James Madison University joined as a JED University in 2022.

The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow. JED provides colleges and universities expert support, evidence-based best practices, and data-driven guidance to protect student mental health and prevent suicide.

In JMU’s first year as a JED campus, the focus was on assessment and strategic planning. Now in years 2-3, the focus is on implementation and learning community participation. In year 4, the focus will shift to evaluation and sustainability.

Completed JMU JED Initiatives

• Independent Health Promotion Department (JED Objective - Develop Life Skills; Fall 2024)
  
  
• Strategic Health Promotion Plan (JED Objective - Develop Life Skills; Spring 2024)
  
  
• Adopt standard definition and dimensions of well-being for the campus community (JED Objective - Develop Life Skills, April 2024)
  
  
• Living Room (Fall 2023); Zen Booths (Fall 2023); Sensory Room (JED Objective - Social Connectedness, Fall 2024)
  
  
• Collect Health History from All Incoming Students; Provide Resources to At Risk Students (JED Objective - Support in Transition, Spring 2024)
  
  
• Well-being Website Health and Well-being - JMU (JED Objective - Increase Help Seeking Behavior; Fall 2024)
  
  

Current JMU JED Initiatives

• Explore methods of campus wide data collection related to mental health/substance misuse.  (JED Objective - Strategic Planning)
  
  
• Explore feasibility of student insurance plan.  (JED Objective - Mental Health/Substance Abuse Support)
  
  
• Review campus wide withdrawal process and assure transparency.  (JED Objective - Leave Policies)
  
  
• Form postvention working group to coordinate postvention plans; communicate plans to campus community; and evaluate annually.  (JED Objective - Crisis Management Procedures)
  
  
• Develop highly visible campaigns and messaging, around substance use to highlight positive social norms, safer strategies, positive bystander behaviors, and resources. Targeted to students and broader community. (JED Objective - Substance Abuse Support)