Sociology and Criminal Justice Opportunities

The purposes of the Simpson Urban Studies Institute are to involve departments in all academic divisions of the College in research, to serve the larger Des Moines metropolitan area and to increase experiential learning opportunities for students under the guidance of Simpson faculty.

Working together with faculty, you will embark on identifying critical urban problems, their causes and effects and potential solutions. This process amplifies the student/faculty interaction, enhancing your overall undergraduate experience.

Additionally, the collaboration with urban non-profit/faith based organizations will strengthen your experiential learning opportunities through specific community research and technical assistance projects.

As SUSI’s presence becomes more well known and trusted, community residents will see SUSI as a component of positive change in urban system modification.

Students participating in SUSI research are encouraged to share their results with the community at the annual Simpson College Undergraduate Symposium in April.

The Wesley Service Scholarship (WSS) Program is for students who choose to take advantage of community service opportunities as a way to explore their vocation or life’s calling. The WSS program honors John Wesley’s commitment to the links between spirituality and service. In his words, “True faith cannot be hidden but will break out and show itself by good works.”

The WSS program hopes to motivate students to become engaged in their communities while in college and through that engagement, help them to understand where their passions and gifts intersect with the world’s needs. Any student accepted to Simpson or in good standing as an enrolled student is eligible to apply.

Each Wesley Service Scholar will receive a stipend of $500 for the academic year ($250 per semester), credited to the student’s account at the conclusion of each semester after completion of the scholarship requirements.

If selected for the program, Wesley Service Scholars must complete the following:

• At least 80 hours of service during the academic year (we help you to find service opportunities)
• Maintain a service journal of your experiences
• Engage in selected common readings regarding service
• Participation in a peer group to reflect on experiences
• Attendance at one training meeting per semester

The Kate Shelley House on Simpson's campus is home to the Women’s and Gender Resource Center (WGRC), a comfortable and supportive environment that encourages awareness and discussion of women’s and gender issues. It is also a living space for four students who are interested in working together and with the campus to promote awareness of these issues.

In addition to serving as a themed residence house, WGRC provides resources about women and opportunities to recognize the unique and powerful role of women in modern society. It organizes programming on campus related to women’s and gender issues, and collaborates with other campus groups to promote gender justice.

There is a library for Simpson community members who would like to learn more about women, feminism, and gender issues, and Kate Shelley House regularly hosts meetings of student groups and the WaGS faculty/student book club.