JMC Connect is a twice-weekly newsletter sent to all Madison students, faculty and staff:

• Our Monday newsletter provides an overview of upcoming events, opportunities and resources of interest to JMC students

• Our Friday newsletter shares upcoming job and internship opportunities

Have questions or submissions? Contact Jane Deacon ([email protected]).

In This Issue

• Four Case Hall resources you should know about

• Upcoming events of interest to JMC students

• Opportunities, including the Madison Academic Diversity Initiative and the Fife Fellow Program

• Field Experience scholarships (for students completing internships for credit this fall) are now open

• Order JMC merch through our fall pop-up shop

• Madisonian Mention: Student Senate President Sammy Leggett

Resources in Case Hall

Academic Advising at JMC
Have questions about your fall schedule? The Express Advising Center in 328 S. Case Hall will be open Monday to Thursday this week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment necessary! Learn more about the JMC Express Advising Center and how to meet with your academic advisor.

JMC Community Counselor: Drop-In Counseling
Victor Léon from MSU Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is available for drop-in counseling on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. in S359 Case Hall beginning today (Aug. 31). Victor is available for free, confidential conversations to discuss any mental health concerns you may be facing.

Writing Center at JMC
Need help working through an assignment, essay or presentation? The Writing Center at JMC in 341 Case Hall will open in mid-September. Opening date and hours will be shared in this newsletter and on JMC’s website.

Career Services & Field Experience Offices
JMC’s Career Services and Field Experiences offices are located in S329 Case Hall. Career Advisor Karissa Chabot-Purchase and Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak are available to support you throughout your time at the college. View upcoming career and internship programming on the JMC events calendar.

Find more information about MSU resources available to JMC students — including info on academic accommodations, mental health support and the MSU Food Bank — on JMC’s website.

Events

PeaceWorks on Campus
Sept. 8, 5 p.m. in the JMC Library. Join PeaceWorks on Campus for a powerful conversation with Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders who are challenging the status quo and working toward a better future. Learn more »

Human Rights Lab Recruitment Meeting
Sept. 8, 6 p.m. via Zoom. The JMC Human Rights Data Science Lab is recruiting for the Fall Semester. The lab is focused on providing opportunities for students to engage in policy-relevant research associated with the investigation of human rights violations and the development of specific career-related skills associated with database construction/management, data visualization, remote sensing, and open-source research. Learn more and share your email via Google Forms to receive a reminder »

Careers in Law Drop-In Discussion
Sept. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in S329 Case Hall. Students are invited to drop by for an informal conversation with JMC alum Vishnu Kannan (IR, PTCD '20), a Stanford Law School graduate and attorney at Covington & Burling. Jimmy John's lunch provided. Learn more »

National & International Scholarships + Fellowships
Sept. 9, 4 p.m. in S329 Case Hall. This session will provide an introduction to funding and study abroad opportunities and how to find programs that fit your goals, understand what makes a strong candidate and begin preparing a competitive application. JMC alum Vishnu Kannan (IR, PTCD '20) will share his experience applying for and completing the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows program. Learn more »

Daniel Rosenthal Legislative Intern Workshop & Luncheon
Sept. 10, 11:30 a.m. in the Anderson House Office Building. Students interning in a legislative office (House or Senate) are invited to learn best internship practices and future career opportunities for those with legislative experience. Learn more »

Global Development in South Asia Education Abroad Info Session
Sept. 10, 4:30 p.m. in S319L Case Hall. Students are invited to learn about JMC’s Global Development in South Asia: Policy and Practice education abroad program. Visiting India and Sri Lanka, participating students learn about South Asian cultures, history, politics, and urban and rural development. Participants also get hands-on experience in community engagement and field research. Learn more »

Opportunities

Fife Fellow Program
First- and second-year students interested in political economy and constitutional governance are invited to apply to the Fife Fellow program. Participants explore ideas central to contemporary liberal democracy, attend events throughout the semester and can receive a $1,500 award based on full participation in the program. Applicants must schedule an interview on Sept. 10 or 11 to apply.

Madison Academic Diversity Initiative (MADI)
MADI provides JMC students with academic resources, community-building opportunities and mentorship from Madison faculty. Through monthly cohort meetings, one-on-one faculty mentoring, peer support and service, MADI helps students build meaningful connections within JMC. All JMC students are invited to apply by Sept. 14.

Field Experience Scholarships

Scholarship applications are now open to JMC students enrolled in MC 400 and completing internships in the Fall 2026 Semester. Learn more and submit your application by Sept. 5 via Qualtrics.

Students completing public policy-related internships are also invited to apply to the Gordon and Norma Guyer Public Policy Scholarship by Sept. 8. View application details on our Funding Your Internship webpage.

Contact Lauren Michalak ([email protected]) with questions.

Fall Pop-Up Shop

Looking for JMC merch? Order online from our mini pop-up shop, which is open now until Sept. 15. Browse items online via Fabricated Customs.

Madisonian Mention: Sammy Leggett

Each week, we offer the last word to a JMC student. This week’s Madisonian Mention is Sammy Leggett (PTCD & SRP), president of JMC Student Senate and the W.E.B. DuBois Society:

“James Madison College Student Senate is an incredible opportunity to get involved within JMC and is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have in Madison. We aim to uplift student voices through advocacy, programming and initiatives. Our weekly meetings are on Wednesdays at 8 p.m., and we host office hours Monday to Thursday in the JMC Student Senate office (325 South Case Hall). Swing by to share your thoughts and make the most of our free resources, which include books, snacks, blue books and more.

“To stay updated on our upcoming events and connect with us, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn @jmcsenate.”

Favorite JMC class so far: MC390 Comparative Republicanism in Rome and Florence

Favorite MSU Dining Hall: Snyder Philips

Favorite study spot on campus: Student Senate Office 

One thing you’d recommend to every JMC student: Go to professors’ office hours! Even if you don’t have anything class related, it’s still nice to get to know your professor and soak up everything they have to share.