Events & Opportunities (Week of Jan. 19)
Find out what's happening in Case Hall this week.
In This Issue
Education abroad opportunities
Student resources in Case Hall
Upcoming events
Updates from student orgs
Applications are now open for JMC’s Field Experience Scholarships
Opportunities of interest to JMC students
Madisonian Mention: Renna Robinson
Education Abroad at JMC
Global Development in South Asia: Policy & Practice
Students are invited to learn about the Global Development in South Asia: Policy and Practice education abroad program at an info session on Jan. 20 from 4 to 5 p.m. in Room 319L Case Hall or via Zoom (Passcode: Bengal). 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.
Public Affairs and Social Science Abroad
Jan. 27, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Join the Office for Education Abroad for an info session focused on opportunities related to majors in Education, James Madison, Law and Social Science. Learn about program options and next steps for studying abroad. Learn more and register to attend via Zoom.
International Relations in Brussels
Interested in participating in the International Relations in Brussels education abroad program this summer (July 1-31, 2026)? Applications close Feb. 1. Students will spend a month in the heart of Europe studying international politics, law, and global governance. Contact Prof. Robert Brathwaite (brathwa1@msu.edu) questions.
Work with the JMC Academy for Civic Education
JMC is hiring four student assistants for a summer program for high school students. The JMC Academy for Civic Education will run for two weeks in July 2026. High school students will live on the MSU campus, take classes with JMC faculty, and participate in extra-curricular activities in the afternoon and on the weekend.
The student assistants will:
Live on campus for the two weeks of the program
Provide academic and residential life support to the program participants
Provide administrative support to program faculty
Plan and lead co-curricular activities
Participate in planning meetings during the spring 2026 semester (approximately 20 hours during the semester)
Learn more and apply via Handshake (#10592421) by Jan. 23. Contact Profs. Ben Lorch (lorch@msu.edu) or Eric Petrie (petrie@msu.edu) with questions.
JMC College Inclusion Committee
At-Large Student Representative for Spring 2026
Students interested in supporting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the college are encouraged to apply to serve on JMC’s College Inclusion Committee (CIC), which advises the Dean and faculty on concerns regarding issues and policies related to inclusion and diversity. The CIC is currently seeking one (1) additional student representative to serve on the committee. All JMC students are eligible.
Interested students can complete the nomination form via Google Forms by Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m. Please note: All CIC members must be able to join scheduled committee meetings, which are scheduled for one Friday of each month anywhere between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., depending on the availability of the Committee.
Meet with JMC’s January Alumni in Residence
JMC Alumni in Residence program offers Madison students the opportunity to connect one-on-one (via Zoom) with JMC alums for mentoring and networking. The January Alumni is Kari Jasko (PTCD, IR 2019).
Career: Works in the Foreign Service Office with the U.S. Department of State
Fun Facts:
What is a favorite memory from your time at JMC? Getting to meet Desmond Tutu, who was MSU's commencement speaker the year I graduated.
What is one skill or habit from JMC that you still use today? Written analysis
What are you excited to share with students during your residency? Tips on writing, speaking, interviewing, and leadership
Describe your JMC experience in three words! Formative, foundational, fantastic
What is your favorite spot on campus? Breslin Center - in the Izzone!
Schedule a Zoom meeting with Kari via Calendly.
Student Resources
Academic Advising
Academic advisors are available for drop-in advising through the Express Advising Center in 328 S. Case Hall on weekdays. Visit JMC’s website for more info.
JMC Community Counselor: Drop-In Counseling
JMC has a new CAPS Connect counselor, Victor Léon. Victor will be available for free, confidential drop-in counseling on Monday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. in S363 Case Hall. Visit MSU CAPS Connect for more information.
Office Hours with Assoc. Dean Linda Racioppi
Beginning Jan. 21, Associate Dean Linda Racioppi holds weekly office hours on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in S359 Case Hall. Stop in to discuss your academic journey with college leadership. These drop-in office hours are open to all Madison students.
Connect with JMC’s Career Peer
Need help with resumes, cover letters, personal statements or interview prep? Connect with JMC’s Career Peer, Taylor Toth, during weekly office hours held Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in S329 South Case or schedule on Handshake. Taylor can also review materials that are sent to jm.career@msu.edu.
Events
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration
MSU’s MLK Commemorative Celebration continues this week. View a full list of events online.
Malcolm X Forum with Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five
Jan. 21, 7 p.m. in the Erickson Hall KIVA (with livestream option). MSU Muslim Studies Program and MSU Libraries present the 5th annual Malcolm X Muslim Studies Community Forum featuring Yusef Salaam, NYC Councilmember and Member of the Exonerated ("Central Park") Five. Lecture and book signing.
Diversity Research Showcase
Jan. 23, 1:30 to 4:45 p.m., Campbell Hall. Recent alum Lyra Opalikin is one of the two Madisonians presenting their research at the Diversity Research Showcase. The event is open to all students and features undergraduate student work on issues of diversity that advance inclusion.
Spring Spartan Pre-Law Weekend
Join the College of Law for a weekend full of events as you prepare for your journey to law school and the legal profession. Register to attend via MSU College of Law
Spartan Pre-Law Roadmap
Jan. 23, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the College of Law room 471. Meet faculty, staff, and students, tour the law school, attend a mock class, and learn how to prepare for law school.
Face of Justice Networking Reception
Jan. 23, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the College of Law room 343. Network with attorneys and judges and explore diverse career paths in the legal field.
LSAT Free Practice Test (Kaplan)
Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the College of Law room 471. Take a free LSAT practice test and receive feedback to help guide your test preparation.
Student Orgs
Student Senate: Books & Bagels
Madisonians, do you have books collecting dust on the shelf? Donate your old books to the JMC Senate Office between Jan. 12 and Jan. 20 for our Books and Bagels event held on Jan. 21. Then, join us in Club Spartan from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free bagels and books!
Scholarships & Awards
JMC Field Experience Scholarships
Applications for the JMC Field Experience Scholarships are now open. Students who are planning to do their field experience (internship for credit via MC 400 & 401 or approved equivalent) in Spring 2026 are eligible to apply. Apply via Qualtrics by Jan. 31. Learn more online.
CLACS Summer Language Fellowships
The Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies is now accepting applications for Summer 2026 Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships. They are awarded to students who study priority Less Commonly Taught Languages of Latin America and the Caribbean. Learn more and apply by Feb. 1.
CLACS Undergraduate Scholarships
The Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies endowment funds support undergraduates pursuing research, internships or study abroad in Latin America and the Caribbean. Learn more and apply by Feb. 28.
Opportunities
MSU Libraries Student Advisory Committee
MSU Libraries is seeking students to provide their opinions on library spaces, services and resources. Learn more about joining the Libraries Student Advisory Committee and apply via Google Forms.
Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
The LSAC Plus, Guided Journey is a free, year-long (about 14 month) cohort-based support program designed to help aspiring law students — especially those who face structural barriers or systematic challenges — successfully navigate the law school journey from preparation to application. Applications for the Plus, Guided Journey 2026 close on Jan. 31.
Undergraduate Research Workshops
Summer UR Opportunities, Jan. 27, 7 to 8 p.m., 2110 STEM Building.
Writing Abstracts, Jan. 28, 5 to 6 p.m., 2110 STEM Building.
Academic Success Workshops
View upcoming Academic Success Workshops hosted by the Office for Undergraduate Education. Upcoming opportunities include:
Effective Note Taking Strategies, Jan. 21, 4 p.m. Register online
Academic Time Management, Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m. Register online
Get Over Procrastination, Jan. 29, 2:30 p.m. Register online
Speak with Purpose: Tips for Planning Presentations, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. Register online
Madisonian Mention: Renna Robinson
Learn more about Renna below!
“Hi, my name is Renna Robinson, and I'm a sophomore majoring in Social Relations and Policy and minoring in Business and Women’s and Gender Studies. I currently serve as the Academic Programming Committee Chair in JMC Student Senate, where I help plan events such as Faculty Research Night, Major Tea, and Books and Bagels. I also work as a communications assistant and ambassador for JMC, roles that have allowed me to meet so many amazing people and make fun social media content! This past summer, I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia for my Business minor—one of the most unbelievable experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, see incredible wildlife, and learn more about marketing alongside students from around the world. Immersing myself in Australian culture was truly unforgettable. All of these experiences have made my time at MSU incredibly meaningful, and I’m excited to continue learning and being involved in the JMC community!”
Favorite movie: Shutter Island
Favorite artists: Tyler, The Creator and Tame Impala
Favorite study spot: The Union (mainly for Strange Matter coffee)
Favorite JMC Class: MC 111, Memoirs by Women of Color with Professor Berg
Have questions or submissions for this newsletter? Contact Jane Deacon (locket20@msu.edu).
