Justice Studies - 15 new members to Alpha Phi Sigma, Theta Rho Chapter honor society.

The Justice Studies program at Lasell College initiated 15 students into Alpha Phi Sigma, a nationally recognized honor society for students in the criminal justice sciences. To qualify for this prestigious society Lasell students must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 in their Justice Studies program.  The purpose of Alpha Phi Sigma is to recognize and promote high scholarship among students actively engaged in collegiate preparation for professional services; to keep abreast of the advances in scientific research; to elevate the ethical standards of the Criminal Justice professions; and to establish in the public mind the benefit and necessity of education.

First row: Marian Salama, Justine Dupree, Tracie Durda, Ashley Gleason, Ashley Luongo, Meghan Ressel, and Timothy Brennen. Back row: Alison Carmichael, Brittany Baker, Dayna Eason, Erika Burns, Katie LaChance, Kristie Lyon, Allyson Fiorello, Professor Edward Sieh.

Lasell College wanted to be part of this society because it helps foster academia and embraces the College’s Connected Learning philosophy.  They will take field trips to the Massachusetts Supreme Court, attend  guest lectures at the Kennedy School of Government and interface with members of law enforcement.  “The students build leadership skills and build lasting relationships”, says Professor Edward Sieh who is the founding advisor of the Lasell College charter.

The 15 honor students will have a nationally recognized network of over 280 chapters with which to build and foster relationships.  Students who participate in Alpha Phi Sigma have an opportunity to attend the Alpha Phi Sigma national conference, which is held in conjunction with the Academy of Criminal Justice Conference.  Students also participate in field trips to criminal justice agencies, organize presentations from renown guest speakers, and most importantly, meet and enjoy similarly like-minded students in social events held once a month.

The Justice Studies department at Lasell College offers courses in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Political Science with  majors in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, a minor in Political Science, and two minors offered in conjunction with the Social Sciences department – Forensic Studies, and Youth and Crime. The department takes a liberal arts approach to each discipline, strongly incorporating the connected learning philosophy of the College. Each major culminates in the senior year with a capstone course and an internship requirement. Students complete internships in courts, police agencies, corrections, law firms, governmental agencies, and youth service organizations. The program prepares students to succeed in a career in criminal justice or legal studies, or to go on to graduate or law school.