We host events each fall semester to prepare our students for a successful year.
These are tailored to where you are in the program and attendance is required.
If you are unable to attend due to a class conflict or other issue, please contact Paige Normand, normanap@jmu.edu, with the details.

Senior Lunch

September 9, 2022, 11:30-12:30 in King 259.
Headshots & Pizza provided.
Required for all CS students who plan to graduate in December '22, May '23, or Summer '23.

Agenda

  • Graduation Requirements
  • Catalogs and course substitutions
  • Graduation Process (application, audit)
  • Graduation Applications
  • Finishing late, missing courses, raising GPAs
  • CISE Career Fair
  • Technical Interview support
  • Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) and Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE)
  • Security clearances
  • Headshots

Freshmen Night

September 19, 2022 5:00pm-6:00pm in King 159
Pizza provided
Required for all students taking CS 149 and CS 159. Optional for students taking CS 101 but strongly encouraged for those planning on pursuing the CS major.

Agenda

  • Faculty Introductions
  • Introductory Programming Sequence
  • CS Student Panel
  • Strategies for Success
  • TA Hours, Office Hours, 4th Hour
  • Communication: Canvas and Listserv
  • CS Advisor

Here are the slides from the event

Sophomore Night

October 17, 2022. 5:00-6:00pm in King 159.
Pizza provided.
Required for all students taking CS 240, CS 261, CS 343, and/or CS 345.
Sign up: https://jmu-cs.as.me/sophomore-night

Agenda

  • Faculty Introductions and areas of research
  • CS Clubs w/ Representatives
  • Resources (dept and university)
  • Making a 4-year plan/ Path to Graduation
  • Exploring Minors
  • CS Student Panel for Q&A session

Here are the slides from the event.

Transfer Student Lunch

October 26, 2022. 11:30-12:30pm in King 259.
Pizza provided.
Required for all new transfer students starting in Fall 2022.
Sign up: https://jmu-cs.as.me/transfer-lunch

Agenda (tentative)

  • Advisor Check-in
  • CS Clubs and Departmental Events
  • Peer Networking and Support
  • Transfer Student Panel for Q&A session
  • Graduation Plan Review and One-on-one Advisor Meetings

Junior Lunch

October 28, 2022. 11:30-12:30 in King 259.
Pizza provided.
Required for all student who didn't attend Sophomore or Senior events.
Note: this is scheduled before enrollment to give you helpful enrollment information for your path through the CS curriculum.
Sign up: https://jmu-cs.as.me/junior-lunch

Agenda

  • Curriculum Overview - Paige Normand, CS Advisor
  • CS Electives & Research - CS Faculty
  • Preparing for your Job Search - CISE Career Liaison
  • CS-specific Career Considerations - Dr. Simmons
  • Virginia Tech 4-and-1 program - Dr. Beane
  • Research Opportunities
  • Being a TA
  • Security Clearance

Here are the slides from the event