JSU Response to National Call to Action
Our Commitments to the American People
Seven Commitments
Select a commitment to read the University’s response and supporting resources.
Jacksonville State University maintains a transparent, merit-based admissions process grounded in federal law and the principles affirmed in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. Undergraduate and graduate admissions criteria are published in the University’s official catalogs and admissions webpages. Prospective applicants can review GPA thresholds, documentation standards, transcript-verification requirements, English-language proficiency benchmarks, and program-specific prerequisites. These criteria are reviewed annually and applied consistently across applicant categories to support equal treatment.
The University relies on official documentation, standardized evaluation practices, and clearly defined applicant classifications to safeguard fairness and prevent favoritism. Appeals processes, program-specific requirements, and conditional-admission pathways reinforce decisions based on academic preparation and readiness for university study. Consistent with REACH Goal 1.1, JSU also develops criteria for recognizing prior learning, including work and military experience, and evaluates partnerships, scholarships, and student benefits that promote access and affordability.
Supporting Resources
The campus grounds, properties, and facilities of Jacksonville State University are devoted to providing higher education and serving the campus community. The University is committed to protecting the free-speech rights of students, faculty, staff, and invited guests. Its Campus Use and Protection of Free Speech Policy respects free speech and expressive activity while preserving public health, safety, and welfare; the normal educational and business uses of campus; University property; and the rights of others.
The University does not regulate the content of lawful speech, assembly, or related activity. It may regulate the time, place, and manner of expressive activities to prevent unreasonable interference with educational and business functions, normal or scheduled uses of University property, and public health, safety, and welfare.
Supporting Resources
JSU’s evidence demonstrates an institutional commitment to academic freedom and opportunities for faculty to engage with diverse perspectives. The Faculty Handbook protects faculty members’ freedom to express views on academic matters, institutional policies, and issues of public interest. The Rebecca O. Turner Faculty Commons supports faculty-led professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the exchange of instructional practices.
University policies establish structured processes for faculty recruitment, appointment, evaluation, promotion, and grievance resolution. Competitive searches and nondiscrimination requirements guide hiring. Evaluation and promotion recognize teaching and advising, scholarship and creative activity, service and community engagement, collegiality, and professional effectiveness.
The University’s research environment is grounded in academic freedom, ethical research practices, and support for externally funded scholarship. The Institutional Review Board oversees research involving human participants, and the Office of Sponsored Programs supports faculty and staff throughout the grant and contract lifecycle.
Supporting Resources
JSU addresses affordability through its commitment to access, transparent costs, financial packages, diversified academic offerings, and quality student support. REACH Goal 1.1 calls for expanded academic access, financial-aid and scholarship strategies, and services that promote persistence and completion. Published cost-of-attendance and scholarship information gives families direct access to pricing and aid resources.
The University demonstrates value by emphasizing meaningful learning, critical thinking, employability skills, career readiness, and successful degree completion. Its learning-centered model emphasizes relevant programs of study, current technologies, experiential learning, high-impact practices, and flexibility.
REACH and DISCOVER priorities connect affordability with meaningful outcomes through student-success initiatives, retention and graduation efforts, workforce preparation, and preparation for employment or continued education.
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Jacksonville State University is committed to maintaining academic rigor while responding thoughtfully to rapid changes in teaching, learning, and technology. Consistent with DISCOVER 3.1, the University continues to expand meaningful and accessible learning opportunities that prepare students for success while preserving high academic expectations.
The JSU Principles of Quality Teaching establish a shared institutional framework for effective instruction and faculty development. These principles are complemented by the forthcoming JSU Principles of Quality Learning, which will provide students with clear expectations for active engagement, academic responsibility, and meaningful learning. Together, these frameworks reinforce a culture in which academic quality is defined by demonstrated learning, intellectual growth, and preparation for continued education and employment.
JSU also provides University-wide policies and resources addressing the responsible use of artificial intelligence. These resources help faculty establish clear expectations for the appropriate use of AI within individual courses and help students understand their responsibilities related to academic integrity, original work, and ethical technology use. This approach allows the University to incorporate emerging technologies into teaching and learning without compromising academic standards.
Standards for teaching effectiveness are included in the Faculty Handbook, and faculty teaching is evaluated annually. These established expectations and evaluation processes support instructional quality, professional development, accountability, and continuous improvement across the University.
Through clear academic expectations, annual evaluation, faculty development, responsible AI guidance, and institution-wide principles for quality teaching and learning, JSU prioritizes academic excellence and ensures that grades and credentials reflect meaningful student achievement.
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Jacksonville State University is committed to protecting the integrity, independence, and security of its academic programs and research enterprise. Established program approval, curriculum review, periodic program review, faculty hiring, personnel evaluation, and admissions processes provide institutional oversight.
Approved policies, training, and oversight mechanisms promote ethical research, address financial conflicts of interest, protect human and animal research subjects, safeguard sensitive information, and support regulatory compliance.
The Office of Sponsored Programs has submitted a proposed Research Security and Foreign Interests for Sponsored Programs Policy for institutional approval. The proposal is under review and is not yet an approved University policy. Until review is complete, existing approved policies, oversight structures, and applicable federal and state requirements remain in effect.
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Jacksonville State University is committed to ensuring that taxpayer investments in higher education deliver measurable benefits to America. Consistent with DISCOVER 3.1, JSU prepares students for workforce success through experiential learning, research, service-learning, faculty mentorship, and career-focused education.
JSU advances American security and workforce priorities through programs in public safety, law enforcement, forensic science, military education, aviation, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies. The Gamecock Battalion Army ROTC prepares future Army officers, and the University supports veterans, active-duty service members, and military dependents.
Aligned with ENGAGE 3.3, JSU combines workforce-focused education, applied research, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to strengthen communities, support economic growth, and contribute to the security, prosperity, and competitiveness of Alabama and the United States.
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