Photo By: Caleb Jeong

Looking for something different to do on campus this November?  

The CoLab has a full schedule of events, from conversations about the college experience and Japanese pop culture to gaming tournaments, poetry and opportunities to connect with campus resources. 

The college experience and human connection 

Social Connection and the College Experience Panel 

Monday, Nov. 2 | Noon to 1 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100 

Inspired by JCCC’s 2026-27 Common Read, Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Vivek Murthy, the panel will explore the role social connection plays in college life. Panelists include Luke Kahler, a board-certified family medicine physician, and Eve Blobaum, JCCC professor of sociology. The event is free and open to the public, with no registration required. 

Community and volunteer opportunities 

Community & Volunteer Resource Fair Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100 

The Student Basic Needs Center and the Honors Program are teaming up for a fair where students can connect with local volunteer organizations and service opportunities, along with community resources. Whether you’re looking to give back or just want to see what’s out there, it’s a good place to start. Free food and giveaways will be available. 

A conversation about resilience and leadership 

Jason Kander on Campus Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 3 to 4 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 101 

Army veteran and former Missouri secretary of state Jason Kander is coming to campus to talk about resilience and leadership. Kander is the author of the New York Times best-seller Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD, which details his experience with post-traumatic stress after serving in Afghanistan. The event is hosted by the CoLab, the Veteran & Military Resource Center and the Legal Studies Department, and free food will be available.  

Planning for the next step 

Transfer 101 Monday, Nov. 9 | Noon to 12:30 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100 

Thinking about transferring after JCCC?  

Counselors will cover how to build a transfer timeline and choose your next school, along with questions to consider throughout the process. 

Financial Aid for Transfer Monday, Nov. 9 | 12:30 to 1 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100 

Right after Transfer 101, the Financial Aid Office will explain how the FAFSA factors into scholarships and financial aid, even for students who don’t qualify for federal aid. The session will cover recent changes and next steps after submitting the form, and students can get help with their applications. 

Gaming at the CoLabGaming at the CoLab 

JCCC Esports Monday, Nov. 9 | 4 to 10 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100 

Calling all gamers! 

The CoLab’s weekly gaming tournaments are back, headlined by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with a rotating lineup that includes Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear -Strive- and Avatar Legends. Friendlies kick off at 4 p.m., and the tournament starts at 5:30 p.m. If you have a controller or setup, bring it along.  

Exploring Japan through anime 

Language & Culture Series: Japan and Sailor Moon Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100P 

JCCC librarian Andrea Thimesch and language professor Yosei Sugawara will explore Japanese culture through anime and manga. Thimesch will discuss how anime and manga culture differs between the United States and Japan, including Sailor Moon’s influence on the industry. Sugawara will look at English loanwords adopted into Japanese and how they show up in anime dialogue. 

Registration is required, and seating is limited to 23. Register online. 

Celebrating first-generation students 

First Gen Day Celebration 2026 Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 2 to 4 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100 

Being the first in your family to go to college is worth celebrating, and JCCC is setting aside an afternoon to do just that. Students can stop by the “Letter to My Family” writing corner to thank the family members and mentors who helped get them here. An affirmation wall gives everyone a place to share their accomplishments and goals, along with a little encouragement for each other. Snap a selfie while you’re there and share it with #FirstGenJCCC or #CavsFirstGen. Free food and giveaways will be available.  

Truth, memory and the stories we tell  

Great Books: “Lying: A Metaphorical Memoir” presented by Sam Bell Wednesday, Nov. 11 | Noon to 1 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100 and online 

How much of a memoir has to be true?  

English professor Sam Bell will lead a discussion of Lauren Slater’s Lying: A Metaphorical Memoir, a book that blurs the line between fact and fiction. The conversation will explore the stories people tell about themselves and where truth fits in, including how storytelling can play a role in healing. Attend in person or join online.  

Poetry takes the stage 

Poetry Slam Fall 2026 Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 2 to 3 p.m. | CoLab, OCB 100 

JCCC’s Black Student Union will host a poetry competition open to all students, whether they’re seasoned performers or stepping up to the mic for the first time. Poems must be original, appropriate and no longer than three minutes, and any genre or style is welcome. 

First place takes home $100, second place $75 and third place $50. Glenn North, poet laureate of Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, will open the event with a performance and serve as a guest judge. 

Entry forms are due Monday, Nov. 9, at 11:59 p.m. Enter the competition. Questions, including ones about extra credit, can go to BSU adviser Cathy Schrag at [email protected].