JMC Connect: Week of Sept. 9
Missed last week’s newsletter? View the JMC Connect archive online.
In This Issue
A message from Dean Cameron Thies about new opportunities to share your perspective with the college
Upcoming campus events
RSO events and updates
Resources to help you navigate life on campus
Opportunities of interest to JMC students
Internships and employment postings
One more thing: Colin Reese (CCP ’26)
A Message from the Dean
With the fall semester now in full swing, I am writing to share some important updates for our college community.
Fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment is a key priority at James Madison College this year. To that end, we are launching several new initiatives to gather feedback and promote meaningful dialogue across the college.
I invite all Madison students, faculty and staff to participate in these opportunities to share your perspectives and help shape our college community. Your experiences and insights are invaluable as we work together to create a campus where everyone feels respected, heard and empowered to succeed.
2024 College Climate Survey
Later this month, the college will release its 2024 Climate Survey to all faculty, staff and students. This survey is designed to collect information about perceptions of the demographic makeup of the college, classroom experiences, curriculum, administrative efforts and other issues. It’s intended to provide a holistic snapshot of the college, created with input and support from JMC’s College Inclusion Committee and MSU’s Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.
Survey data will be used to compile an institutional report on the racial climate within JMC that will be shared with the college community (survey data will be collected anonymously and no identifying information will be made public). Expect to receive more information from MSU’s Office for Survey Research by email in late September. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.
EMBRACE DEI Dialogues
EMBRACE (Empathy Mindfulness Belonging Respect Advocacy Conversation and Equity) is a new monthly dialogue led by the Office of Justice, Equity and Inclusion (OJEI). This discussion-based series — open to all JMC students, faculty and staff — will help familiarize participants with principles of DEI and help collaboratively define these concepts within the JMC community. Register to attend the first session on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in Club Spartan (338 Case Hall).
Virtual Event Feedback System
As you attend JMC events this year, keep an eye out for a QR code to provide your feedback. It will be posted at most college events and links to a short online survey that allows you to provide your thoughts on the program. Your input will be used to inform and shape future programming at the college.
Dean’s Drop-In Office Hours
JMC students are invited to connect with me directly at my drop-in office hours, which will be held throughout the academic year. Stop by to discuss your experiences at the college, questions you may have about your academic journey or ideas you have for future programming. My first office hours will be held on Sept. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. in S369L Case Hall.
I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to make your voice heard. By participating in these initiatives, you're not just sharing your thoughts — you're helping to shape our college community this year and into the future.
Cameron G. Thies
Dean and MSU Foundation Professor
Events
Making Climate Tech Work: Policies that Drive Innovation
Sept. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in 332 Case Hall. Climate tech is critical for averting planetary chaos. Half the greenhouse gas reductions required to reach “net zero” climate targets in 2050 will need to come from technologies that have not yet been invented. Making Climate Tech Work describes how smart government policies can make those technologies a reality. Dr. Alon Tal is a professor at Tel Aviv University. He has founded several environmental organizations, including the Israel Union for Environmental Defense; the Arava Institute, which is being considered for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize; Zafuf; and the Israel Forum for Population, Environment, and Society. Learn more via PDF »
Study Abroad Info Session: Global Development in South Asia
Sept. 11, 4:30 p.m. in 332 Case Hall. Learn more about the Global Development in South Asia study abroad program with Drs. Linda Racioppi and Sejuti Das Gupta. Students in this program will travel to India and Sri Lanka in May-June 2025 and be introduced to real-world development problems and to potential solutions to long-standing and emerging challenges. (A second info session will be held on Sept. 19.) Learn more via JMC Events Calendar »
Wednesday with Madison: DEI Dialogue
Sept. 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m. in 338 Case Hall. EMBRACE (Empathy Mindfulness Belonging Respect Advocacy Conversation and Equity) is a new monthly dialogue led by the Office of Justice, Equity and Inclusion (OJEI). This series — open to all JMC students, faculty and staff — will help familiarize participants with principles of DEI and work to collaboratively define these concepts within the JMC community. Register to attend via Eventbrite »
Field Experience Info Session
Sept. 16, 4 to 5 p.m. in 332 Case Hall. This workshop will cover what satisfies the JMC field experience requirement and explore internship opportunities and resources available to students. This session is especially geared towards those who are planning to complete the requirement in the next few semesters. (A second session will be held on Sept. 23.) Learn more via JMC Events Calendar »
Constitution Day Lecture: Disinformation, Demagoguery, and the First Amendment
Sept. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. in 338 Case Hall. James Madison College welcomes Dr. Charles Zug, Kinder Assistant Professor of Constitutional Democracy and Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs, for the 2024 Constitution Day Lecture. Zug's talk will try to show why demagoguery has all but ceased to be intelligible to us — even in cases where it is obviously relevant, like misinformation in the 21st century. Learn more via JMC Events Calendar »
National Voter Awareness Day Event
Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the JMC Library (332 Case Hall). Have questions about voting in this year’s U.S. presidential election? Learn more on National Voter Awareness Day. This non-partisan event will cover voting processes for in-state and out-of-state students.
Study Abroad Info Session: Dubai Winter Break
Sept. 18, 4 to 5 p.m. in 332 Case Hall. Join Dr. Russell Lucas to learn more about The Globalization of Consumerism and Community study abroad opportunity in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Students will travel to Dubai during Winter Break (Jan. 3-11, 2025) to explore the cultural, social and political effects of contemporary globalization in the city of Dubai. Interested students unable to join in person can email Dr. Lucas (relucas@msu.edu) for a Zoom link. Learn more via JMC Events Calendar »
Wednesday with Madison: Faculty Research Night
Sept. 18, 5 to 8 p.m. in 332 Case Hall. Join JMC Student Senate for this semester's Faculty Research Night with Drs. Amy Simon and Siddharth Chandra. Enjoy dinner from Boiling Pots. Learn more via JMC Events Calendar »
Empower the Future: 2024 Youth Summit on Politics and Activism
Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join MSU Museum for the 2024 National Youth Summit, a pivotal event focused on politics and elections. Gain insights into how you can get involved in national and local elections and activism, and learn from experts about shaping our democracy. Register to attend via MSU Museum »
2024 JMC Stratford Festival Trip: Twelfth Night
Sept. 29. Join James Madison College for a day trip to Stratford, Ont., to see Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night". Ticket purchase ($15) includes your "Twelfth Night" show ticket, bus travel to and from Stratford, and snacks on the bus. Due to international travel requirements, this trip is only open to U.S. residents. Learn more and register to attend by Sept. 23 via Eventbrite »
Student Organizations
MSU International Relations Organization Meeting
Sep. 9, 9 p.m. in the Erickson Hall Kiva. MSUIRO is MSU’s Competitive Traveling Model UN Team. Learn more via Instagram »
JMC Women of Color Coalition Meeting
Sep. 9, 6:30 p.m. in 240 Case Hall. JMC Women of Color Coalition brings together women of color at the college. Learn more via Instagram »
MSU Refugee Outreach Collective Meeting
Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in 304 Bessey Hall. Learn more about the club, meet the new members and upcoming event/volunteer opportunities. Learn more via Instagram »
College Democrats of MSU: Presidential Debate Watch Party
Sept. 10 at 8:30 p.m. in 339 Case Hall. Watch the first Presidential debate between VP Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Learn more via Instagram »
Resources
JMC Community Counselor: Drop-In Counseling
James Madison has a dedicated counselor on staff, Courtney Brown, available for drop-in counseling on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (S363 Case Hall). Courtney is available for free, confidential conversations to discuss any mental health concerns you may be facing. Visit MSU CAPS for more information about on-campus mental health resources.
JMC Learning Lab
Writing Center: Need help working through an assignment, essay or presentation? Stop by the JMC Writing Center (341 Case Hall) on weekdays (afternoons and evenings) throughout the academic year. These drop-in sessions offer peer-to-peer support from upperclassmen across JMC’s majors.
JMC Math Center: The JMC Math Center consultant, Dheeraj Thota, will be available on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. via Zoom (passcode: 115170) and on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. for in-person sessions (341 Case Hall) beginning Sept. 12. Learn more via the JMC Learning Lab website »
Opportunities
JMC First Year Mentor Program
Attention: First-Year Students
First-year students can apply to participate and be paired with an upper-level Madisonian who will help ease your transition to life on campus. Learn more about the program on the JMC website. Applications are now open and close on Sept. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Apply via Microsoft Forms »
Madison Academic Diversity Initiative (MADI)
The MADI program will connect students to academic resources and networking through mentorship with Madison faculty. Throughout the fall and spring semesters, MADI participants will develop professional connections with JMC faculty, attend monthly cohort meetings, and complete a community service project. Students who would like to participate must complete an application, which will be released on Sept. 16.
Fife Fellows Program
Attention: First- and Second-Year Students
Calling all first- and second-year students interested in political economy and constitutional governance! Consider applying for the Fife Fellowship Program. The fellowship will include:
participation in four reading group meetings (two in fall, two in spring) with Profs. Cash and Wolf,
three lectures (Constitution Day on Sept. 17, two in spring),
and the opportunity to apply for additional conference presentation or internship funding all oriented around learning more about the classical liberal tradition, particularly constitutional and political economy theories.
The fellowship comes with the opportunity for a $1,500 award based on full participation in all events.
Essay applications due by Sept. 11. Learn more via PDF »
Internships & Employment
James Madison College Research Assistant Positions
Multiple JMC faculty members are seeking undergraduate student research assistants. View all available opportunities by searching “JMC” on Handshake:
Undergraduate & Graduate Research Assistants, Palestinian Education Project. Apply by: Sept. 10.
Undergraduate Research Assistant, research project The Effects of 30 Years of Debating the Clash of Civilizations research project. Apply by: Sept. 11.
Undergraduate positions start at $15/hour with an average of 10 hours/week (varies by position). View all opportunities on Handshake.
Career Services Network: Fall Series
Sept. 16, 1 to 1:45 p.m. Grad & Professional School: Preparing, Exploring, and Applying | CSN Fall Series. Learn more via CSN Website
Sept. 19, 1 to 2 p.m. Connecting Major to Career | CSN Career Exploration. Learn more via CSN Website
Sept. 20, 1 to 2 p.m. Interview & Resume Tips for International Students and Education Abroad Returnees. Learn more via CSN Website
Sept. 23, 3 to 4 p.m. Maximizing Your LinkedIn | CSN Fall Series. Learn more via CSN Website
Rosenthal Legislative Intern Workshop
Sept. 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Are you currently an intern within the Michigan Legislature? This workshop focuses on best internship practices and future career opportunities for those with legislative experience. The career opportunities sessions link internship experiences to future career options in government, public affairs and policy related fields. RSVP via IPPSR Website »
The Partnership for Public Service: How to Launch a Career in the Federal Government
Sept. 12, 12 to 1 p.m. This virtual session is open to all students curious about public service opportunities and how to make a difference in your community through federal employment. This program will guide students through finding federal opportunities and provide practical tips to apply to federal careers. Learn more about the Public Service Roadshow sessions via Public Service Roadshow »
Each week, we offer the last word to a JMC student. This week’s One More Thing is from Colin Reese (CCP ’26).
“Pro tip: Sometimes you have to convince yourself you have free will! Then use that free will to climb up a mountain in Montana with a sled. What could go wrong? I certainly wasn’t thinking about an essay due date, so, you should try it!” — Colin Reese (pictured right) is a JMC Learning Lab Consultant and Director of the Spartan Sierra Club.
Have a suggestion or submission for this newsletter? Contact Jane Deacon (locket20@msu.edu).