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James Madison University
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James Madison University - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Diversity

C+
Where does this grade come from?View all Diversity rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Diversity Grades:

Quick Stats

African American 4%
Asian American 5%
Hispanic 2%
International 1%
Native American 0%
White 81%
Unknown 6%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 34%
Common States of Residence
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 1%
18-19: 41%
20-21: 42%
22-24: 13%
25+: 3%
Female Faculty 45%
Male Faculty 55%
Faculty Diversity African American: 3%
Asian American: 3%
Hispanic: 2%
International: 3%
Native American: 0%
White: 85%
Unknown: 5%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

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.

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James Madison Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at James Madison University

kiraj

'15

Communication Sciences and Disorders

3.5
B

All Women

The ratio of girls to guys at JMU is something insane like 5:1. However, i think it's justified because when I know someone who is very intelligent, doing extra curriculars, volunteering, and probably has a job as well, it usually is a girl so women do deserve to be accepted over boys even if it would even the ratio.

Jan 13, 2012

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Diversity at James Madison University

swimming247

'15

Occupational Therapy

5.0
A+

JMU Is Diverse

Walking around JMU you see people from all different cultures, economic backgrounds, political beliefs, religion and sexual orientation. Because of this class discussions and discussions with friends outside of class are very eye opening.

Dec 30, 2011

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Diversity at James Madison University

wrigh4am

'14

Economics

1.9
C-

What Diversity?

They have this speech for incoming freshmen. It's given by 4-5 students that together make up a pretty diverse group. From that point on, it will be hard to find a "diverse" group (in the familiar definition of people from several different ethnic groups and cultures) in such large numbers. Walking around campus, you will find a vast majority of white, middle-to-upper class students. Then, several pockets of Asian students may walk by, and sprinkled lightly among everyone will be all the other minorities. Although I (as a member of the majority) do not witness any wrong-doings or discrimination to the minority students here, I can only imagine that it would be initially quite awkward to come to JMU as a minority.

Dec 09, 2011

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Page 1 of 9

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

Facts

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.”

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.

Economic Status

Although JMU students come from various social and economic backgrounds, the majority are from middle-class or upper-middle-class families.

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.

Minority Clubs on Campus

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.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at JMU

Name: Rosemary Grant

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Major: English/Media Arts & Design

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