Sanctioned Programs


IMPACT Programs

IMPACT I: By the Numbers
This two-hour program examines the reason for the establishment of community standards. An overview of VA laws and university policies is given. Students discuss personal values, community resources, and risk-reduction strategies for avoiding negative consequences of alcohol use. This short course was designed for minor alcohol violations and has an accompanying fee of $50.

Program Goals
  • Students will exhibit knowledge of the law regarding alcohol use.
  • Students will understand the consequences of violating the alcohol laws and the JMU alcohol policy.
  • Students will identify how their personal values impact or are impacted by alcohol use.
  • Students will identify risk reduction strategies for alcohol consumption.
  • Students will become familiar with the resources available within the JMU Community.
  • Students will identify myths and facts about alcohol use and its effects.

IMPACT II: Calling the Shots
This three-week program guides students towards making future decisions more consistent with their values and in compliance with the law. Harrisonburg and/or JMU police participate in this program to answer students’ questions and address risk-reduction strategies. This program was designed for students who violated the alcohol or drug policy and carries a fee of $50.

Program Goals

  • Students will identify influences on their decision-making involving alcohol or drugs.
  • Students will identify the components of ethical decision-making.
  • Students will identify ways to make more responsible choices to avoid negative consequences of alcohol or drug use.
  • Students will identify JMU and Harrisonburg community standards through open discussion with community police officers.
  • Identify the broad impact of alcohol and drugs on individuals, college students and the global community.


IMPACT III: Back On Track
This five-week program offers a more in-depth look at the effects of alcohol and drugs on an individual, and is based on the transtheoretical model of behavior change. Through small group process, students are challenged to identify their issues with drugs or alcohol and identify the means to make healthy changes in their lives. This intensive program might serve as a student's last chance before suspension and is used for most major alcohol/drug violations or for students with repeated violations. This program has a fee of $50.

Program Goals

  • Students will become aware of JMU community standards related to alcohol and drugs.
  • Students will identify and discuss their level of readiness for change.
  • Students will more accurately assess the role alcohol and drugs plays in their own lives.
  • Students will define the concepts of alcohol use, misuse, abuse, addiction, and tolerance.
  • Students will become familiar with campus and community resources.
  • Students will identify ways to reduce risks associated with alcohol and drug use.


    • Contract Agreement Form


Civic Learning Programs

The civic learning program is designed to help students make a connection to campus and their personal mission and goals. Students work in an office on campus and/or meet with a mentor once a week to reflect on their experience at JMU.


Mentor Experience

The Civic Learning Mentor Experience is an informal mentoring program that gives students the opportunity to develop a relationship of mutual respect and trust with a JMU faculty member, staff member, or graduate student. Students meet weekly with their mentor and are free to discuss any number of topics including: personal values, life at JMU, common interests, time management, academic and career endeavors, and involvement opportunities at James Madison University.


Site Experience

Students are matched with an on-campus site that is in line with their involvement interests, needs, and/or strengths. Students meet regularly with the site supervisor to discuss progress and ongoing expectations. Students also attend peer-facilitated reflection group meetings with other students completing the Site Experience Program.


Values in Action

This two-session, interactive workshop encourages participants to explore their personal values, act with integrity, and practice ethical decision-making. Criteria for referral include, but are not limited to: computer misuse, failure to comply with a disciplinary decision, personal abuse, non-compliance with an official request, etc. Some students with honor code violations are referred to this program as well. This program has an accompanying fee of $50.

Values In Action Outcomes
As a result of participation in this program, students will be able to:
  • Define the terms values, ethics & integrity.
  • Identify the steps to living with integrity.
  • Identify the steps to making value-based decisions.
  • Students will identify their top five values.
  • Students will identify Kitchener’s ethical principles.
  • Students will identify the components of the Ethics Checklist.
  • Students will evaluate behaviors based on the Ethics Checklist.
  • Students will be able to identify JMU's values and how they influence community standards including academic integrity.


For information, please visit our Civic Learning Programs page.