James Madison University
PAE-8: Support Programs for Underrepresented Groups

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Education Program supports JMU's commitment to diversity by providing volunteer opportunities for students and educational events about the experience of LGBTQ identified students at JMU. www.jmu.edu/lgbta/ Madison Equality is JMU's support community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. http://beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/madisonequality Safe Zone 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. www.jmu.edu/safezone/index.shtml The Centennial Scholars Program provides full scholarships, academic, and personal support to a select group of students. See discussion under affordability and access credit PAE-10 www.jmu.edu/centscholars/index.html The Center for Multicultural Student Services celebrates diversity by heightening awareness and educating students regarding ethnic and cultural diversity. www.jmu.edu/multicultural/ There are additional programs not listed that serve the following groups: International students, and specific ethnic and cultural organizations.

Madison Caucus for Gender Equality updates the historic Faculty Women’s Caucus that was initiated in 1973 to address discrimination against women in the JMU workplace. The caucus reaches out to all professional women and men on campus, understanding that gender based workplace bias affects not only women but men and families as well. www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/ The ALANA network draws its name from "African, Latino, Asian and Native American" and fosters a sense of community among multicultural faculty and staff at JMU. www.jmu.edu/diversity/alana.html The goal of the Innovative Diversity Efforts Award is to provide funds to students, faculty and staff members who want to test innovative ideas/research related to enhancing diversity at JMU. Individuals, departments, units or groups submit proposals for activities designed to enhance diversity in its broadest terms including socioeconomic status and background, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran/military service status, or any combination. www.jmu.edu/diversity/diversityprograms.shtml The Diversity Councils provide a vehicle for the dissemination and creation of university and departmental diversity initiatives. www.jmu.edu/diversity/diversityprograms.shtml

Madison Caucus for Gender Equality updates the historic Faculty Women’s Caucus that was initiated in 1973 to address discrimination against women in the JMU workplace. The caucus reaches out to all professional women and men on campus, understanding that gender based workplace bias affects not only women but men and families as well. www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/ The ALANA network draws its name from "African, Latino, Asian and Native American" and fosters a sense of community among multicultural faculty and staff at JMU. www.jmu.edu/diversity/alana.html The goal of the Innovative Diversity Efforts Award is to provide funds to students, faculty and staff members who want to test innovative ideas and/or develop sustainable activities and projects that would enrich the diversity of JMU. Individuals, departments, units or groups submit proposals for activities designed to enhance diversity in its broadest terms including socioeconomic status and background, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran/military service status, or any combination. www.jmu.edu/diversity/diversityprograms.shtml Diversity Enhancement Award Program (DEAP) -http://www.jmu.edu/diversity/DEAP.shtml. The purpose of these awards is to recognize individuals and units that have demonstrated a significant commitment to enhance diversity at James Madison University.

There are a number of programs and resources dedicated to serve certain populations and a number of resources to serve all students. JMU recognizes that a critical mass of support is needed for under-represented groups to feel valued, to feel accepted, and to create a sense of belonging within those sub-groups or cultures. Every resource and service is not contained in the list reported under this credit, but the list is representative of some of the services and support structures offered at JMU. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Education Program: www.jmu.edu/lgbta/ Madison Equality: http://beinvolved.jmu.edu/organization/madisonequality Safe Zone: www.jmu.edu/safezone/index.shtml The Centennial Scholars Program: www.jmu.edu/centscholars/index.html The Center for Multicultural Student Services: www.jmu.edu/multicultural/ Caucus for Gender Equality: www.jmu.edu/caucusgenderequality/ Innovative Diversity Efforts Grant: www.jmu.edu/diversity/diversityprograms.shtml Diversity Enhancement Award Program: http://www.jmu.edu/diversity/DEAP.shtml This information was entered by Melissa Altman.