NOW THAT YOU’RE OFFICIALLY
The best place for banking isn’t a bank at all!
CommonWealth One is JMU’s trusted, full-service credit union, and student banking is better here. We’re conveniently located on campus and offer everything you might need financially as a student. What we don’t have? Excessive and unnecessary fees.
When it comes to handling your finances as a student, we’ve got your back with:
The secret is out – CommonWealth One is here to help you thrive financially at JMU. To open an account or learn more about JMU Student Perks, which include special events, free food and prizes, visit cofcu.org/JMU or stop by our branch in The Union (next to the post office).
THAI PHANOM
6
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Letters to future Dukes from current and past Dukes
Want to make some money while at school? Hear from some current student-employees
22 Get the most out of your tuition with these tips
24 What is being a first-gen student like? Hear from some here!
33 Meet the new Assoc. VP of Accessibility & Belonging
38 JMU’s being called the “Everything School.” But what does that mean?
Staff
Chandler Bagwell.................... Editor
Will Moran............................... Managing Editor
Maeve Summers...................... Articles Editor
Elle Hart................................... Creative Director
Additional designs by Elise Hellmann and Will Moran
Christian Wright..................... Photo Editor
PJ Barua.................................... Senior Editor
Elise Hellman.......................... Senior Editor
Jamie McEachin..................... Senior Editor
Haden Raymer........................ Senior Editor
Anthony Lawson.................... Social Media Creator
Cover by Christian Wright
Cover photos by Christian Wright and The Breeze
Letters to a Future Duke
Edited by Chandler Bagwell
Maddy,
You’ve made it—you’re now a Duke! I still remember the Fall
of 2016, when our family departed the US for India and began our globetrotting that would take us to schools on 4 continents, adventures to several wonders of the world, and wondering what we may have missed out on being American teenagers growing up far from home.
What I can say now is that JMU will feel like home after the globe being our home over the last 8 years. You will find friends in your dorm, at football and basketball games, in clubs and at events on campus. Take advantage of every opportunity to get involved on campus and you will find your place here at JMU. While the globetrotting gave us wings, JMU will give us roots in an incredible Duke family.
Rebecca Grainger | Class of 2027
Maddy and Rebecca Grainger. Photo submitted by Grainger
Family is the root of some of JMU’s most beloved traditions. Streamer throwing, holding doors and wearing purple are all things passed down to future generations of Dukes by those who came before them. Traditions – and the families that pass them down – are what makes JMU such a special place. Current students and alumni parents wrote a letter to their incoming family member about how to use traditions to make the most of their JMU experience.
Dear Kevin, I can’t wait for you to join me at JMU. JMU has been a great experience for me, and I hope it will be for you too. You will be nervous at first, like I was, but once you start meeting people and hanging out, you will have a great time. JMU will be your second home. And if by chance you get homesick, I’m right here. Make sure you get involved in not only class work but socially as well. That will make JMU more fun and help you miss home a lot less. Make new friends. Do things with them. Go to D-Hall. Go to UREC. See a movie or just hang out around campus. Your professors are there to help you and not just teach you so ask them questions.
Ryan Young | Class of 2026
The Young Family, Ryan, class of 2026 (second from right) and Kevin, class of 2028 (far right).
Photo submitted by the Young family
Oh, the places you could go
with JMU’s study abroad program!
Words by Christian Wright
Photos submitted by interviewees
Are you interested in gaining course credit and multi-cultural experience? Then you are in luck!
What is JMU Study Abroad?
Every school year, JMU offers many opportunities to study abroad, whether for your major or just for fun.
According to JMU’s study abroad website, ocver eighty programs are offered in fifty different countries, that last for as long as a semester to as short as a week.
According to JMU’s website, “There’s a perfect fit for every student.”
To make sure that students studying abroad are still earning credit, JMU creates programs that include relevant courses to your location, as well as courses that apply to the student’s major.
The programs are also designed to include activities to do and events to attend while abroad.
Why I Studied Abroad
Nick Crabtree, a senior Religions/Communications major, studied abroad in London for a semester, deciding to do so after researching the available options and attending JMU’s study abroad fair.
“Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my college career,” Crabtree said.
Hannah McAllister, a senior Media Arts and Design (SMAD) major, saw an email about studying abroad in Ireland through her major, which interested her. According to her, she signed up without talking to anyone else or using other resources.
“Honestly, I didn’t put a lot of thought into it,” she said. “I saw the opportunity and knew it was something I wanted to do.”
Things I Loved
Crabtree’s favorite part of studying abroad was “free exploration, alone” and said that “even though you are there to do school, you still have a lot of free reign.”
Hannah’s favorite thing was booking a trip to Connemara National Park, which hap-
pened at the same time as her JMU Study Abroad Instagram takeover, allowing her to capture and post her time on that trip to JMU’s social media.
“It was a fun and amazing experience to be able to show everyone online what I was doing in Ireland at the same time that I was doing it,” she said.
Things I Learned
According to Crabtree, studying abroad allowed him to learn a lot outside of just his course work.
“The coolest thing I learned was that travelling grants people the ability to better understand different cultures and compare them to our own,” Crabtree said. “Existing in a place that isn’t home, or adapting to a place that is new to you, grows you.”
Similar to Crabtree’s realization, McAllister felt she got a richer and deeper view of humanity by immersing herself in a different culture, instead of just viewing it from a distance.
They both also explained that learning about other cultures helped him to better understand the difference between that culture’s problems versus our American problems.
Advice
Crabtree’s advice to those interested in studying abroad is to “Get out there.”
“The program is amazing and very thought out, but don’t be confined to it; explore as much as you can,” he said.
Similarly, McAllister’s advice to those who are interested is “don’t second guess yourself.” She said to “take the opportunity to explore more than what JMU has available to you.”
JMU makes it possible for any and every student to explore and learn from a variety of different people from different cultures. For more information on what you can do and where you can go, visit www.jmu. edu/global/abroad/index.shtml ��
“Even though you are there to do school, you still have a lot of free reign.”
- Nick Crabtree
“I saw the opportunity and knew it was something I wanted to do.”
- Hannah McAllister
Find your home at JMU!
Welcome to James Madison University! At JMU there are so many clubs and organizations you can choose from to join and meet your new friends for the next four years, or even for life! Every semester there is a student org night where you can learn about and meet representatives from any of the 473 organizations currently on campus. The best part about it is, if you can’t find something for you, you can always make your own club based on your interests. Descriptions and executive position members for all organizations can be found on JMU BeInvolved.
1. What does your ideal weekend look like?
a. Helping out at an animal shelter
b. Attending a professional-development seminar
c. Going to a play/musical at the Forbes Center for the Performing arts
d. Learning more about different cultures
e. Playing/watching sports
2. How did you spend most of your time in high school?
a. Volunteering
b. DECA/Model UN
c. Arts/theatre/journalism
d. Political activism
e. Athletics/weight lifting
3. How do you cultivate relationships with others?
a. Supporting others
b. Networking with likeminded individuals
c. Creating art with one another
d. Learning about other’s past experiences
e. Connecting with others through completing a common task
4. What do you think is your best attribute?
a. Empathy
b. Professionalism
c. Artistic
d. Leadership
e. Athletic
5. What was your first job?
a. Server
b. Office intern
c. Camp counselor
d. Retail
e. Lifeguard
6. What is your favorite movie/TV show?
a. The Blind Side
b. Suits
c. Glee
d. Hidden Figures
e. Ted Lasso
7. Which of these people is most inspiring to you?
a. Clara Barton
b. Mark Cuban
c. Steven Spielberg
d. Megan Rapinoe
e. Patrick Mahomes
8. What’s your favorite activity to bring friends along with?
a. A charitable 5K
b. A lecture
c. An Art Show
d. A culture show
e. A football game
A. Love Helping others
If you answered mostly “A” then you love helping others and want to see the world in a better place. Lucky for you, you can start doing that during your time at JMU, below are a few organizations where you can continue your passion for helping others:
ROTC, A Moment of Magic (AMOM), Alternative break programs, American Red Cross, Best Buddies, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Camp Kesem, Dukes Making a Difference, Fast for Food, Give, etc.
B. Professional
If you answered mostly “B” on this quiz then you are likely comfortable in a professional setting. From business-related organizations, to professional development organizations, to Student Government, there are plenty of groups you can join to get prepared for the real world after your time at JMU:
Professional Fraternities, Business Fraternities, Honors Fraternities, Subject-based Fraternities
American Marketing Association (AMA), Association for Information systems, Student Ambassadors, DECA, Student Government Association (SGA), etc.
C. Artistic
If you answered mostly “C” on this quiz, then you are certainly a creative mind. Whether you prefer to show off your artistic side through your writing, dancing, singing, acting or performing there are so many options for you to continue pursuing your artsy side as a Duke!
The Breeze, Breeze TV, Dancing Dukes, Club Music Compostion, Doghouse, EDM club, Furious Flower Poetry Center, A Capella groups, JMU Rocky Horror, Stratford players
D. Inclusive
If you answered mostly “D” to this quiz then you recognize the importance of inclusivity. You can recognize and empathize with what people have gone through in their lives and what affects certain groups of people in the country at all levels. Listed below are a number of clubs and organizations you can join to be with people who think and have similar experiences to you!
Intercultural Greek Council (ICGC), Center for multicultural Student Services (CMSS), Black Student Alliance, Filipino Americans at Madison, Future Teachers of Color, Shades of Pride, Vietnamese Student Association, etc.
E. Sporty
If you answered mostly “E” on this quiz, then you are clearly a big sports fan. JMU has club sports available for tryouts for almost any sport you can think of, and there are also sports-related clubs you can join to find likeminded sports fans to become friends with!
Club Sports, Sport and Leisure association of Madison (SLAM), Billiards Club, Fitness Club, Madison Motorsports, Student Officials Association, Talking sports, Caving Club, Women in Sport and Recreation Management, etc. ��
No car? No problem.
Words by Elle Hart; icons by Edwin PM from the Noun project
While there is a lot on JMU’s campus, downtown Harrisonburg has a lot to offer students. If you ever get tired of dining hall food, freshmade 2-foot pizza is just a few blocks away. Or if you’d like to make your own food, you can shop for ingredients at the local farmers market. Here are some things to do off camps, all about a walkable mile from Wilson Hall.
Benny’s (64 S Mason St)
0.7 mi from Wilson Hall
Benny Sorrentino’s is a pizza restaurant that boasts 28-inch slices– so big, they need two plates. The chain also has locations in Blacksburg, Lynchburg, Virginia Beach and Fredericksburg, among others.
Legacy Watkins, a sophomore architectural design major, has been working at Benny’s since last summer. Even when she is not working, Watkins comes to Benny’s with friends. She said that Benny’s has built a reputation of being a late-night spot.
“College students love Benny’s,” she said. “Especially during the weekend.”
Farmers Market (228 South Liberty Street)
0.8 mi from Wilson Hall
The Harrisonburg Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during January through March, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays from April through Thanksgiving. Multiple vendors sell local produce, as well as coffee, baked goods, and art.
Judith Yankey, who runs North Mountain Produce with her husband, has been at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market since 1999. She said she likes the “direct sell to customers” that the farmers market provides.
Sabrina De Filipo, a JMU alum, said that she and her friends had a tradition when they were all students: they would attend the Saturday farmers market for smoothies and breakfast. Now, De Filipo and her boyfriend Tate Rosenfeld, a senior at JMU, go to the farmers market together.
While there is a market held on campus on Wednesdays, De Filipo and Rosenfeld said they prefer the one off campus because of the greater variety of vendors.
“There’s usually a ton of dogs [at the off campus farmers market], which is a big positive for me,” De Filipo said.
Shops at Agora (165 S Main St Suite 101)
0.8 mi from Wilson Hall
This market houses a number of small businesses, including a vintage shop, a coffee shop, and a sustainable goods store.
Allie Motyka owns Heartworn Vintage with her mother. Their shop was one of the first to open at the Shops at Agora, seven years ago; along with Broad Porch Coffee, it is one of two shops that has stayed since the beginning.
“This is a building that houses nine small businesses…Folks come and go,” Motyka said. “You just never know when it’s going to change.”
Motyka’s parents fostered her love of vintage and secondhand wares, which led to the opening of Heartworn Vintage. In addition to vintage clothing, Motyka and her mother also sell household items such as kitchenware and furniture, all from the 1940s through 1980s.
Melissa Nguyen, who owns Great.Full Goods, has been at the Shops at Agora since August 2021, though she has been interested in sustainability for over 10 years. Great.Full Goods sells refills and sustainable goods, such as dish soap in bars, soap tablets, and bamboo toothbrushes.
In addition to a space at the Shops at Agora, Great. Full Goods also has a stand at the on-campus farmers market, which Nguyen said is popular with students.
Quincee Stamp, a sophomore theater major, said she comes to the Shops at Agora every few months to “circle around” and see all the shops.
“I always bring people who are visiting here because it’s one of the fun things to do [in Harrisonburg,]” she said.
Nguyen said that it is important to shop local.
“It’s not crazy expensive [in the Shops at Agora]. A lot of us carry practical goods that you might need,” she said. “It’s just something for everyone.”
Kline’s (58 E Wolfe St)
1.0 mi from Wilson Hall
Kline’s Dairy Bar, an ice cream shop, has two locations in Harrisonburg, the other located at 2425 South Main Street. The shop has two signature flavors— chocolate and vanilla— and a third that changes every week.
Alyssa Swartely, a junior health science major, has been working at Kline’s since the summer of 2022. She grew up in Harrisonburg, and described Kline’s as “a fun place to go with your friends and family.”
In addition to Harrisonburg residents, Swartely said that she sees many JMU organizations at Klines as well.
“A lot of JMU students come,” she said. “You can tell when students are here, cause it’s a lot more busy.” ��
AFreshman’s Guide to SocialMedia
Words by Elle Hart
In the digital age, more and more of our world comes from social media. Many incoming JMU students will turn to Instagram for related accounts before they even get to campus. From finding roommates to learning more about the school and culture, students can turn to all sorts of Instagram accounts.
The official JMU account (@jamesmadisonuniversity) and the many JMU athletics accounts (such as @jmu_football, @jmumbasketball, @jmuwbasketball and @jmubaseball) are popular accounts to follow, as well as @jmubarstool and @ jmuchicks.
Gabby Glasco, a freshman, said following the JMU account made her “excited about coming to the school.”
Below is a list of other social media accounts that current students suggest for incoming freshmen.
JMU Dining
JMU has been ranked in the top 20 schools for best campus food for over 20 years, according to the Princeton Review. The JMU Dining Instagram offers information about themed dinners in E-Hall and D-Hall, as well as changes to dining schedules for times such as Ramadan.
In a poll, an anonymous senior said they found the account “extremely helpful” in their time at JMU. They said it would especially be helpful to freshmen since they’re required to have a meal plan.
Missed Connections
“Someone held the door at D-Hall & you fell in love? Sat next to a cutie on ICS but too scared to say anything?”
JMU Missed Connections offers students the chance to send a message to someone anonymously while also shooting their shot.
One of the current admins, anonymously known as Bumi, said the account started over COVID when many were feeling isolated, and JMU Missed Connections “exists as a relic and testament to our nature to seek connection.”
Another admin, known as Appa, said the account was a huge part of their freshman year and that the admins “always try to keep everything so positive.”
@breeze
jm u
The Breeze
The Breeze is JMU’s student-run newspaper. The paper comes out weekly on Thursdays,
and excerpts from articles are posted online the same day. In addition to the main Breeze Instagram page, there are also different pages for the different sections: news, opinion, culture and sports, as well as Breeze TV.
In the same poll, another anonymous senior said the accounts provided “news, event announcements, etc. that serve as beneficial updates for students.”
University Program Board
The University Program Board (UPB) hosts multiple events throughout the semester, including weekly movie nights held in Grafton-Stovall, and midnight breakfasts in the Festival Food Court.
Sophomore Alannah Becker said she learns about many events from the UPB social media account.
“Me and my roommates started going to Tuesday trivia nights every week because of it, and it’s so much fun,” Becker said.
Izzy Smith, the brand engagement director of UPB, said Instagram is a “fun way to post about updates and events” students can attend. She said the marketing team of UPB tries to post far enough in advance to allow people to plan to attend events such as Late Night Breakfast and Bingo nights.
Smith suggested freshmen attend “as many events on campus as possible,” which can give them opportunities to learn about different areas of JMU.
If none of these accounts strike your fancy, you could also wait until Student Org Night to find the right club for you. Freddie Tavakoli, a current freshman, said she didn’t find many social media accounts to follow until Student Org Night, when she found a number of outdoor recreation clubs to follow on Instagram. ��
Make Mental Health a Priority
Words by Lizzie Pirisino
Photos courtesy of JMU Student Affairs Communications and Marketing
College is often the most exciting time in a young person’s life yet also the most stressful. Whether that’s balancing academics or social lives, college presents young freshmen with new challenges and opportunities. While navigating this new journey, it is important that freshmen take the time to manage their mental health. Here are four resources every freshman should take advantage of during their first year at JMU.
The Counseling Center
Located in the Student Success Center, the Counseling Center offers one-on-one professional counseling and therapy to all students at JMU. Counselors aim to help students tackle a wide range of topics such as stress management, depression and self-care. Cailtlin Boden, a Sophomore, said, “The counseling center is a safe space where I feel allowed to express myself openly without judgment and problem solve with my counselor.” The center offers walk-in appointments Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more serious cases, the center offers a 24/7 crisis hotline.
The Oasis
The Serenity Center
Located in the Union, Warren 419, the Serenity Center offers a relaxing hideaway filled with plants, sunlight, and pillows where students can meditate and practice mindful healing. This space offers a safe place which prides itself on the inclusivity and welcoming of all students regardless of their diverse identities. “I feel at peace here,” said Senior Payne Bauer. “It’s a place I can turn to that gives me positive vibes when I’m feeling really down or overwhelmed.” The center offers workshops where deep meditations are the focus. The Serenity Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. with differing hours from Friday to Sunday.
The Studio
The Oasis is a quiet and relaxing space for students to unwind and meditate. It offers a variety of stress management resources including massage chairs, noise-canceling headphones and yoga mats. It is a cell phone free zone where phones must be silenced and put away upon entry to ensure a safe and stress free environment. With the strenuous workload that college offers Seniors like Sammy Malinaggi boasts that the counseling center “is a home away from home” which grounds students in stressful times.
The self-care space is located in the Student Success Center, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Unveil your creative side at The Studio with the amazing creative outlets the space has to offer. Students can use free art supplies like paints, canvases and moldable clay to express their thoughts and feelings in an artistic way. Junior Hazel Gardener takes advantage of The Studio often, “I love this place, I can take care of my mental health while having fun and letting my creative side shine through.” The Studio gives students a unique and fun way to manage the stress that comes with being a college student. The Studio is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Success Center. ��
The Serenity Center offers meditative workshops.
It’s Greek to me: multicultural organizations finding their own ways to build community
Words by PJ Barua
Photos courtesy of JMU Student Affairs
Communications and Marketing
Those walking down Grace Street past the Student Success Center (SSC) most likely have noticed the 13 monuments with Greek letters on top surrounding a small field of grass. This area is known as The Yard, and was built to recognize the Black, Latinx and Asian-interest organizations within the Inter-Cultural Greek Council (ICGC). Though it takes up a small space on a big campus, the community fought for years to get it accomplished.
“We see things that exist on this campus like Greek Row but not a place for us that is a physical manifestation of our presence on campus that we do exist,” said Tyler Jones, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
That’s what makes ICGC groups so important, members say: It gives them visibility on campus.
The Inter-Cultural Greek Council is composed of 13 organizations that focus on the culture the fraternities and sororities are based on – although it is open to anyone regardless of background. The council’s purpose is to unify students, develop them into leaders and improve the JMU campus and community through its involvement and contributions.
According to former JMU president Ronald E. Carrier’s book “Building James Madison University,’’ Carrier had a vision of increasing African American enrollment and unifying the college’s population into one. Carrier was president from 1971 to 1998.
Carrier’s commitment to diversify Madison College led the Black Student Alliance (BSA) to form in 1972, which gave Black students a voice to express the problems they were facing. In addition, BSA aimed to promote interaction and involvement to foster African American pride and to raise awareness among Madison College. In 1971, Carrier’s commitment to African American students led the first chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, an African-American sorority, to be introduced to campus.
Then in 2009, ICGC was formed to unite all 13 fraternities and sororities under one roof, which today is known as the Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS) located in SSC. 53 years later, these organizations still carry on the values and goals of the members before them.
However, according to Jones, the university still has work to do to raise the visibility of minority groups.
“Just genuinely investing in our community and organizations, I think it is something that is really important,” Jones said.
A lot of the work within these organizations is community-based rather than social. Community service, philanthropic work, civic engagement and raising awareness are just some of the components the organizations strive for. Jessica Chou, member of alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority Incorporated, says they aim to bring forth one’s identity and values to grow students into who they are.
“It is a community I can relate to,” Chou said. “Being involved in Greek life while also being a person of color are two separate identities that can be merged into one underneath ICGC.”
The challenge of finding information on ICGC and its organizations may take away opportunities from students who are looking to find comfort within a community they can relate to. Jocelyn Martinez, member of Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha Incorporada, says it would have been hard for her to stay at JMU if she didn’t have this community.
“JMU would be a completely different experience for me if I didn’t meet these other cultures who I am able to relate and talk to,” Martinez said.
Chou says when she first got to JMU, she wanted to find a community where she could be her authentic self. Although she put herself out there to get involved in other communities, none of them felt like the right fit.
“It gave me a community I thought I would never
have,” Chou said.
On the other hand, both Jones and Kofi Asare, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, say they have experienced and seen lingering racism and microaggression that still exists on campus. Asare said it’s something you can’t be phased by, which he said is sad because the emotions emerging from these incidents are valid and important.
Jones said past members often wonder why the black community and other minorities are still having to address problems they faced in the ‘70s and ‘80s. However, negative experiences don’t break Asare’s and Jones’ determination to do better and celebrate a community that can help not just minorities but everybody.
“We were created for black men, but we want to help everybody,” Asare said.
All four students found the path to their culturally based organizations in various ways, like researching both ICGC and the organizations, going to events even when alone, exploring ICGC and the organizations’ Instagram pages and most importantly considering if their values align with the organization.
“Step out of your comfort zone and be uncomfortable to become comfortable,” Chou said. “Try something new because you never know.”
Chou adds that it is important for everyone to learn and understand other cultures even if they don’t see it as a necessity.
“We are also JMU students, we may not interact with each other but we are all still here together as students,” Chou said. “Your voice helps our voice.” ��
Members of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority perform at the ICGC Yard Show.
At the CMSS Welcome Back Bash, ICGC members were able to mingle.
Members of the Lambda Phi Epsilon fraternity perform at the ICGC Yard Show.
JMU: Jobs, Money, Unveiling
Words and photos by
Haden Raymer
Looking for a job on campus can be stressful. Along with moving into a new environment, freshmen have to meet new people and deal with the stressors of a college course load. With all that going on, it can be hard to also find a job on campus.
The university currently offers around 50 jobs every semester – from UREC to the libraries, there is a wide variety in the type of work you can do with the school. According to Klaudia Whipple, who works in the student employment office, every department can hire at least one student. Jobs through the university also qualify under the federal work-study program. You can see all of their opportunities on PageUp at the beginning and toward the end of each semester.
school,” Meade said.
With just ten student employees, the mail room provides mail services for on-campus students. Employees here help check in packages, sort and organize them, and run them out to their peers.
“We also like to have them help students with locks on their mailboxes,” Custer said.
The JMU bookstore employs between 10 to 20 students at any given time.
The JMU Bookstore is in the heart of campus, right next to the Village. There, they employ anywhere from 10 to 20 students at any given time. The bookstore is just like any retail job you could get off campus. In a shift, students can expect to process the latest shipment and restock the sales floor as needed as well as straighten and run the register. Mark Glenn, the director of the bookstore, says that the best qualities a potential candidate can have are being outgoing, a self-starter and friendly.
About 600 of employees in Dining Services are students.
The mail room is very much like a family according to Site manager Cheryl Meade and Senior Site Manager Tina Custer.
“We had one student work here starting her freshman year and she continued all the way through grad
If the mailroom is looking to hire one person, they will usually just put out some flyers and make a post on their Facebook page. If they are looking to hire multiple candidates they will typically post an ad on Joblink.
Dining Services has the most expansive employee networks, with over 600 students employed via Aramark. Students can work in a variety of different positions with dining services. While most are food service roles, like baristas or workers at residential dining locations, they also offer marketing and managerial positions and internships in human resources. Students can find openings at aramark.com and jmucampusdish.com/careers. Brent Beringer, the executive director for university dining recommends that you visit their recruitment tables to learn more about their opportunities.
To get any job, Whipple recommends that you be eager, reach out to the employer, and attend hiring events, which you can find on BeInvolved. ��
What can Safe Zone do for you?
The sticker is displayed by a network of voluntarily trained faculty, staff, and students who are committed to providing an atmosphere of acceptance and assistance for the LGBTQ+ community here at JMU, as well as providing a space where you can feel comfortable coming and being out, or sharing what’s on your mind.
Visit jmu.edu/safezone for more information
You don’t have to lift a hammer to help build and preserve affordable housing in the Central Shenandoah Valley. SHOP, VOLUNTEER or DONATE at the ReStore and help families realize their dreams of homeownership. All proceeds help to fund housing provided by Central Valley Habitat for Humanity.
TRAVEL SMART WITH SHD
Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) is located just 15 minutes from campus and offers competitive fares with global connections. Use the airport shuttle or take advantage of FREE parking while you travel.
Duke Dog
Building Your Class Schedule
Art 242 - Bladesmithing: Exploring form and function
Students will explore the complex interplay of form and function through the techniques, materials and concepts of knifemaking
Business Law 494 - White collar crime
A study of white collar crime in America, a unique type of criminal activity that primarily affects businesses. The course also examines how white collar crimes are prosecuted and defended in state and federal courts.
Prerequisites: COB 300
Honors 300 - Advanced Special Topics in Honors
These courses explore a range of complex topics that deal with contemporary issues in society, multicultural and comparative studies and advanced applications in the business and the natural and social sciences.
Examples of class topics: U.S. Supreme Court, Coffee Ecology and Culture, Leadership at Sea, Explore Society Through Caves
Requirements: Enrollment in Honors College or permission of the Honors College dean
University Studies 475 - Dollars and Sense
This practical course will review the effect a personal philosophy on money, and management of personal finances, has on all aspects of life when it comes to securing the American Dream. Students will learn real life skills in the areas of eliminating debt, creating a budget, understanding investments and insurance, saving money, planning for retirement, shopping for a house and other topics dealing with financial issues faced in daily life
Enrollment Requirement: Senior Standing
Words
by Chandler Bagwell
Whether it’s a general education class, or a class deep into your major, there will always be at least one course that you will dread having to take. But it doesn’t have to be all bad. JMU offers over 100 courses across different majors that can help bring some fun to your class schedule.
Computer Science 354 - Intro to Autonomous Robots
A hands-on introduction to programming autonomous mobile robots. The focus of this course is designing robotic systems that navigate independently in complex environments
Prerequisites: Fully admitted Computer Science majors or minors only; grade of Cor better in CS 240, and either Math 220, Math 229 or Math 318
Interscience Research 104 - Scientific Perspectives
A study of topics selected to allow students to participate in scientific problem-solving approaches to knowledge
Examples of class topics: Weapons of Mass Destruction, Exploring the Night Sky
Hospitality Management 419 - Napa & Sonoma Wine and Culture
The ability to impressively learn about the wine, food and culture that influence the region can only be fully accomplished by visiting. Students are able to visit wineries and speak with owners, visit growers and speak with the farmers, visit nurseries and discuss varietals
Prerequisites: Hospitality Management major; 21 years old the first day of class and permission of the director ��
My tuition pays for what!?
free and reduced-priced resources available for you through your tuition and fees
Words and photos by Maeve Summers
Soon after you start your first semester, you might find yourself already living up to the “broke college student” stereotype. How are you going to afford a trip to the doctor if you unexpectedly get sick? What if you run out of punches for the week and need to eat dinner? You’re not alone. JMU has a variety of resources on campus that are free or low-price to students that would cost hundreds otherwise. These four resources, ranging in necessity, are here for students to utilize without breaking the bank.
The JMU Health Center
Located on the second floor of the Student Success Center, the University Health Center is your all-in-one destination for physicals, lab tests, prescriptions and more. The Health Center accepts most insurance, and most office visits are free for students. The Center includes an allergy clinic, nutritional services, a physician’s office and even urgent care.
“Healthcare is a huge part of their wellbeing and success,” said Associate Director of Nursing Betsy Gentry. “You might not realize you need any of our resources until you get sick.”
To ensure students are familiar with the Health Center, they provide tours so students can see the facility and what they offer.
For a full list of services the Health Center provides, visit www.jmu.edu/healthcenter.
The Career Center
Throughout your college career, you’ll likely have to add some business casual or professional attire to your wardrobe. The Career Closet is a donation-based resource in the Career Center that allows students to browse and take 5 professional clothing items free of charge every semester.
“The Closet helps to lower barriers for students that could keep them from getting a job,” Communications Coordinator Tiffany Corbin said.
The University Career Center offers free business casual or professional clothing to students.
In addition to the Career Closet, the Career Center, located on the third floor of the Student Success Center, has plenty of other ways for students to get a headstart on their professional future. Career advisers offer one-on-one resume reviews and practice interview events, and the center does free headshot sessions every week.
“Don’t be intimidated - if students come in and use our resources that are lower stakes, then they’ll be able to get a head start on their career readiness, instead of trying to cram everything in their senior year,” Corbin said.
For more information about The Career Center’s resources and events, visit jmu.edu/career/index. shtml.
The Pantry
Stocked with shelf-stable and frozen groceries, hygiene products and produce, The Pantry is open for all students, no questions asked. The process is simple: browse the selection, choose your items and weigh them at the desk. For commuters, The Pantry has a curbside delivery option as well.
The Pantry has goods that run the gamut - soup, pasta, coffee creamer, bread, canned vegetables, microwave dinners and even baking ingredients.
“Thirty-eight percent of JMU students experience moderate to severe forms of food insecurity - there
Senior Katie Benish chooses produce in the Pantry, which offers free food to students.
are direct links between food insecurity and academic performance and mental well-being.,”said Evan Dribbon, the Pantry liaison. “Having a place to go to get free groceries and hygiene products helps make sure students have what they need,”.
Although The Pantry serves to fight food insecurity, it’s open for all students to shop, regardless of financial status.
“A lot of students think they have to pay for it or they’re potentially taking these food items from students who might need them more, but neither of those are true - we don’t ask questions, we don’t check IDs or anything,” Dribbon said.
The Pantry has two locations: Taylor Down Under and on East Campus in EnGeo.
For more information, visit https://www.jmu.edu/osl/ ocl/pantry/index.shtml.
University Recreation Center (UREC)
JMU’s campus recreation center is home to all your fitness needs - workout machines, athletic courts, a running and walking track, a pool, cooking classes, personal training and even massage therapy sessions are just a few of UREC’s offerings. A membership at any other gym with these same resources would easily cost you hundreds of dollars a month, but at UREC,much of it is already covered by your student fees..
One unique service that UREC offers is equipment rentals. With just your JACard, you’re able to rent sports equipment, towels, frisbees and more for no charge. Once you rent a piece of equipment, it’s yours until you have to return it the next day.
UREC is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., so you can still find time for exercise even with your busy schedule. Some services require a reservation or may be available on a first-come first-serve basis.
For more information about UREC services, visit www.jmu. edu/recreation/index.shtml. ��
Setting Up Success
Words and photo by Jamie McEachin
Maleek Hill always knew he wanted to go to college. As a high-achieving student in high school, Hill was encouraged to be the first in his family to attend an institution of higher education, but Hill’s family found that the process was confusing.
“I love my parents and they did all they could,” Hill said. “[For] FAFSA and things like that…I've taken the initiative because they don't know how college works. And so it was a fresh start for all of us…my parents were living their college dreams out through me.”
All students at James Madison University are searching for a community they can relate to. For some first-generation students, that sense of community can be difficult to find while navigating the whole new world of a college campus.
Opening its doors in February 2023, the new Reddix Center for First-Generation Students represents an acknowledgement that navigating the college system can be hard for some students without a family history in higher education. Shaun Mooney, director of the Reddix Center for First-Generation Students and the Centennial Scholars program, said first-generation students can be at a disadvantage entering college life.
“It's the cultural capital of understanding higher ed,” Mooney said.
Over 3,000 undergraduate students identify as first-generation college students at JMU—roughly 16% of the population. This number is low compared to the national average, but steadily increasing at JMU, Mooney said.
Things like obscure “college lingo” or scholarships and grant funding, apartment leasing and other issues
Joshua Moore is one of the many first-generation students who uses the Reddix Center.
being the first in your family to go to college comes with unique challenges
can be hard to understand to those new to the system, Mooney said. Faculty at the Reddix Center hope to provide those students with a place where they can ask for guidance.
“The idea is to create a community of scholars of students, who, when they need that support, they know they can come here for it,” Mooney said. “Sometimes it's social emotional support, sometimes it's academic support. Sometimes, it's helping navigate systems and making decisions.”
The center’s doors are open to all, but Mooney says it primarily hopes to create a sense of community among first-generation peers at JMU in its lounge and sponsored events. The Centennial Scholars program has been around for 20 years, but outreach efforts to the larger first-generation student population at JMU are a much newer effort.
“We're working again to build that larger community, beyond just the Centennial Scholars and Valley Scholars programs to say, you know, ‘There's a bigger group of students out there,’” Mooney said.
The concept of “first generation” can be a gray area that’s hard to define, Mooney said. Most first-generation students at JMU are the first in their families to go to college. Some students may not technically be the first in their immediate family to go to college, but their experience mirrors their first-generation peers, Mooney said.
Monyette Martin, a senior assistant dean of admissions at JMU, sees a lot of first-generation students in her recruitment. She worries that some first-generation students can get lost in the shuffle, especially if they are
not Pell Grant recipients or Centennial Scholars. Those students who may not know all about college, Martin said, may struggle in the first few weeks of the semester without a support system.
“The ones that are Pell first-gen, we try our best to keep our arms around them,” Martin said. “What we have not addressed and looked at is the population in the middle, and that’s a concern for me.”
Students find their way to the Reddix Center primarily through word-of-mouth, Mooney said. He wants more students to feel comfortable asking for help if they don’t know how to navigate a foreign concept at JMU.
“It's OK to reach out and ask for help, and it's okay to not know how everything works, because most of your peers don't either,” Mooney said. “And so we sort of have an assumption maybe that, ‘I'm the only one who doesn't know about this,’ and that's usually not the case. If you don't know, there's probably lots of people who don't know.”
The center plans to offer a career and academic planning course in Fall 2024 specifically for first-generation students at JMU, as another resource. UNST 102 aims to help define the pathways through higher education for students and allow an extra credit to be completed in the process.
Mooney finds that the first-generation students he works with have unique strengths because of their status as the first of their families to reach for a college degree, despite what may feel like a disadvantage when they enter college.
“In many ways a first-gen student is used to not knowing and being willing to figure out how to do it,” Mooney said. “A lot of the first-generation students I work with really have very solid well-developed critical thinking skills, because they have to solve problems and they have to figure out, ‘Okay, you know, how am I gonna make this opportunity happen?’” ��
Be kind to yourself ♡ you’re keepamazing,doing it up! ☺ You are capable to make it!
giveNeverup!
You are Kenough
Students write post-it notes for encouragement and stick them on the walls of the Reddix Center.
Maleek Hill
Photo courtesey of Hill
JMU Athletics embraces change this year
Words by Haden Raymer
Photo courtesy of The Breeze
JMU athletics had a breakout year in 2023-2024. The football team made a bowl game for the first time in school history. The men’s basketball team made the second round of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1983. Swimming & Diving won the Sun Belt Conference, its sixth conference title in seven years. The volleyball team received an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament. Both soccer programs made the NCAA tournament, with a round of 16 berth from the men's team. JMU became known as the “Everything School.”
But under new Director of Athletics Matt Roan, 20242025 will be a year of change. While the school has fully transitioned into the Sun Belt Conference (SBC), longtime athletic director Jeff Bourne retired, head football coach Curt Cignetti left following the end of the regular season and men’s basketball coach Mark Byington left following the Dukes’ defeat in the round of 32 of the March Madness tournament.
Director of Broadcast Services Emeritus Curt Dudley, who has been observing JMU sports for 36 years, is not concerned about this year of change, though. Dudley points to the Dukes’ history, especially the school’s recent surprise breakout when transitioning between the Colonial Athletic Association (now known as the Coastal Athletic Association) and the SBC. The school still maintains its impressive infrastructure and culture that helped them recruit. If that was not enough, Dudley points to out-of-state applications rising 47 percent over last year.
“People clearly want to be here,” he said.
But, of course, change brings some uncertainty to JMU athletics. Yasser Pérez, who worked as a spotter for the home JMU football games and is an avid JMU fan, says he is anxious. For Pérez, that anxiety has its positives and negatives. He is excited to see how the new coaches build upon the success and in what way will they change the dynamics of the programs. But at the same time, it is hard to live up to the level of success from last year. So Pérez said he worries that the new coaches and athletic director could become scapegoats if they have a rough season.
Here are some storylines Dudley and Perez will be watching during the new season.
Football
Perhaps nobody embraced that “wanting-to-behere” mentality more than new football head coach Bob Chesney. He hosted events for the community to meet him and has gone out of his way to embrace the commu-
nity. Spring practices have been noticeably more upbeat and active.
JMU fanatic Amelia Litowitz, who missed just two home games across the football and basketball seasons, says she is excited for the upcoming football season and the addition of Chesney. She said, “I think he’ll be able to pick up where we left off and elevate the team.”
The key piece returning from last season is cornerback D’Angelo Ponds. He made three freshman All-American teams last season and was a second-team All-Sun Belt cornerback.
Junior Xavier Brown led the men’s basketball team in steals this past year.
But in the 2024 season, the team is entering yet another quarterback battle. The program had University of Washington's two-year starter and 2023 backup Dylan Morris transfer in. Redshirt sophomore Alonza Barnett III started in the 2023 opener before losing the starting job to Jordan McCloud, who transferred out of JMU after Cignetti left. Redshirt sophomores Brett Griffis and Blake Kendall will also compete for a job along with freshman JC Evans.
Field Hockey
When it comes to the teams Dudley is most excited to watch in 2024, field hockey was at the top of the list. 2024 is a big year for the field hockey program. Since
JMU transitioned away from the CAA, the field hockey program has been left without a conference to call home. That all changed, as the 2024 season will be its first as an affiliate member of the Mid-American Conference. This gives the program a clearer path to the NCAA tournament.
They will play in eight conference matchups, with their season ending against SBC rival App State on Nov. 3 at home, who they lost 2-1 in overtime last season. App State isn’t the only familiar face they will play in 2024 though. The Dukes will also play at Longwood on Nov. 1, which they beat 5-2 last October.
Senior forwards Tori Carawan and Mia Julian were the top scorers for the team, so the team will need to quickly find a way to replicate their production. Freshman goalkeeper Molly Schreiner had a solid 2023 season with a 0.652 SV%. For the team to improve on their 5-12 record, Schreiner will need to take a step forward.
Thankfully for her and the rest of the returning staff, the team already faced most of their 2024 opponents. Eight teams they played last year are on the schedule again in 2024. They went 3-5 against those teams, with a loss against then-No. 12 Wake Forest and overtime losses against App State and Villanova.
Volleyball
When asked what program does not get the attention it deserves, Pérez immediately mentioned volleyball. The team has made the past two NCAA tournaments and has a record of 45-15 over that span. The team is powered by longtime Dukes Sophie Davis, Elizabeth Helmich, and Miëtte Veldman. But with Sophie Davis leaving to go pro, the team will need someone to step up to fill the points void and blocks. And those will be hard to replace. Davis was second in the team in kills with 359 in 2023 and was the greatest statistical blocker in JMU history.
“They play with such high energy and it’s just so fun to watch,” Pérez said.
Last season, rising sophomore Rebecca Watkins stepped up as the team’s setter. Rising sophomore Brenya Reid could get more opportunities from the outside. But in the middle, the team will rely on rising senior Annie Smith. Incoming freshman Ayen Nhial out of Kentucky could also be a major contributor in the middle.
JMU Men’s Basketball
JMU men’s basketball had a historic season last year. They cruised to a Sun Belt title and won in the round of 64 in the March tournament, finishing the season with a 32-4 record. With Byington gone, the school hired Morehead State head coach Preston Spradlin to take over the team.
With Spradlin, it could potentially be a new-look offense. Last season, Morehead State was one of the slowest tempo offenses in the nation, according to KenPom, a college basketball advanced statistics database. JMU, under Byington, was one of the fastest. There will also be a lot of turnover in the player personnel, with standout freshman forward Jaylen Carey transferring to Vanderbilt and forwards Raekwon Horton and Justin Amadi in the portal as well. Sun Belt Player of the Year Terrence Edwards is also leaving the team as he transferred to the University of Louisville. On top of that, most of the core is graduated, with T.J. Bickerstaff, Julien Wooden, Noah Freidel, and Michael Green III being the headliners.
Spradlin will now have to rebuild the roster, with junior Xavier Brown being the key piece to build around. Brown served as a sixth man last season, getting just one less start than Green. In that role, he led the team in steals, was third in assists and fifth in three points made.
Brown has improved year-over-year, so with more minutes and more improvements, he should be in line for a great season. As the veteran, Pérez expects a big season from Brown, with an All-Sun Belt second or third team being well within reach.
To build around Brown, Spradlin has brought in three big transfers; Eddie Ricks III from Morehead State, Justin Taylor from Syracuse and AJ Smith from Southern Indiana. Ricks was a true freshman last season and played in 35 games. He provides Spradlin with a player that he knows and trusts. The 6’7” forward averaged 7.5 points a game with 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. Taylor is coming off two seasons in the ACC and is well-regarded for his defense. Heading into a weaker conference, the 6’6” guard will be relied upon as a veteran of this team. Smith was a familiar opponent for Spradlin as he played for OVC opponent Southern Indiana. Smith was one of the best statistical players in the OVC, ranking fourth in rebounds a game and 14th in points a game.
Litowitz said that she anticipates a slow start, but she does not think it will take too long for the team to find their rhythm again.
JMU Women’s Basketball
After losing in the Sun Belt Championship and the first game of the WBIT, JMU women’s basketball is running back virtually the same roster. Point guard Chloe Sterling and forward Steph Ouderkirk are the only transfers departing the program. The team added Marshall’s Roshala Scott via the transfer portal. While the guard missed most of last season, she led the Thundering Herd in points in the 2022-2023 season. Scott should get significant minutes in a rotation with Kseniia Kozlova, Annalicia Goodman, Peyton McDaniel, and Jamia Hazell. With essentially the same roster, the Dukes should be in contention for the Sun Belt title and their second tournament appearance in three years.
Lacrosse
JMU Lacrosse has been incredibly fortunate to have Isabella Peterson play for their program for the past five seasons. She regularly averaged over a hat trick a game and was one of the best players in the nation. She has had a strong supporting cast with fellow attacker Kacey Knobloch and defender Lizzy Pirisano who regularly was among the best on the team in causing turnovers. But now that Peterson and Knobloch have left, rising junior Maddie Epke will be the one to lead the charge
offensively. After a 17-goal and 28-assist freshman campaign, Epke broke out in her sophomore season. Rising seniors Savannah Derey and Olivia Mattis both looked good in their limited playing time.
Defensively, the Dukes are in good hands. Rising sophomore Ava Bleckley was named an IL Women Midseason All-American. Head coach Shelley Klaes always seems to recruit a standout freshman, and Bleckley is the latest name on that list.
Baseball
After a mediocre 2023 season, the Dukes bounced back early to have a great start to their 2024 campaign. Pérez said thinks this comes with increased maturity within the team. “In other sports, once you are drafted you go straight to the pros. In baseball I think it takes a little longer for the players to mature,” he said. This extra maturity allows the team to build upon what worked last season.
Another key to success will be more experience against the Sun Belt teams. Sure, scouting reports will help early on, but nothing can replicate the experience in baseball according to Pérez. With a better understanding of their tendencies and more knowledge, Pérez only expects the baseball team to improve year after year.
Veterans like Mason Dunaway and Fenwick Trimble stepped up to be leaders in the clubhouse, and they will pass the torch to younger players in 2025. The team will need players like infielders Mike Mancini or Wyatt Peifer and catcher Jason Schiavone to take a step forward and lead the team. On the other side of the ball, rising juniors and left-hand pitchers Max Kuhle and Jaden Kinsler are both in line to see an increase in starts with veterans Ryan Murphy and Burke Donavan running out of eligibility. The mantle of closer will also need a new name, but rising sophomore Jackson Logar seems like the likely heir as he was placed in a few save situations in 2024.
As JMU forced itself into the national spotlight with its athletic success across the board, dubbing itself an “everything school,” now is the time to go out and enjoy the games. Pérez says that it’s important to “experience as many of the sports as possible.”
“Just go to games and enjoy the new experiences, support the athletes because it is the same success but just a different field, Perez said.”
Dudley echoed the sentiment. “Coming to athletic events is very memorable and when you come back [as an alumni] it feels like home,” he said. “These memories you will carry with you the rest of your life…so invest in your emotional future today.” ��
Home away from home... and campus
Finding off-campus housing in Harrisonburg can be an overwhelming process full of many choices for upperclassmen that need somewhere to live; resources such as the Off-Campus Life housing office and Utilities Deposit Assistance Program (UDAP), are services meant to help JMU students through the process.
“We have a lot of options in Harrisonburg, there is affordability, definitely tour and talk to people who live in each community, if you don't get housing by October, you will be fine,” said Juliana Poitras, a current resident of Redpoint.
The Off-Campus Life Housing Office is a guidebook resource available online for JMU students who are looking for a place to live and are not sure of where to start with their off-campus living arrangements and what to expect.
“Convenience, location and amenities are some of the most important things to consider when looking into off-campus housing choices and making the right decision for you,” said a member of the Off-Campus Life housing team.
When going through the off-campus housing process, identifying factors like lease terms, amenities, proximity from campus, price and whether the housing is furnished, can be vital when deciding which option is best suited for an individual student’s needs.
“Off-Campus Life also partners with an agency that provides listings on an LLC website for students and parents to use when in search for available housing options in Harrisonburg,” said Off-Campus Life.
Words and
Photos
by Meagan Heitz
live there, it seemed like a very tight-knit community for people to live in,” said Julia Wolf, a current resident.
After choosing the correct “home away from home” securing it completely starts with the signing of a lease, which is considered a serious and legal contract that can be confusing at first, which off-campus life offers a Leasing 101Workshop for.
“A lease is an agreement between the tenant and their landlord, outlining responsibilities while renting for both the tenant and landlord. It includes things like monthly rental cost, how these monthly payments will be made, and information on utilities, costs for damages, rules for the property, pets, etc. No matter how your situation may change, they are still financially responsible the minute the lease is signed,” said off-campus life.
After creating a list of secure options that seem the most ideal for one’s needs, scheduling a tour, asking around campus for what other people chose and why, and creating a list of questions are important to create a better sense of narrowing down which property fits.
“I chose Redpoint because of the friends I knew that
Another important aspect of house-hunting, can be finding the right people to live with for the next three years at JMU, choosing roommates can be an uneasy or quick process, but having an idea of who is the right fit is important before signing a lease.
“I chose to live with my freshman year friends since I knew them more going into sophomore year, but I do wish I knew back then that it is okay to ask around and see if there are other options that could be more compatible, it will happen the way it is supposed too,” said Sarah Crockett, a current senior and resident of Sunchase.
When looking at future housing, it can be nerve wracking for students who haven’t done the process before. Knowing the options, and researching what they are in the area, and finding who will be the best to do it with can be considered one of the most important things to do in order to make the best decision for you in your house-hunting journey.��
Who We Are:
The Mill is an off-campus student housing community that was newly renovated at the end of 2023! Our property caters to JMU students as we are only 0 5 miles away from campus Our apartments come with our new furniture packages The Mill includes Wi-Fi, and utilities making life easy for our residents We host monthly community events, giveaways, and many more fun and exciting things! Our hammock park and outdoor areas are the perfect place for students to study, relax, and unwind Our apartments include four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, full-size washer and dryer in our extra large storage room, entertaining style floor plan, and thoughtful roommate design
themill@assetliving.com
The Mill Apartments
New face, new name
JMU has hired a new associate vice president to lead efforts in accessibility and belonging
Words by Jamie McEachin
Bruce Mitchell listens intently to a student asking a question at the Accessibility & Belonging Student Advisory Board meeting—he smiles wryly as he carefully prepares his answer. It’s only three weeks into his new role as JMU’s new associate vice president for accessibility & belonging, and he jokes about being still preoccupied with unpacking.
The student asks, “What are these offices doing for students so our [DEI] department at our university doesn’t end up as one of those that are getting cut and slashed?”
He’s been anticipating being asked this question.
As anti-DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) legislation trends in Florida, Texas and Alabama, Mitchell anticipates DEI programs could be under scrutiny in the future. So JMU’s Student Affairs division has hired Mitchell to head the new office of Accessibility & Belonging in a bid to protect the existing DEI programs under a larger umbrella. “Strategic” is the name of this game, Mitchell said.
“A lot of the work that has been fought for, for so many years, a lot of the sacrifices that have been made, people who have lost their lives, put their lives on the line, who have been harmed and in danger to fight for civil rights and for us to be where we are—it is essentially being unraveled before our eyes,” Mitchell told the students at the advisory board meeting.
Mitchell’s history as an educator and student advocate, and his most recent role as director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Global Engagement at Eastern Kentucky University, has informed his response to this question. As Mitchell watched anti-DEI legislation be passed in the middle of the night with little opposition, he says, he learned what not to do.
He believes that EKU’s administrators’ fears of losing state funding if they supported the university’s DEI programming led to the legislation passing in Kentucky’s state assembly without much of a fight.
“Don’t speak about it. Don’t say anything about it. Don’t write about it,” Mitchell remembers hearing. “We don’t want to make the legislators mad, because they might not give funding to the university.”
Now, Mitchell regrets that the leading administrators of higher education institutions in Kentucky failed to unite to stand up for their DEI programs. He believes that programs to help students feel like they belong in their educational communities are essential resources and support for students.
He wishes that institutional leaders in Kentucky would have said: “We need this, we stand for this, this is who we are.”
“And that was not done,” Mitchell said, “because everybody was scared.”
Mitchell said he believes institutional leadership has to be on the same page across institutions. But most importantly for Mitchell, administrations have to be connected to the voices of their students and foster their sense of belonging.
“I think it's important to consider the ways in which students feel as if they matter, right?” Mitchell said. “And [that they] are valued and feel as if they're in a comfortable environment that is conducive to their development and growth as a college student, and a place that allows them to show up as their full self, no matter how they identify. They feel accepted, they feel loved, they feel as if their voice matters.”
When he was an undergraduate and then graduate student at Kent State University, Mitchell was an activist and leader on campus. As a peer mentor, he focused on supporting incoming first-generation or low-income students, or students with disabilities, in programs like Academic STARS or the Upper Bound Bridge program.
Dr. Bruce Mitchell, new assoicate vice president of accessibility and belonging.
Photo provided by Mitchell
These programs became Mitchell’s first experience as a coordinator for students, “helping them to find affinity, to find their sense of belonging, to start to form relationships and connections” in higher education, he said.
Tyler Jones, a student leader and activist on campus, has been at the forefront of many battles between students and JMU’s administration, including the renaming of buildings and unity marches of the past. He believes that transparency from administration at JMU and having a place at the table for students to share their perspectives is key.
Referencing a line from the movie “Matilda,” Jones describes his negative past experiences with JMU’s administration: “I'm right, you're wrong, I'm big, you're little.”
That’s how Jones says he felt when trying to start conversations with administrators in the past. Now, he’s hopeful that administrators are starting to recognize the power of student perspectives during “grown-up conversations.”
Jones remembers feeling that Black students at JMU needed to “push the door open” and fight against gradualism in the wake of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd’s deaths in 2020. Black students wanted acknowledgement from JMU’s administration through public statements of support, Jones said, but found that supportive statements came instead from the faculty of individual colleges, such as the Honors College.
JMU to know that the students see and appreciate their hard work to bring positive change.
“I know that the work that they all do is very hard,” Jones said. “And I know it comes with its trials and tribulations as well, but also recognizing that as students, we very much appreciate them suiting up for battle every day.”
and administration.
courtesy of JMU Student Affairs
“At the end of the day, I feel as though many faculty and staff were kind of helping us push that door—keeping us informed, letting us know of our own power,” Jones said.
Mitchell said that he believes in the power of students’ voices, and hopes to uplift them further at JMU. When looking back to his experience with the dismantling of DEI programming in Kentucky, the lessons he’s learned are that students are the “changemakers.”
“If I had to do this all over again, I would not wait,” Mitchell said. “And I would tell my students: ‘You have power and you have a voice—use it.’”
Jones hopes to see Mitchell meeting with student organizations regularly—not just attending events. He wants Mitchell to be engaging with students on an equal playing field. But Jones also wants Mitchell and other leaders in the sphere of Accessibility & Belonging at
As an educator and now an administrator, Mitchell said he feels “a responsibility to do this work.” Witnessing the power of higher education changing his students’ lives is a key motivator for Mitchell, and he wants to provide the tools needed for students to “survive the journey to degree completion.”
“Our question as educators and practitioners is to determine what more do we wish for our students to take with them as they leave our campus and filter into the fabric of society,” Mitchell said. “Because what they take with them into the world becomes the makeup of our world, our institutions, our policies, our laws, our economy, and our children.”
Valerie Ghant, retiring director of the Center for Multicultural Student Services, told students at the advisory board meeting that she appreciates what she’s seen of Mitchell so far, and is glad to be leaving CMSS in good hands. Ghant sees Mitchell’s passion for his work as a student advocate, but also his honesty as an administrator.
“He's not going to make you promises that [he] can't come through on,” Ghant said. “He will say, ‘To the best of my ability, I will try to do that to the best of what I know to do.’ I appreciate that—not over-promising—because how many times do we feel let down because we've put our mouth on something that we really may not have control over?”
Smiling, Ghant said: “You all are going to enjoy this ride with him.”
Mitchell says he doesn’t have any grand plans yet for the actions he will take in his new role. In the 2024-2025 academic year, Mitchell wants to get to know his new school and students.
“Right now, my key focus,” Mitchell said, “is to listen, learn, assess, research and address the ways in which we can best continue to enhance or provide intentional support programs, services and initiatives to our students.” ��
Tyler Jones, left, has been at the forefront of battles between stdents
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So now I have to vote?
Words by Jamie McEachin
Photo courtesy of The Breeze
For most 18-year-old first-year students at James Madison University, the last thing on their minds as they pack for their dorms and dream about walking across the Quad is voting. But as the nation prepares for a presidential election during the 2024 fall semester, civic-engagement and political groups will be equipping students to vote.
“I guess I haven’t thought about it too much,” said Briella Bloom, an incoming first-year student at JMU. “I didn’t really think about how that would be an aspect of being on a college campus.”
Bloom says she is a “generally pretty involved” person and plans to vote in the upcoming election season, but she hasn’t considered what that voting process would be like at JMU this fall.
Not only are first-year students adjusting to a new environment, but they also have to navigate their newly minted right to vote. Many students may be unaware of how they can be involved and prepared as citizens while on campus.
Data from the National Study of Voting, Learning and Engagement (NSLVE) found that 75% of JMU students voted in the 2020 election, a 21% increase from JMU’s turnout in 2016. This is 9 percentage points higher than the national average for voter turnout at higher educational institutions, according to NSLVE.
JMU’s campus has many opportunities to be civically engaged: the Madison Center for Civic Engagement, student political organizations and many third-party organizations that visit campus to educate students
through outreach programs.
JMU also provides a polling station at Godwin Hall for on-campus residents – created with the hopes to ease the voting process for students. But simply easing access to voting may not be enough to encourage participation.
Amelia Stoner is the senior democracy fellow at the Madison Center for Civic Engagement and the head of Dukes Vote, which aims to get JMU students in the polling booths on election days. Gabriela Leija-Hernandez is the leader of the Woodson Martin Democracy and Immigration Initiative at the Madison Center, founded by a JMU alumnus for research on issues of refugees and immigration rights. Both hope incoming students will know how important it is to vote in November.
Stoner and Hernandez said that the biggest hurdle to young voters’ participation in politics is apathy. Dukes Vote wants to plant the seed as early as possible in firstyear students at JMU – democracy isn’t always fun, but it matters to the JMU community.
“Sometimes, getting people to care is the biggest hurdle,” Stoner said. “It’s hard, especially when you’re in college and you’re in a new environment, you’ve got so much going on, it’s hard to take that…extra challenge to learn about the election.”
Daniel Green, a junior public policy and administration major, is the campaigns director for the JMU College Democrats. In his work coordinating with the campaigns of Democrat candidates visiting JMU, he’s seen the importance of combating student political apathy. Green decided to get involved in the campus political scene because of his own frustration after Gov. Glenn Youngkin was elected in 2021.
“I was absolutely livid,” Green said. “I was like, ‘How could this happen?’ And it was because college kids do not vote…especially at JMU, the voting turnout is not great.”
Avi Stein, a senior public policy and administration major and the acting president of JMU College Democrats, says “voter efficacy” is a problem for JMU students’ turnout. Despite JMU’s “really high percentage of registered voters,” Stein says their group still encounters political apathy while engaging in voter registration outreach on campus.
“For every 30 people that you try to talk to, at least maybe 15 of them will actively ignore you, and another 10 of them will [say], ‘Oh no, I’m not interested,’’’ Stein said. “And, some will say that…they’re not interested in
Becoming civically engaged in an election year
voting, period.”
Dukes Vote hopes to engage first-year students the second they’re on campus, advocating for democracy as a principle on JMU’s campus. But another obstacle to engaging young citizens is the lack of confidence some young voters face when it comes to their political knowledge.
“Obviously going into college is scary in general, you know, we all have that, like, imposter syndrome a little bit,” Stoner said. “I think building the courage to vote is really important in the confidence, because a lot of people feel like, oh, you know, ‘I’m not super educated on this issue, so I feel like I can’t speak on it.’”
Stoner wants students to know that democracy was built so that everyone can have a voice, even if they might not know everything about the issues the nation faces. But if turned off by the polarization of the two-party system, how can students engage?
JMU Civic has found that the strong divide between Republican and Democratic parties can turn young voters away. Nonpartisan events are key, Stoner said.
“We want students to realize that there is nuance, it’s okay to be nuanced in your views, it’s okay to not be super confident,” Stoner said. “That’s why we learn from each other, and then be confident enough to vote and stand on your principles.”
Dukes Vote holds events like Civic Trivia, “Speedfriending,” Free Speech Orientation and Deliberation Day that evolve into discussions about policy. These events are designed to be approachable for students while subtly inviting them to engage with political conversations.
VOTED
“It shows them that they’re able to be in these rooms and have these conversations, but not in an intimidating way,” Hernandez said.
Stein likens the American political process to a bus, not a train: “You take the nearest stop, you vote for whoever’s closest to what you believe, and you can kind of push social change in a small way while pushing in a big way, if that’s what you want,” Stein said.
But if students can’t find a political organization on campus to suit their needs, Stein urges them to create one.
“You can add a new stop, you can add a new bus line,” Stein said. “The possibilities are really endless.”
JMU Civic and Dukes Vote hope that education on absentee ballots and local voter registration will help young voter turnout increase through removing some of the logistical obstacles. Stoner and Hernanadez want first-year students to feel that voting and participating civically is embedded in JMU’s culture.
Green said that JMU still has a lot of work to do before there is a culture of civic engagement on campus. He warns first-year students to not grow complacent, even if they think politics have no effect on their lives.
“If [students] do not engage in the system,” Green said, “then automatically their voices will not be taken into accord, and therefore elected officials – their actions – will not reflect what we want, and then people will complain. But then they have no right to complain if they do not participate in the first place.”��
‘Everything School:’ How JMU went from a small women’s college to the home of 25,000+ students
Words by PJ Barua
Photos courtesy of The Breeze
When Ronald Carrier arrived in 1971 to take over as president of Madison College, the school that would eventually become JMU had mostly women as students, had no football team and beyond the Quad was mostly surrounded by farmland.
More than five decades later, JMU’s most recent academic year featured ESPN College GameDay on the Quad, a football team that was undefeated for 10 weeks and played its first bowl game, a men’s basketball team that won the Sun Belt Championship and rode into March Madness and the elevation of JMU to an R2 (high research) university.
All of this has led some to label JMU as “The Everything School.” But how did we get here?
Those who have watched JMU’s growth over the years say “The Everything School” label has its foundations with Carrier’s presidency, which lasted until 1998. His vision was then carried on by each successive administration, leading JMU to its current prominence.
Ron Carrier, former president of JMU, “had a vision” for what he wanted the school to be.
“This university was built on a very strong foundation over decades,” said Tim Miller, vice president for student affairs.. “Then once you’ve got that stronger foundation, you have a lot of opportunities to go from there to becoming a R2 national university.”
In 2022, the university’s world class academic excellence and national prominence led the institution to become a Carnegie Classification of R2 Doctoral University. This new status offers JMU opportunities to improve its academics for higher quality undergraduate and graduate programs, increase research and scholarships while also supporting its students and faculty.
Miller said he believes a big part of the “everything school” concept is owed to the expansion of JMU, both physically and academically. Although the Quad has always looked the same, the campus we walk on today mostly consisted of farmland and nothing existed across the interstate.
Miller, who was an undergrad at JMU from 1992 to 1996, says even during his time, many people would not know they were driving by JMU as they drove along the interstate. But now that the campus has stretched both sides of the highway, the university is more visible.
In addition to the physical expansion, JMU expanded its academics by adding majors that would satisfy the interest of various students. Over time, a school with only a College of Arts and Letters became a university of more than 130 programs, which Miller says was achieved while still honoring the school’s history as a teachers college.
“We’ve really tried to be a place where no matter what you are interested in doing, you can find a really great program here,” Miller said.
Many credit Carrier with this approach.
“In addition to Dr. Carrier being a tremendous leader and having a personal touch, he had a vision as to what he wanted JMU to be,” said Sean Dalton (’84). “And I think subsequent leaders have carried on that tradition and that vision.”
Robert MacDonald (’71), who worked with Carrier in administration, said Carrier used to ride his moped all around campus to socialize with students and asked them what they envisioned for JMU.
“He was the perfect president during that period, there is no doubt about it,” MacDonald said.
MacDonald added that Carrier pushed Madison College to become a co-ed university with a goal to reach a 1-to-1 ratio of both men and women, even while being criticized by individuals who wanted to keep the university small.
Bill Slate (’83) says he remembers Carrier often leaving Harrisonburg for Richmond to meet with the General Assembly with a goal to acquire funds to build the buildings to expand JMU.
“He was a smart and organized guy with a vision so personable, and he used those skills to put JMU on a trajectory to where it is today,” Dalton said.
Carrier also focused on growing sports at JMU, and many say that purpose helped JMU get to where it is today.
Kevin White, associate athletic director for sports programs, said the late Dean Ehlers, former director of athletics from 1971 to 1993, shared the same vision Carrier had, not just for the institution, but also for athletics. And those who followed after had similar expectations.
“I think it’s been a continuation and JMU attracts a certain type of employee,” White said. “Whether it be the president, director or any other employee.”
Prior to Ehlers’ leadership, the university didn’t have a football team, had very few athletic facilities and no conference affiliation or athletic grants-in-aid. Today, the JMU sports are affiliated with the NCAA’s Sun Belt Conference and Eastern College Athletic Conference.
The football team went 8-3 last season and finished first in the East Division of the Sun Belt. Men’s basketball finished fourth in the Sun Belt at 22-11 overall and competed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Combined with women’s basketball, JMU tied for its most total basketball wins in program history with 48 and field hockey ranked in the top 25 in national polls.
Miller says the field hockey has always been good and has won national championships in the past. Other sports like soccer, volleyball and lacrosse have been strong recently as well. However, those accomplishments come as a surprise to people because they failed to pay attention until football and basketball put JMU into the spotlight.
“I think we snuck up and surprised people,” Miller said. “But I will say for me, I am not surprised, this is what we’ve been working toward for a really long time.”
Although academics and athletics are two different components of an institution, White said it’s all intertwined. Both Miller and White described sports as the front porch of the university with the success of sports programs bringing potential students and supporters to check out JMU.
“Once they are on the porch, you gotta figure out what you do with them and how you welcome them and all kinds of stuff,” Miller said.
Beyond academics and athletics, there’s another factor that contributes to JMU’s rise: its alumni, those who work at JMU, said.
“As we graduate more and more people, they become prominent people who ask hard questions about JMU and want JMU to be more supported,” Miller said. “So I think our alumni who went out in the world really helped us.”
White adds that no other events held by JMU draws alumni to come back like football games such as Homecoming and recently that crowd showed up in Brooklyn when men’s basketball played in March Madness this year.
“That really just speaks to the pride that JMU alumni have about this institution,” White said. “I have a lot of pride about the institution.”
Dalton and Slate met in the dorms and have been friends for 44 years. Both say over the 40 years, a core group of friends and their wives will travel back to JMU to tailgate and celebrate the accomplishments of the football team. Every year they see the crowd get bigger before the game with all generations of JMU.
Many JMU sports, including basketball, had an amazing season this year.
White adds to the analogy and said that when you play in an NCAA Tournament and succeed, people are going to step on to the porch with a desire to go inside and explore the rest of the success that goes unnoticed. He said he believes you cannot have one without the other.
“It’s going to be just expected that we’re going to be a school that’s going to compete in every way, from the field to the classroom to everything else,” Miller said.
“One ingredient that kind of transcends JMU from the time Bill and I attended to the present is the school spirit and the environment of JMU where that spirit exists,’ Dalton said.
White said this pride is cultivated during a student’s time at JMU.
“I don’t care what it is, if it’s purple and gold and it has JMU beside it you’re going to support it and you’re going to be excited about it,” White said.
Slate said JMU has intentionally been built and grown over time in an organic way, and has done a good job of achieving quantity and quality in terms of building this institution. Dalton adds that you instill a sense of vitality, ability and confidence when you are grown as a student at a university that cares about you. He says it may be something you can’t touch or feel, but you know that it exists.
And while some outside the university may have been surprised by JMU’s rise, Miller said, those connected to JMU were not.
“Stop looking at the rear view mirror for JMU,” Miller said he tells people, “because we just passed you on your left.”
It’s like Pitch Perfect... but at JMU
Words by Elise Hellmann
Photos courtesy of The Breeze
For many students, including Grace Lastova, a junior at JMU, the desire to be part of an A cappella group was a dream from the start. “I always knew that I wanted to be in an all-girls a cappella group,” Lastova confesses. “When I came to JMU, I researched groups, and I found Bluestones on YouTube and Spotify and knew that I wanted to join.”
The allure of BluesTones lies not only in their melodic harmonies but in their distinct style. “Each group offers something different,” Lastova said. “The BluesTones is a pop R&B group, and I knew I wanted to sing something like that.”
Whether one prefers a coed dynamic or an alternative music choice, the a cappella groups on campus provide a diverse array of options.
Kameron Washinton-Brown, a senior and previous member of the Bluestones, particularly loves the ‘girl boss’ songs the group tends to sing and their signature blue heels. “It is just like a sass with the BluesTones,” Washington-Brown said. Many of the a cappella groups compete in the ICCA competition each year, a stage made famous by the movie ‘Pitch Perfect.’ “The a cappella culture at JMU is similar to ‘Pitch Perfect’,” Lastova said. “That movie is a reason why people want to be involved in a cappella in college.”
The groups often hang out together at social events outside of rehearsal, akin to the infamous mixers depicted in the movie. “It is like a big ffamily and even though people are in different groups, that
doesn’t matter. People hang out all the time,” Washington-Brown said. “That’s all we do we sing, sing and sing. It is definitely like ‘Pitch Perfect’ in some ways.” Washington-Brown said.
Beyond the silver screen, the reality of a capella life at JMU involves rigorous auditions, regular rehearsals, and memorable performances. “Auditioning is tough,” Lastova admits. The auditions happen every semester and “you go through an initial audition, and if we like you, you get a callback,” Lastova said.
Once you become a member, the fun does not stop. “Even though we do show up to be productive it is just such a fun environment because you are best friends with everyone in the group,” Lastova said.
For Lostova, Washington-Brown, and their fellow BluesTones, the journey extends far beyond campus borders. From gigs in NOVA to recording sessions in Charlottesville, each experience is a testament to their dedication and talent.
”My favorite memory with the Bluestones is our Bluestones Lake Week,” Lastova reminisces. “It’s moments like these that truly solidify the bonds we share as a group.”
As they prepare for their 25th concert this semester, the BluesTones remain a beacon of musical excellence and sisterhood at JMU. “If you’re looking to join, I think you should totally audition,” Washington-Brown encourages. “There is no harm in trying.”
A capella groups came together to perform in a “Pitch Perfect” style riff-off.
The Madison Project, an all-male a capella group, sang boy band songs.
The BluesTones is an all-female a capella group, known for their bright blue heels.
