Compass Awards

The Compass Awards for Diversity and Inclusion^*

James Madison University has set a course to embrace the inherent uniqueness of each member of our community.  We point to our similarities and differences, recognizing that people have distinct backgrounds, characteristics, experiences, ideas, beliefs, motivations and choices, all of which give direction and value to our university. Presented by the Office of the President, the Compass Award recognizes an individual or groups’ demonstrated outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion at JMU.

The Compass Award may be given to any member of the JMU community. Students, faculty, staff, or groups may be nominated for changing the course of diversity and inclusion at JMU in any of these four award categories: 

Visionary – forward thinking, innovative, creates new programming or progressive initiatives

Leader – mentoring, guiding, facilitating, influencing

Advocate – providing a voice for an underrepresented person or group – site examples         

Catalyst – causing transformative activity or understanding between 2 or more persons, precipitating change