DEI Programs and Events

Early Start Program

Funded through the generous gift of Madison alumnus, the Early Start Program serves first-generation and other incoming students who may benefit from additional support as they transition to James Madison College and Michigan State. The program helps acclimate students to life on campus, nurtures a sense of belonging among incoming students, and equips participants with a variety of academic tools and resources. Learn more about Early Start.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. Early Start is open to first-generation students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

MC 100

First-year James Madison College students have the option to take an elective, one-credit course called MC 100. MC 100 provides an exploration of academic, social, personal and career decisions that students face in college, with a primary focus on the first year and the James Madison College experience.

First-Year Mentor Program

James Madison College’s First-Year Mentor Program pairs incoming students with upper-level peer mentors within the college. Mentors connect new students to the JMC community, help cultivate a sense of belonging, and provide information and academic resources on campus. By fostering one-on-one connections between students, peer mentoring programs help promote a sense of belonging on campus and encourage academic success. This initiative is led by JMC's Advising Team. Learn more about the First-Year Mentor Program.

PRIME Leadership Program

The Pre-Residential Immersive Madison Experience (PRIME) Leadership Program allows Lansing high school students to learn more about the academic and professional opportunities that exist at James Madison College. The program encourages participants to consider future careers in public policy, law, political science, government and international affairs.

Learn more about PRIME via the JMC website.

EMBRACE DEI Dialogues

EMBRACE (Empathy Mindfulness Belonging Respect Advocacy Conversation and Equity) is a new monthly dialogue. 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. EMBRACE event details are shared with the JMC community via the JMC Connect student newsletter and on the Madison event calendar.

BRIDGE

BRIDGE will support the celebration of cultural events and identity-based landmarks throughout the year at James Madison College, including but not limited to Hispanic Heritage Month, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Women's History Month and Mental Health Awareness Week. Students are encouraged to visit OJEI (S355 Case Hall) to suggest ideas or request assistance in celebrating these events.

Madison Academic Diversity Initiative (MADI)

Madison Academic Diversity Initiative (MADI) provide students with academic resources and networking through mentorship from Madison faculty. MADI participants will develop professional connections with JMC faculty, attend monthly cohort meetings and complete a community service project. Students receive information on how to apply to participate by email and in the JMC Connect newsletter in September.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. MADI is open to all JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

Madison Diversity Leadership Program

The Madison Diversity Leadership Program (MDLP) offers a great opportunity to learn the skills to be an inclusive leader in public and international affairs. The program aims to address the lack of diverse representation in public life by cultivating the next generation of leaders who are informed, committed, experienced and culturally aware. Learn more about MDLP.

Diversity & Inclusion