Campus Community,

The Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (OSARP) has updated the 2026-2027 JMU Student Accountability Process and Standards of Conduct Handbook (Handbook).

The updates include, but are not limited to:

• General Handbook section:
  • Addition of a definition of a “Good Faith Report”.
  • Edits for clarity and alignment with other university processes and definitions.
  • Updates to ensure clear communication of when notifications to Reporting Parties/Complainants occur regarding decisions and outcomes.
• Standards of Conduct and Policies section:
  • Addition of the “Animal Abuse” and “Stalking (Non-Sex-Based)” policies.
  • Prohibition of mutual combat activity in the “Physical Force or Attempted Physical Force” policy.
  • Prohibition of unlawfully manufacturing, growing, or producing a drug in the “Drugs” policy.
  • Clarification of the “Hazing” policy.
  • Update to the “Weapons” policy regarding the storage of unloaded, disabled, and facsimile weapons used for demonstration and educational purposes, in alignment with JMU Policy 1105: Prohibition of Weapons.
• Individual Accountability Process and Individual Interim Suspension Process sections:
  • Additional clarity added, specifically regarding the structure of appeals based on new evidence.
• Organizational Accountability Process section:
  • Removed previous language to provide more flexibility for Partnered Resolution.
  • Added language for clarity and consistency between other statements in the Handbook.
• Sexual Misconduct Accountability Process and Title IX Sexual Harassment Adjudication Process sections:
  • Removed the designation of “Complainant Witnesses” and “Respondent Witnesses”; Instead, parties may submit witnesses for the process who are designated as a “witness” rather than a specific party witness.
  • Provided more clarity on who can participate as a Support Person/Advisor of Choice in these processes.
  • Outlined the parameters regarding evidence and information submission.
  • Clarity regarding the structure of appeals based on new evidence.
• Individual & Organizational Case Outcomes section:
  • Added information about a potential individual case outcome that can be used in very specific circumstances.
  • Provided additional edits for clarity.
  • Added two potential outcomes for recognized student organizations or student groups.

The above revisions were vetted and approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs prior to being incorporated into the Handbook, as required by the “Changes and Amendments” section of the Handbook.

It is the responsibility of every student, including recognized student organizations, to know and follow the policies outlined in the JMU Student Handbook along with federal, state, and local laws. The Handbook outlines the processes used to resolve allegations of student misconduct and recognized student organization misconduct, which include allegations of hazing. Further, the Handbook outlines the rights afforded to individuals participating in an OSARP process, which includes the Individual Accountability Process, Individual Interim Suspension Process, Organizational Accountability Process, Sexual Misconduct Accountability Process, and Title IX Sexual Harassment Adjudication Process.

In addition to knowing and following the policies outlined in the Handbook, students are expected to actively monitor their official JMU email account. This is JMU’s official means of communication with students as outlined in JMU Policy 1209: Electronic Messaging. As such, OSARP will send notification of alleged policy violation(s) and other important information directly to the student’s official JMU email address.

When reviewing the Handbook, you can use the navigation tabs to the left of the page. If you have questions about any of the policies or procedures listed in the Handbook, please email OSARP or call 540-568-6218.

We hope you have a safe and successful semester!

Sincerely,

The Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices