2021-62

Motion Introduced by: Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee,
Denise Bodman, Chair

Date of First Reading: April 26, 2021

Date of Second Reading: August 30, 2021

Title of Motion: Request from the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions – School of Criminology and Criminal Justice – for the established of an undergraduate certificate – Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
Action Requested: This curricular proposal has received all college, school, unit and university administrative approvals, and is being presented to the Senate for review and voting decision.

Rationale:

Undergraduate students frequently inquire about which series of courses would best prepare them for success in law school or in related paraprofessional careers in law. The proposed certificate is being developed in response to student calls for such an option. The creation of the Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Certificate is also supported by a strong national demand in the legal field. The certificate program will be of interest to undergraduate students in a wide variety of disciplines who might be considering public service careers related to the legal aspects of criminal justice. We anticipate this certificate being of particular interest to students majoring in public service and public policy; community advocacy and social policy; nonprofit leadership and management; and an array of majors across the humanities and social sciences