireless) and you login with your
JMU eID and password.
There are also many computer labs on campus. These labs:









Are open to all JMU students
Are in multiple facilities around campus
Provide computers for completing assignments
Have both PC and Macintosh platforms
Are networked
Contain standard and class-specific applications
Have laser printers (cost is $.05 per page)
Provide a lab which is open 24 hours daily
Have lab assistants available in some labs
You can obtain a listing of computer lab locations at
http://www.jmu.edu/computing/labs/locations
The hours that the individual computer labs are open are at
http://www.jmu.edu/computing/labs/hours.shtml
You will need your JACard to access most general labs on campus.
[Return to Table of Contents]
5
Revised 6/15/14
Are you ready for online classes?
The JMU Center for Instructional Technology has an assessment tool for incoming students to
determine their level or readiness to take online or hybrid classes at JMU.
This self-assessment tool is provided to students who are interested in enrolling in online or
hybrid courses. The purpose of this tool is to guide students in their decision making process
with regard to the technology required and preferred learning style by answering 15
questions. Upon completion, the student's score will be displayed along with a
recommendation.
If you have never taken classes online or have not been in school for a few years, we would like
you to take this assessment and report the results to us at adp@jmu.edu
Follow this link to begin the assessment: http://www.jmu.edu/dl/selfassessment.shtml
[Return to Table of Contents]
6
Revised 6/15/14
REGISTERING FOR CLASSES AND USING MYMADISON
Registration may seem overwhelming your first semester. Here are some answers to some
commonly asked questions to help you with your first registration session.
Except for initial registration, registration takes place each semester over a three-week period
during which students view course listings and schedule the following semester’s classes via
MyMadison online at https://MyMadison.jmu.edu/ or during walk-in registration.
The Registration and Student Record Services Handbook contains pertinent information about
registration procedures and times. The handbook is available online at
http://www.jmu.edu/registrar/handbook.shtml#Registration%20Procedures and in the Office of
the Registrar on the fifth floor of the Student Success Center.
Please note that registration for the ADP Online Modules is not done through MyMadison.
Registration for those classes is processed by the Outreach & Engagement department's
Admissions office.
How do I use MyMadison?
1.
Review the tutorials on MyMadison. If you go to http://isapps.jmu.edu/MyMadison/, you
have reached the Information Systems MyMadison support page. You will find links for most
items you may want to do in MyMadison. Review the whole page but pay close attention to
the following two links:
•
Enrollment / Add a Class Tutorial (Requires Flash Player): This will direct you through
the steps to register for a class.
•
Drop a Class Tutorial (Requires Flash Player): This will direct you through the steps to
drop a class. Any class that you decide not to attend must be dropped by you in order to
avoid receiving an “F” for a grade. Make sure this is completed prior to the add/drop
deadline or you will be responsible for the tuition of the class.
2. Go to http://MyMadison.jmu.edu, and login using your JMU eID and password. If you cannot
get logged in, call the Help Desk at (540) 568-3555. You may have to go to their office in
Frye Building.
3. You will see a page entitled “Learner Services.” It is important that your user preferences be
set correctly in MyMadison before you attempt to register or you will run into issues. The first
thing to do is to make sure your user preferences are set correctly for your status.
7
Revised 6/15/14
•
Click on “Personal Portfolio” to update your Personal Information.
•
This will bring you to a page where you can update your information. To correct your
user preferences, click on “User Preferences” under “Security Settings.”
•
Update the following areas as indicated:
o
Institution: Leave as James Madison University
o
Academic Career: Select your Academic Career from the available drop-down
list. If you are a “Special Student,” select “Continuing Education.” Otherwise,
select “Undergraduate.”
o
Term: Use the drop-down menu to select the current semester for which you are
registering.
o
Aid Year: Use the drop-down menu to select the current calendar school year.
o
Click on “Save” when complete to finalize your profile.
o
If all went well, the page will come up saying “Save Confirmation. The Save was
successful.”
o
Click “OK.”
o
This brings you back to your Personal Preferences page. To leave the page,
either click on the link at the bottom “Return to Learner Services” or click on
“Home” at the top.
o
Log out of MyMadison then log back in to ensure that your new settings take
place.
To begin registering, log back into MyMadison and follow the directions that you read in the
Enrollment / Add a Class Tutorial above.
Steps to Take Every Time You Use MyMadison
•
•
•
Review your revised schedule every time to make sure it is correct – your schedule is your
responsibility!
Logout when you are finished using MyMadison.
Questions and problems are addressed by calling the Registration Help line at 568-3737 on
weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
[Return to Table of Contents]
8
Revised 6/15/14
THE ADP ONLINE MODULES
ADP online modules are a more structured was of developing your program plan—and they
help you complete your degree no matter where you are. Each module is created to give you
the basic skills needed for entry-level positions in that particular area.
The modules easily combined to create your Individualized Study major concentration, or
individual modules or classes may be combined with traditional face-to-face classes if you are
able to commute to campus.
Current online modules available
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
EXED 416: Overview and Assessment of Autism Disorders (Spring)
EXED 417: Communication, Language and Sensory Issues in ASD (Summer)
EXED 418: Challenging Behaviors, Positive Behavioral Supports, Functional Behavioral
Assessment, and Behavior Intervention Plans (Fall)
HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
HM 211: Overview of Hospitality and Tourism Management (Fall, 8 weeks)
HM 311: Hotel Operations and Hospitality Technology (Fall, 8 weeks)
HM 422: Hospitality Human Resource Management (Spring, 8 weeks)
PPA 381: Budgetary Process (Summer, 8 weeks) Choose one approved elective (chosen in
consultation with advisor)
SUSTAINABILITY
ISAT 280: Environmental Issues in Science and Technology (Fall)
ISAT 428: Industrial Ecology (Spring)
GEOG 300: Population Geography (Summer)
ISAT 480: Selected Topics in Integrated Science and Technology (Summer)
COMMUNICATION STUDIES
SCOM 245: Signs, Symbols, and Social Interaction (Fall, 8 weeks)
SCOM 248: Intercultural Communication (Spring, 8 weeks)
SCOM 330: Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication– Computer Mediated
Communications (offered beginning Summer 2015)
SCOM 331: Communication and Conflict (Summer)
SCOM 334: Alternative Dispute Mediation (Fall)
SCOM 440: Family Communications (Summer)
9
Revised 6/15/14
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
MGT 305: Management & Organizational Behavior (Spring)
MGT 372: Entrepreneurship (Summer)
MGT 405: Designing Your Business Venture (Fall)
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
LTLE 240: Principles of Human Resource Development (Fall, 8 weeks)
LTLE 245: Leadership in Organizational Settings (Fall 8 weeks)
LTLE 370: Instructional Technology (Spring, 8 weeks)
LTLE 385: Foundations of Instructional Design (Spring, 8 weeks)
LTLE 480: Learning in Adulthood (Summer, 8 weeks)
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
CIS 204: Computer Information Systems for Non-Business Majors (Fall)
CIS 311: Analyzing Data in Organizations (Summer)
CIS 312: Systems Planning and Analysis (Summer)
CIS 498: Special Topics — Network Security (Spring)
CIS 498: Special Topics in CIS — Designing Web Systems (Spring)
PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
PPA 265: Foundations in Public and Nonprofit Management (Fall)
PPA 483: Emerging Issues (Tools for Public Management) (Spring)
PPA 483: Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (course # TBA) (Summer)
OTHER ONLINE CLASSES FOR ADP STUDENTS
GHIST 225: American History (Fall)
GSCI 101: Physics, Chemistry and the Human Experience (Spring)
GAMST 200: Introduction to American Studies (Fall)
GENG 247: Survey of American Literature: From the Beginning to the Civil War (Spring)
Build your ADP concentration by combing two or three modules.
For example:
Hospitality &Tourism Management (HTM) + Human Resource Development (HRD)
Entrepreneurship + HRD + Communication Studies
Entrepreneurship + Business Technology + HTM
HRD + Communication Studies
HTM + HRD + Business Technology
Autism Spectrum Disorders + HRD + Communication Studies
HRD + Entrepreneurship
Communication Studies +
Business Technology + Entrepreneurship
10
Revised 6/15/14
Can you complete your degree online through the Adult Degree Program at JMU?
Yes...if our online modules interest you, you have all or most of your general education
requirements completed, and you take advantage other credit- earning options such as
independent studies and portfolios of prior learning.
Registering for the ADP Online Modules and ADP Only Gen Ed Courses
The Office of Outreach & Engagement handles course registration for the ADP Online Modules
and the ADP Only General Education courses.
Each semester, the Student Services Coordinator will send current ADP students an email with
a listing of the courses that are scheduled for the upcoming semester. Please read this
information completely.
You will be instructed to reply to that email with the course/s you want to register in along with
your student identification number. You will be registered in the course via the Outreach &
Engagement Admissions Coordinator.
[Return to Table of Contents]
11
Revised 6/15/14
SELECTING AN ADVISOR
Adult students select a JMU professor from the department related to their main field of study to
serve as their academic advisor. The ADP office is working with University Advising to create a
list of current faculty members specifically trained to work with our students. Students will select
an academic advisor during IS200 Orientation to Individualized Studies.
The Individualized Study Major (ISM) adviser is a member of the James Madison University
faculty willing to provide support services to an ADP student. Any full-time faculty member
within the university may be asked by a student to serve as their advisor. The faculty member’s
expertise must match the student's Individualized Study Major main course of study in the
program plan.
Advisors assist students to identify and achieve their educational goals. Students, with the
direction and advice of their academic adviser, design their Individualized Studies Major
program to achieve their educational goals and complete the Bachelor’s degree requirements.
Duties of the Academic Advisor
♦ Assist the student in selecting an appropriate name for the ISM concentration.
♦ Advise the student in developing their ISM program proposal.
♦ Approve the final ISM program proposal.
♦ Assist the ISM student in the selection of a Senior Project topic and a project instructor.
♦ Assist the ISM student in arranging independent study courses when appropriate.
♦ Approve amendments (if necessary) to the final degree program.
♦ Provide moral support, career counseling, and professional comradeship when needed.
♦ Attend the Annual Spring Banquet and Senior Project Forum, when possible.
12
Revised 6/15/14
Advisor form
The advisor form is found on the last page of the ADP Program Plan form. Once you have found
an advisor, you will need that faculty member to sign the ISM Advisor form. You can accomplish
this in one of two ways:
1) Fill in as much information on the form as you can. Send it as an email attachment to
your advisor, asking the professor to sign it and then forward it to the department head
to sign and return to the ISM office; or,
2) Fill in as much information on the form as you can. Arrange a time to meet with your
advisor to sign the completed form. Then, you take it to the Department office and ask
that the department head sign the form. Leave the form and an envelope addressed to
Jackie Rufo, Learning Services Coordinator, Adult Degree Program, MSC 6906.
Obviously, the second method is the most professional and will be the most efficient way.
[Return to Table of Contents]
13
Revised 6/15/14
NAMING YOUR CONCENTRATION
The interdisciplinary nature of the Bachelors of Individualized Studies makes this a unique major
in that our students essentially create their own field of study. Along with that is the ability to
name your Concentration or field of study.
The only rule is that it cannot be the same as any of the current traditional majors.
Following are some examples of Concentration names that were used in the past along with the
academic area their faculty advisor is located.
Concentration Name Examples
Bachelors of Individualized Studies
14
Concentration Name
College or Department
Career Counseling
Academic Advising
Accounting and Business
Accounting
Child Development/Anthropology
Anthropology
Medical Biotechnology &
Cytotechnology
Biology
Business and Political Administration
Business, Public Policy and Administration
Information Advisory Services
Computer Information Systems
Human Resource Management and
Information Systems
Computer Information Systems
Communications-Public Relations-Advocacy
Communication Studies, Public Policy and
Administration
Computer Science and Graphic Technology
Computer Science
Revised 6/15/14
15
Diverse Cultural Food Science and
Technology/Politics
Dietetics, Political Science
International Managerial Economics
Economics
Early Childhood Education
Education
Bilingual Special Education
Education
Secondary Science Education (Biology/Middle
School Education)
Education
Special Education in Early Childhood
Education
Education
Interactive Education
Education
Educational/Documentary TV Production
Education, Media Arts & Design
Family Studies and Early Education
Education, Sociology
Natural Resources Conservation
Environmental Science
Public Financial & Personnel
Administration
Finance
Latin American Language and Culture
Foreign Languages
Health Care Management
Health Sciences
Health Services for Families
Health Services Administration
Revised 6/15/14
Bachelors of Science in Individualized Studies
16
Concentration Name
College of Department
Business Logistics and Services Mgmt.
Business
Radiological Management
Chemistry
Information Systems & Telecommunication
Computer Information Systems
Human Development & Business Technology
Computer Information Systems &
Management
Communication Disorders and Autism
CSD
Nutritional Management (Dietetics)
Dietetics
Trade & Industrial Vocational/Special
Education
Education
Trade & Industrial Vocational/Special
Education
Education
Mathematics & Manufacturing Eng.
Engineering, Math
Environmental & Natural Resources
Management
Environmental Science
Environmental Geology
Geology
Histotechnology
Health
Restorative Criminal Justice
Justice Studies
Leadership Administration & Management
Management
Revised 6/15/14
Small Business Management
Management
Music Entrap and Therapy (Classical Guitar)
Music
Music Production and Engineering
Music, Engineering
Psychology & Expressive Therapies
Psychology
Social Science and Public Affairs
Public Policy and Administration
Family Business Management
Sociology
Sociology of School Resource Education
Sociology
Marine Recreation Management
Sports and Recreation Management
Studio Art (Art and Science)
Studio Art
Bachelors of Arts in Individualized Studies
17
Concentration Name
College of Department
Socio Cultural Anthropology
Anthropology
Cultural Communications
Communication Studies
Adult ESL Education
Education
Quantitative Business Practices
Finance
Russian Studies & Clothing Design
Foreign Languages
Revised 6/15/14
International Studies
International Affairs
Religion and the Arts
Religion
Accounting and Nonprofit Studies
Accounting
Social Sciences
Sociology
Adult ESL Education
Education
Early Childhood Special Ed Prep
Education
Quantitative Business Practices
Finance
Financial Aspects of the Music Industry
Finance, Music
Content Knowledge for Teachers
Education
[Return to Table of Contents]
18
Revised 6/15/14
ELEMENTS FOR EARNING CREDIT
Courses
•
Transfer credits from other colleges or universities
•
JMU classes
•
IS courses and Independent Study:
IS 250 – Service Learning, an internship within the community with document goals
and learning outcomes.
IS 270 – Selected Topics, in-depth study and research in current issues in student’s
area of interest.
IS 290 and IS 490 – Special Studies, lower division and upper division independent
studies with supervision of faculty member.
IS 300 - Sponsored Learning, a structured learning activity related to a student's area
of study and sponsored by an employer, volunteer agency or other appropriate
organization.
IS 498 – Senior Project – required of all IS majors, an independent study related to
their concentration that is the capstone of their academic career at JMU.
IS 499 – Honors Senior Project, for IS students selected by the University Honors
Program to participate in a two-semester, six-credit independent study.
Exams and Tests
•
CLEP - College Level Exam (See Page 30)
•
Departmental exams
Assessments
•
Military Service
•
ACE (American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Service)
•
Prior Learning Assessment (portfolios) (See Page 27)
[Return to Table of Contents]
19
Revised 6/15/14
PROGRAM PLAN GUIDELINES
The Adult Degree Program Plan
The program plan describes in detail how you will complete all of the requirements for your
Individualized Study major.
If you were a traditional transfer student and a Computer Science major, the courses required
for that degree are already spelled out for you. Because each ADP student’s program is focused
on their individual educational goals, there is no pre-set curriculum. Every ADP student sets his
or her own course of study using the program plan.
Requirements to earn your Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University:
• Students must complete a total of 120 credits.
o 60 must be from a 4-year college or university,
o 30 of those must be earned at JMU.
o Only 8 non-traditional credits (CLEP exams and Portfolios of Prior Learning
Experience) are considered earned at JMU.
o Any credits beyond that are considered transfer credits from a 4-year institution.
The program plan has six sections:
•
•
•
•
•
•
20
Contact and Learning Objectives
General Education
Concentration
Electives
Signature
Advisor Information
Revised 6/15/14
Completing the Program Plan Form
To complete the form, you will need your Transfer Credit Evaluation, a college catalog or online
version, and a blank copy of the program plan form. Type or print clearly all of the information
on the form.
Contact Information
On Page 1 of the program plan, you will put your personal contact information including your
student identification number.
Please note that once you have identified your academic advisor and named your
concentration, you will come back to fill in that information.
Learning Objectives
On Page 2 of the Program Plan, you will see a discussion and examples of on how to write your
learning objectives. You are required to include 3-8 complete learning objectives relative to your
career and educational goals. What are your goals and how do the classes you have selected
help you achieve those goals? Your program has to have a rationale; you cannot select courses
randomly.
You are asked to provide an estimated Graduation Date once you have completed the rest of
your program plan. You are not held to this date – it is just an estimate, but it does give you a
finish date to work toward.
General Education
On Page 3 of the Program Plan, you will complete the General Education requirements using
the Transfer Credit Evaluation.
Example: GENG 247 (ENG 241) Survey of American Literature: From the Beginning to
the Civil War, BRCC, 3 credits. Note: You will need to look up the JMU course in the
catalog for the course name.
Any transfer credits used to fulfill General Education requirements must have a number of 100
or higher.
Example: GPOSC 200 (Global Politics) POSC 000 would be elective credits only.
If you have not fulfilled all of the requirements for any of the clusters in General Education, use
your catalog to identify the classes you plan to take to complete the requirement. Indicate the
course number and title, semester you plan to take the class, and the credits.
Example: REL 202/ Introduction to the New Testament /Fall 2018/ 3 credits
21
Revised 6/15/14
When selecting classes to fulfill general education requirements, you may want to look into prerequisites for classes you plan to take for your concentration.
For example, GPSYC 101 (General Psychology) fulfills 3 of the 6 credits needed in the
Social and Behavioral Science cluster. It is also the prerequisite for many upper level
psychology classes.
You must complete the 41 General Education credits in order to earn a Bachelor of
Individualized Study.
If you opt for a Bachelor of Science in Individualized Study, you must complete those 41 credits
plus 3 additional credits in math and 3 additional credits in natural science.
For a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Study, you must complete those 41 credits plus 3
credits in philosophy and 6 credits in a foreign language at the 200-level or higher.
The Concentration
On Page 4 of the Program Plan, you will list the courses you will take for your main areas of
study.
Using your Transfer Credit Evaluation, you will first copy the transfer classes that can be
included in your concentration. Use the same format as you did for the General Education
transfer classes – JMU course number (transfer course number) JMU course name, where you
took the class and the credits.
Transfer classes used to fulfill Concentration requirements must have a number of 200 or
higher.
Example: MKTG 380 (Principles of Marketing). Transfer classes at the 100 level
(Example: ISAT 131 Technology Science and Society would either be used to fulfill
Cluster 8 (General Education electives) of the General Education requirements or as
an elective (page 5). ISAT 000 would be an elective (page 5).
The exception to this is portfolio credits that have been awarded as 000 at the upper level.
These credits may be included in your concentration as long as they are related to your
concentration. Otherwise, they would be electives.
Example: your concentration is Public History and your portfolio receives MGT 000 6
credits upper level. These credits would be electives. However, if your concentration
were Small Business Development, these credits would be included in your
concentration.
22
Revised 6/15/14
You concentration must have a minimum of 30 credits (10 classes). Most students have
between 39 and 45 credits (13 to 15 classes) and some have even more. There is no maximum
number of credits you can have in your concentration.
At least 24 credits (8 classes) must be at the 300- and/or 400-level.
IS 498, the Senior Project, is included in your concentration and counts as upper level credits.
Per accreditation rules, non-College of Business students may not take more than 30 credits (10
classes) without a waiver from the Associate Dean. COB courses have the following prefixes:
ACTG, BLAW, COB, ECON, FIN, HTM, CIS, MGT, and MKTG.
The Electives
On Page 5 of the Program Plan, you will include all transfer credits that came in as 000
(Example: MATH 000), other transfer credits that do not fulfill General Education or
Concentration requirements, IS 200: Orientation to Individualized Study, and IS 203 Portfolio
Development Workshop (if you plan to submit a Portfolio of Prior Learning Experience. If not,
this class is not required.)
You would also include classes you elect to take in order to reach a total of 120 credits, which
are not related to your Concentration or General Education requirements.
Example: Your concentration is Comparative Politics and Public Policy, but you have always
been fascinated by the night skies and sports. As you are completing your program plan,
you find you need 6 additional credits to reach a total of 120. You could take ASTR 220
(General Astronomy 1: The Night Sky, Solar System, and Stars) and HIST 315 (History of
Sport in America).
Once you have filled in the electives, put down the total credits you will complete (or have
completed) in General Education (from page 3), your total concentration credits (page 4) and
your total elective credits (from above). When you add those three together, you have the total
number of credits you have planned in your Program Plan. This must be 120 or more. If it is not,
go back and check your math if you are still short credits, you will need to add additional credits
in your concentration or in electives.
The Signature and Advisor Agreement
On Page 6 of the Program Plan, you will sign where indicated then acquire your Academic
Advisor's signature, who will sign off on the Program Plan and the Advisor Agreement with one
signature. Once your advisor has signed the form, send the original form with the signatures to
Pamela Hamilton, Director of Adult Degree Program, for approval.
23
Revised 6/15/14
Your Program Plan is considered complete when and only when you have all three signatures.
At that time, it becomes your official declaration of what you need to complete in order to earn
your BIS degree (or BA or BS) with an Individualized Study major.
Your Program Plan is not carved in stone. As you move through the program, if you find you
must change courses for any reason, you may do so by completing a Program Amendment
form.
Reasons you might need to make a change to your program plan include:
•
•
•
•
•
You decide another class is more appropriate for achieving your future goals,
The class is not offered any more, or
It is your final semester and the class you planned to take is not available that semester.
The Program Amendment form is broken into three parts: General Education,
Concentration, and Electives. Indicate the course number only of the class you are
dropping from your Program Plan and add the classes your will now be taking, again by
course number only, in the appropriate section.
Your academic advisor must approve any changes and sign the Program Amendment
form before the ADP office will accept it.
Overrides
In some cases, you will have courses on your Program Plan that are open only to majors in that
department. In order to register for those classes, you will need to request an override.
Find the class you want on MyMadison and note the section number and class number
(Example: IS 200 OP02 81676). Contact the professor who is teaching that section to find out
the department policy for overrides. In some departments, the professor can grant them, in
others, the overrides must come from the central office. Each department is different and it is
your responsibility to find out what the policy is and abide by it.
It is best to start early. Semester schedules are usually available for viewing a week or so
before registration opens. This is the time to get the class information you need and start the
process. You will need to request overrides for all COB classes and any class that indicates
“majors only” in the college catalog.
Note: You may not find out that you need an override for some classes until you try to register
on MyMadison and you cannot.
When requesting the override, be polite and thorough. Explain that you are an ADP student and
why the class is important to your studies. Be sure to have a contingency plan in case your
24
Revised 6/15/14
override request is denied or you have to wait until the add/drop period begins for the
department to issue an override.
Once you do get an override you must register for the class on MyMadison. An override does
not register you for the class; it only holds a seat for you in that class.
Do you have Management courses on your ADP Program Plan?
Beginning with the fall 2008 semester, new guidelines are in place for all Adult Degree Program
students who have Management classes included in the academic program plan. This includes
students who may have identified only one or two Management classes on their program
plan.
In order to make the registration process less stressful for you and for the faculty and staff in the
Management Department, you will need to notify Anne McGuigan the semester BEFORE you
wish to register for the class. This advance notice will allow the Management department to plan
for ADP student registration in the popular Management classes and assign overrides to you.
These overrides make it possible for you to register for the classes even though you are not a
declared Management major. Our goal is to ease your frustration in getting the classes you want
and last-minute class substitutions that may change the focus of your concentration.
These are the steps to follow:
•
•
Email your name, phone number, email address, student ID number, and the course
name(s) and number(s) of the class(es) you wish to take to Anne McGuigan at
mcguigam@jmu.edu. Phone calls, letters, and in-person requests will not be
accepted.
Your requests must be received by the following deadlines:
o For Fall semester classes March 1
o For Spring semester classes October 15
At this time, this policy does not apply to summer session classes. If that changes, we
will notify you.
Ms. McGuigan will input overrides into the appropriate class(es) for you and send you
the information you need in order to register.
•
25
You MUST register for these classes yourself on MyMadison during your registration
appointment. Ms. McGuigan can input an override for you, but that will only "hold a seat"
for you. It does not register you for the class.
Revised 6/15/14
•
Your override expires with your registration appointment. The place in that class that is
aside for you will not be held beyond your registration appointment.
•
The Management Department will make every effort to accommodate your requests as
long as you follow the above guidelines. Students who do not give the appropriate
advance notice will have to wait until the following semester to register for classes.
Taking courses at schools other than JMU
Once you are matriculated as an active JMU student, you can take classes at another college or
university, however for those credits to transfer in; you must have a “Permission to Take
Transfer Classes” form on file with the Registrar. Do not plan to take a course at a different
school unless you know it will transfer to JMU and work in a manner you can use in your
program agreement.
To access the form go to Go to www.jmu.edu/registrar and follow the link for “Students” at the
top of the page and then “Forms” and click on “Permission to Transfer Courses.” Print the form
and fill it out. Return it to the ADP office and we will forward it to Records. You must submit
this form and have the course approved before you register for the class.
[Return to Table of Contents]
26
Revised 6/15/14
DEVELOPING AND PREPARING YOUR PORTFOLIO
Introduction
American institutions of higher learning have been assessing experiential college-level learning
for over 30 years. By assessing experiential learning portfolios for nontraditional students, JMU
recognizes that learning takes place throughout life and that college-level learning is not limited
to the institutions of higher education or to classroom settings. The rationale for portfolio
assessment is that adult life and work can offer learning equivalent in substance and complexity
to that offered in our classrooms. Unless what we teach is fundamentally irrelevant to real
human lives, the rationale is sound.
People do learn from their experience, and the results of that learning can be reliably assessed
and certified for college credit. The significance of systematic recognition of prior learning is the
linkage it provides between formal education and adult life. It is a mechanism for recognizing
the validity of all learning that is relevant to a college degree and for actively fostering on-going
education. Success stories are frequent in our program for both areas. Forty percent of ISM
graduates have gone on to graduate programs. Several have completed doctorates. Of those
ISM students who have graduated since 2004, approximately sixty percent prepared portfolios
of experiential learning in a wide spectrum of disciplines.
Students are guided in examining their experiential learning to extract specific components.
Determining learning levels, learning components, theory and practice relationships, and
appropriate narration, documentation, and presentation are areas covered in IS 206e:
Researching, Writing, and Documenting Prior Learning. This is a rigorous, writing heavy full
semester course. There are weekly reading and writing assignments and discussion board
participation during the first half of the course; in the last half of the course, students write both a
draft and final portfolio narrative as well as gather their supporting documentation. The goal is to
have a portfolio ready, or nearly ready, for submission for credit evaluation by the end of the
semester.
IS 206e is offered in the fall and spring semesters.
The student expresses prior learning in terms of college-level curriculum or competencies,
relates it to his/her overall educational and career objectives, and compiles evidence of this
learning to demonstrate competence. In preparing the portfolio, a student must reflect on the
learning and competencies that allow for the transfer principles of from one situation to another.
The application of experiential learning to the curriculum of higher education avoids the
duplication of learning and allows the student to build on the learning already acquired.
Completed portfolios meeting ISM standards are submitted to the appropriate academic unit for
evaluation. The academic unit head directs the portfolio to the faculty member most qualified to
evaluate the particular learning component.
27
Revised 6/15/14
The faculty member assesses the portfolio for creditable learning, degree and level of
competence, level of learning (introductory or advanced), and credit equivalency.
The portfolio provides evidence of student learning expected in a college level course in the
related subject area. The portfolio demonstrates understanding gained. The student's narrative
articulates learning outcomes gained from prior experience. It is learning that is assessed, not
experience, and it is the student's responsibility to convey this learning or competency and not
just reiterate the experience from which the learning is drawn. The college-level learning itself
must be the basis for any award of credit.
Evaluators may choose to talk with the student explore and clarify the contents of the portfolio to
assess the depth of the student's learning. If the portfolio is incomplete, the student may be
asked to rework it before the completion of the evaluation.
The level of the learning presented in the portfolio should be compared with the achievement of
traditional students. The amount of credit is determined by the amount of learning found in the
portfolio. The credit will be recorded without a grade and is specified as experiential credit on
the official transcript.
Credits earned through prior learning assessment (PLA) cannot duplicate credits already earned
through transfer credit evaluation or through classes taken at JMU. Simply put, credit cannot be
awarded for the same learning twice. Students need to pay careful attention to this when
developing their portfolios and ADP staff checks credits awarded through the PLA process to
ensure the avoidance of duplication of credit before PLA credits are sent to the Registrar for
posting to the student’s official JMU transcripts.
Portfolio Assessment Guidelines
1. Only students currently enrolled at JMU in the Individualized Study Major are eligible to
submit a portfolio of experiential learning for evaluation.
2. It is the student's responsibility to convey learning and provide evidence of learning through
narrative, documentation, and interview.
3. Credit awarded is for college-level learning, not experience.
4. Credit is granted for college-level learning which meets the academic standards of JMU.
5. Faculty experts in relevant subject areas complete assessment.
6. Credit earned through an assessment of prior learning cannot be duplicated through any
other mechanism for earning credit.
7. Credit is awarded for learning, which includes both theory and practice. Fees paid by the
student reflect the service performed, not the amount of credit awarded.
28
Revised 6/15/14
8. Prior learning credit is not transferable.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools acknowledges that not all learning needs to
occur within the four walls of the traditional classroom. Regionally accredited institutions may
include experiential learning, or prior learning.
“The institution has a defined and published policy for evaluating, awarding, and
accepting credit for transfer, experiential learning, advanced placement, and
professional certificates that is consistent with its mission and ensures that course work
and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to the institution’s own
degree programs. The institution assumes responsibility for the academic quality of any
course work or credit recorded on the institution’s transcript. “
Portfolio-based credit for prior experiential learning is awarded for no more than 25 percent of
the credit hours applied toward a degree. In exceptional individual cases, however, the nature
and content of the prior learning experience may be such that additional credit may be
appropriately awarded. The institution must justify each such case. In awarding credit for prior
experiential learning, the institution awards credit only for documented learning which ties the
prior experience to the theories and data of the relevant academic field.
Adult Degree Program students may earn up to 25% in non-traditional credits toward their
Bachelor’s degree. This includes credits awarded through Prior Learning Assessment
(portfolios) and CLEP exams. (See Page 30 for additional information on CLEP).
29
Revised 6/15/14
COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
CLEP is a national program that offers students credit by computer-based examination. This
allows students to have the opportunity to obtain recognition for achievement in specific college
courses. ADP students are able to use course equivalents earned through passing scores on
CLEP exams to fulfill general education requirements, as electives, or to meet prerequisite
requirements for upper level courses.
ADP staff members administer CLEP exams at their offices in the Ice House, 127 W. Bruce St.,
Harrisonburg, Virginia.
For additional information visit the CLEP website at http://clep.collegeboard.org or call the ADP
office at 540-568-4255.
- For a full listing of accepted CLEP tests for ADP students and the complete process for
registering and scheduling go to the ADP Website at
http://www.jmu.edu/outreach/programs/all/adultdegree/clep.shtml
30
Revised 6/15/14
INDIVIDUALIZED STUDY MAJOR SENIOR PROJECT
All students in the Individualized Study Major complete a Senior Project. Students may register
for this class any time after they have accumulated 90 hours on the JMU transcript. Generally,
you earn three credits for the Senior Project, but you can earn up to six.
The Senior Project is the capstone of your Individualized Study Major program, and it is when
“individualized” shines the brightest. Students work with a faculty member in their area of
concentration to decide on the project. It can be a research paper, a video, training workshop,
even a novel. The possibilities are endless – as long as it is related to your concentration. You
and your advisor will also identify learning goals and outcomes, what you will do to achieve that
learning, and how your advisor will evaluate you.
There are three parts to the Senior Project: the Senior Project Workshop, the project itself, and
the Senior Project Forum.
The Senior Project Workshop is an online workshop on Blackboard. To access the workshop,
log on to Blackboard, find the ISM Student-to-Student Chat Group under Organizations. The
Senior Project Workshop is the last link on the left. (Note – If the chat group does not appear on
your Blackboard page, contact the ADP office and a member of the staff will enroll immediately.)
To complete the workshop, first read the Senior Project Handbook. Once you have read it, mark
it reviewed. A quiz link will appear. Take the quiz, going back to the handbook to review any
questions you miss.
Your next step is to meet with your academic advisor, selected during IS 200, to talk about what
you plan to do for your senior project. You will need to select a faculty member to work with on
your project, and your advisor can help you choose the best instructor for this.
Next, meet with the faculty member who will work with you for the Senior Project. You may wish
to call him or her directly, or use the same email contact process you did when selecting your
academic advisor.
With your project instructor, complete the Course Agreement Form: title your project, give a brief
summary of it, and explain how it relates to your concentration, identity what you will learn and
what you will do, and ask your instructor to identify how he or she will grade you.
The Adult Degree Program office should have the completed form at least two (2) weeks before
the first day of class. You must have the paperwork in BEFORE 5 p.m. on the first day of class
each semester. No course agreements will be accepted after that date. Once we receive it
and approve it, we will create the class and let you know you can register for the class on eCampus. NOTE: You must register for IS 498 as you would any other class. We can create the
class for you but we cannot register for you.
Students are encouraged to do an IS 499: Honors Project. Students who have maintained a
high academic GPA will be contacted by the Honors Program to participate in an Honors
Project. This project (IS 499) is a six-credit, two-semester independent study and serves as your
Senior Project. Successful completion will result in the student graduating with distinction. To
register, you need to bring both the completed Course Agreement form AND the signature sheet
that students must complete for the Honors department to the ISM office.
THE SENIOR PROJECT FORUM
Because ISM students are often juggling, school, work, and families, they do not have the time
or the opportunity to participate in many of the University events surrounding Commencement.
To honor our students and their hard work, the ISM office holds a Senior Project Forum on the
last Friday of the fall and spring semesters.
At the Forum, students give a 10-minute summary of their project. Each presentation should
include a visual aid, a PowerPoint slide show or the actual product created. Students also hand
in a two-page summary one to two weeks before the Forum that explains what was done, how it
was accomplished, and what was learned.
The Senior Project Forum workshops are held approximately 10 days before the forum to help
students prepare for their presentations. At this time, students review their presentations with an
ISM staff member and turn in a two-page project summary.
Scheduled dates will be posted on the website and students will be notified by email as well.
All ISM students are encourage to attend at least one Senior Project Forum before they do their
own project and presentation.
[Return to Table of Contents]
32
Revised 6/15/14
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Student Assessment Day:
All students with 45-70 earned credit hours are required to participate in assessment. This
usually is in February of each year. On the assessment day, there are no classes between 8:00
AM to 4:00 PM. Evening classes (those beginning 4 p.m. or later) meet as scheduled. If you
receive word from the University that you need to take the assessment tests, you MUST take
them. There are no exceptions. You should receive an email from the university administration
on this. Go to http://www.jmu.edu/assessment/faq.shtml for more information.
Classes with Labs:
There are classes such as science and history (yes – history!) that are four credits. Three
credits are for the main class while the fourth credit is a lab. Please realize that this means it is
like two different classes. You will go to one class as the lecture portion and then you will go to a
second class for the lab portion.
Veterans:
If you are a veteran, you may be entitled to certain educational benefits. The Office of the
Registrar will assist you in determining if you have the right to these benefits. Go to
http://www.jmu.edu/registrar/veterans/ for more information.
As a veteran, make sure you send us a DD214 form. It entitles you to three credits of GKIN 100
and three credits of HTH 000.
GCOM 121—Credit By Examination:
This is a way for you to save time and money and take care of a general education requirement
for Oral Communications. Students have the option of receiving credit for GCOM 121 by taking
advantage of the Credit by Examination option. This is an alternative to enrolling and
successfully completing the course. The following links will give you more information:
• http://www.jmu.edu/assessment/writ&oral.htm
• http://www.jmu.edu/assessment/wm_library/GCOM.pdf
If you have any questions, contact the Center for Assessment and Research Studies at (540)
568-6706.
[Return to Table of Contents]
33
Revised 6/15/14
University Graduation Honors:
•
University graduation honors will be determined after grades are posted for the term prior to
the term in which degree requirements will be met.
•
Honors Criteria:
•
o
3.5 GPA at JMU
o
60 credits at JMU
o
4 regular semesters at JMU
To determine graduation honors, a combined GPA including all courses taken at all
institutions will be calculated for students who meet the above criteria and have completed
work at other institutions.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
All applicants for financial aid must undergo a standardized needs analysis to determine their
eligibility. Those programs requiring a standardized analysis are the Federal Work-Study
Program, Virginia Work Study Program, Federal Pell Grant, College Scholarship Assistance
Program, General Undergraduate Scholarship, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity
Grant, Federal Subsidized Stanford Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Stanford Loan and Federal
Perkins Loan. The amount of financial assistance students receive depends on their eligibility,
taking into account their financial resources.
While the staff of the Individualized Study Major has nothing to do with the administration of
student financial services, we strongly encourage all students to apply for financial aid once the
student is admitted to the university as an "official" undergraduate student. (Sorry, students
classified as "special" students are not eligible for financial aid.) Once you have 30 graded
hours either taken at JMU or transferred in, you will apply to become an "official" undergraduate
student. After you are accepted as an "official" undergraduate student, you will then become
eligible to apply for financial aid. Below is information to lead you to the offices that will help you
with what you need to know.
University Business Office
The University Business Office is the office that will handle your money matters at James
Madison University. Their web site is at http://www.jmu.edu/ubo/. This is the site to go to find
everything you need to know about current tuition and fees, payment options, due dates, and to
get the answers to other questions.
The University Business Office is located on the fifth floor of The Student Success Center, along
with the Registrar, Financial Aid, and the Cashier's Office are located.
34
Revised 6/15/14
You can view your financial accounts on the Web, just login to MYMADISON at
https://MyMadison.jmu.edu/. Be sure to check your accounts near payment priority dates and
before scheduled registration dates. Once you have logged in to the system, click on
"Finances." On the next page, you will be able to view your account, make a payment, and view
your financial aid.
Contact information for University Business Office is:
University Business Office, MSC 3516
James Madison University
Student Success Center, 5th Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Telephone: (540) 568-6505 or 6291
Fax: (540) 568-7363
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/ubo/
E-mail: ubo@jmu.edu
Linda Combs is the director of University Business Office. Her contact information is:
Telephone - (540) 568-3745
Fax - (540) 568-6402
Email - combslc@jmu.edu
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, also located on the fifth floor of the Student
Success Center, has its own website at http://www.jmu.edu/finaid/. Click on the link "Prospective
Students" the first time you are applying for aid and then click on the appropriate link to answer
whatever question you have. Once you applied the first time, you would then simply click on the
"Current Students" link thereafter in the process.
Contact Information for the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is:
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, MSC 3519
James Madison University
Student Success Center, 5th Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Telephone: (540) 568-7820
Fax: (540) 568-7994
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/finaid
E-mail for general financial aid questions: fin_aid@jmu.edu
E-mail for loan questions: loans@jmu.edu
35
Revised 6/15/14
E-mail for scholarship questions: scholarships@jmu.edu
Financial Aid Links
Educaid: A leading lender in the field of higher education
http://www.educaid.com/
Scholarship Searches
http://fastweb.com/
http://www.collegenet.com/about/index_html
College Student Loans
https://www.campusdoor.com/
The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
http://www.finaid.org/
Scholarship fraud alert
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship/
Federal Student Aid
http://studentaid.ed.gov
ED Office of Postsecondary Education Home Page
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/index.html
[Return to Table of Contents]
36
Revised 6/15/14
Student Employment Center
There are jobs available campus-wide to all students who wish to apply. Visit the Student
Employment Center on the fifth floor of the Student Success Center or check out their web site
at http://www.jmu.edu/stuemploy.
Contact Information for the Student Employment Center is:
Student Work Experience Center, MSC 3519
James Madison University
Student Success Center, 5th Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Phone: 540-568-3269
Fax: 540-568-1695
Email: studentjobs@jmu.edu
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
The new Student Success Center is located in the location previously occupied by RMH on the
corner of Mason and Martin Luther King Way (Historic Cantrell Avenue). In this location, you
will find everything you will need from information to study rooms to direct access to all the JMU
services you will deal with frequently.
A listing of departments and locations is on the following page.
For more information on the services provided for you, visit their Website at
www.jmu.edu/successcenter
37
Revised 6/15/14
Departments and Areas by Floor
FIRST FLOOR
Information & Guest Services
Student Success Center Operations
Office of Disability Services
Learning Centers
Science and Math Learning Center
University Writing Center
Communication Center
English Language Learners Services
Peer Assisted Study Sessions
University Health Center
Health Education, Prevention and Outreach
Walk-in Clinic
Campus Police Substation
Assembly Room
Group Study Rooms
Dunkin' Donuts
The Atrium
Madison Square (outside area green space)
SECOND FLOOR
Card Services
Centennial Scholars Program
Community Service-Learning
38
Revised 6/15/14
Judicial Affairs
Orientation
University Health Center
Administrative Offices
Appointment Clinic
Peer Educators Activity Room
Dining Services Restaurant/Grab + Go/ Patio
THIRD FLOOR
Administrative Offices
Student Affairs Technical Services
Counseling Center
Career & Academic Planning
Conference Suite
FOURTH FLOOR
Information Technology
Help Desk
Test Scoring Center
The EPIC Center (Experimental Classrooms/Meeting Rooms)
FIFTH FLOOR
University Business Office
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Office of the Registrar
[Return to Table of Contents]
39
Revised 6/15/14