James Madison University seeks to be an environment characterized by openness, fairness and equal access for all students, staff and faculty. We strive to facilitate a welcoming and inclusive campus climate that is grounded in mutual respect, nurtured by dialogue and evidenced by a pattern of civil interaction.

To reach these goals, JMU stared a university-wide campus climate study in 2021. The study involves multiple initiatives and deliverables that began immediately with the formation of a Climate Study Working Group, encompassed a Campus Climate Study Survey and resulted in a report administered by an outside consulting company. We used the reported results to take immediate action and improve our campus while forming a long-term implementation team that will continue the work.

Much of what was learned in the Climate Study Survey affirmed efforts underway on campus through groups like the Task Force for Racial Equity and Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The took immediate action after receiving the report and has already reached several milestones.

We’ve made good progress has been made, but much work remains. This site will be updated regularly with news of how the Climate Study Response and Implementation Team and other entities across campus are making JMU an even more welcoming and inclusive community. 

Your questions and comments are important as we move through this process.

If you have questions or comments, contact a Response and Implementation Team co-chair: Malika Carter, Heather Coltman, Brent Lewis, Tim Miller or Narketta Sparkman-Key.

Email us at speakupdukes@jmu.edu