Dear JMC community,
As many of you are aware, James Madison College is hosting a community forum from 5-7 p.m., April 15 in Wonders Kiva. There have been multiple communications sent to ensure all students, faculty and staff are informed. The purpose of the forum is to discuss concerns raised by the student group Madisonians for Justice; however, the forum will be organized in such a way that all in attendance are afforded opportunities to voice their concerns.
Both Madisonians for Justice and JMC Student Senate have publicly voiced their frustrations with the college. I acknowledge the anger and pain expressed and hope the forum is the beginning of an important shift in the way we communicate.
The college takes student concerns very seriously. We have multiple structures in place to make sure students’ voices are included, particularly in the DEI space. Our College Inclusion Committee, comprised of faculty, deans and students, meets regularly to discuss and respond to the needs of our community, and is actively working on ways to administer a climate survey.
Upon receiving the letter from Madisonians for Justice, members of our administrative team have met with student representatives on several occasions to listen to the issues they have raised. In response, we have been transparent in providing the data requested as it pertains to retention and demographics. JMC continues to invest in the development of multiple programs devoted to recruitment and retention of BIPOC students.
The college regularly hosts numerous events that are intended to provide space for meaningful dialogue about a range of topics and issues. Are there opportunities to improve on how we engage with one another, particularly when tackling issues of injustice and calls for reform? Yes. We all have work to do.
To all JMC students, faculty and staff members, I encourage you to attend the forum and complete the registration form provided in email communications sent by the planning committee. The form will help the committee anticipate the needs of those attending.
Once again, the forum is from 5-7 p.m. on April 15th. I am hopeful it will provide an opportunity for respectful dialogue where different perspectives and experiences are valued. If you are unable to attend the forum, but would like to discuss a particular concern, please know that you are always welcome to make an appointment with me or any other dean for that matter.
Cameron G. Thies
Dean and MSU Foundation Professor