These fifteen Priority Initiatives advance The Madison Promise by expanding JMU's physical and academic capacity, investing in employees and modernized systems, growing research and student-success programs, and building the enrollment, partnership, and philanthropic foundations to sustain it.
The 15 Priority Initiatives
- 1. Design and Build the Madison District including New Student Residential Facilities
- 2. Invest in Employee Well-being and Compensation
- 3. Establish a Coordinated University Structure for Responsive Partner Service and Improved Project Management
- 4. Maximize Existing Resources, Diversify Revenue Streams, and Align Programs and Services with Strategic Priorities
- 5. Develop New Undergraduate and Graduate Programs Designed to Meet Commonwealth Needs
- 6. Implement The Guarantees
- 7. Expand Research Infrastructure
- 8. Develop and Implement Effective AI Governance and Practices
- 9. Pilot Work-to-Learn: Expanding Meaningful Student Employment
- 10 .Advance Reengineering Madison
- 11. Enhance Support for Undergraduate Research
- 12. Develop a Comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management Plan
- 13. Launch and Successfully Complete JMU’s Next Comprehensive Campaign
- 14. Expand access to high-quality Work-Based Learning Experience on and off campus
- 15. Expand the College of Health and Behavioral Studies
#1: Design and Build the Madison District including New Student Residential Facilities
JMU is planning a new mixed-use Madison District that will reshape how students live, learn, and connect on campus. Delivered in phases through the Campus Master Plan, the district will expand residential capacity, strengthen the ties between campus and community, and support the university’s long-term academic, enrollment, and financial goals.
Key Performance Indicator(s)
- Grow on-campus housing from ~28% of students today (6,863 beds) toward 40% by 2032, and 60% by 2040.
- Deliver each phase, including residential, athletic, mixed-use, and infrastructure elements, with strong governance and financial stewardship.
- Create a vibrant district that enhances student life and positions JMU for long-term growth.
FY27 Action Items
- Complete the competitive procurement process and select a long-term master development partner.
- Establish the development program that frames phased construction, land use, and infrastructure.
- Stand up the governance and oversight structure that will guide the program.
- Begin planning for Phase I residential development, targeting roughly 1,000 new student beds by 2028.
- Begin and complete planning for building migration project.
Supports Pillar 5: Create an Innovative Campus Community
#2: Invest in Employee Well-being and Compensation
At JMU, investment in our people is investment in the mission itself. This initiative builds a campus where faculty and staff thrive, strengthening recognition, professional growth, benefits, and health and well-being support, while continuing to improve compensation. The goal is a lasting, campuswide model that keeps improving year over year.
Key Performance Indicator(s)
- A sustained, institution-wide well-being model, with engagement and well-being baselines and action plans in every division.
- More employees thriving, with stronger engagement, retention, recognition, and growth.
- Measurable participation in recognition, mentoring, professional development, and well-being programs.
FY27 Action Items
- Begin phased engagement and well-being measurement across divisions, starting with a pilot and campuswide readiness work.
- Launch quick-start well-being supports, including expanded well-being resources, onboarding cohorts, and a recognition toolkit.
- Continue improving compensation, including merit increases for eligible employees, salary adjustments, and promotion funding.
- Review first-year results and refine the plan for the year ahead.
Supports Pillar 2: Invest in Our People
