Madison 101

2017-18 Edition

SCARLET

RACEY THIS LEGALLY BLIND STUDENT IS TAKING CAMPUS BY STORM

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CONTENTS 30

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New to your meal plan and still a bit confused? We have where and when to punch.

we won the national championship. 101 looks forward to this season.

they’re soft. they’re furry. they’re feral. learn more about our beloved quad cats.

There’s more than just lifting weights at the gym. You can even learn to cook!

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Strikes: They happen every year. Find out what your best plan is.

then, we take a look back at how far JMU sports has truly come.

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your vote counts, especially in this district. we explain why you should register.

12 Diversity matters: How one organization on campus is all about inclusivity

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heard of the freshman 15? we put our own spin on it that’s not about weight.

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an in-depth look at our amazing cover star, Scarlet racey and all she’s done at jmu.

Don’t know what to do with your life? neither do we. the cap office can help.

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college can get stressful. we shared our tips on how to manage it.

21 questions from the class of 2021: You asked, we answered.

42 Some brave students secretly shared their most embarrassing stories.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear freshmen, Welcome to the next four years of your life. During your time at JMU, you’ll experience love, loss, hope and disappointment. You’ll do many things that you’ll take pride in, and probably also some things you’ll regret. It’s a wonderful time, and you’re right at the beginning of it. As James Madison once said, “learned Institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people.”

This magazine has a lot of advice, anecdotes and inspiring moments.

From our wonderful cover star, Scarlet, who’s devoted to advocating for people with disabilities, to the history of Dolley and Jimmy, our lovable Quad cats, we have plenty of stories inside that’ll be sure to pique your interest.

ROBYN SMITH

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Thanks to our wonderful staff of writers, designers and editors. They each pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and learned something new, and for that, I am proud. Thanks to our adviser, Brad Jenkins, for being one of the best instructors in the SMAD department and, also, our wonderful champion. Lastly, thank you to The Breeze for letting us use some of its amazing photos.

Good luck to you all. Let me know if you need anything.

Best,

Robyn Smith executive editor

The Breeze is your source for what’s happening at JMU. in print every thursday and online all the time.

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MADISON 101 STAFF EMMA BLEZNAK

ALI SHANNON

SEAN O’BRIEN

MANAGING EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ PHOTOGRAPHER

KATIE POTTER

PAUL MURPHY

ARTICLES EDITOR

ARTICLES EDITOR

ALEIXKA MACFIEHERNANDEZ

SENIOR EDITOR/ PHOTOGAPHER

HAYLEY QUINN SENIOR EDITOR

JOSEPH RAY

COPY EDITOR

ANTHONY DUGAN

KANCHAN WOODS

SENIOR EDITOR

SENIOR EDITOR/ PHOTOGAPHER

Mackenzie Gardner - Photo Editor Brian McDonald - Senior Editor

ON THE COVER Photo of Scarlet Racey by James Allen.

Design by Sean O’Brien.

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9

MAKE YOUR

VOICE

HEARD THE

TRANSITION

FROM

high school to college can be an uphill battle, but you’re not alone! Most are still attempting to master adulthood. Tasks that were simple may now be impossible, and the more tasks there are, the more exhausting college life can be.

Among the items on the list of duties: voting. While you’ve always had an opinion, it’s your civic responsibility to make it count.

Tory Atkins, president of JMU’s Class of 2017, exercises her civic duty and urges JMU students to do the same.

“I think it’s important for students to recognize that local government actually has more influence over our day-to-day lives than state and federal government do,” Atkins says. “We have the right and

the duty to make sure our voices are heard by local authorities who make decisions on everything from development ... to ensuring there are enough police officers and firefighters to protect us, our homes and our property.”

Some can forget that there’s a lot more to Harrisonburg than JMU, but the decisions made for the city affect JMU students just as much as locals.

As another member of the Student Government Association and current president of the JMU student body, Matthew Mueller has gained valuable experience.

“I think the most important thing that students need to realize is that the decisions that affect them directly the most are

made at the city council or county board of supervisors level,” Mueller says. “The most important way to make sure that they listen to us is to register to vote and vote in elections.”

DukesVote, a student-led initiative, has made registering simple for Dukes. The DukesVote website offers a “register to vote” option, where students are taken to the Virginia Department of Elections and walked through the voter registration process. In addition, students can enter their phone numbers or email addresses to receive election updates. Registration applications can also be obtained at 409 S. Main St., Harrisonburg.

Becoming an adult may be scary, but having the power to make a difference in the community can be exciting. Now, you can have a say. Use that power. City Council meetings are held every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.

WORDS

AND PHOTO BY KANCHAN WOODS

City Hall, located on South Main Street

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CELEBRATING OUR DIVERSITY

IT’S EVERY COLLEGE’S job to create an inclusive and diverse

environment on its campus. JMU is no different. As the demographics on campuses continue to change, colleges are creating more opportunities to provide a welcoming space reflective of the students represented.

The Center for Multicultural Student Services is one of the biggest centers on campus and works to ensure a safe environment is produced. CMSS was started in 1985; and its current associate director, De’Shay Turner, is making sure that inclusion and diversity are well represented in 2017 through the efforts of his center.

CMSS provides “educational and celebratory programs and services that support an inclusive campus community, in which members value diversity amongst themselves and others,” Turner says.

To Turner and the rest of the department, this simply means creating a comfortable opportunity for students on campus regardless of their background. In addition, Turner and other CMSS department members are committed to holding events, and other activities encourage an inclusive environment for students, a welcomed responsibility they are proud to be accountable for.

That “good cheer of diversity” is spread through various events, programs, and public speaking events that CMSS promotes, or sponsors. Turner looks forward to Def Poetry Jam, an event open to all students at the start of every semester.

“With Def Poetry jam, we bring in an awesome cast of diverse poets from a company based out of New York City and New Jersey… and they are using poetry to tell their own personal stories and other stories,” Turner says. This event, usually on the first Thursday of a new semester, is a department favorite.

“I love that program for a number of reasons, one of which being I think it’s a safe and fun way for students to come and celebrate diversity, and it is usually one of the first events that students come to on campus.” This event is unique because it kicks off with an open mic, allowing students to showcase their talents.

CMSS also shares its celebration of through a student-led subgroup called

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President Alger walks with CMSS outside of Carrier Library D.E.E.P Impact. The acronym, which stands for diversity education empowerment program, is a group of student educators who’ve been trained by CMSS to facilitate discussions in diversity, inclusion and social injustice. Throughout the year D.E.E.P Impact will engage in dialogues surrounding a wide range of subjects.

“Every program can’t be about Black Lives Matter,” Turner says. “It’s important that we have the Black Lives Matter program, but it’s also important that we have the LGBTQ program, it’s also important that we have the program that’s based on ability.” This ensures CMSS covers a wide range of topics, educating students on topics specific to their beliefs.

In addition to its dialogues, D.E.E.P Impact also engages in cultural series programs, which includes guest speakers and additional media and outreach programs in which people can submit a request asking D.E.E.P Impact to cover a specific topic; and the educators believe that peer to peer connection can be impactful.

“Just having that conversation about diversity and inclusion is super important,” says Destiny Foley, junior D.E.E.P Impact Diversity Educator, “especially when it comes to identities that you don’t hold yourself.” This is a sentiment held by other Diversity Educators as well.

“I think D.E.E.P Impact events create a good space to talk about uncomfortable or

challenging questions,” says Arielle Cromer, senior D.E.E.P Impact Diversity Educator, “and it can hopefully help people to go out into the world and look at people in a more inclusive light.”

Beyond the various events and programs CMSS has to offer, it is also unique in that it serves as a center for students to come and hang out. “We just want to be a support system for students … students just spend time here and we want to provide that space to students where they say, ‘This is where I can be me,’” Turner says.

Sometimes, that just means having a place to pop your head in and say, “What’s up?”

This speaks to another CMSS role, creating a place students feel is a home away from home. “When you think of home, I hope that for most people home is a comforting word and a comforting feeling,” Turner says. Although the hope is that a student can find that space anywhere on campus, “if a student feels that CMSS is the place where I can best do that, then that is OK, too.”

CMSS is located in Taylor Hall in the Bluestone area. email: multicultural@jmu.edu Associate Director De’Shay Turner: turnerdd@jmu.edu WORDS BY BRIAN MCDONALD PHOTO COURTESY OF CMSS

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WHERE 2

PUNCH

WHEN 2

PUNCH

With rock walls, ping pong tables and classes, not everything at UREC is ABOUT pumping iron.

WORDS

WHAT TO DO

@U R E C

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UREC IS HOME TO more than just dumbbells and treadmills.

It’s a place to foster strong relationships, partake in adventurous activities and learn about healthy lifestyles. From canoeing to cooking classes, UREC offers many different opportunities for JMU students to find something they’re passionate about.

“People think of fitness as this one track and single focus when really your body needs the opportunity to use different muscles or use muscles in a different way,” says Brian Fellin, a senior health communications major and current UREC employee. “If you’re looking for a fun way to get a good workout, but also feel like you’re not working out, definitely utilize the different areas of UREC.” JMU’s Adventure Center offers many outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking and rock climbing. Other undertakings such as ping pong and racquetball, which could be utilized on your personal time, are provided to students through equipment checkout. UREC also provides many intramural teams and different club organizations that meet on a daily basis. UREC even offers food.

These wide range of activities can transpire into something more beyond the walls of UREC. “I think when you build meaningful relationships in and out of the gym it gives you more motivation to come in here and live a healthier lifestyle,” says Connor Holt, a junior communication studies major and current UREC employee.

One JMU student, Kasey Keup, a junior sports and recreation management major, found love for a sport that she never thought she would get involved: boxing.

“I realized it was something I can do on my own and work toward,” Keup said. “It’s a great workout and I always feel so good after the class.”

UREC’s alternative activities are available for everyone to utilize, but it’s up to students to explore new opportunities and discover new passions.

WORDS BY ANTHONY DUGGAN PHOTOS BY MACKENZIE GARDNER

BY

HALEY

QUINN

Do you know how or where to use your meal plan? You most likely hear unfamiliar terms such as “punch” or “dining dollar” everyday and still secretly wonder if you are the only one feeling out of the loop. You’re not alone. JMU has a wide range of options on campus that will make the ins and outs of JMU dining fun and easy to grasp. From food courts and all-you-can-eat dining halls to food chains you’ve known and loved forever, your new home has something to satisfy every craving.

As a freshman, you have one of three meal plans JMU offers: The 14-plus plan, 11-plus plan or 19-plus plan. While each plan has its perks, they differ slightly from one another. The 14-plus plan allows you to punch 14 times per week, Sunday through Saturday, and comes with $275 in Dining Dollars. The 11-plus plan is the same, except you have 11 meal punches per week and $425 in Dining Dollars. The 19-plus plan allows 19 punches per week along with $175 in Dining Dollars. One punch is always equivalent to $7, no matter which meal plan you have chosen, and if you are purchasing enough food for two meals, you have the option to “double-punch.”

You will most likely have leftover punches every week. Trust me, you will not make it to breakfast every morning. If you have a friend coming to visit for the weekend or an empty stomach and a long night ahead, using a double-punch would be smart.

Here’s the catch — you can’t use your punches everywhere. Chains like Starbucks, Subway and Dunkin Donuts only accept Dining Dollars. Don’t fret, though — try to save those coffee splurges for when you really need them.

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3OUT STRIKES

YOU’RE

AS A FRESHMAN,

you’re likely to encounter new experiences, unknown freedoms and heavier responsibilities. It’s possible that you could find yourself in a sticky situation involving a strike, which is when a student gets caught in an incident involving alcohol and/or drugs.

In these situations, students deal directly with the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices. RJ Ohgren, one of OSARP’s assistant directors, wants students to understand that OSARP is only there to help — it’s a safe place with a goal to educate, not punish.

“Our hope is to help students learn from decisions they made, grow from the experience and not end up back in the office,” Ohgren says.

If students are found responsible for violating the Alcohol or Drug policy by the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices, they receive a strike. Upon receiving a third strike, students may be suspended for a minimum of one semester, depending on the situation.

Students may be suspended prior to their third strike for major alcohol or drug violations - ones that pose a threat to the safety of the student or the community. You can see what is considered a minor or major violation in the JMU Student Handbook at jmu.edu/handbook.

Every situation is treated differently in the OSARP office to ensure that the student’s needs are met. JMU offers a variety of classes and mentoring programs in order to fit each and every student’s circumstance. Sanctions are determined when students meet with their case administrator — someone that’s

IT CAN BE PRETTY SCARY TO GET A STRIKE, BUT LUCKILY THERE ARE WAYS THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT OUT OK.

dealing with their incident specifically.

A time may come when you find yourself or a friend needing medical attention or help because of alcohol poisoning. JMU has created an amnesty program that allows students to voluntarily report a medical emergency due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs.

The main goal is for students to feel comfortable reporting these unwanted situations without fearing the consequences.

but students still may receive educational sanctions.

An anonymous senior described her experience with OSARP and going through the amnesty process.

“When I was a freshman, I was lacking direction and needed some guidance,” she said. “I was assigned a mentor after receiving amnesty to put me back in the right direction, and I have learned more from that experience than most things at JMU.” OSARP wants students who go through the office and the programs to learn something, and the results have been beneficial.

“The drop between the first and second strike here is huge,” Ohgren says. “If we see students in the office for their first strike, most of the time we don’t see them again.

That’s really what it’s all about.”

The biggest misconception people have about receiving a strike is that it’s strictly a punishment.

OSARP’s there to help you get past the decisions you’ve made and set you up for success so that you stay out of trouble.

While OSARP wants to help, it’s best to avoid the office at all costs.

Being aware of the circumstances that could result from drinking is an important step in making sure you can stay out of the office.

Students must remember to be smart and have fun — but in that order.

If you or a friend is in need of medical attention, don’t hesitate to get help. Safety is always the No. 1 priority.

“When I was a freshman, I was lacking direction and needed some guidance.”

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The OSARP office allows every student to express his or her case equally.

“The point is for students to step up more, and that behavior is rewarded with amnesty,” Ohgren says.

Students who believe they qualify for the Enlightened Citizen Amnesty can apply by downloading a form on jmu.edu/osarp and submitting their written request to the OSARP office located on the second floor of SSC. Written explanations are required for all incidents and will be reviewed by a case administrator. Approved amnesty applications will result in no strike assigned,

WORDS BY HALEY QUINN

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1818

WHAT’S NEXT? In 2015 we had College Game Day. In 2016 we brought home the trophy. So what’s in store for the defending champs in the 2017 season?

WORDS BY JOSEPH RAY PHOTOS BY CONNOR WOISARD

AND

LAURA

VANDEMARK

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W

ith an ESPN College GameDay appearance in 2015 and an FCS National Championship victory in 2016, the Dukes’ football team aims to tackle more impressive feats in 2017.

Bryan Schor quarterbacked the Dukes to a 14-1 overall record in 2016. Schor, who helped the Dukes cap off the season with a 28-14 win against Youngstown State.

“It’s not something you can really put into words,” Schor says.

“How it feels to be up on a stage and lift up the trophy and see the confetti fall, and especially when you get to do it in front of about 14,000 JMU fans, it’s a really special feeling.”

Schor says that seeing all the JMU support in Frisco, Texas, made the championship feel like a home game. While there were many students in attendance, fans from all over the country also made the trip.

“It was almost like a huge JMU reunion,” Schor says.

While playing, Schor says the atmosphere was electric with alumni who don’t get to see their Dukes play every Saturday. Streamers flooded the stadium with every JMU touchdown.

“Being on the field, any little thing that happened the alumni just wanted to go crazy,” Schor says.

The road to the national title wasn’t always smooth. Schor broke his collarbone in the conference championship game against Villanova and thought his season was over, but he rehabilitated every day and turned his injury into a positive for him and his team.

“I knew that if I came back and played well that we would have a chance to go somewhere,” Schor says. “I think that motivated me for the rest of the season.”

Schor credits his teammates as his motivation. He says the reason they are successful is because of the selflessness that each man

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“We’re going to be the people that everyone circles their calendars for.”

GUS LITTLE

brings to the field.

“You want to be great for the person next to you,” Schor says.

“It’s amazing how much success you can have when no one cares who gets the credit.”

With the pressure of a championship weighing on the Dukes’ shoulder pads, Schor, who will enter his senior season, ignores expectations. While Schor says that he will cherish the championship for the rest of his life, he plans to start the 2017 season with the same focus as previous years.

“You can’t bring last year’s win into next season,” Schor says. “If you want to go out and reach your goals, you’re going to have to work really hard each and every week to make sure that you accomplish them.”

To help achieve these goals, the Dukes have many notable seniors returning, such as Raven Greene and Jonathan Kloosterman, and has added additional weapons to its arsenal, including redshirt-sophomore linebacker Gus Little.

Little, who transferred from the University of Maryland, believes JMU has a “mindset of winning.” Little says that taking everything “day by day” and “practice by practice” is the formula that the coaching staff instills in its players, but the same goals remain.

“As far as the national championship is concerned, that’s our main goal, and that’s what we’re definitely trying to accomplish again as a team,” Little says.

In addition to another championship, the team’s other goals include winning the season-opener against FCS team East Carolina,

Bryan Schor sporting his championship ring at the Spring Game in April.

another CAA title and having an undefeated season.

Little admits there are pressures in joining a team that’s defending national champions. He knows that every game will have its challenges, and teams JMU defeated last season will be looking for redemption.

“We’re going to be the people that everyone circles their calendars for,” Little says. “Nothing will be handed to us.”

With continued success comes fulfillment for fans who have followed the Dukes through thick and thin, like Brian Sullivan and Jake Wright, two students who traveled to Frisco and witnessed the Dukes’ first championship since 2004.

Sullivan says he is “ecstatic” to see the Dukes win after years of early exits in the playoffs. Sullivan, a junior, says he has been to nearly every home game since he started attending JMU in 2014.

“Following a team even when there’s some heartbreak in the playoffs really just makes the championship feel that much sweeter,” Sullivan says.

Wright, who joined Sullivan in rushing the field after the final seconds ticked off the clock in Frisco, says his most exciting experience was watching the sea of purple collapse the field.

“I could probably have lifted my feet up off the ground and just floated with the crowd,” Wright says.

For many seniors graduating and moving on to a life outside JMU, this championship means the world. Matt Frank, an All-CAA left guard, has bled purple and gold since 2012. While Frank hopes to continue playing football at a higher level, he will always remember his championship at JMU. “There’s nothing better than going to play with a bunch of your buddies in the biggest game of your life,” Frank says. “You kind of have to pinch yourself after a game like that.”

Frank says the worst part about JMU is having to leave. Although Frank has played his final game in a JMU uniform, he will leave a winner.

“Us seniors, and the team from this past year, we kind of got to end it on top,” Frank says. “That’s a great way to look back on your work and your work ethic that you’ve had over the years to see how it’s finished out and panned out for you.”

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POWER TO THE PURPLE:

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE RISE OF JMU SPORTS

1920s-Early ’30s: Domination in Women’s Basketball Beginning in the 1920s, Harrisonburg Teaching College (HTC, or Harrisonburg Normal School) created a few teams for the all-female students: swimming, tennis and basketball. The most popular quickly became basketball as Althea Johnston coached four undefeated seasons of intercollegiate play in 1929, 1930, 1934 and 1935. She proceeded to coach for 22 total years, with a .743 winning percentage. Many opponents were local teaching schools like Fredricksburg Teacher’s College (now known as University of Mary Washington), as well as our rival school, the Radford Sycamores.

The Convocation Center and Godwin wouldn’t be built for another several decades, so the girls played in a gym in Ashby Hall.

That is, until Reed Hall (now Keezell) opened in 1926, and gave them an even bigger gym to cheer.

1980s: Dukes Baseball Competes In College World Series Recently inducted into the Class of 2016 Madison Hall of Fame, the 1983 Dukes Baseball team made history to this day by being the only team from Virginia in the now Colonial Athletic Association to qualify for the Division I national championships in Omaha, Nebraska. This team went on a rampage through regionals, beating out top-seeded teams like South Carolina, the College of William and Mary, the Citadel and Delaware to win the berth out West. Unfortunately, JMU was defeated by the eventual 1983 national champions, the Texas Longhorns 12-0 with a certain Roger Clemens, a future Red Sox, Blue Jay, Astro, and Yankee, as the pitcher.

Then, after another loss to Stanford 3-1, the Dukes were sent home. However, the Dukes were a strong team, receiving All-ECAC South, All-East, and all-regional team honor awards. Also, Coach Brad Babcock won the Eastern Region and District III Coach of the Year honors.

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1940s: Starting Men’s Basketball and the Creation of the “Dukes” Mascot

1970s: Football and Track and Field Programs Begin

Men were first allowed to enroll into Madison College in 1946, with a whopping 39 students. It was all of a year, with 101 more men enrolling, that the College created the Men’s Basketball team. The team felt the need to create a new name, so they were inspired by then-President of Madison College, Samuel Page Duke: thus the Madison College Dukes were on the court. At the time, the women’s teams of 1947 went by the “Duchesses” until 1982 when all teams were referenced as Dukes. The idea of “the Duke Dog” was presented by then-director of public affairs, Ray Sonner. According to JMU Centennial, the Duke Dog student mascot wasn’t seen until 1972-1973, but was upgraded to our current student mascot in 1982-1983. The statue featured outside of Bridgeforth was placed in 2005.

In 1971, Challace McMillin was initially hired to head the first season of Madison College’s track and field team. The following year, then-new athletic director Dean Ehlers inquired him to begin a football program as well. A daunting task, McMillian was persistent in finding prospects already on Madison College campus.

He even would track down men standing in line to sign up for classes in Godwin, got about 30 to even attend an interest meeting. Starting on Saturday, Oct. 7, 1972, the Madison football team had a rough first season. It played Shepard College’s junior varsity team from West Virginia, losing 6-0. The five other games it played that season didn’t fare much better, the team never even scoring a point. However, in the 1973 season, it did score, so much so that the 1974 team was given a full varsity season. In 1975, the formerly winless Madison College football went undefeated for the only season in JMU’s history.

Two players in Madison’s Hall of Fame (quarterback Les Branich and offensive guard Jeff Adams) played on both the ’72 winless team and the ’75 undefeated team.

2016: Record-Breaking Second JMU Football National Championship

2004: First JMU Football National Championship James Madison University Football wins its first Division 1-AA National Championship in a 31-21 win over Montana in Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Finley Stadium. After a subpar start, the Dukes running game and clutch interceptions cinched the game that cold night in December. JMU was also the first team in NCAA history to win three playoff games away, and led by Coach Mickey Matthews.

James Madison University Football wins its second FCS National Championship in a 28-14 win over Youngstown State in Frisco,Texas, at Toyota Stadium. After a decided victory of five-time defending National Champions, North Dakota State, the Dukes handled the Youngstown Penguins on all sides of the ball, featuring 2 touchdowns by quarterback Bryan Schor and 101 rushing yards by Khalid Abdullah. This team shattered the JMU record of wins (14) and were completely undefeated in CAA play.

Many JMU students attended the championship in Texas, throwing our signature purple and gold streamers from start to finish. Brand-new Coach Mike Houston lead the team, coaching “14 players to All-CAA status, which included Bryan Schor being named CAA Offensive Player of the Year and Rashard Davis being recognized as CAA Special Teams Player of the Year. JMU had 10 of those 14 make the All-CAA First Team” according to JMU Athletics. Senior running back Khalid Abdullah also walked away with the Most Outstanding Player Award, accepting it in front of thousands of JMU family, friends and alumni.

WORDS BY JOSEPH RAY PHOTO COURTESY OF CONNOR WOISARD/THE BREEZE

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MEET THE QUAD CATS B EF ORE THE T W O famous black felines found home in a giant container beside Burruss Hall, they prowled the surrounding streets of JMU like students searching for the next party.

The Quad cats, Dolley and Jimmy, have patrolled the Quad for almost seven years, but few know where they came from.

The winter of 2009, Ramona Messenger received a call from a group of girls while volunteering at Cat’s Cradle, a cat adoption center in Harrisonburg. The girls had been feeding five feral cats out of their basement apartment at 1097 S. Main St. and asked Messenger if she would feed them while they were on winter break. Messenger referred to this as “Operation Cat-mas.”

“That winter, we had six apartment cat colonies to feed,” Messenger said. “We went to each of the cat colonies and fed the cats for that month that the students were gone.”

Messenger quickly noticed the cats’ ears weren’t tipped, which meant they weren’t spayed or neutered, so she trapped them and took them to Anicira Veterinary Hospital to receive their shots and to get them fixed. When the girls returned from

Messenger said. “It was just ironic … that break, Messenger left the cats, but the fall she and I were the ones that fed them, and of 2010, two black cats emerged on the she and I just happened to work up there.”

Quad. Messenger, who worked in Alumnae Coincidence or not, when Dinsmore Hall at the time, recognized them from their began recruiting people to help care for the newly-tipped ears. cats, the Quad cats phenomenon exploded “When those girls graduated and left in with news articles, Facebook pages, and an May, the cats were there without any food overwhelming amount of support. source,” Messenger said. “How they got to “I had a couple shelves in my office full the Quad is the mystery.” of cat food,” Dinsmore said.

Messenger approached Jane Dinsmore, Laura Wisman, who’s currently in charge who worked in Burruss Hall at the time, of donations for the cats, contacted about helping her feed the cats. Dinsmore Dinsmore in 2011 after hearing of the cats. had helped Messenger feed the cats the previous winter. As an avid animal lover, Dinsmore took action.

“I just couldn’t let them go hungry,” Dinsmore said. “I had to start feeding them, and then I got interested and attached to them.”

Messenger found it odd that the cats seemed to find her and Dinsmore after almost a year.

“I was in Alumnae, she was in Burruss and that’s where the cats ended up,” Some of the cats gourmet grub at the feeding station located by the bushes outside of Burruss Hall

WHAT’S NEW @ JMU MADISON HALL

is a newly renovated building that formerly held the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Cancer Center.

The $24.5 million project generated a 74,933-square-foot facility that houses the admissions, graduate school, global engagement and physics departments.

The first floor is home to the admissions office and the Madison Accelerator Laboratory. Because RMH focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, it had a linear accelerator to perform radiation therapy.

The still functional equipment, not available anywhere else on campus, was donated to the JMU physics and astronomy department for nuclear physics research and education.

“It offers an opportunity for interdepartment and interuniversity collaboration, and the chance for increased outreach and engagement,” said Scottie Pendleton, the accelerator laboratory manager of the physics and astronomy department.

On the second floor is the office for

Together, they ordered the building of a shelter and feeding station beside Burruss Hall, making the cats official residents of JMU. “I think they consider this to be their home,” Wisman said. “I think this is where they’ll stay.”

Since then, Wisman said that students see the cats as good luck charms, and Dinsmore said the cats have become “mini-celebrities” and “informal mascots.”

Messenger has since moved to the University Events building off the Quad, and Dinsmore has since retired, but she still feeds the cats on Sundays, along with four other feeders throughout the week.

“I’m happy to feed them once a week because I get to see them,” Dinsmore said.

“They still know me, they still remember me and they come running.”

Wisman encourages more students and faculty to get involved. To donate, bring money or food to Harrison Hall, Room 1109. The cats aren’t too picky, but they like dry food and Fancy Feast.

global engagement and the entrance to the sky bridge. The office for global engagement has a full kitchen and computer lab for international students.

Jennifer Coffman, the Associate Executive Director of Global Engagement said that Madison Hall provides the space to be creative about new opportunities.

“These spaces will allow us to provide a wide variety of programming,” Coffman said. “Madison Hall is also better located — connected to the Student Success Center and very close to the bluestone part of campus.”

The third floor harbors more admissions offices while the graduate school administrative offices are on the fourth floor.

The area surrounding Madison Hall will feature an event lawn and a pedestrian colonnade once Madison Hotel and the Shenandoah Conference Center are completed.

The new Madison Hall located right next to SSC WORDS BY ALEIXKA MACFIE- HERNANDEZ PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABBEY BLOUCH

You can find the fiesty felines out and about early in the morning by Burruss Hall. If you’re lucky enough, they’ll let you pet them.

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JOSEPH RAY PHOTOS BY SEAN O’BRIEN

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FRESHMAN 15:

15 WAYS TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AT JMU Living a healthy lifestyle is something we all should strive for, but sometimes college can make that tricky. There are so many things going on all the time that we often fall out of whack with our bodies. Here are 15 tips to encourage the happiest and healthiest lifestyle at JMU! 1. UREC cooking classes JMU offers cooking classes at UREC? Yes! And the best part — they’re free! Just like the group fitness classes that UREC offers, it also offers a wide variety of cooking classes that aren’t only fun to attend, but also quite informative. Go to www. urecregister.jmu.edu to sign up for one today!

2. Meditation Center your focus and personal well-being with introductory meditation classes. The Koru Mindfulness meditation program was developed by JMU psychiatrists Holly Rogers and Margaret Maytan to teach the benefits of mindfulness to students. The program utilizes a curriculum targeted toward meditation and stress management to college students. Visit the student activities website for further details, as well as information about Madison Meditates.

3. Wellness Passports Not just for health class! JMU offers wellness passports in all different categories that can teach you a thing or two. The passports focus on the six dimensions of wellness: intellectual, emotional, social, occupational and spiritual. You can find a list of passports at wellness.cisat.jmu.edu/ passport.html to see an events calendar.

4. Alcohol Education This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of college. Knowing your limit is important to remain healthy and stay safe.

Alcohol can have negative effects on your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Visit the University Health Center for further information on alcohol use to examine potential risks and learn strategies for change.

5. Join an Organization Making friends is a big focus at the beginning of college. A healthy way to meet new people is through JMU organizations and clubs. JMU offers hundreds of fitness and sports clubs, social organizations,

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religiously affiliated clubs and interestdriven clubs. Go to student org night and the club fair during the first weeks of school to learn about organizations JMU has to offer and talk with leaders. Visit https://www.beinvolved.jmu.edu for a full list of JMU’s organizations.

6. Learn Your Dining Halls Believe it or not, all food served at JMU has nutritional facts to see the ingredients of each item served. Don’t be oblivious to the signs by the food at the dining halls — it has all the information you need! It’s easy to keep eating when it’s buffet style, but be mindful of portions. Most servings should be about the size of a deck of cards.

7. Nap & Sleep Schedule Patterns If you must nap, keep it short! Longer naps are proved to make you even more tired.

Make sure you are getting a good night’s rest — most college-age students need 7-9 hours. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can also regulate your body for a happier and healthier you!

8. Clean For some college students, cleaning is a new responsibility that’s necessary for a healthy atmosphere. Pick a day to tidy your room and get laundry done, so it doesn’t pile up. Having a clean space can keep your mind clear, and can definitely help with stress.

9. Get Outside A benefit of living in the Shenandoah Valley is the abundance of parks and trails that are a short drive away. The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum offers running and walking trails right by East Campus across from E-Hall, and Purcell Park is on Main Street, right off the Quad. Hiking trails, such as Kaylor Knob, are less than a dozen miles away.

10. Walk To Class Avoid the buses! Getting your steps in

should be one of the most important aspects of your day. If it’s not frigidly cold outside, take in some fresh air and embrace what’s around you.

11. Take a Break From Electronics College students are notorious for being on their cell phones all the time. Look up from the screen and see what’s around you.

If you’re looking for a class that digs deeper into why you should stray away from electronics and social media, ISAT 160 is a course that will have you wanting to leave the phone at home.

12. Drink More Water We all know we’re supposed to drink water every day, but some don’t drink enough. Staying hydrated can boost your concentration and prevent you from overeating. Make sure to always carry around a jug with you, as JMU has easily accessible water stations that allow you to fill up your bottle without tilting it at the water fountain.

13. Be Aware of Sexual Health Sexual health is a huge aspect of college life. Being proactive about getting tested, staying protected and being transparent with your healthcare provider and partner will ensure a healthy lifestyle. Don’t forget that communication is key.

14. Eat Breakfast Eating breakfast stimulates your brain to get you thinking for the big day ahead.

Breakfast eaters are also more likely to maintain a healthy weight than breakfast skippers, so don’t forget to eat your eggs!

15. Give Yourself a Rest Day! Simply put, rest is the best medicine you can give your body. Pushing yourself too hard will only run you down. After all, it’s the only body you’ve got — shouldn’t you take care of it?

WORDS BY HALEY QUINN

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WHY YOU

STRESSIN?

The stresses of tests, homework and extracurricular activities can make students feel trapped, which is why they must find ways to cope.

JMU offers various resources and programs for students looking to de-stress.

The University Recreation center offers free access to all its facilities with one swipe of a JACard. UREC, in addition to a fitness center, houses a spa, a sauna, a meditation room and various other de-stressors.

UREC also offers about 130 free student-run group exercise classes a week. The classes range from boxing to yoga, allowing students to find their perfect fit. Cooking has become a favorite for many students, providing them with a stress-reliever, as well as a life skill.

Holly Bailey, the assistant director for fitness and wellness at UREC, says dancing classes are her favorite because they keep her mind at work, so she can ignore her stresses.

“If I’m thinking about the phone calls I need to make, I’m probably going to trip over my feet,” Bailey says.

Mary Healy, the coordinator for group exercise at UREC, says everyone de-stresses differently. Some play basketball, some meditate and others go hiking, but students should find their happy place on campus, and for many, that’s UREC. “The second that they open the front doors and they see the people at the welcome center, they’re going to know that this is a welcoming place,” Healy says.

Another welcoming place on campus for some is the Counseling Center in the Student Success Center. Sometimes

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physical exertion may not cut it, and students may just want someone to talk to.

The Counseling Center offers several individual and group therapeutic approaches to combatting all forms of stress.

Shirley Cobb, the associate director of the Counseling Center, says anxiety is the most common concern with students, followed by depression. She encourages students to contact friends, family and peers – or the Counseling Center – whenever these concerns arise.

“The first few months of college can be some of the most stressful times in any person’s life,” Cobb says.

The Counseling Center also offers pet therapy, which allows students to play with dogs to lower stress-levels.

“People feel a connection to dogs,” Cobb says. “Dogs are man’s best friend.”

If UREC is too crowded, and the Counseling Center is not their cup of tea, students can also visit Madison Union. With various lounges, pool tables and several other services, Mark Cline, the associate director of Madison Union, says it’s a “sanctuary” for students.

“We are here to serve the JMU community,” Cline says. “The resources we have here are pretty much limitless.”

Taylor Down Under, Madison Union’s most popular attraction, holds programs throughout the week, which include open-mic nights and live entertainment. Grafton-Stovall Theatre is also a chance for a study break, showcasing “right-out-of-the-movietheater” movies Wednesday through Saturday for only $3.

Whether students are looking for somewhere to study, entertainment or a way to de-stress, Madison Union, with its tagline of “find your place,” may give them just that.

“If you come in and look one time, you’ll be back,” Cline says.

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JOSEPH RAY PHOTO BY JILLIAN WRIGHT/THE BREEZE

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SCARLET R Scarlet doesn’t let glaucoma and visual impairment keep her from living an influential life.

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RACEY

O

ur cover star Scarlet Racey is a fiery force of change. Racey has spent a large portion of her life and collegiate career influencing how students with disabilities are aided on JMU’s campus. By bringing attention to the disabled community, the senior

social work major fosters conversation among university powers and national legislators to make change. Madison 101 spoke with Racey to learn about her history as a nationally recognized goalball player, her work with various offices and legislation regarding disability services and what she loves about JMU.

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Q: What was one of your first experiences with Goalball?

A: When I was 13 I was my first year at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind and 13 is the youngest age that you can join the team in the Eastern Athletic Association and so I was terrible when I first started …

I hit the ball into my own goal; it was awful.

It’s really hard to first get the hang of it, but it was an outlet for me because after I was on the professional swim team and I also ran track and field and so when I had to switch schools I wasn’t a part of any teams and it was disappointing so goalball was like a great athletic outlet… now it’s become a passion and I’m on the D.C. women’s team.

Q: Why did you have to switch schools?

A: I had to be sent away so that I would receive the proper accommodations that I needed to succeed in school. I was failing English and they put me in a special education class … but by the time I was 12 [my parents] were like, ‘We have to send her away.’

Q: How did that impact your high school experience?

A: It was interesting so like I moved out of my parents house when I was like 12, which is like, kind of a big deal, so I only saw my parents on the weekends for a long time but I think the hardest thing is living with that many people — for example, I had a boyfriend and we broke up but we still lived together.

Q: What was it like living completely surrounded by people who share a similar disability as you?

A: It was a unique experience in the sense that it normalizes your disability, which is something that very, very few people with disabilities get to experience … the normalization of their identity, which is I think a really rewarding experience because it allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin. It allowed me to accept who I am, because everyone around me accepted who I was … Walking the campus was normal, reading braille was normal ... large print was something I didn’t even have to request because everything was already in large print.

Q: What do you do in your job at the Office of Disability Services?

A: I’m a peer access advocate — so I’m a student who is registered in the office of disability services but I also provide peer mentoring to other students, I plan events such as disability awareness week and I also facilitate conversation about self-advocacy and the rights and responsibilities so that when students do have that conversation with a professor they’re prepared.

Q: How do you feel JMU is in terms of handling providing access and accommodation for students with disabilities?

I think the Office of Disability Services does what they can, but there is so little they can do without the support of JMU as a whole. For example, a lot of buildings on campus are not accessible so a lot of students with disabilities who want to come to JMU cannot because we’re not an accessible campus. Jackson Hall is inaccessible. Signs in Maury Hall [say] accessible bathrooms are on the first floor of Wilson so you have to go to a completely different building if you have to use the bathroom, which is like some civil rights s***. It’s pretty

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bad … There are hills, which you can’t really control, you can’t really flatten the hills. You can still make sidewalks more accessible though and have alternative access than the stairs. Or you know, if your building has an elevator in it, try making it so that you don’t have to take the stairs in order to get to the elevator … If you made buildings accessible, more students could come here and then you’d have more money from tuition. So really not making the buildings accessible just says, ‘We don’t really want you here.’

Q: What made you want to come to JMU? A: I’ve been involved with disability awareness week since 2012 … We came [to JMU] to put on the deaf sports showcase … just witnessing the JMU students come together as a whole to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities and with persons with disabilities was really inspiring … that’s one of the reasons why I applied to JMU and why I accepted it over all of the other schools that I got accepted to.

Q: In what way do you feel you’ve impacted the JMU community?

A: I’m involved with an organization called

and so our goal is to spread random acts of kindness on JMU’s campus to make everyone feel like they’re loved, wanted, and included here and to prevent school shootings from happening in the future … one of the primary reasons shootings do happen is because people feel like they’re excluded and they have no other choice.

We’re trying to exclude those emotions from the JMU campus by just doing little acts that go a long way.

overtime. It deteriorates nerves in a similar pattern to Parkinsons or Alzheimers does.

There’s actually very limited research that tells how glaucoma affects someone over time because it’s very, very rare for a person to develop glaucoma at such a young age.

Generally it’s much, much older adults. They didn’t even realize that it was a neurological deterioration disorder until 2015.

“Just witnessing the JMU students come together as a Q: So in what ways does your whole to advocate on behalf of disability impact you?

A: “I can’t drive … My eyesight is persons with disabilities and degenerative, meaning that it gets worse with persons with disabilities over time — I see a lot less now than I was really inspiring.” did when I was younger but so like I can’t see at night anymore really, and I have to use larger print than I used to … I can’t read the menus at a lot of places so I’ll just take a picture of the menu and then I can stand off to the side and read it and then get in line and order my food. So cashiers love me because I always know what I want as soon as I get up there. Sometimes reading the menu at restaurants is really hard so when I go out to eat with my boyfriend, a lot of times he reads it to me.

So, uh, because I went through the trauma of surgery at such a young age, I then developed glaucoma, which is a neurological deterioration disorder that deteriorates the brain nervous cells and the optic nerve as well, which is what causes the deterioration

Q: How has your disability impacted you in other ways?

A: There’s a lot of FOMO because I can’t just hop in the car and go somewhere. I have to rely on so many people and that really takes a toll emotionally, especially when it comes to self-advocacy. I’m a very confident person and it really tears down your confidence when you just can’t do something. So I’m saving up my money for a Google car. It will happen. They’re already legal in Arizona. It is emotional. Especially since I can’t see at night, a lot of times I don’t leave campus at night because I don’t feel comfortable.

Q: How did you choose social work as your major?

A: I came into JMU undeclared. I was undeclared for two years. I took the “discover your major” class or whatever, which was a super fun, easy A … we made Pinterest boards and stuff. They recommended shadowing people we knew.

I shadowed my Aunt Eva, who is a social worker, and I loved what she did. I started working at the Office of Disability Services and I was a peer access advocate, and I fell in love with advocacy work. So now I am a social work major and I’m aspiring to be a macrosocial worker with a concentration in policy and humanitarian affairs minor. I want to work on global issues and my dream is to work for Handicapped International and become a lobbyist for them … Just travel the world and do good.

EMMA

WORDS BY BLEZNAK AND ROBYN SMITH PHOTOS BY JAMES ALLEN

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Be sure to tell mom to visit when she’s in town EXCLUSIVE BABY LOCK MACHINE DEALER Canvas for art students • Costuming fabrics for special events • CosPlay • Decorate your dorm room • Applique Greek letters • Design an outfit • Create a special handmade gift • Learn to quilt • Learn to Sew, Knit and Crochet classes • Private lessons • Monthly sewing circle

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Located in the Student Success Center First Floor, UHC The Well For more info visit jmu.edu/lgbta/resources

50 US Colleges with the Best Food

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Best College Dining Experiences

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f clNS as so

20

21

QU fr E o S m T th IO e

21 1. What is everyone’s favorite event at JMU?

A: Laura McKechnie, sophomore dietetics major: I would definitely have to say Madipalooza. It’s a huge festival on East Campus that has food, live music and games for all the students. It’s just a good time to have fun and hang with your friends.

2. What kind of internship opportunities does JMU offer?

A: Career and Planning employee Laura Hickerson: CAP offers a lot of resources to help students find internships. Our online system, Recruit-A-Duke, currently has 413 paid internships and 173 unpaid internships posted in RAD. These internships are for a variety of majors and cover a lot of different work environments. We also help students with all stages of their job and internship search process from resume writing and cover letter writing, to helping students identify internships (websites, career fairs, networking, targeting their own leads, etc.) to helping with interviewing practice and evaluating offers.

3. Are there any opportunities for outdoor adventures at JMU?

A: UREC Adventure Program coordinator Guy deBrun: There are many outdoor adventure opportunities at JMU. We have a robust program including a climbing wall, challenge course, equipment rentals

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and outdoor trips. The climbing and bouldering walls are extremely popular with over 8,000 uses since August. Many groups and organizations take advantage of our team-building services through our TEAM program, which has a high and low challenge course at its disposal. Students can rent tents, sleeping bags, stand up paddleboards, backpacks and much more for their own adventures. Finally, we offer trips ranging from an hour or so to week long spring break trips. Trips include rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and more.

Incoming students should be encouraged to take advantage of our Madison Orientation Adventure Trips.

4. What is the best way for an incoming freshman to narrow down which social groups to look into when they first get to JMU? A: Emilee Maira, junior psychology Major: I would personally say to immerse yourself into as much as you possibly can. From there, just start going to events and their different components to see what fits you best. I would keep a completely open mind, and I believe that you can only find your groove by first-hand experience. Aim for putting yourself out of your comfort zone.

Instead of narrowing down, try everything you are even remotely interested in.

WORDS BY ANTHONY DUGGAN 5. Are freshman allowed to

bring cars the first year?

A: Parking Services employee Beka Jordan: Freshmen are only allowed to bring their vehicles if they have off-campus employment or a medical condition that requires frequent trips to doctors, therapists, etc. In these cases, we do require documentation verifying they are either employed or from the doctor verifying they are being seen on a frequent basis.

6. Are there any dorms I should avoid?

A: Office of Residence Life employee Katie Musar: We think all of our residence halls are

great! What one community may lack in an amenity (e.g., air conditioning), it may make up for with its strong building community because of the hall’s layout. There are pros and cons in each community, but at the end of the day, we believe that all of our residence halls have the ability to be a great home away from home.

7. What are students’ favorite and least favorite parts about college?

A: Brett LeBlanc, senior ISAT major: The least favorite part would be studying for exams, but the favorite part would be developing relationships with Greek life and other social groups.

8. What is the best way to

get involved in student organizations?

A: Foley McMahon, junior political science major: I think the best way to get involved

at JMU is to figure out what you’re interests are and then head to student org night to see if there are any clubs or organizations that match what you like. It really helps to talk to upperclassmen and just be open to a bunch of new opportunities that may be thrown your way.

9. Which housing is the best at JMU? A: Office of Residence Life employee Katie Musar: While there are certainly more

popular areas of campus, like Bluestone, a student’s housing experience at JMU should not depend solely on the building they are assigned to. Their experience is going to depend upon their attitude and their willingness to get connected to their community. It’s really important for students to understand that they might not get one of their top preferenced areas.

10. When do I choose my classes for the fall semester?

A: Registrar’s Office employee Thomas Estes: Incoming freshman registration

generally begins during mid-June, before orientation begins. The students will receive information late May, early June in regards to the exact dates. Students who don’t complete their OneBook steps will not be eligible to enroll into courses during that time. It’s essential that students complete their OneBook steps and register for orientation. Students that fail to do so will fall behind in the enrollment process.

11. How long did it take to remember your class schedule and how to get around campus?

A:Brandon Perry, junior ISAT major: It took me about two weeks to get around campus and remember my class schedule. The first week I had a picture of my class schedule on my phone and by the second week I remembered it by heart.

12. Is Greek life very popular at JMU? A: Fraternity and Sorority Life director Adam Lindberg: Approximately 19 percent of the

JMU population, which is around 4,000 students, is involved in a fraternity or sorority. We currently have 15 recognized social fraternities and 13 social sororities, and will add one social fraternity and one social sorority during in the fall of 2017.

Suffice it to say that Fraternity & Sorority

Life is growing! Statistics aside, fraternities and sororities represent an excellent way for JMU students to become involved in campus life. Academic achievement is at the forefront of fraternities and sororities, and our students consistently earn GPAs higher than their unaffiliated peers. Members receive leadership preparation and training, serve local and national communities, and are plugged into a national network of undergraduate students and alumni that can number into the hundreds of thousands.

Fraternities and sororities are not the only way to be involved in campus life, though – JMU has over 350 student organizations representing a variety of interests!

13. Was it a struggle adjusting from high school to a big school like JMU? A: Hannah Cruz, junior business major: For me it was a huge struggle. Going from a place where I knew my entire support system to a place where I knew no one and nothing about the community was really difficult.

Not only that, but during high school my parents kept me accountable for my studies and what I did on my spare time, so in college I have to do that on my own which takes a lot of integrity and self-discipline.

14. Why does everyone like JMU? A: Maddie Palkovitz, senior psychology major:

I think everyone likes JMU because even though it’s a really big school, everyone knows each other. JMU is also so diverse whether you’re in Greek life or on a sports team. Everyone is extremely nice and we all get along with each other. I think it’s very respectful that everyone holds the door for you no matter where you are on campus.

15. What are the most memorable events at JMU? A: Caroline Cole, senior psychology major: I would definitely have to say Relay for Life.

It’s nice to be reminded that we are more than just a party school. Relay for Life is a very special occasion because nearly everyone has been affected by cancer in some way or another. There is a vast and diverse number of organizations that are involved and we all share one common goal.

16. What is the best advice for incoming freshmen at JMU? A: Kasey Wilson, senior communication sciences and disorders major: Learn time management

skills! You have to plan an hour-by-hour schedule because if you don’t, then you’ll actually fail. Managing time is an important skill to develop.

17. What kind of things do students do on the weekends?

A: Mandy Lazernick, senior health services administration major: On Thursdays, Fridays

and Saturdays a lot of people like to go out with their friends and party. They either go to fraternity parties or apartment parties. Other people like to study and do homework and utilize the free time they have to catch up on school. Then there are those people who work all weekend to make money and don’t really have social lives.

18. What do you think about the Honors college?

A: Honors College employee Tammy Steele: The Honors College at JMU provides many unique benefits. It helps the Madison experience by intentionally bringing together all students no matter the field of major. The Honors College is great for students because it fosters higher levels of learning, commitment and success.

It produces ideas that scatter the JMU community. The Honors experience allows students to create their own paths and helps link them together to transform the many lives at James Madison.

19. What are the most important things to know as a freshman at JMU that they don’t mention on tours?

A: Zeina Doukan, junior health sciences major:

One of the most important things they don’t mention on tours is how bad it is to ride on the bus going class to class. The wait time is too long and the buses are overcrowded. Also, they don’t mention how important it is to be involved in order to meet new people. Personally, transferring from another college was horrible, but joining Greek life really helped.

20. Where are the best places to hangout on the weekend?

A: Kaitlin Kodak, junior psychology major:

Many students at JMU like to hang out at Aspen on warm days at the pool, Forest and Manor for Greek events, downtown Harrisonburg for food and bars and the Shenandoah Valley for outdoor adventures such as hiking and canoeing.

21. What is the limit for the amount of girls that can dorm together?

A: Office of Residence Life employee Katie Musar: First-year students can only request

roommates, not suitemates. Therefore, a student can request two other students, and be assigned to a triple room.

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MENTAL HEALTH COLLEGE CAN BE AN exciting time. For some, this may be the first opportunity to live independently.

However, that autonomy can introduce new levels of stress. At JMU, the Counseling Center provides resources to students for coping with mental illnesses.

The Counseling Center offers free, confidential services to all JMU students.

Consultations, individual therapy, group therapy and 24/7 emergency services are included. Staffed counselors. like Dr. Magali Laitem, a clinical psychologist and outreach coordinator, relish in the opportunity to help students have the best college experience possible.

“It can be incredibly important and beneficial for everyone to know about all the resources that are available to them on campus,” Laitem says. “If students, staff, faculty and family are aware of the resources, it creates a community of support and can lessen feelings of isolation, hopelessness and helplessness.”

Laitem and others are also working hard to dispel the negative perception of counseling.

“We truly believe that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength,” Laitem

says. “Counseling is another resource to help individuals learn more about themselves, learn new skills on how to manage different situations and/or to get support.”

Dr. Erika Collazo, a general wellness and health research methods professor, teaches her students the importance of seeking help.

“It is important to pay attention to our feelings and understand if they are getting out of our control,” Collazo says. “If we don’t deal with that right away, then we can be dealing with the consequences later.”

Every student is different, and while counseling may be a viable option for some, Collazo believes an important way to promote mental health resides in a personal emotional outlet.

Students can go to the oasis room in the Counseling Center at SSC.

“If you can talk to a counselor, that’s great,” Collazo says. “However, most counselors themselves would recommend you find some positive outlet for your stress, like writing, drawing, exercise or anything that will allow your mind to relax itself.”

While some counselors believe in an individual emotional outlet, Laitem and other counselors want students to know they’re there for you.

“You are not alone and there are several different options on how to get support,” Laitem says. “The key is that it makes you feel good.”

The Counseling Center is located in the Student Success Center (3100).

Phone: 540-568-6552 Website: https://www.jmu.edu/counselingctr/ index.shtml WORDS BY BRIAN MCDONALD PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BREEZE

DOWNTOWN HARRISONBURG Minutes from campus, you’ll find:

Local food: 35+ restaurants ranging from coffee shops and cafes to pizza and burger joints Great shopping: 30+ shops, including boutique clothing, art supplies, skateboards + records Awesome events: live music, triva nights, and more #dukesdodowntown

www.downtownharrisonburg.org

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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

Please check our website for special events!

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THE CAP OFFICE GETTING ADMITTED into college is an outstanding achievement. For some, that achievement comes with the realization that soon you will be making major decisions for your career. This can be stressful, especially if you come into college unsure of what to pursue.

At JMU, the Career and Academic Planning office specializes in helping students identify their interests and turn them into job opportunities.

CAP offers many resources to students who have questions or concerns about their career paths. This includes passport events focused on interviews and networking, workshops geared toward skill building in the professional world and one-on-one career counseling. These sessions can be used to go over resumes, cover letters and even curriculum vitae for graduate students.

CAP also puts on “focus” events geared toward helping younger students identify their values and interests to help them choose their major.

Undergraduate and undecided students can come to a “focus” event and take a quiz to help them pinpoint their passions. Career educator Molly Crum identifies this as a rewarding event CAP staff looks forward to every year.

“I had a girl who was very on the fence between two majors come to my focus passport event,” Crum says, “and she told me that doing this event really helped push her over the edge to do nursing,

and it really made her more confident in her decision.”

Whether you are on the fence or completely unsure of what you want to do after college, CAP has the available resources to help you. Senior Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication major Gabriel Lee recalls how CAP helped get him on the right track when he was unsure of his plans.

“I came into college as a quantitative finance major,” Lee says, “but I quickly found out that wasn’t going to work for me.” At the start of his sophomore year, Lee went to CAP for guidance.

“I came in to talk to one of the career educators and really tried to explain to him what my interests were,” Lee says. “Once I decided that WRTC was in line with what I wanted to do, he really set me up on a trajectory to help me succeed.”

Through various events, workshops and counseling, CAP’s goal is to give students resources to be more confident in the decisions they make about their future. Career educators like Crum and Julia Johnston want to help you, and are honored to be a part of success stories like Lee’s.

“It is extremely rewarding,” Johnston says, “to have someone come in very nervous, and in a short 30-minute span we get to instill a little bit of confidence in them…it’s a free tool and you

Students meet with members of the CAP office for interview help. should know that you have all these resources at your fingertips to help you succeed.”

Career and Academic Planning is located in the Student Success Center (3210). Phone: 540-5686555. Email: cap@jmu.edu WORDS BY BRIAN MCDONALD PHOTOS BY SEAN O’BRIEN

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EMBA RR ASSING

STORIES

Anonymous students share their most humiliating moments, from falling down the stairs to tripping on rocks.

At some point in your life you will embarrass yourself. It’s four places and his right one in two. Both his casts brought a lot of inevitable. But sometimes, these embarrassing moments become unwanted stares and attention. It was an embarrassing semester for great stories.

Alex because he felt other students were constantly judging him, Corey*, a sophomore, was pepper sprayed by his friend’s roommate especially his friends. after initiating a verbal altercation in front of E-hall on a Saturday “I couldn’t cut my food, so I had to have someone cut it for me if it night. The group of 10 students who witnessed this argument was meat or something,” Alex said. “I also had people help me do my couldn’t help but laugh. For the next three days, he found himself laundry and my roommate had to bathe me because I couldn’t get my retelling this embarrassing story multiple times after receiving arms wet.” comments about his bloodshot eyes.

Just when you thought these embarrassing moments couldn’t get “My whole chest and my eyes were beet red,” Corey said. “And any worse, Rachel* proved otherwise. all the girls in my hall were coming up to me and asking me what Rachel, senior, never pictured her night ending in the emergency happened.” room after hiking in Shenandoah Park on a warm For Alice*, a senior, her embarrassing moment night. While descending down the mountain with “I started sprinting her group of friends, Rachel started to frantically wasn’t nearly as physically painful.

After studying for her most important exam of because I thought run because of an alleged bear spotting. the week, Alice accidentally misjudged the starting “I started sprinting because I thought it was a it was a bear ... it bear that was going to eat me, and I tripped on time of her class by 15 minutes. Standing in front of the quiet classroom with her mouth wide open, turned out to be a rock and snapped my ankle,” Rachel said. “It the whole class looked up and pointed at her with turned out to be just a baby deer.” just a baby deer.” Rachel’s friends couldn’t refrain themselves the thought that she wouldn’t be able to take the exam. Thankfully, her professor was understanding from laughing despite her injury. and allowed her take it without any issues.

For Tiffany, senior, mopeds are her worst nightmare. They are fun “I almost starting crying because I really didn’t know if I was going if you have mastered them, but if not, they can turn into your worst to be able to take the test,” Alice said. “It was very embarrassing and enemy. that was, like, a huge lecture class of 150 people.”

While stopped at a red light on Reservoir Street, Tiffany and her Arriving late to an exam doesn’t seem as embarrassing when friend lost their balance and tipped over on the moped in front of compared to Alex’s tumble. other stationary cars. Not only did they fall over, but the moped fell Alex*, recent graduate, fell down the flight of steps in front of on top of them.

Ikenberry hall during his freshman year after a night out. Unaware “There is probably a video of us falling off the moped,” Tiffany that he had broken both his wrists, he continued on his journey back said. “We had multiple bruises on ourselves the next day from it to his dorm with the hope of sleeping off the pain. falling on us.”

“I make it down the first flight of stairs all right. Go to the second Tiffany was so embarrassed by the situation that she avoided using flight, make it about three steps and then just face plant the rest of her moped for several weeks. the way and landed on my arms and somehow got up,” Alex said. *Name has been changed.

The next day around 2 p.m., Alex rushed to the hospital to get x-rays done to only find out that he had broken his left wrist in WORDS BY ANTHONY DUGGAN

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UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER Located in the Student Success Center

jmu.edu/healthcenter

Other Services: For treatment of sinus infections, Mono, STIs, and other illnesses.

Allergy Clinic, Women’s Health, and more are available.

Health education, alcohol & drug prevention/intervention, sexual violence prevention/advocacy, LGBTQ & Ally Education program

Fills prescriptions written by on-campus providers. Over-thecounter medications and other products are available.

For stitches, sprains, minor fractures, allergic reactions and female UTIs. No appointment is needed.

• X-ray and Orthopedics on-site by Sentara RMH • Registered Dietitian • Dermatology • Safer Sex Centers • Self-Care Station located in the Pharmacy • Nurse Line: 540-568-6178 • Schedule medical appointments online at MyJMUHealth

Follow us @ JMUHealthCenter @JMUHealthCenter

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We’ve been on campus helping JMU students manage their finances for more than 25 years.

Friendly Banking for both Students & Parents • Youth Savings Account: Earn 2.1% APY* on the first $1,000 on deposit • Free Checking: NO monthly maintenance fees or service charges • On the Go: Online and Mobile Banking • No-fee ATMs: 4 on campus, plus over 55,000 nationwide • Move Money: Deposit or transfer money to students accounts for free We’re the Only ONE to Provide Students with • Free Financial Counseling • Free Financial Education Webinars and In Person Seminars • Reduced and Waived Overdraft fees** And when they are ready...

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*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. **CommonWealth One will waive overdraft fees up to $60.00. Membership is open to all JMU students and their familes. Membership eligibility 44 required. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Lender.