Law-Related Student Organizations & Experiential Learning
Ohio University has a host of student organizations with a law-related focus.
American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio University: The purpose of the ACLU-OU is to raise awareness of civil liberties issues and to safeguard those civil liberties both on and off campus. The organization communicates and collaborates with Ohio University's administration, faculty and staff, the ACLU of Ohio affiliate, and the national American Civil Liberties Union to protect civil liberties and to host events with the same goal.
College Democrats
College Republicans
Empowering Women of Ohio: Empowering Women of Ohio is an activist organization dedicated to raising awareness about inequalities based on sexual orientation, gender, race, etc. This is done through programming and activism to provide educational, entertaining and interesting ways of helping make the world a more equal place for everyone.
Forensics: Ohio University has a long history of forensics commitment. The first on campus debate occurred in 1811, and in the nearly 200 years since, the team continues to flourish. Ohio University prides itself on being one of the founding members of the National Forensics Association and is one of only two institutions to have attended every NFA national tournament since its inception in 1970.
Hearing Board: The application process for the Hearing Board typically is done during the Spring. Interested students should email Kelly Pero, Assistant Director of Community Standards and Student Responsibility, at perok@ohio.edu.
Mock Trial Team:The Ohio University Mock Trial Team is a student organization designed to assist those interested in law and the legal system pursue their education outside of the classroom with hands on experience. Through competition, practice, meetings, and lectures, members will grow to better prepare them for their professional careers. The team holds tryouts early in Fall Semester. For more information, contact Larry Hayman.
National Black Law Students Association: The purpose of this group is to utilize the collective resources of the member chapters to: 1. Articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of Black pre-law and law students; 2. Foster and encourage professional competence; 3. Focus upon the relationship of the Black pre-law student, law student and Attorney to the American legal structure; 4. Instill in the Black pre-law student, law student and Attorney a greater awareness and commitment to the needs of the Black community; 5. Influence the legal community in bringing out meaningful change to meet the needs of the Black community; 6. Adopt and implement a policy of economic independence; 7. Encourage Black pre-law and law students to pursue careers in the judiciary; and 8. Do all things necessary and appropriate to accomplish these purposes.
The New Political
Ohio Innocence Project-u: The Ohio Innocence Project-U Ohio University Chapter is a student organization that supports the Ohio Innocence Project in its efforts to free the innocent and prevent wrongful convictions by educating the public about the causes and consequences of these convictions. OIP-u provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students all over Ohio to come together secure the freedom of innocent people incarcerated in Ohio.
Phi Alpha Delta, The Pre-Law Fraternity: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is a professional law fraternity advancing integrity, compassion and courage through service to the student, the school, the profession and the community.
The Second Amendment Club
Sierra Student Coalition: To engage the students, faculty, staff, and community members of Athens County in the environmental movement. To hold educational, recreational, and fun events which will be open to the public and target the student body as a whole.
Social Justice Coalition: Social Justice Coalition has the dual goal of uniting university and community groups dedicated to the pursuit of social justice, and in doing so furthering our common cause.
Sociology-Criminology Club: The Sociology-Criminology Club is an academic forum for students majoring in Sociology-Criminology to discuss and explore issues related to society and crime as well as obtain information on relevant career opportunities.
Students for Law, Justice & Culture: This student organization affiliated with Ohio University's Center for Law, Justice, and Culture supports CLJC programming as well as its academic and research endeavors. It also provides a space for students to discuss issues relating to the themes of law, justice, and culture.
Students Defending Students
Student Senate: Student Senate is "the voice for all students on this campus" and "want(s) to make sure (they) are advocating for your needs and wants" Student Senate can be a great place for students who intend to pursue a legal career on their way to a position in government but can also be a great experience for other students as well. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Student Senate either by running for office or in other ways such as volunteering to be involved in their meetings and activities, please feel free to email senate@ohio.edu or to call 740-593-4050. Stopping by the Senate office at 305 Baker Center is also another option.
University Program Council: This group may be of interest to those planning on pursuing entertainment law. Known as "UPC," the University Program Council is a volunteer board of students who bring quality programs to the Ohio University Campus. Our programming efforts are targeted to all members of the university community. We are structured to provide cultural, social, recreational, educational, and entertainment programs. We attempt to bring the best events possible throughout the school year within our budget. Students are encouraged to get involved in UPC as a means to meet new people, develop professional and leadership skills, and to become an active member of the university community.