1. Opening and holding the door for others

One of James Madison's notable tradition's is always holding the door for your fellow duke behind you. It's an action that is taught the first day of coming to the university. Not only is holding the door respectful, but also represents the caring environment JMU possesses, and unity among your fellow dukes.

2. Football pride

At every football game, the pride is incredible. With every demand from the scoreboard to cheer, the student section erupts into excitement. From the bam bams given out at each football game and the streamers flying over the crowd for each touchdown, contributes to JMU's pride and unifying environment.

3. FROG week

JMU is one of the only universities that had students arrive on campus early to participate in a five-day event called FROG week. This is a time to bond with people on your hall and meet two upperclassmen(First Year Orientation Guide or FROG) that lead you through a series of events. FROG week is very exciting. Some upperclassmen wish they had a FROG week every year too. Enjoy FROG week because you only get one!

4. JMU Family

Wherever you are on campus, you will notice people's motivation to succeed including most of the faculty and staff. There is a reason we have a student success center. There are numerous people willing to help you succeed anytime. This is rare unlike other major universities, where helping students succeed may not be the priority.

5.The Amazing View

Every night is worth seeing the amazing sunsets over the mountains of Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley. The best view is from East Campus on one of the fields and looking towards UREC, the football stadium, and the other side of campus. Seeing the leaves transition to fall in the mountains is also a bonus that other universities can't experience. In addition, the beautiful stone and university's architecture compliment the view.

6. Living in Harrisonburg

Like JMU, Harrisonburg has an influence on the university too. Harrisonburg's values are very similar to the University. Harrisonburg's mission is to be a diverse, inclusive community, accepting of all. Harrisonburg has numerous good restaurants including Clementines, Jack Brown's, and the Capital Ale House. Going to Kline's, walking around on main street, and taking a hike in the Shenandoah National Park are exciting attractions.

7. Party school

Whether you are a partier, non-partier, or somewhere between, JMU always has a party going on.

8. Royal Dukes

Most universities might have really tacky colors like, Virginia Tech's maroon and orange. But JMU's colors are purple and gold. The color purple is associated with "meaning of life and spiritual fulfillment." The color gold is associated with abundance and prosperity, luxury and quality, prestige and sophistication, value and elegance.