A-to-Z Index

University Policies

Equal Opportunity JMU Policy 1302
It is the policy of James Madison University to provide equal employment and educational opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability. An integral part of this policy is to administer recruiting, hiring, working conditions, benefits and privileges of employment, compensation, training, opportunity for advancement including upgrades and promotion, transfer, and termination of employment including layoff and recall for all employees without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability.

Americans with Disabilities Act  JMU Policy 1331; JMU Policy 1329
The Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12,101 et. seq.) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 791 et. seq.) prohibit discrimination against a person with a disability in the offer or conditions of employment and in the participation or furnishing of services. James Madison University is obliged to provide reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with documented disabilities to perform a job, participate in a class or participate in other university functions. A qualified employee or applicant with a disability is an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of a particular job or meet specific academic/program requirements for participation in a university-sponsored program, service or activity. To be covered under ADA, the disability must be substantial and not temporary. The ADA does not alter JMU's right to hire the best-qualified applicant but does prohibit discrimination against a qualified applicant or employee because of his/her disability.

Individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and eligible to participate in programs and services of the university may request reasonable accommodations. For employees, visit the HR website for the Employee Request for Accommodation form and contact Diane Ricketson (540) 568-5533. For students, refer to the Office of Disability Services (540) 568-6705; for visitors, refer to the Office of Equal Opportunity. Questions, assistance or violations related to these policies should be directed to the director of the university's Office of Equal Opportunity, (540) 568-6991. For more information on ADA and support available at JMU, visit Disability Services, Disability Resources Committee or Office of Equal Opportunity.

Harassment JMU Policy 1324
James Madison University seeks to provide a work and study environment free from all forms of harassment including sexual harassment, intimidation and exploitation. Harassment is unwelcome offensive verbal, physical or written conduct when:

  • Submission to the conduct is made a condition of employment or admission of an applicant
  • Submission to or rejection of the conduct is made the basis for personnel action (recommendation for promotion or tenure) or grades
  • The conduct seriously affects an employee's performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or study environment

The conduct includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome offensive behaviors referring to a person's race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability. Questions, assistance or violations related to these policies should be directed to the university's Office of Equal Opportunity, (540) 568-6991. 

Alcohol and Other Drugs JMU Policy 1110
The following acts by employees are prohibited:

The unlawful or unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace;

  • impairment in the workplace from the use of alcohol or other drugs (except the use of drugs for legitimate medical purposes);
  • the criminal conviction for:
    • violation of any criminal drug law, based upon conduct occurring either on or off the workplace; or
    • violation of any alcoholic beverage control law, or law that governs driving while intoxicated, based upon conduct occurring either on or off the workplace; or
    • an employee’s failure to report any offense described above to his or her supervisor within five calendar days. 

The workplace consists of any state-owned or leased property or any site where official duties are being performed by state employees. Any employee who commits any prohibited act under this policy shall be subject to the full range of disciplinary actions including discharge and may be required to satisfactorily participate in an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Smoking Regulations JMU Policy 1111
Smoking is not permitted within buildings, facilities, structures or vehicles owned or leased by the university. This includes individual offices. Please check with your supervisor for designated smoking areas near your work location. Smoking is generally allowed in outdoor spaces.

Prohibition of Weapons JMU Policy 1105
Possession of a weapon on campus is strictly limited and restricted. 

Visit the University Policy Committee website for a complete list of policies which employees are expected to adhere to throughout their employment with JMU. 

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