Fall 2020
Welcome to the Fall 2020 Semester!
We know that this semester is unlike any others, and we look forward to joining with you to make the most of the opportunities available to us.
About the Fall…
As you may have already heard through various JMU communication, classes this fall will be offered in a variety of formats including hybrid, hyflex, online, and in-person. At this time, your MyMadison will be the best source of information for the scheduled delivery method for your course. Please know that within each course delivery method you will find variation, so if you have any questions, please talk with your individual faculty members.

We Care About You and Our Community
JMU and the Department of Graduate Psychology are committed to the health and well-being of every single member of our learning community. This means that we remain responsive on a daily basis to the ebb and flow of the COVID-19 virus in our community and among its members. If you are feeling at all under the weather or have any concern that you may have been exposed, we cannot stress strongly enough that we prefer you not to attend in-person classes. Accommodations will be made without any consequences for those who prefer to meet synchronously online or via asynchronous methods. We should not be taking any risks with each other.
If you have questions about JMU’s planning and response, please refer to the JMU COVID information page at https://www.jmu.edu/stop-the-spread/index.shtmlLinks to an external site. This page is being continually updated.
Common Concerns
Your program director will keep you up to date through announcements on your program’s Hub site on Canvas. Please make sure you have enabled notifications and updates and regularly check your dukes email account.
We know many of you are worried about your GA position and what might be expected of you. We understand. We expect you will get updates and news about these positions directly from your supervisors.
Those of you who have concerns about clinical placements, please connect with your program director. Directors will be touching base with you about clinical considerations.
Please share any individual concerns with your program directors. We are happy to hear from you and want to stay in touch with you throughout these times!

Gatherings
Please note that although we won’t have an opening picnic, we will host our orientation online. Orientation will take place on August 25 from 2-3:30 for the 1st year students. We will provide you with a Zoom link. Please plan on attending this important meeting!
While we will not be able to do in-person gatherings such as Pizza Process this Fall, we are moving to a virtual “Tea & Talk” time once each month. This will continue to be an opportunity to gather, share information and stories, and have your questions answered. Multiple faculty will attend each meeting, and we will offer occasional break out sessions. These meetings will be a great opportunity for information and community.
Welcome to Our Newest Community Members!
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Caylyn Arbogast
Jenelle Francis
Devon Howell
Sydney Iwanski
Hannah Jarrett
Madison Jones
Maryam Munir
Brielle Pedrick
Yasmine Rodriguez
Matthew Silver
Robert Whelan
Karli Fleitas
Corban Smith
Lizzie Baker
Hayley Becker
Alexandra Gittman
Diana Glakas
Megan Hopkins
Christopher Kamali
Anna Kaplan
Mackenzie Lilley
Emily Pace
We’re very happy that you’re here

Mark your Calendars!
August 26 – Classes meet as scheduled
September 7 – Counseling Faculty Meeting 10 – 12
September 21 – Counseling Programs Faculty Meeting, 10 -12
October 5 – Counseling Programs Faculty Meeting, 10 – 12
October 15 – Last day to submit an application for a Masters, Ed.S. or Doctoral degree if graduation requirements are to be met in May or August 2021
October 19 – Counseling Programs Faculty Meeting, 10 – 1
October 22-23 – Fall Break planned. (No Classes; University Offices Open)
November 2 – Counseling Programs Faculty Meeting, 10-12
November 9 – Registration begins for 2021 spring semester
November 11-13 – Workshops and VCA Convention planned
November 16 – Counseling Programs Faculty Meeting, 10-12
November 20 – Comprehensive assessment results and scholarly documents are due to The Graduate School for December 2020 graduation candidates.
November 21 – Thanksgiving holiday begins
November 30 – Classes resume
December 7 – Counseling Programs Faculty Meeting, 10-12
December 11 – Last day of classes
December 12-18 – Final examinations
December 18 – Deadline for completion of course work for December graduates