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). This update includes:

• General Handbook section:
  • Adding language in the Student Records section to incorporate Virginia law regarding educational records of tax dependents
• Standards of Conduct and Policies section:
  • Combining the definitions of “Dating Violence” and “Domestic Violence” to “Dating and/or Domestic Violence” in the “Sexual Misconduct” and “Title IX Sexual Harassment” policies to align with university policies 1340 and 1346
  • Updated the Sexual Exploitation definition in the “Sexual Misconduct” policy to align with university policy 1340
  • Updated the “Fire Safety” policy to include the prohibition of the removal and/or possession of any fire suppression equipment, detection or early warning devices, emergency lighting or evacuation systems, including signage
• Organizational Accountability Process section:
  • Added language about the utilization of organizational history and records in the process
• Sexual Misconduct Accountability Process and Title IX Sexual Harassment Adjudication Process sections:
  • Added language regarding the ability for OSARP to adapt the procedures for adjudication from a combined Formal Complaint Investigation Process, conducted by the Title IX Office
  • Clarification language in the “Receipt of the Title IX Investigative Report section
• Individual and Organizational Case Outcomes section:
  • Added language regarding re-entry meetings with OSARP in the suspension outcome for individual cases
  • Updated language in the Moving Forward outcome for individual cases
• Alcohol & Drug Information section:
  • Clarification language added in the Parent/Guardian notification regarding when communication is initiated by OSARP
  • Added language to the Enlightened Citizen Amnesty Process (ECAP) to broaden the type of bystander that can seek assistance for a student
• Added language to all processes and the individual case outcomes section for clarity that OSARP No Contact Orders do not prevent contact that would be required or needed during an OSARP process

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.

Sincerely,

The Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices

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