Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Pledge
August is Civility Awareness Month.
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will collect names throughout August 2024 for a September online publication at the Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility website. Those who would like to have their name included in the September print version of the list (to be distributed during September events that promote Civility) must submit their name by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sep. 2, 2024. New pledges will be announced at the Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility website the first day of each month throughout the academic year. For more information, please contact the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, placing Dukes ‘Ace” Civility in the subject line.
As a visual representation of names, the “Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility” Pledge List helps to further highlight the strong foundation of support within our campus communities to uphold civility. We are excited to invite you to become a visible partner in August and all year!
Belonging in Word and Deed
Dr. Bruce E. Mitchell II serves as the Associate Vice President for Accessibility and Belonging. He supports the Office of Disability Services, Center for Multicultural Student Services, JMU VALOR, Religious Life, and SOGIE. Dr. Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies and a Master’s in the Art of Teaching from Kent State University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from West Virginia University. Check out the departments he supervises.
TO REFLECT ON
- Have you visited one or more of the offices mentioned above?
JMU SGA Resolution
Carlin Bumgarner, then Speaker of the Student Senate James Madison University, announced Tuesday, April 2, 2024, that the Student Senate passed Resolution 45. The basis of this Resolution is "To emphasize the importance of DEI initiatives on university campuses."
The Resolution passed.
TO REFLECT ON
- Have you ever thought about student leaders' role in promoting belonging by demonstrating civility?
Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Campaign
August is Civility Awareness Month, and we are excited to invite you to become a visible partner in the “Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility” campaign in August and all year!
This campaign will feature conversation starters accessible via a QR Code, displayed on cups in D/E Hall, as well as during CiviliTea Pop-Up Beverage Service during Family Weekend and Homecoming Weekend. Thanks to one campaign co-sponsor, JMU Dining, one side of these cups will display a word (diversity, inclusion, accessibility, belonging, civility), while the other side will feature the QR Code. Additionally, the campaign includes (but is not limited to):
- Steep yourself the #Dukes Ace Civility website and social media (August 1 launch) with conversation starters.
- Contests with mug giveaways, with winners showcased on our social media
- Get the Tea on Civility during the relaunch of the Freedom of Expression Series (Launch is September 26 th from 2-3 pm. 2024 dates forthcoming)
- Film Screenings
- Promoting JMU events or initiatives that align with the “Dukes AceCivility” theme. Share yours with us at VPDEI@jmu.edu.
- Did we mention the CiviliTea available during pop-up beverage service throughout the month/year?
- We’ll enjoy demonstration of this theme throughout the academic year through existing and new pursuits (i.e. actions and results of the SpeakUpDukes Climate Study, Task Force on Racial Equity, etc.)
TO REFLECT ON
- As a Duke, how can you “Ace” Civility?
Nominating a Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Champion
Know someone who is a walking, talking example of Civility? Help the campus recognize their efforts by sending a nomination to the Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Campaign at vpdei@jmu.edu.
Place Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Champion [Insert Champion’s Name] in the subject line and in up to 250 words tell us about your nominee in the body of your email.
Each nomination will be considered and, if selected as a Civility Champion, will be announced at the Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility website on the first day of each month throughout the academic year.. Nominations are now OPEN.
JMU Annual Diversity Conference
For the past 20 years, each March, James Madison University has hosted a diversity conference that welcomes employees and the external civic and business community. The 2024 theme was “ The Time is Now: Boldly Demonstrating Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging”. The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will announce the “Save The Date” Fall 2024.
TO REFLECT ON
- JMU's commitment to equity in employment and education drives us not only to prevent and address discrimination but also to take proactive steps to ensure equal employment and educational opportunities. This commitment also drives us to measure, study, and discuss how well its employee and student populations reflect the larger workforce and student base and whether various populations experience educational attainment and employment actions (such as promotions) at similar rates. Employees and community members discuss such matters annually during the JMU Diversity Conference.
Listening to respond, or Listening to Understand Graphic
Graphic Description: A graphic depicting "Listening to Respond vs. Listening to Understand" would visually contrast these two communication styles. One shows water running over a brick and the other shows water running into a sponge.
TO REFLECT ON
Have you ever got the feeling that a person was only listening to you so they could disprove or discount your point of view?
The Cycle of Socialization (Bobbie Harro)
The cycle of socialization is a framework that helps people understand how they are socialized into their identities, roles, and beliefs. It was introduced by Bobbi Harro in Readings for Diversity and Social Justice and can help people recognize harmful beliefs, overcome biases, and disrupt systemic oppression.
TO REFLECT ON
- The last stage of this cycle presents us with an option. We can continue in this cycle, perpetuating the messages we received and continuing to pass them on to other individuals, or we can make a change. In what ways could you unlearn or adjust unhelpful messages we learn through this cycle?
