In This Issue

• Meet the Majors events wrap up this week

• Order from the JMC Pop-Up Shop between now and Nov. 27

• Upcoming events

• Updates from student orgs

• Helpful resources in Case Hall

• Madisonian Mention: Carly Kalkauski

Meet the Majors

Attention first-year JMC students: Meet the Majors events continue this week. These sessions are designed to help you choose your major(s) for your sophomore year.

All meetings will be held in Room 339 Case Hall from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the dates listed below:

• CCP: Nov. 17

• PTCD: Nov. 18

Learn more about JMC’s majors and minors on our website.

JMC Pop-Up Shop

Looking for JMC merch? Order online from our mini pop-up shop, which is open now until Nov. 27. Browse items online via Fabricated Customs.

Events

Manuela Ceballos: “Conversion and Purity in the Hagiographies of Sidi Ridwan al-Januwi" 
Nov. 17, 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom. Join Dr. Manuela Ceballos, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, for a special webinar exploring how ideas about purity and pollution shaped views on conversion, lineage and religious authority across the Western Mediterranean during the early modern period. Register to attend via Zoom. 

Fulbright US Student Program: Teach, Study or Research Abroad
Nov. 17, 5 to 6 p.m. in Room 201, International Center and via Zoom. Thinking about teaching, studying or conducting research abroad? Discover how you can live abroad, explore new cultures and apply for this prestigious opportunity when the next Fulbright US student grant competition opens in the spring. More details via MSU ISP.

“The Rise and Persistence of Authoritarianism: Is Democracy in Peril?” 
Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m. in Room 115, International Center. Join Bridget Brink, former U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia and Ukraine, for a lecture on “The Necessity of American Leadership on the Global Stage.” Brink served 28 years as a U.S. Foreign Service officer, including leading U.S. efforts in Ukraine during Russia’s invasion. Learn about her experience promoting democracy and freedom abroad. Learn more via MSU ISP.

No Barriers: Empowering Youth with Disabilities in Experiential Global Learning 
Nov. 19, 2 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This session aims to raise awareness of inclusive global learning opportunities and highlight the many ways youth with disabilities can engage in immersive experiences. This discussion will also encourage program developers and educators to intentionally design opportunities that prioritize accessibility to all students. Register via Zoom.

Info Session: Global Development in South Asia Education Abroad Program
Nov. 19, 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. Students are invited to learn about the Global Development in South Asia: Policy and Practice education abroad program with Profs. Sejuti Das Gupta and Linda Racioppi. 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 via JMC Events.

Hip-Hop & Public Affairs: Rhythm, Identity, Power – Centering Hispanic/Latinx Voices
Nov. 19, 5 to 6:30 p.m. in JMC Library (332 Case Hall). The third installment of this series is a BRIDGE event highlighting Hispanic and Latinx contributions to Hip-Hop from its roots in the South Bronx to its influence today. The discussion will explore community, culture, and public policy while examining themes of coalition, tension, language, and visibility. Participants will reflect on how Hip-Hop and the communities that shape it can continue to thrive. RSVP via Eventbrite.

Free TestMasters LSAT Logical Reasoning Workshop
Nov. 20, 6 p.m. via Zoom. MSU Students are invited to a free Logical Reasoning Workshop presented by TestMasters. RSVP via TestMasters.

Student Organizations

JMC Student Senate: IR Game Night
Nov. 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in 339 Case Hall. Come play International Relations-themed games with fellow students and professors. Learn more via Instagram.

W.E.B. DuBois Society: Thanksgiving Potluck
Nov. 18, 6 p.m. in Club Spartan (338 Case Hall). The DuBois Society is hosting an RSO and Members Potluck this Thanksgiving season! Join for food, games, music and a nice night with some of your favorite RSOs, including us! Learn more via Instagram.

JMC Student Senate: Clothing Swap
Nov. 19, 2 to 4 p.m. in the JMC Library (332 Case Hall). Begin donating clothes on Nov. 10 in the Senate Office. Those who drop off clothing items in advance will receive a ticket to the event. All extra clothing will be donated to the The Village Lansing. Learn more via Instagram.

JMC Student Senate: Major Tea
Nov. 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in 339 Case Hall. The JMC Senate Academic Planning Committee presents Major Tea. All first-year students are invited to learn about all the JMC majors. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Learn more via Instagram.

Case Hall Resources

Express Academic Advising (In Person & Virtual)
JMC’s Academic Advising Team offers in-person express appointments:

• Monday to Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. in 328 South Case Hall.

• Assistant Dean Jeff Judge is also available in the Express Advising Center on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.

• On Fridays, virtual express appointments are available from 1 to 4 p.m.

  Learn more about academic advising (including when you should use the Express Advising Center and when you should schedule an appointment) on JMC’s website.

Connect with JMC’s Career Peer  
Do you need help with resumes, cover letters, personal statements or interview preparation? Connect with JMC’s Career Peer! Stop by office hours Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in or schedule an appointment with JMC’s Career Peer on Handshake. JMC Career Peers can also review materials that are sent to jm.career@msu.edu.

Office Hours with Assoc. Dean Linda Racioppi
JMC students are invited to attend Associate Dean Linda Racioppi’s weekly office hours on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in S359 Case Hall. These weekly sessions are an opportunity for you to discuss your academic journey with college leadership. These drop-in office hours are open to all Madison students. Note: Office Hours will not be held on Nov. 26.

CAPS Connect in Case Hall
JMC has a dedicated counselor on staff, Courtney Brown, available for drop-in counseling on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in S363 Case Hall. Courtney is available for free, confidential conversations to discuss any mental health concerns you may be facing. 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 is open Monday-Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on JMC’s website.

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.

Madisonian Mention: Carly Kalkauski

Each week, we highlight a JMC student. This week’s mention is Carly Kalkauski. Carly is a senior majoring in Social Relations and Policy and minoring in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Learn more about them below!

“Hey there, my name is Carly (they/them) and I’m deeply passionate about increasing accessibility for every MSU student — regardless of ability level or official diagnosis. I’m excited to be a panelist at the "No Barriers: Empowering Youth with Disabilities in Experiential Global Learning" on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, during International Education Week. It’s on Zoom at 2 p.m. – throw us on while you wait for your 2:40 class 😀.”

“My journey toward understanding the nuances of studying abroad while disabled truly kicked off during my trip to Amsterdam in 2024. If you ask any of the many SRP majors that were in this program, I’m sure they’d have some great stories. This led to me writing the "Study Abroad Guide with Accessibility Considerations" booklet that was published on MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) website. After that, I was accepted to present at the 2024 Global Leadership Conference, where I delivered a talk titled “Walking While Disabled: A Guide for Making Study Abroad Accessible to Everyone.” A faculty member in attendance enjoyed the presentation so much that I was invited to lead a faculty workshop called “Accommodations While Studying Abroad” for staff of the International Studies and Programs department in the spring of 2025. So, it’s obviously been one of my major focus points during my time at JMC!”

“Outside of making comments about how such and such entrance isn’t accessible, I’m also a proud member of the First-Generation Leadership and Innovation Vanderploeg Scholars program (lovingly called FLI due to its tongue-twister of a name) and was even selected as the FLI student speaker at the Pathways Graduation Ceremony in Spring 2025. I’m also a member and huge supporter of the Women’s Leadership Institute on campus. This past summer, I had the immense pleasure and privilege of being selected for the Glassen Scholars program and interning with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. I’ve dabbled in other RSOs and organizations both on and off campus as well! See you(r username on Zoom) on the 19th!”

Favorite combo spot: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility

Favorite artist(s): Halsey or Paramore

Favorite Dining Hall: Changes every semester!

Favorite JMC Class: Either MC 498: SRP Senior Seminar with Professor Jezierski or MC 338: Environmental Justice with Professor Ahlquist. Both courses had wonderful professors and super engaging material.

Have questions or submissions for this newsletter? Contact Jane Deacon (locket20@msu.edu).