Legal Studies Latest News as of 9/1/23

September 1, 2023

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1) Add/Drop without Fees

2) HRC Job

3) ASUC Lgl Positions

4) Democracy Camp

5) GPP Minor

6) IIS Fllwshp Prog

7) Architects of Power DeCal

8) Depositions

9) Alternative Breaks

10) STC Recruiting
11) BIO Fin Aid App
12) Advisory Cmmttee App
13) Mentorship Prog
14) UCDC

15) Stay Home if Sick
16) Cover your Cough

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1) Add/Drop without Fees

Add/Drop without Fees

Deadline to Add/Drop without Late fees:

  • Drop Deadline without a $10 late fee is9/1/23at 11:59 PM

  • Class Add Deadline without a $5 late fee is 9/8/23 at 11:59 PM

Be sure to drop classes now...the ones that you are no longer interested in taking.
This will make things a whole lot easier for those who are on the WL (waitlist) and the GSIs.
Do it today or you'll be charged $10 bucks.
If you stay in a class or on a WL for a class you don't want, some departments won't drop you and they may add you automatically from the WL. Don't let this be you.
(The final Add/Drop Deadline is Wednesday, Sept 13th. After this date, every student is allowed a total of two Late Changes to Class Schedule. Save these golden tickets for dire situations only. Do not use a Late Change if you think you'll be earning a B, for example.)

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2) HRC Job

HRC Job

Join HRC’s team as an Administrative Assistant! This is an important role that bridges everything we do at the Center, from teaching and training to research and investigations. You'll be part of an extraordinary team making a deep impact in the human rights space, and will provide general administrative support that keeps us functioning. See the job description here to apply

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3) ASUC Lgl Positions

ASUC Lgl Positions

The ASUC Legal Office is currently recruiting! 
The Legal Office handles the legal affairs for the entire ASUC. Members of the office will get law related training and hands on experience with opportunities to work in the fields that interest them. We have sections that focus on contracts, finance, policy, and legal research to name a few. 
NOTE: The dates on the app are old...the application process is now "rolling".
Apply here!
NOTE: The dates on the app are old...the application process is now "rolling".
Ignore the dates on the application and apply now! (I checked with them, so you can believe this note. ;-)

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4) Democracy Camp

Democracy Camp

How do you take a desire to serve others, to be a change-maker, to have an impact on the issues you care about, and transform that into a meaningful public service career?

Democracy Camp is designed for Cal undergrads who are interested in enhancing our democracy through public service. Students can apply to one of two programs: Democracy Camp in Berkeley, the Matsui Center's alternative spring break program, or Democracy Camp in DC, a weeklong experiential learning program in the nation's capital. In both programs, students receive professional guidance and resources to help them chart their path to a meaningful career. Participants complete the program engaged, empowered, and informed about how to make an impact in their communities and beyond.

The Matsui Center's Democracy Camp in Berkeley program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in public service at the local or state level, both in government and in non-government sectors. Over UC Berkeley's Spring Break, students participate in a series of meetings with local and state leaders and gain exposure to different facets of public service: legislative paths, local and state government, community organizations, legal fields, research, and philanthropy. Participants learn about career opportunities, network with guest speakers, participate in professional development workshops, and take a field trip to Sacramento to visit the state capital. Planned activities allow students to build a cohort that lasts beyond the four-day experience and serves as a vital form of support as they pursue careers in public service. There is no cost to students: all meals and course materials are included.

Program Dates: Monday, March 25 – Thursday, March 28, 2024
Eligibility: Click Here
Application Deadline: Sunday, November 5 at 11:59pm
Program Contact: Megan Collins, Matsui Program Manager, meganjcollins@berkeley.edu

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5) GPP Minor

GPP Minor

Cal Students,

We invite you to join a community of students seeking to make an impact on poverty and inequality!

The Global Poverty and Practice Minor introduces students to the frameworks, methods, and practical skills necessary to engage with global poverty and inequality in effective ways.

The minor requires five courses that help students prepare for and reflect on a "Practice Experience."  This experience is a central component of the minor in which students intern or volunteer with domestic or international NGOs, government agencies, social enterprises, or other poverty or development programs.  Students work on issues such as environmental justice, community health, affordable housing, education, labor rights, and economic development.

Funding is available to support students’ practice experiences.

The deadline to declare the minor this semester is October 10th. There are no prerequisites required to declare.

The Declaration Form and additional information about the minor can be found at: http://blumcenter.berkeley.edu/gppminor.

Information Sessions about the minor will be held at the following times:

Wednesday, August 30th, 5 - 6 PM (Remote: Zoom Link)
Friday, September 8th, 11 AM - 12 PM (Remote: Zoom Link)
Monday, September 11th, 1 - 2 PM (Blum Hall B100 A/B)
Tuesday, September 26th, 6 - 7 PM (Remote: Zoom Link)

Wednesday, October 4th, 12 - 1 PM (Blum Hall B100 A/B)
GPP Advising
Schedule an appointment with a GPP Peer Advisor: https://calendly.com/gppminor/gpp-minor-advising.

Contact gppminor@berkeley.edu with any questions.

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6) IIS Fllwshp Prog

IIS Fllwshp Prog

Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 at 5:00pm (PST) 


What is the Undergraduate Fellowship Program?
The Undergraduate Fellowship Program is a year-long fellowship and joint initiative offered by IIS and CPD. The program presents a unique opportunity for a selective group of undergraduate students to work side-by-side with IIS/CPD affiliated faculty and graduate level research associates on conducting original research.  

What will I get out of this experience?

  • The opportunity to work with and learn from a faculty or graduate student mentor.
  • Develop key skills and knowledge necessary to study the analysis of international affairs and/or the politics of developing  countries. 
  • Access to various seminars and workshops where scholars from UC Berkeley and other top universities present their projects providing unique insight into the theories and methods used by experts, and exposure to the larger interdisciplinary research  community. 
  • A $1000-$2000 stipend (dependent on your time commitment.)

How do I apply?

  1. Review the AY 2023-24 mentors / projects 
  2. Select up to two projects that align with your interests and skills.
  3. Hit the below Apply button to be directed to the application form.

Please note that you will be asked to provide 1) a two-page cover letter describing what you are hoping to gain from the program, your interest in each project you selected, and what makes you an excellent candidate and 2) an updated resume. 

Eligibility requirements: 
Applicants must currently be enrolled at UC Berkeley and have completed at least one semester of study in residence. All majors are eligible and encouraged to apply.

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7) Architects of Power DeCal

Architects of Power DeCal

NOTE:  This DeCal does not fulfill a requirement for the Legal Studies major.

My name is Ransom Miller, I’m teaching a new DeCal called ‘Architects of Power: The U.S. System in the Indo-Pacific'.


PubPol 198 sec. 005: INDO-PACIFIC ALLIANCES (2 units)


Are you interested in U.S. foreign policy? Want to learn more about how it's made?


Welcome to The Architects of Power: The U.S. System in the Indo-Pacific, an interdisciplinary Goldman Public Policy School DeCal taught by two former State Department interns. In this class, we’ll tackle the history, design, and management of U.S. alliances and alignment in the world’s largest continent. We’ll engage with news articles and some academic literature to understand how policymakers use their means to achieve their ends. There will be guest lecturers throughout the semester including current and former senior leaders from across the government.


There will be 3 short memos written throughout the semester and a final group project to write an options paper for an official in government akin to those used in the Department of State. Attendance and participation are mandatory.


All majors are encouraged to enroll! This is a 2 unit P/NP course that can be counted towards the Public Policy minor. Enroll by searching for the course code in CalCentral: 29835.


If you have any questions, email rm51916@berkeley.edu and/or vishwaa@berkeley.edu

Section 005: Wheeler 108 Wednesday 6:30-8pm

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8) Depositions
Depositions

Legal Studies Fall 2023 Announcement: An Opportunity for Undergraduates to Participate
in a Berkeley Law JD Skills Class with the OPTION of earning 1 unit of LS 199 Independent Study Credit.

In Fall 2023, undergraduates will have a unique opportunity to play the role of witnesses in a Berkeley Law JD Professional Skills Class (Depositions: Law 246.3), taught by Professor Henry Hecht.
Professor Hecht seeks six (6) students to serve as role-playing witnesses. Students selected will be expected to prepare in advance by reading a witness statement and a very limited amount of background material. Witnesses will then be expected to participate during the semester in six (6) Tuesday afternoon classes from 3:35 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., on September 19, September 26, October 17, October 24, November 14, and November 12. During those classes, you will play the role of a witness for either the plaintiff or the defendant in a mock case. Students selected must be able to commit to attending all six (6) Tuesday afternoon classes.

Professor Hecht's Depositions course is a lawyering skills course, in which Berkeley Law students, working in small groups, simulate the process of preparing witnesses for their depositions and then taking as well as defending their depositions. Practicing Bay Area lawyers attend these sessions, observe the law students in action, and critique their performances.
(Note: A deposition is a pre-trial legal procedure in which witnesses in a civil lawsuit answer questions by the opposing parties under oath, typically in a law office rather than a courtroom.)
Playing the role of a witness will allow you to gain insight into the US system of civil litigation and to see it in operation. In addition, it will provide you with a chance to meet and talk with Berkeley Law students and Bay Area attorneys. Finally, witnesses will earn a $50.00 Amazon gift card for their service.

To Apply:

Please apply by e-mail to Monique Sanchez, Professor Hecht’s Faculty Assistant, at msanchez@law.berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail), by no later than Wednesday, September 6, at 5:00 p.m. Please include the words “Application to be a Witness” and your last name in the subject line of your e-mail. In your cover message, please include a brief statement about why you are interested in taking part in this class; and attach your resume.

Students' applications will be reviewed by Professor Hecht, and he will notify students of his decisions by no later than Monday, September 11, at 5:00 p.m.

OPTION: Earn 1 Unit of LS 199 Course Credit for Supervised Independent Research with
Professor Perry

Students who choose this OPTION have the opportunity to earn one unit of LS 199 P/NP course credit for their service as a witness in Professor Hecht’s Depositions class under the supervisor of Professor Perry. In order to earn this supervised independent research credit, students will be required to do some additional readings on the civil litigation process and on the participant observation method, which are described below. At the end of the semester, students selecting this option must submit a paper of at least ten pages in length, exclusive of notes and bibliography. The requirements for the LS 199 course credit, offered by Professor Perry, are described below.

Requirements for LS 199 credit:

i. Attend all six (6) class role playing sessions, and prepare for the role plays;
ii. Take notes on what you did and what you observed, preferably in a small note pad,
organized by the date of the session; and submit the raw, handwritten pages along
with your final paper;
iii. Read materials, posted on bCourses, on participant observation methods; and consider
how those method(s) apply to your own experience;
iv. Read two chapters, posted on bCourses, from Robert Kagan’s Adversarial Legalism:
The American Way of Law, focusing especially on Chapter 6, which mentions
depositions; and
v. Papers will be graded on a P/NP basis by Professor Perry.

If you want to pursue this option, specify that in your cover message to Professor Hecht (sent to msanchez@law.berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)) when you apply; and he will let Professor Perry know.
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9) Alternative Breaks
Alternative Breaks
  • Alternative Breaks Economic Justice Leadership Team Applications Open: Since 2001, Alternative Breaks offers UC Berkeley undergraduates an immersive experiential learning opportunity during academic breaks. Students take a semester-long DeCal to explore social justice issues. During the break, they go on-site and learn from community partners. Break Leaders share their passion by facilitating a 2-unit DeCal course on their trip's social justice issue as well as planning and coordinating a spring break service-learning trip in collaboration with community partners. Interested undergraduates can learn more about the opportunity and application process in the position description

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10) STC Recruiting
STC Recruiting
  • Student Technology Council Recruiting Student Members: The Student Technology Council (STC) is looking for 8-10 graduate, professional and undergraduate student members who represent the widest possible diversity of academic programs/majors, campus affiliations and personal identities. Previous coursework and/or experience related to technology is not a requirement - just an interest in improving the student technology experience. Learn about the STC and how to apply (deadline: September 13, 2023). 

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11) BIO Fin Aid App
BIO Fin Aid App
  • BIO International Student Financial Aid Application Open: Berkeley International Office (BIO) offers limited, need-based financial aid to international students who have completed at least one academic year in their current visa status. The Fall 2023 semester applications are open until September 24. If you are working with an international student who has unexpected financial need, please encourage them to apply for a BIO award. More information is available on the Undergraduate Eligibility & Application Information webpage and the Graduate Eligibility & Application Information webpage

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12) Advisory Cmmttee App
Advisory Cmmttee App
  • Vice Chancellor's Student Advisory Committee 23-24 Applications Open: The Student Advisory Committee to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSAC) offers an exceptional opportunity for interested UC Berkeley undergraduate students to provide advice, feedback, and ideas to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs regarding student life and the co-curricular campus experience, and will help influence decisions concerning student services at Berkeley. Participation on this committee provides invaluable insight into the issues impacting our student body and their voices help to enhance the overall student experience. Students interested in serving on this committee should fill out the application form by September 4th.

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13) Mentorship Prog
Mentorship Prog
  • Fall 2023 Starting Point Mentorship Program Mentor Applications Open: The Starting Point Mentorship Program is an opportunity for current UC Berkeley students to build community, gain leadership and mentoring skills, and give back to the community through helping community college students reach their academic potential. In addition to working with a small cohort of mentees, mentors are required to take a weekly 1 hour seminar. Interested students can learn more about the program and application process on the SPMP flier and on the Starting Point program website

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14) UCDC
UCDC
  • UCDC Spring 2024 Applications Open: UCDC sends juniors and seniors to Washington, DC each fall and spring to participate in prestigious internships and take exciting courses for a full semester of UCB academic credit. All majors are welcome and UCB financial aid available. Applications are due September 21. Interested undergraduate students are encouraged to read more about the program and attend an upcoming info session:

    • September 6, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 3401 Dwinelle

    • September 14, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Zoom

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15) Stay Home if Sick
Stay Home if Sick
Please if you are not feeling well, stay home.
This means for class and for visiting campus offices.
Please and Thank You.
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16) Cover your Cough
Cover your Cough
If you are near another person and especially if you are inside, cover your cough.
That doesn't mean holding your hand in front of your face.
You know, do like we were all taught to do when the pandemic hit. 
Cough into your elbow or a tissue.
Same for sneezes too.
Please and Thank You.
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