Civic engagement and community service are integral to campus culture at James Madison University, stemming back to the 1986 launch of an initiative promoting service-learning. The college has strong offerings in visual and performing arts, as well as in the social sciences. Health-related programs, business and communications are among the most popular majors.
Although James Madison has about 21,000 undergraduates, nearly 90% of classes have fewer than 50 students in them and almost all classes are taught by professions. Eight in 10 undergrads do research, an internship or student teaching before graduation.
Faculty, staff and students wear school colors on Fridays (dubbed “Purple Fridays). Other traditions include painting the spirit rock with event notices or other messages to the student body, and cheering for Dukes at athletic events.
The university is situated in the middle of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, offering mountain views and hilly walks around the campus — plus access to the city of Harrisonburg. In their downtime, students can join 450 wide-ranging organizations like the aerospace club, caving club and the antisocial social club.
