Visit Report by don9992 (Member since October 22 2007 with 34 posts) Visit Date - March 2008
Visit to James Madison University in March 2008 by don9992 (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2009)
Visit Activities:
Information Session:
Yes - Consisted of a presentation in the on-campus movie theater followed by a student-led tour. Campus Tour:
Yes
James Madison University Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent -
They clearly have a good deal of money to spend on infrastructure and are not afraid to use it. It shows. The campus appears to be in top condition.
Dormitories: 3 - Good -
Dorms are dorms, but these appear to be more spacious than most.
Security/Safety: 4 - Very Good -
Emergency alert system deployed across campus.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
The idea that an Interstate highway and a freight railroad line runs literally through does strike one a a bit bizarre sight unseen, but they make it work. It looked like a warm, inviting place.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 4 - Very Good -
Very much a "generica" mix of chain restaurants and stores.
Campus Visit Notes for James Madison University:
Visit Description:
We were actually there so that my daughter could complete in the Classical Singer Magazine High School Voice Competition round taking place in their music department building. Since we were there, my daughter wanted to look around to see if it's a school she'd like to consider.
Their tours are slickly-packaged with full handouts and eager Student Ambassadors to show you around. You get no in-depth looks at departments, but I'm sure one could arrange it beforehand.
Word to the wise: the JMU campus is quite vertical in a number of places. Be prepared to climb hills and steps as you wander around.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
We stayed at the Village Inn south of town. It's a well-kept older property that's kept very updated. The rooms are very large for the money although we found the beds to be rather hard.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
We can only recommend you skip breakfast at the Village Inn and look elsewhere. Trust us, it's nothing special.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
When you sign up, you'll be directed to park in the "Convo" lot. Those lots are on the far end of campus, but buses are waiting to take you to the presentation site.
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Dorms are dorms, but these appear to be more spacious than most.
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Emergency alert system deployed across campus.