Law and Society Scholars

As a required course of enrollment for First Year (1Y) Scholars during their first semester, students shall learn the foundational framework of becoming an effective advocate. Several tools are used to achieve learning objectives: (1) workbook achievements, (2) reading assignments and class discussions based on a selected book, and (3) a legal case study and group project presentation. First, in support of the Honors & Scholars Center and its implementation of the H&S Workbook through PebblePad and ePortfolio, 1Y Scholars engage in the digital documentation of their Buckeye journey by completing the Program’s independent PebblePad resource entitled, “LSS Workbook (v.2).” Law and Society Scholars can share elements of their Seminar coursework to fulfill the requirements of their H&S Workbook. Second, the Program Manager selects a non-fiction book that explores pertinent topics that elevate discussions about advocacy. Third, Scholars shall participate in an immersive group experience examining and analyzing a criminal case previously litigated by the Program Manager. Scholars explore one aspect of the legal profession in roles as mock defense attorneys or mock prosecutors, develop case strategies in their respective teams, and negotiate a resolution for final presentation in class. Finally, it is important to note that Seminar curriculum influences how Scholars develop their second-year project and presentation. 

To successfully complete year one as an LS Scholar and advance to year two of the LS Scholars Program, a First-Year Scholar (1Y) must:

• Complete and pass the required first-semester Seminar Course,
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA average,
• Attend the Annual Time + Change Second Year Scholars Conference, AND
• Maintain a record of satisfactory attendance and engagement in community learning experiences.

Second-Year Scholars (2Y) are encouraged to remain connected with their LSS Community, but with less in-person requirements to encourage advanced engagement academically and socially, on campus, within local communities, and external to Ohio. Some 2Y Scholars take advantage of leadership opportunities within the Program by volunteering as a member of the Leadership Council (see Community section). To successfully complete year two as an LS Scholar, a Second-Year Scholar must:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA average,
• Develop and engage in a reflective service project and present at the Annual Time + Change Second-Year Scholars Conference during Spring semester, AND
• Maintain a record of satisfactory attendance and engagement in community learning experiences.

Successful completion of the Law and Society Scholars Program requirements guarantees:

• Periodic issuance of digital Badge Awards to celebrate achievement of significant milestones which can be shared on professional profiles and resumes,
• Certificate of Achievement as a Time + Change Conference presenter,
• Certificate of Completion from the Law and Society Scholars Program,
• Scholars graduation cord with a custom charm engraved with “Honors & Scholars, Law & Society Scholars,” AND
• Recorded designation as “Scholars” on official transcript.

Third- and Fourth-Year students often continue their LSS Program involvement by serving on the Leadership Council as an Executive Leader, Committee Chair, Committee Member and/or Mentor. There are always opportunities to share ongoing experiences with newer LS Scholars and support them on their Buckeye journeys. Many LS Scholars benefit from ongoing connection to the Program beyond the two-year requirement by elevating their leadership development, professional competencies, and networking opportunities. 

The Annual Time + Change Second-Year Scholars Conference: This collaborative experience is curated with the International Affairs Scholars Program. Scholars in both programs share a presentation that reflects upon their Scholars journey, an area of advocacy or service they chose to explore, and the impact of their experiences on their future endeavors. Serving as a conference presenter is an exclusive opportunity to demonstrate service and advocacy achievement through time and change while practicing how to share their unique story. 

Professional Development Workshops: Learning experiences that offer Scholars opportunities to improve resume writing, personal branding strategy, and networking skills. 

Field-Day Welcome Event for 1Y Scholars and Mentors: This event serves as the first official community meeting of the academic year and celebrates incoming Scholars as they begin their Buckeye journeys by separating them into teams to compete in field-day events and Ohio State trivia! Upper-class Scholars designated as leaders and mentors in the Program are assigned to different teams to connect and elevate excitement for the year. 

Build OSU: Make iconic Ohio State landmarks out of recyclable materials and craft supplies. This engagement encourages teamwork, diverse perspectives, and helps develop Buckeye affinity.  

Campus Scavenger Hunt: A unique way to familiarize yourself with your new home by racing against the clock to decipher clues, visit campus landmarks and important spaces, and photograph your experience. This engagement fuels healthy competition and fosters genuine connection.

Signature Badge Awards Program

This unique digital Badge Award System was designed to provide a cost-effective and efficient process for recognizing achievements of Law & Society Scholars with sharable, digital assets. 

By celebrating the time and talent Scholars students voluntarily invest in the Sustained Learning Continuum of a Scholars Program, this system provides a sustainable benefit in exchange for active engagement in experiences that encourage curiosity, facilitate exploration, and support perseverance.

Every badge award has defined criteria, an articulated purpose (why the badge matters), and associated professional skills which offer Scholars a starting point for translating their experiential learning onto a resume and professional profile, like LinkedIn. 

Within each Scholar's LSS Workbook (v.2), there are designated pages to:

• embed earned badge award images and
• view full award descriptions including recommendations for resume contributions, keywords, and phrases.

Upon earning a Badge Award, every Scholar receives an automated congratulatory email which provides:

• a suggested social media post headline,
• two pre-written post options with relevant hashtags, and
• a sharable, but unique award verification link specifically labeled for the student who earned it.

The Law and Society Scholars and International Affairs Scholars Programs travel annually to Washington, D.C. for a Scholars in the District experiential learning opportunity. Each year during fall break, Scholars can invest in this opportunity which includes a speaker panels conference and networking with OSU alumni engaged in diverse professions, an introduction to OSU’s Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) by meeting current students and engaging in an evening of learning and networking with local professionals, on-site visits to local agencies and offices involved in government, advocacy, policy, law, and international relations, and independent exploration and cultural immersion in the nation’s capital.

Additional travel opportunities are more locally focused and may include:

• Visits to the Ohio Statehouse and Franklin County Common Pleas Court
• Explore OSU and Explore Columbus Days
• Moritz College of Law tour
• Relevant site visits based on ongoing interests of Scholar cohorts

Upper-class Scholars volunteer as members of the Law & Society Scholars Leadership Council to collaboratively curate and host community engagements as valued learning experiences. Some engagements are designed to simply bring Scholars together to connect, relax, and have fun, while others may encourage critical thinking, civil discourse and dialogue, and/or exploration of experiential learning opportunities. Throughout the academic year, Scholars earn attendance credit towards participation requirements.

LS Scholars become eligible to volunteer on the Law and Society Scholars Leadership Council (LSS LC) after completing first-semester seminar. Volunteering entitles Scholars to engage in advanced opportunities to: support and shape the mission of the LSS Program, develop leadership skills and awareness, plan and host community meetings, and serve fellow Scholars by sharing their time, talents, and treasures. This is an excellent opportunity to practice and advance leadership skills and strengthen competencies for career and professional goals. Involvement also offers your Program Manager insight to your strengths and exceptionalities which provide perspective for future recommendations. Opportunities include executive positions, committee chairs, and committee members.