Note: The Messenger Route is a weekly round-up of important and fun bits of information about news and life at JCCC, produced by the students of JOUR 122 on-campus class.

Drop and Graduation Deadlines Are Coming Soon

Whether you are just starting at JCCC, in the midst of your studies or about to graduate, there are two important academic deadlines that are coming up.

Monday, Feb. 17 is the last day to drop a full-semester course without a withdrawal “W” on your permanent record, and it is also the final day to apply for spring graduation.

Dropping a class is a simple 5-step process and the JCCC website has you covered in case you need help. Click here to learn more about the class dropping process. Be careful! If you want to drop a class and do not it before Feb. 17, a withdrawal “W” will appear on your permanent record.

To see if you are eligible for graduation, and learn more about the application process, click here. If you do not apply for graduation before Feb. 17, but still want to graduate in the spring, the JCCC website also explains the Graduation Deadline Appeal Process, but we still recommend you apply in time.

– Baptiste Raffin

The Runway Has Come to JCCC

Students can now take a look at some of the most iconic Katy Perry dresses right here on the JCCC Campus. The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is having a special exhibit from Feb. 7-Aug 3 where students can get to see, among others, Katy Perry’s iconic Burger Dress from the 2019 Met Gala.

The Burger Dress, and many others, were designed by Jeremy Scott, a native of Kansas City. Scott’s creations have been worn by many other famous celebrities you might know of, some like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Britney Spears, Rihanna.

Woven into the exhibit is art created by Katherine Bernhardt. She, like Scott, has a knack for creating art in a non-traditional, pop-culture humorous way. The exhibit will showcase over 35 paintings by Bernhardt, and over 100 looks by Scott.

On May 10, The Nerman is hosting a fundraising gala in honor of both of the artists. All proceeds support Nerman Museum operations, art education activities and JCCC Historical Fashion Collection preservation. The Nerman is on the northeast side of the campus, attached to the Regnier Center. Entry is free.

– Zach Jewell

Presidential Finalists Are Named and Coming To Campus

Three candidates, who have now been named by the Presidential Search Committee, have been chosen for one of the most important positions on this campus. This person will be responsible for the administration at the college as well as enacting policies from the board. These candidates were picked from a large pool of other qualified candidates, according to the Presidential Search Committee.

If you’re curious about any of the three candidates, there will be a student-exclusive forum held in the CoLab, Office, and Classroom building (OCB) 100 on Feb. 17, Feb. 19, and Feb. 21, from 12-12:45 pm. Don’t forget to fill out the online survey to give your opinions on the candidates.

In addition, each candidate will have two open forum sessions for everyone in the community, across those same three days. The first two days will be held in the Polsky Theatre inside the Midwest Trust Center from 9-10 a.m. then again at 3-4 p.m. Feb. 21 will be held in the General Education Building(GEB) in the Craig Community Auditorium from 9-10 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. No matter which forum you go to, all the questions will be the same.

– Mckenzie Hollinshed

Study in Mexico this summer

Would you like to have an academic and cultural experience this summer? The 15th edition of ITESO’s International Summer Program invites you to study in Guadalajara, Mexico, from May 22 to June 20, 2025. This program promises to improve your Spanish fluency and gain knowledge in Business, Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies, and Spanish Language and Literature at ITESO, the Jesuita University of Guadalajara. For four weeks, you will have the opportunity to learn from professors from around the world and interact with both local and international students.

Here are some reasons to participate:

• Immerse yourself in language: You can take Spanish courses taught by experts, giving you the opportunity to learn a new language.
• Experience the culture: you will live in Tlaquepaque, a wonderful town full of history, mariachi, and incredible gastronomy. Trust me, I have been there, you will love it, especially the street tacos, which are absolutely delicious.
• Plenty of Adventure: Go on excursions to Guadalajara’s historic downtown or visit breathtaking beaches like Puerto Vallarta or Colima.
• A complete Experience: this program includes accommodation near campus, cultural activities, and access to university facilities.
• Thanks to its great location and a vibrant atmosphere, Guadalajara is the ideal destination if you are looking for academic and personal growth.
• If you need more information, you can schedule an appointment with Emiko D. Asakawa.

– Keyla Landa Suazo