Events & Opportunities (Week of Jan. 26)
Find out what's happening in Case Hall this week.
In This Issue
Apply to participate in the JMC Research Showcase
Education abroad opportunities
A new JMC short course will explore how cryptocurrency is affecting economic policy
Apply to serve on the JMC College Inclusion Committee
Connect with JMC’s January Alumna in Residence: Kari Jaska
Upcoming events
Scholarships and awards, including JMC’s Field Experience Scholarships
Grad school resources
Opportunities of interest to JMC students
Student resources in Case Hall
Madisonian Mention: Thea Walerski
2026 JMC Research Showcase
JMC’s 2026 Research Showcase will be held on April 24 in Case Hall. Students are invited to present their scholarship with faculty, staff, peers and external audiences. Learn more about the event and submit your application by March 13.
Education Abroad at JMC
Global Development in South Asia: Policy & Practice
The deadline to apply for Global Development in South Asia study abroad program (which will travel to India and Sri Lanka this summer) is Feb. 1. Learn about South Asian cultures, history, politics, and urban and rural development. Get hands-on experience in community engagement and field research. Learn more at virtual information sessions this week:
Contact Profs. Sejuti Das Gupta (dasgup16@msu.edu) and Linda Racioppi (racioppi@msu.edu) with questions.
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.
Unpacking Your Experience Abroad
Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Room 329 Case Hall. Learn to engage in self-reflection, identify skills gained while studying abroad, practice storytelling and apply the WHO method to represent your time abroad in bullet point statements. Register to attend via Handshake.
Note: Earn credit toward JMC’s Career Readiness Badge by attending this workshop.
Public Affairs and Social Science Abroad
Jan. 27, 5 to 6 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. Register to attend via Zoom.
JMC Short Course: Innovations in Finance
This semester, JMC will offer a unique one-week course (March 9-14) titled “Innovations in Finance: How Economic Policymakers are Coping with Emerging Technologies.” Learn how emerging technology is changing economic policymaking and identify some of the unique legal and regulatory issues posed by the development of cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance and other developments from a policy practitioner perspective. Apply by Feb. 9 via Google Forms. Contact Prof. Robert Brathwaite (brathwa1@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. Apply via Google Forms by Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m.
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 Alum is Kari Jaska (PTCD, IR 2009), who works in the Foreign Service Office with the U.S. Department of State. Schedule a Zoom meeting with Kari via Calendly.
Events
The City in the Islamic World: A North African Perspective on Medieval Town Planning
Jan. 27, 12:30 p.m., 303 International Center. Featuring Dr. Said Ennahid, Professor, al-Akhawayn University in Morocco.
The Michael D. Brill Lecture with Alex Kor
Jan. 27, 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in Room B-342, Wells Hall. Dr. Alex Kor is the son of two Holocaust survivors (Eva Mozes and Mickey Kor). His lecture, “My Holocaust Legacy: A Blessing, Not a Burden,” chronicles the lives of his parents and the enduring lessons they shared on hope, healing, perseverance and humanity. Learn more via JMC Events.
Conversations on Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Jan. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on campus, location TBA. Profs. Yael Aronoff, Mohammad Khalil and Morgan Shipley will present on the history of current manifestation of these prejudices. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their observations and experiences, while learning to contribute to the inclusivity of MSU’s campus community. Register via Google Forms.
To Stand with Palestine
Feb. 2, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Book talk featuring Dr. Karam Dana, Professor of Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies at the University of Washington Bothell, discussing To Stand with Palestine: Transnational Resistance and Political Evolution in the United States. Register via Zoom.
Scholarships & Awards
JMC Field Experience Scholarships
Applications for 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.
Gordon and Norma Guyer Public Policy Internship Award
Applications are now open for MSU students of any major completing an internship in public policy this semester. Scholarships of at least $1,000 will be applicable towards a student’s tuition. View the scholarship announcement and submit your application by Feb. 6. Learn more on JMC’s website.
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.
Grad School Resources
WashU Law: Model Constitutional Convention
This national event (May 21-24, 2026) invites students with an interest in constitutional law, history, design and reform to take part in a transformative learning experience focused on the constitutional amendment process, civic engagement and dialogue, and democratic principles and procedures. This year’s MCC will take place in St. Louis. Selected participants will receive a travel stipend and be provided food/lodging. Apply by Jan. 30.
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. Apply by Jan. 31.
Georgetown's Undergraduate Summer Law Institute
Capitol Law @ GU: Georgetown Undergraduate Summer Law Institute is a five-week, eight-credit program designed specifically for undergraduate students interested in law. Students gain first-hand exposure to legal education and the legal profession through immersive experiences in the heart of Washington, D.C. Attend information sessions on Feb. 5 or 10 and apply by March 6.
Opportunities
Late Start Spring Short Course: Role of Everyday Language in Culture (UGS 201-307)
Led by Dr. Brian Egan, this Undergraduate Seminar section will look at the role language plays in daily life and culture, using Spanish as a lens to explore cultures and American ethnicities. Prior knowledge of a foreign language (Spanish) is not required. Held in-person on Wednesday (10:20 to 11:40 a.m.).
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:
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
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.
Writing Center at JMC
Need help working through an assignment, essay or presentation? The Writing Center at JMC in 341 Case Hall will be open Monday-Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Schedule an appointment or drop in.
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.
Madisonian Mention: Thea Walerski
Learn more about Thea below!
“Hi everyone, my name is Thea Walerski. I am currently a senior at James Madison College studying PTCD along with Secondary Education (Social Studies). Currently, I am finishing up my honors thesis project with some of the PTCD faculty. Over the last two years, I have been a writing consultant in the JMC Writing Center. That position gave me the privilege to work alongside many Madisonians who have been able to transform the writing center into a community space for many students. Although I have finished my James Madison courses, I have been able to apply what I have learned immediately as a student teacher at Holt High School. I have been able to connect with my students and cultivate a love of public affairs in the next generation of students. Outside of school, I love to read, cook and spend time with the friends I’ve made through JMC.”
Best study spot: The quiet section at the Union
Favorite movie: The Holdovers
Favorite artist: Kendrick Lamar
Favorite JMC course: Professor Hawkins, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Democracy
Have questions or submissions for this newsletter? Contact Jane Deacon (locket20@msu.edu).
