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Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
At first glance, JMU may seem to be about as diverse as homogenized milk. On a second glance, you might not notice any more variety until you realize that, at JMU, diversity runs underneath the skin. Taking beliefs, hobbies, and outlooks into consideration, students note that the campus becomes a little less clone-like. Students have commented that minorities tend to stick together, but others stand by the belief that all students at Madison freely and frequently interact. Regardless, many students express woes about the lack of actual diversity on campus, but also realize that the miniscule amount of minorities present should be cultivated. Recently, the institution has been striving to embrace and encourage diversity on campus by raising awareness through lectures on topics like Islam and globalization, and through events like Women of Color Week. Madison also works each year to recruit larger numbers of international and minority students to the school. However, if you think minorities are lacking, take a gander at the guy-girl ratio at JMU. For the ladies, finding a half-decent fella is like finding a prom date on the evening before the big dance. For guys, it’s like being the Bachelor every day. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
I have seen and heard of a lot...
I have seen and heard of a lot more diversity on other campuses than there is here. It’s kind of pathetic, I think. People say that Admissions is trying to recruit more people of different races and walks of life, which is good. I hope it works, because I think it’s more fun to have people around with different viewpoints. I really miss learning about other cultures from the people who live in them. So hopefully that will change. |
Anonymous says: |
Diverse in ethnicity or worldview?...
Diverse in ethnicity or worldview? In ethnicity, not much at all; in worldview, it’s pretty diverse, I’d say. |
Anonymous says: |
Racially, JMU is not very diverse....
Racially, JMU is not very diverse. It’s about as diverse as a diner in the 1920s. |
Anonymous says: |
Unfortunately, ethnically and...
Unfortunately, ethnically and racially speaking, the campus isn’t too diverse. Most everyone at JMU is white, middle class, American, and, if they’re female, blonde. The good thing about JMU is that it does embrace the minimal diversity that is around. I am good friends with some people from other backgrounds and races, and I find them to be some of the most amazing people here! |
Anonymous says: |
This campus is not diverse at all. |
FactsEconomic Status
Although JMU students come from various social and economic backgrounds, the majority are from middle-class or upper-middle-class families.
Gay Pride
Students generally are very accepting of people with different sexual orientations, and even participate in the different clubs related to gay pride. Most notably is Madison Equality, whose primary mission is to “promote tolerance and acceptance through education and awareness.”
Minority Clubs
Despite the lack of diversity, JMU has committed itself to having a vast number of groups to incorporate students of all backgrounds. One of the broadest and most influential of these organizations is CMISS (Center for Multicultural/International Student Services). A large number of Greek, cultural, and religious organizations have formed under the umbrella of CMISS, including Gamma Sigma Sigma, the African Student Organization, and the Latino Student Alliance.
Most Common Religions
The most prominent religions on campus are Protestantism and Catholicism. Religious houses and organizations, such as the Canterbury Episcopalian house and the Catholic Campus Ministry house, can be found in areas surrounding campus and religious services, and groups meet regularly on campus.
Political Activity
JMU showed its enthusiasm for politics during the political rally in the fall of 2008, when Senator Barack Obama visited the school to encourage young voters to make a difference. Through groups like the JMU College Republicans, the Madison Political Affairs Club, and the JMU College Democrats, a variety of opinions and political affiliations can be found on campus. Even for those uninterested in government politics, the SGA (Student Government Association) deals with letting students’ concerns being taken to the JMU administration.
Most Recent Contributing Author
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Major: English/Media Arts & Design Rosemary's dream is to write a best-selling novel. Contributing Author Internship
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