Law and Society Scholars

The mission of the Law and Society Scholars Program (LSS) is to elevate the exceptional Scholars within the program by: (1) incorporating the Mission, Vision, G.O.A.L.S., and Outcomes of Honors and Scholars as their foundation for success at The Ohio State University, (2) offering learning opportunities to improve awareness and understanding of advocacy through an independently developed foundational framework, (3) engaging in introspective experiences to identify advocacy interests regardless of major or career pathway, (4) offering interactive opportunities to explore capacity for serving self and others, and (5) developing affinity as a Buckeye and making connections that will support their evolution through time and change beyond the academic experience.

This mission is achieved through key engagement components offered to LSS Program Scholars throughout the first and second academic years at Ohio State.

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.

Academics

LSS have the opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, and community leaders inside and outside of the classroom. The programs offered compliment what students are learning in the classroom and offer personal connection that other students do not find.

First Year (1Y)

Seminar: Taught in the first semester by the LSS Program Manager, Scholars learn the foundational framework 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 and presentation.

Mentorship: 1Y Scholars partner with a veteran Law & Society Scholar who serves as their Mentor to support an ease in transition to the collegiate experience, encourage relationship building, & develop a Scholar’s 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 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 shall support veteran Scholars by attending the Annual Time + Change Conference co-hosted with the International Affairs Scholars Program. The conference includes presentations about service and advocacy from 2Y Scholars and professional development workshops.

Living-Learning Community: The majority of 1Y Scholars reside together in Smith-Steeb Hall to support the living-learning community environment intended to connect them as Buckeyes from the moment they arrive on campus. 1Y Scholars are encouraged to enhance their social and emotional development by networking organically with fellow Scholars and university peers. While placement in Smith-Steeb Hall is not guaranteed, priority is given to 1Y LS Scholars. Most weekly engagements are hosted in Smith-Steeb Hall.

Second Year (2Y)

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 and Fourth Years (3Y/4Y)

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.

Engagement Opportunities

While some of these engagements occur weekly, others may occur throughout the week or weekends and require advanced RSVP due to limited availability. If there are additional costs associated with the engagement, the LSS Program attempts to cover all or part of the costs to improve a Scholar’s ability to participate. Sometimes, these engagements are co-hosted with other scholar programs or co-attended by other scholars.

Highlights include:

Annual fall-break trip to Washington, D.C. connecting with OSU alumni and local leaders, visiting historical points of interest, & exploring curiosities.
Weekly 1-hour community engagements curated by Leadership Council based on five (5) pillars of engagement: Social through Community, Service & Advocacy, Buckeye Engagement & Affinity, Mentorship, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.
Visits to the Ohio Statehouse and Franklin County Common Pleas Court
Explore OSU and Explore Columbus Days
Professional Development Workshops
Panel presentations with local professionals
Ohio Stadium Tour

Law and Society Scholars explore Ohio State.

Law & Society Scholars Leadership Council

LS Scholars become eligible to volunteer on Leadership Council after completing first-semester seminar. Volunteering allows Scholars to offer their time, talents, and treasures in unique ways that: support and shape the mission of the LSS Program, encourage leadership development, curate the weekly Scholars experience, and invite them to exclusive appreciation events.

The Executive Committee opportunities include President, Vice President, and Secretary.

Five standing committees:

Communications and Social Media Committee- responsible for documenting, promoting, and celebrating engagements, initiatives, and Scholars.
Service and Advocacy Committee- responsible for developing Buckeyes as volunteers, connecting with alumni for opportunities to serve and engage in communities, assisting Scholars in the development of their advocacy interests, creating a foundation for the alumni continuum of time, talent, treasure commitments, preparing Scholars for professional development through service, and creating service projects based on critical social issues.
Buckeye Engagement and Affinity Committee / Mentorship Sub-Committee- responsible for designing experiences significant to the Buckeye experience, strengthening Scholars’ affinity with Ohio State, encouraging love for being a Buckeye, and offering mentorship.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee- responsible for building diversity awareness and understanding through experiences University-wide, college specific, and LS Scholars community specific; facilitate exposure to diverse experiences and improve Scholars’ abilities to be equitable and inclusive.
Social through Community Committee- responsible for providing respite from stressors including academics and transitions by improving Scholars’ access to and engagement with wellness resources, networking opportunities, and social-emotional activities.

Community

Each Scholars Program features a first-year residential community that provides students with a peer-network of high-ability students with similar interests. First-year Business Scholars students are given priority to live together in Smith-Steeb Hall.** Commuters are welcome to be a part of our Scholars programs.

**Please note that space in the prescribed residence halls is not guaranteed and students can be placed in other accommodations due to program demand if necessary.

Is LSS Right For You? FAQs

Is this a Pre-Law program?

No and you do not have to be a pre-law major or have an interest in going to law school to enjoy this program. LSS is focused on guiding Scholars to develop meaningful relationships, identify advocacy interests, and learn various ways to serve others regardless of the roles they take on in their lives, personal, professional, or career. The LSS Program Manager is a licensed attorney (Florida and Ohio) and serves as a Pre-Law Advisor for designated LS Scholars.

Are there additional academic benefits to joining LSS?

Scholars students may receive college level priority scheduling based on their rank.

Are LS Scholars guaranteed placement in Smith-Steeb Hall?

Each scholars program features a first-year residential community. First-year LS Scholars are prioritized to live together in Smith-Steeb Hall on South campus, but not guaranteed due to necessity for accommodations for other students.

Can I be an LS Scholar if I am a commuter student?

Yes, commuter students are encouraged to be part of LSS.

Why choose LSS?

Working with diverse individuals and groups is central to succeeding as an advocate, regardless of whether correlated advocacy interests are based in law or not. LSS teaches you how to reflect about the impact of circumstances and experiences on societal issues and learn about exploring curiosities to expand understanding to effectively advocate for what matters to you. If advocacy is meaningful to you, but you are unsure what a personal and occupational pathway looks like, this program is for you.

Are there GPA requirements?

All Scholars must maintain a 3.0 GPA, pass Seminar, and achieve participation points based on program specific metrics.