While there's no easy way to adequately describe the campus climate at any college or university, we have addressed some questions you may have about what to expect at JMU.
Yes! Madison Equality is a JMU student run support organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. The primary mission of the group is to promote tolerance and acceptance through education and awareness and anyone who supports equality and queer rights is welcomed, regardless of orientation. Interested in joining? E-mail madisonequality@gmail.com to learn more.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), located in the first floor of the Student Success Center, promotes JMU's commitment to diversity through education, support, advocacy, and fostering equity for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Yes! The Counseling Center offers free and confidential individual, group, and couples counseling, as well as consultation services. Students who are interested should contact the Counseling Center. Call us at 540-568-6552 or come visit us for more information. We have walk-in hours available Monday-Friday 10am-3pm
You do not have to feel alone in the coming out process. There are several spots on campus you can receive support and get more information on what to expect, including the staff at Counseling Center, Madison Equality, and the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), as well as the resource library, jmuLGBTA Library Thing, located on the first floor of the Student Success Center. The Counseling Center also offers additional online resources and information for LGBTQIQA students.
Members of the JMU community strive to be as supportive and inclusive as possible of all students. A myriad of resources are available on campus that are specific to LGBTQIQA students, including housing, student health, career planning, and academic classes. Visit SOGIE's Resources page for the list.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) (located on the first floor of the Student Success Center) coordinates speakers, films, and other events throughout the academic year on campus. In addition, you will find an LGBTQ Resource Library with books, periodicals, videos, and other resources, and a hangout space, which is available to all members of the campus community. In addition, graduating seniors are encouraged to attend the Lavender Graduation Ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments at JMU!
For a schedule of even more on-campus events, visit the Madison Equality events page.
JMU's Safe Zone, which is a voluntary network of faculty, staff and students who believe that every member of the university community should have an equal opportunity to grow and learn in a safe and open environment, are easily identifiable. Just look for the stickers posted on campus! And just an FYI, nearly all staff at the Counseling Center have undergone Safe Zone training. Chances are, when you make an appointment at The Counseling Center, you will see a Safe Zone sticker on your counselor's door.
Bias and harassment based on sex, sexual orientation (or lack thereof), gender, and gender expression (or lack thereof) fall under JMU's official sexual harassment and sexual misconduct policy, which includes definitions and reporting procedures. You can also find a number of ways to report bias and harassment incidents to JMU's Title IX office. All reports are taken very seriously!
Many individuals involved in both Greek and the athletic communities have undergone Safe Zone training. Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), Madison Equality, and the Counseling Center are here to answer any questions you have, or offer any support you might need.
MSC 0801
738 South Mason Street
Room - 3rd Floor, Suite 3100
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm
24/7 Mental Health Emergency Support
Call (540)568-6552, after hours press 1
