Think Safe. Be Safe. Stay Safe.
Below, college students living in Harrisonburg can find information about noise ordinances, alcohol violations, and marijuana laws. For any questions about state and local laws, please contact 540-434-4436.
Noise Ordinances and Mass Gatherings
Do I need to obtain a Mass Social Outdoor Gathering permit or register my event?
If you are hosting an event with more than 100 people, you must obtain a Mass Social Outdoor Gathering permit and abide by the city's noise ordinance. To apply for a permit, visit the social gatherings website and print the application to be returned to city hall. Once the application is complete, applicants must make an appointment over the phone (540-432-7701) to submit their paperwork to City Hall. Applicants must bring a valid photo ID and a map with planned drop-off/pick-up locations. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive an email with the application status, and event information will be shared with HPD, JMUPD, and the property owner.
If you are hosting an event with less than 100 people, you must register your event with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center (540-434-4436). You must provide the location, date, and estimated number of people in attendance.
Alcohol and Tobacco Violations
The Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Harrisonburg each have their own laws and ordinances that students are expected to follow. Failure to obey these laws can result in criminal charges, and JMU students may be subject to OSARP restorative and accountability processes.
What are alcohol/tobacco vaping violations?
Drunk in public: Appearing intoxicated anywhere in public.
Drinking in public: Consuming alcohol in a public place.
Disorderly Conduct in Public: Intent to cause a public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm or recklessly create a risk.
Underage Possession of Alcohol: Consuming or possessing alcohol under the age of 21. You can also be charged for providing alcohol to those under 21.
Underage Purchase/Possession of Tobacco and Nicotine Vapor Products: It is illegal for anyone under 21, unless you are active duty military personnel, to purchase or possess tobacco or nicotine vapor products.
Possessing a Fake ID: It is illegal to possess or manufacture a fake ID.
Using a Fake ID to Buy Alcohol: Using a fake ID to purchase alcohol is a separate offense from possession.
Marijuana Violations
Consuming Marijuana in Public: It is illegal to consume or offer marijuana or marijuana products to another in a public place.
Consuming Marijuana in a Vehicle: It is illegal to consume or offer marijuana or marijuana products while driving on a public highway.
Partnering with JMU
Three Strikes
Students will receive one strike if found responsible for an incident involving alcohol and/or drugs. Upon receiving a third strike, students may be suspended for a minimum of one semester; strikes are cumulative over a student's academic career at JMU. Students may be suspended prior to a third strike for a policy violation(s) that poses health or safety concerns to the student or the community.
Parent/Guardian Notification
If a student is under the age of 21 at the conclusion of the Individual Accountability Process and is found responsible for an alcohol or drug policy violation(s), parents/guardians will be notified, which typically occurs through the U.S. Postal Service.
Off-Campus Response
Alcohol or drug incidents that occur within the City of Harrisonburg or Rockingham County for individual students may be addressed by OSARP in accordance with university policies and procedures. For more information regarding jurisdiction, please refer to the Jurisdiction section of the Student Handbook.
Enlighted Citizen Amnesty Process (ECAP)
If a student voluntarily seeks assistance for themselves or others, on or off campus, as a result of alcohol or drug use, the student will typically be granted amnesty from disciplinary action by the university. A student can be the individual for which assistance was sought or a bystander who was actively involved in the assistance being sought or provided. For student bystanders to be granted amnesty, they must stay with the student for whom assistance was sought, if safe to do so, until appropriate responding authorities arrive, and they must cooperate with responding authorities.
For more information on policies, process, or what to do if you need to report a violation, please contact OSARP at 540-568– 6218 or OSARP@jmu.edu and visit www.jmu.edu/osarp.