the social ecology exclusive
TRANSCRIPT
Winter 2013 Volume 113, Issue II
The Social Ecology Exclusive
Inside this issue:
Law in Overseas Lands 1
Some Thoughts on
Majoring in Criminolo-
gy, Law & Society
2
Getting Your Foot in the
Door: Research 3
Criminology Career
Night 3
Support in Numbers—
Counseling Center
Groups
4
Learn from the LARC 4
Discover Career Paths
Brown Bag Workshop
Series
5
5
At the time, I was interested in Eu-
ropean Union law and could not pass on
the opportunity to study in the country of
the birthplace of the European Union. I
heard about renowned European Union
law professors at the universities and I
heard from a friend that his experience
was unparalleled to the international law
curriculum at UCI. Additionally, I knew
that the Hague not only housed Dutch
parliament but the United Nations, Inter-
national Court of Justice, and the Inter-
national Criminal Court, all prominent
international organizations. Indeed, the
Netherlands posed as a law nerd's heav-
en.
I thought the immersion in
Dutch culture was eye-opening. It
was the first time I had a socio-
logical/anthropological crash
course on any culture and I was
stimulated from all the presenta-
tions about Dutch politics and life-
style. It made me want to embrace
the culture as well as question it.
Studying in the Netherlands definite-
ly had an impact on me. Since then, I
wanted to pursue international relations
as well as see more of the world.
As a result of studying abroad, I was a
community development intern at a NGO
in Granada, Nicaragua, where I was also
able to immerse myself in the culture. I
assisted in helping open a new school.
Although I was not afforded the same
luxuries as Western Europe, my study
abroad experience helped me develop my
passion in discovering different cultures
and lifestyles.
Do it! Besides graduating, it was both
the most rewarding and challenging thing
I had ever completed as a young adult.
Lynly Lumibao
BA, Criminology, Law & Society and Po-
litical Science 2008
Study Abroad Fall 2006 - EAP Nether-
lands
“…The Netherlands…a law nerd's
heaven.”
It’s been 6 years and Lynly Lumibao
still recognizes the magnitude of her
time abroad:
Tackling Field Study 6
Some Thoughts on Majoring in Criminology, Law & Society
Page 2
The Social Ecology Exclusive
At a time when economic fore-
casts remain uncertain and all of us are
concerned about job security, why
might a student major in criminology,
law & society? While I graduated in a
very different era, it may be helpful to
think about what is gained by selecting
a liberal arts major, such as criminolo-
gy, law & society.
Many years after graduating
from college, I cannot say that I re-
member the details of many of my
classes. But, the skills and habits of
mind that I developed through my pro-
gram of study have been essential for
my subsequent professional develop-
ment. So, what are those special vir-
tues of a liberal arts major? Many
have written about this question, but
my intent here is to just share with you
my own experience. First, my classes
required a great deal of reading; there
were times when I found that I had to
read a book or an article more than
once to “get” what the author was say-
ing. I was reading literature, history,
philosophy, political theory, social sci-
ence and it was often new—and, hard.
But, that experience of staying with
something until I “got it” has served
me well throughout my career. Sec-
ond, I wrote a lot of papers, often go-
ing into the library and figuring out
how to find books and articles relevant
to the topic of an assignment. Like
many of you, I probably wrote these
papers at the last minute. (It wasn’t
until graduate school that I really start-
ed drafting and re-drafting my pa-
pers—though I would have been better
off had I done this as an undergradu-
ate.) All of this writing has, however,
served me well, not just because I am
an academic and that’s part of my job.
Rather, I use this skill when I am
called on to draft memos or write let-
ters of recommendation. Every high
level position requires that one be able
to write and communicate clearly and
succinctly—and, I learned that in col-
lege. Third, through reading, writing,
and contributing to class discussions, I
learned how to think critically about an
issue: I learned to question authority—
whether my teachers, the books I was
reading, or the news of the moment.
So, did this translate into get-
ting a job? Well, to be honest, not ex-
actly. But, this process of reading,
writing, and learning to question au-
thority did something even more im-
portant. This experience translated
into feeling comfortable with taking on
new challenges, thinking strategically,
and, making creative contributions to
the organizations where I have
worked.
I would suggest that a major in
Criminology, Law & Society here at
UCI provides the ingredients that will
allow each of you to develop these
same skills and habits of mind that will
serve you equally well throughout your
career and life. First, the issues we
take on in Criminology, Law & Socie-
ty are intrinsically interesting and
timely; we consider, for example, what
does “deviance” really mean? Are
courts and the institutions of the crimi-
nal justice system just, fair, and equita-
ble? How does our system of justice
stack up compared to that of other
countries? I could go on, but you get
my point. Through courses that ex-
plore these questions, you will read,
write, and ask questions of your teach-
ers and peers. You will be challenged
to question your taken-for-granted as-
sumptions; you may even find it a bit
uncomfortable. That’s good!
Some decades down the pike, I
suspect you too may not remember the
content of some of your specific cours-
es in Criminology, Law & Society.
But, you will be comfortable when
asked to take new challenges in your
career, ready to make strategically im-
portant contributions to your area of
endeavor, and even find yourself en-
joying the ways in which you bring
creative contributions to apparently
intractable challenges. Perhaps this all
seems a bit pie-in-the-sky at the mo-
ment, but I hope that at some point in
the future you will think back and
agree that it was the critical ingredient
for your professional success in what-
ever career path you select.
By: Carroll Seron
Chair & Professor
Criminology, Law & Society
No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man's permission when we ask him to obey it.
- Theodore Roosevelt
Getting Your Foot in the Door: Research
Page 3
Volume 113, Issue II
Research – that special component of UC schools
that, among many other qualities, enables them to shine
alongside other universities. Undergraduates are presented
with the enriching opportunity of participating in research
as lab assistants. Yet, the looming struggle for most stu-
dents is the challenge of acquiring a position in the increas-
ingly competitive collegiate environment. Listed are tips
to help you acquire this enriching experience.
Excelling. In many cases, those who earn among
the top highest overall grades in a class may be offered a
position in the professor’s research lab. Should the quarter
finish and an open position is available, being amongst the
highest scoring students of the class will provide an ad-
vantage. Some professors exclusively send out an email to
those with the highest grades offering an interview.
Teaching Assistants. These individuals, typically
graduate students, are your personal and close connection
to the life of a researcher. In addition to potentially foster-
ing open positions in their own labs or studies, they can
provide you with resources or other graduate students who
are in need of research assistants. Those that demonstrate a
passion for knowledge stand out in discussion, and will
thus be favored as potential assistants.
Professors. Students have heard it time and time
again. “Get to know your professors.” While this seems
exceedingly difficult in classes of hundreds of people, it is
imperative. The university environment gifts students with
the opportunity of being educated by some of the nation’s
top researchers who thrive as educators, and their career is
complemented by students who display genuine shared
interests. As such, reading the professor’s publications and
research works, remaining diligent in class, asking ques-
tions, and thinking critically about the material may help
prove that you are qualified to help conduct research.
UROP. The Undergraduate Research Opportuni-
ties Program presents lists of the faculty and their labs that
are currently hosting open positions, and conducts informa-
tive workshops as well. For the ambitious, curious, and
creative individuals, it allows students to design and con-
duct their own research project under faculty supervision.
Various different types of projects can be conducted,
quenching whichever particular interest a student possess-
es.
Serving as a research assistant in a lab requires a
great deal of involvement with the research, corresponding
faculty and graduate students. As such, acquiring the posi-
tion requires great involvement in one’s scholastic life.
One must be active in all endeavors – achieving high
grades, communicating with faculty and resources, and
seeking opportunity. Research is an excellent form of
nourishing one’s passions in a field, gaining work experi-
ence, receiving possible letters of recommendation for fu-
ture goals, and discovering one’s interests. It is often the
cherry on top of the UC experience, and will augment your
life with additional knowledge and fulfillment in your edu-
cation.
By: Chelsea Mumma
Research Assistant
Psychology and Social Behavior Major
Join us Wednesday, February 13 from 4:00-6:00 pm in SBSG 1517 to
connect with seasoned alumni working in Criminology related careers.
Relationship Group, Thursdays 2-3:30 pm: This is a support group for students who
would like to learn how to maintain a healthy romantic relationship. Emphasis will be
on effective conflict resolution, communication, negotiation, intimacy, and balancing.
Group members are also encouraged to bring in their own topics of discussion.
(Contact Annie Ahn, Ph.D.)
Understanding Self and Others: This process-oriented group is for undergraduate stu-
dents interested in better understanding themselves and their relationships with others. The group offers a safe environ-
ment where members can express their thoughts and feelings and provide support and feedback to one another. They
are also encouraged to experiment with new ways of relating to others.
(Contact Jessica Eldridge, Ph.D. & Carolyn O’Keefe, Psy.D.)
Mind Over Mood: Managing Depression Group: If you’re feeling sad, depressed, overwhelmed, please consider this
group as a forum for receiving support and for learning new tools to help you feel better.
(Contact Ruxandra Berdac, Psy.D.)
Making Peace With My Body, Mondays 3-4:30 pm: Are you tired of being preoccupied
with food, weight and your body appearance? If you are ready to explore, understand,
and develop an active and satisfying relationship with yourself, body and food, this group
may be for you. Emphasis will be on enhancing body image and self-concept, assertive-
ness, confidence in relationships, and developing healthier coping styles.
(Contact Jessica Ortega, Ph.D.)
The Social Ecology Exclusive
Support in Numbers - Counseling Center Groups
Each quarter, the Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC) offers free, fifty minute long Academic Learning Skills (ALS) Workshops. Each of the different workshops offers different skills and strategies to help you become a stellar student in all aspects of your academic career. The workshops offered include Adjusting to Academia, Efficient Study Skills, Time Management, Sur-viving Lectures, Academic Reading, Memory and Concentration, Academic Anxiety, and Preparing for Exams. Conquer your greatest struggles, develop new techniques, and extend your current abilities to new levels. The LARC is located on the 2nd floor of Rowland Hall (RH) in room 284. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Page 4
The Social Ecology Exclusive
Page 5
The Career Center presents its new Career
Discovery Series. Twenty six different panels are
presented by alumni and professionals in various
fields and occupations. Students have the oppor-
tunity to learn from professionals as they discuss
their current career, career path, and tips for how
to get into the field. All
panels will be held in the
Career Center Training Room
from 5:30 to 7:00 pm un-
less otherwise noted. Mark
your calendars!
Social Ecology Office of
Student Services
Walk-in Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am—3:45 pm (closed from 12-1)
The Student Transition Services is hosting the Brown Bag Work-shop Series this quarter, enabling students to acquire guidance and skills to not simply progress through their collegiate career, but to thrive! Don’t miss out on these highly beneficial opportunities. All workshops will be held in Student Services II, room 1010 AB from 11:00 am—12:00 pm. Tuesday, February 12: Letting Go of the Monkey Bars: Transition, Risk, and Personal Growth Tuesday, February 19: Conflict Mediation Tuesday February 26: The Importance of Effective Networking Tuesday, March 5: How to Perfect Your Resume Tuesday, March 12: Test Anxiety and Study Skills
The Social Ecology Exclusive
Page 6
Have you heard? Field Study is different from your traditional UCI and Social Ecology classes. You have
the opportunity to be in the field - learning how to apply what you have learned in the classroom in our community.
This means there is more you need to do in order to prepare for and make the most of the Social Ecology 195, Field
Study opportunity.
Depending on your interests and goals, you may want to seek a placement that requires a multi-quarter com-
mitment or a lengthy background check. Or you may want to try multiple placements in a single quarter or over more
than one quarter. This means you need to prepare far in advance. A good timeline for someone planning to take Field
Study in the Fall 2013 - your
preparation might look like:
Winter 2013
Attend Career Wednesdays! http://students.soceco.uci.edu/sites/students.soceco.uci.edu/files/shared/Career_Wednesdays.pdf
o Focus on self-assessment activities, resume preparation and goalsetting
o Great self-assessment tools are also available through the UCI Career Center - http://www.career.uci.edu/Assessments.aspx
Attend a Field Study Information Session - more workshops to be announced soon
Get your resume reviewed at the Career Center
Familiarize yourself with the Field Study Catalog -http://students.soceco.uci.edu/pages/field-study-catalog
Spring 2013
Review the Field Study Procedures and Deadlines—http://students.soceco.uci.edu/sites/students.soceco.uci.edu/files/shared/FSCal1213.pdf
(The 2013-2014 calendar will be available by 8th week.)
Watch the Field Study Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVfZx91YshM&list=UUVNU6ZH0LhICAqKfZhyXafA&index=3
Attend the Field Study Meet and Greet (time and date to be announced late Winter)
Early Spring - begin applying directly to the community partners for a placement and follow-up with them as needed
Talk with the field study director if you would like referrals to sites that will help you meet your goals
(http://students.soceco.uci.edu/pages/student-services-hours)
Summer 2013
Continue applying to and interviewing with community partners
Evaluate the offers you receive and select the placement that best fits with your goals
Once you have accepted an offer, let the other partner know that you have accepted a placement
Review the course enrollment form so you can be sure to have all the information ready once you accept an offer -
http://students.soceco.uci.edu/webforms/field-study-course-enrollment-intent-form
If you have questions or need help, meet with the field study director (http://students.soceco.uci.edu/pages/student-services-hours)
Submit your course enrollment form
Enroll in SocEcol 195, Field Study. Note - you will not be able to enroll until the week of August 19.
Establish your Fall Schedule with your site and review your expectations and their expectations
Fall 2012
Do your field work
Attend and participate in class
Evaluate your instructor and your experience at your site
Need help? The Field Study Director is available for walk-ins - Tuesday from 1:30 - 3:30 in Social Ecology I, Room
102, or you can call 949 824-6861 to schedule a 30 minute appointment.