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.