University leadership affirms values amid organizational changes
JMU News
Note: The information below was shared with faculty, staff and students after the Board of Visitors passed a resolution on the future of diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.
During the April 11 Board of Visitors meeting, and heeding guidance at the federal level, the board introduced and passed a resolution to end the university’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The immediate change at JMU is that four positions will be eliminated: two have been vacant, one person is on administrative leave until their term ends on June 30 and the final position will be reassigned to a different area. The other areas, such as the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, will be moved to another division and those details are forthcoming.
The funds from this division, in addition to new financial aid money being provided by the university, will be reallocated to support Pell-eligible student scholarships. This initiative will support approximately 75 new students, who have already been accepted into JMU, over their four years at JMU. In total, after four years, this initiative will positively impact approximately 300 students, create greater access and opportunity and result in the reallocation of approximately $1.8 million toward financial aid for students, which has always been a significant need at our institution.
Additional funds will also be allocated to the Center for Multicultural Student Services. At President Charlie King's request, the board was agreeable to ensure this support center remained a valuable space on campus and is available for all students.
The action of the board today does not lessen the university's commitment to creating a diverse campus community. It will remain a priority to recruit and retain the best faculty, staff and students and create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Despite the challenges of today’s environment, JMU remains a community that values the richness of all individuals and perspectives, where we support one another, collaborate, and elevate the enriching student experience and high-quality education provided at JMU.
President King said it is important to remember the university's values and core mission. Our university values are:
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Academic Quality: We are dedicated to exemplary learning experiences because they are the essence of our mission. |
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Community: We thrive when we collaborate, respect and serve others, and appreciate our interconnectedness. |
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Diversity: We strive to be an inclusive community that values the richness of all individuals and perspectives. |
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Innovation: We believe that purposeful creativity through our collaborative processes leads to knowledge creation, learning and excellence. |
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Integrity: We pursue ethical reasoning because it is essential to meaningful citizenship. |
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Student Focus: We provide experiences that challenge and support students. |
Media contact: Mary-Hope Vass, vassmg@jmu.edu
