WHY “LAW & SOCIETY”?
The laws of the United States are tools for analyzing how the myriad of issues in our country are perceived and addressed, but analyzing society informs the scale of effectiveness those laws have on creating an America we are proud of. To best prepare for these discussions and the groundbreaking work required to effectuate change no matter what career path in which one chooses to serve, a Law and Society Scholar must be willing to do foundational work.
This program is designed to serve students majoring in a range of disciplines, not just pre-law, so the focus is on advocacy. Advocacy is the necessary competency for any individual interested in pursuing personal, professional, &/or career pathways involving law & society. To effectively serve communities and their constituents, it is imperative to understand how diverse circumstances and experiences impact the societal issues that encourage individuals to advocate in particular ways.
LSS provides an independently developed foundational framework that strengthens one’s understanding of advocacy, explores how diverse experiences influence areas of advocacy that compel engagement, & encourages reflective growth & determination of interests.
Additionally, as a Law and Society Scholar, you are a valued member of the Honors and Scholars Center and community.
By completing two years of the Law & Society Scholars Program, you will receive:
- Lasting friendships,
- Experiential learning opportunities,
- Renewed perspectives and reflective opportunities,
- Mentorship,
- Invitations to engagements that help you improve wellness and have fun,
- Scholars graduation cord with specialized “Law and Society Scholars” charm,
- Certificate of Recognition for presenting at the Time + Change Second Year Scholars Conference,
- Enhanced Honors & Scholars ePortfolio documenting your undergraduate journey at Ohio State, and
- MORE!
First Year Scholars
Seminar: Taught in the first semester by the LSS Program Manager, Scholars learn the foundational framework of the program and explore six (6) milestones to bring awareness to the unlimited possibilities in existence for Scholars to serve themselves and others in whatever roles they take on throughout their lifetime. Seminar curriculum influences how Scholars develop their second-year project for presentation at the Annual Time + Change Conference (TCC).
Supplement to classroom instruction will be the book “Range,” by David Epstein.
Mentorship: 1Y Scholars are assigned a veteran Law & Society Scholar who serves as Ambassador and point of contact to support ease in transition to the collegiate experience, encourage relationship building, & develop Scholar confidence in connecting with fellow Buckeyes.
Active Participation Requirement: 1Y Scholars are required to achieve engagement points to maintain a record of active participation as a 1Y Law & Society Scholar. 1Y Scholars are offered a calendar of weekly 1-hour community engagements to choose from for credit towards the accrual of their engagement points. These Community Engagements are curated by veteran Law & Society Scholars serving on Leadership Council Committees named for the five (5) pillars of the Program’s engagement priorities: Social through Community, Service & Advocacy, Buckeye Engagement & Affinity, Mentorship, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.
Relationship Development with Program Manager: 1Y Scholars are encouraged to co-invest in the development of a supportive relationship with the Program Manager to advance possibilities for leadership, scholarship, &/or academic & professional opportunities.
Annual Time + Change Second-Year Scholars Conference: 1Y Scholars are expected to support veteran Scholars by attending the Annual Time + Change Conference co-hosted with the International Affairs Scholars Program the week after spring break. The conference includes presentations about service and advocacy from 2Y Scholars and professional development workshops.
Second-Year Scholars
Annual Time + Change Second-Year Scholars Conference: 2Y Scholars must develop and engage in a reflective service project exploring an advocacy interest which is then presented at the Annual Time + Change Second-Year Scholars Conference, co-hosted with the International Affairs Scholars Program during Spring semester. At the conclusion of presentation, 2Y Scholars successfully complete the LSS Program, receive a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of their dedication, earn their “Scholar” transcript designation, and receive an honorary graduation cord with a custom charm engraved with “Honors & Scholars, Law & Society Scholars.”
Leadership Council: Some 2Y Scholars elect to apply for selection to the Leadership Council to help curate the Scholar experience.
Active Participation Requirement: 2Y Scholars are required to achieve engagement points to maintain a record of active participation as a Law & Society Scholar. 2Y Scholars are offered a calendar of weekly 1-hour community engagements to choose from for credit towards the accrual of their engagement points but may also receive points by completing the Conference presentation.
Third-Year Scholars+
Third- and Fourth-Year Law and Society Scholars often continue their LSS Program connections by serving on the Leadership Council as a Committee Member and/or Mentor. There are always opportunities for them to share their experiences with 1Y LS Scholars and support them on their Buckeye journeys.
Credit for all engagement attendance and participation will be recorded and Scholars must remain active in the Program by achieving engagement goals outlined in the Points System.