Orientation - Fall 2022
Welcome to the University of Dayton School of Law!
Check out this video to see what faculty and staff have to say to welcome you to the School of Law.
Welcome to the University of Dayton School of Law!
Check out this video to see what faculty and staff have to say to welcome you to the School of Law.
From the Desk of Shannon R. Penn, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & Registrar
Congratulations on your decision to attend the University of Dayton School of Law. As the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, I am honored to be part of your journey toward earning a law degree and entering the practice of law.
About the Office of Student Affairs
The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for virtually all matters involving the quality of student life at Dayton Law. Our office works collaboratively with faculty and administrators to ensure that our students thrive - personally and academically - in a supportive and inclusive law school community. Our goal is to maintain an approachable, confidential office that exists primarily to support students in identifying resources to maximize the quality of their law school experience. If you are not sure where to go for a quick question, or even more serious concern, please make my office your first stop. The Office is located in the Dean's Suite in Room 203. Once the semester begins, you may contact my assistant Ms. Lee Ann Ross, Professor Ashley Russell, Director of Student Life or me with any questions. The Office telephone number is (937) 229-3793 or you may email Ms. Ross at lross1@udayton.edu. We are excited to welcome you to the Dayton Law Community!
About Orientation
Orientation will introduce you to the high academic and professional standards we expect in the Dayton Law community. Orientation will also provide you the opportunity to meet and interact with your future classmates who will travel with you on this professional journey, as well as to meet the faculty and staff who will guide you. You are required to attend all orientation sessions, unless otherwise noted.
Important: One item that distinguishes our law school orientations from others is that during Orientation Week, you will actually be taking your first week of class in the Learning Skills Lab course. You will begin to be graded on your attendance and work in the course starting Orientation Week, so come prepared to work and begin your time as a University of Dayton School of Law student.
VIEW RESIDENTIAL ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
VIEW HYBRID ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
Learning Communities/Dean's Fellows
The Learning Community is a required course for all incoming law students that will assist you with the foundational skills necessary for success. Each Learning Community consists of Dean’s Fellows, who are upper-level students that are selected based on their academic achievement, commitment to the Dayton Law community, aptitude for expert learning strategies and interest in education. They work closely with the Academic Success department and the first year doctrinal professors to assist students in developing effective strategies to maximize the opportunity for academic success. You will meet your Dean’s Fellow during Orientation and they will work with you throughout your first year.
Residential Students - Learning Skills Lab
To help incoming students get a jump-start on their law school academic success, the Learning Skills Lab course begins meeting during Orientation Week. Required asynchronous instruction begins the week of Monday, August 15. Students should anticipate beginning readings and assignments during that week in order to be prepared for the live class meetings beginning during Orientation.
While students are not required to complete any work prior to gaining access to the Learning Skills Lab course page on August 15, students may wish to begin pre-reading the primary assigned text for Learning Skills Lab, Expert Learning for Law Students (Third Edition) by Michael Hunter Schwartz and Paula J. Manning.
Expect to receive an invitation to join the Google Classroom course page for Learning Skills Lab on or shortly before Monday, August 15. The invitation will be sent to your UD email account and will provide instructions for joining the Google Classroom page for the Learning Skills Lab course. The course page will include the syllabus, meeting schedule, and access to assignments necessary for Orientation Week. The Learning Skills Lab class meetings for Orientation Week are also noted in the Orientation schedule itself.
If you do not receive a Google Classroom invitation by 5:00 p.m. on August 15, please email your Learning Skills Lab professor. If you are enrolled in Section 1, your professor is Professor Tamara Tabo. She can be reached at ttabo1@udayton.edu. If you are enrolled in Section 2, your professor is Professor Nicholas Seger. He can be reached at nseger1@udayton.edu.
Residential Students - Pro Bono/Community Service Opportunity- Mandatory
On Thursday, August 25 at 1:30 p.m. there is a pro bono/service opportunity.
Students will meet Professors Ericka Curran and Ashley Russell in Keller Hall, Room 103. The session will be fun, interactive and create opportunities for you to pursue in the future. You will receive two credit hours toward your Pro Bono distinction for graduation. Once you reach at least 50 hours, you will receive a distinction on your transcript and a cord you will wear at graduation highlighting your commitment to community service.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Professor Russell.
Understanding the Professional Expectations for Aspiring Lawyers
Professionalism and Ethics
Law students, as aspirants to membership in the legal profession, should conduct themselves in accordance with the ethical and professional norms of that profession. Thus, the School of Law expects its students to display the same high level of honesty, ethical conduct, and professional decorum expected of members of the practicing bar.
- Excerpt from the UDSL Policy on Ethics
During Orientation, you will be introduced to the values, professional norms and ethical obligations expected of you as a member of the Dayton Law community and as an aspirant member of the legal profession.
As you prepare to become a member of the Dayton Law community, you should also familiarize yourself with the Student Policy Manual and carefully read the School of Law Honor Code and Student Standards of Behavior and Code of Conduct prior to orientation. You will sign the Honor Code Acknowledgment Form during Orientation, certifying that you have read the Honor Code and agree to be bound by the terms of the Honor Code while a student at Dayton Law. A copy of the Honor Code Acknowledgement Form with your signature will be maintained in your permanent student file.
Attire for Law School Orientation Events
During Orientation, you will attend numerous events that will vary in their degrees of formality. You will meet your future classmates, professors, as well as members of the local bench and bar. While we do not have a mandatory dress code at the law school, we expect you to dress in a manner appropriate for professional students aspiring to become lawyers.
We request that you dress in professional courtroom attire for the Oath of Professionalism Ceremony. Men should wear a buttoned-down shirt and slacks. Women should wear a dress or nice blouse and slacks or skirt. We will also be taking pictures, so again, dress accordingly.
For all other days, the recommended dress is casual attire.
Oath of Professionalism
Residential - Monday, August 22 at 3:00 p.m.
Hybrid - Monday, August 22 at 8:30 p.m.
We invite your friends and family to witness you take the Oath of Professionalism, which will mark your official entry into the legal profession.
Parking for Oath of Professionalism
Families attending the Oath of Professionalism for Residential students can pick up a parking pass on the day of the event at the Visitor Center located at University Circle/L Street.
Live Stream for Oath of Professionalism
The Oath of Professionalism for Residential students will be streamed live on the School of Law's Facebook page and the recording will also be viewable there afterward.
Other Information
Bookstore
The bookstore is located in Marianist Hall on the main campus: https://udayton.edu/bookstore/index.php.
Bar Association Memberships
Dayton Bar Association Student Membership
Federal Bar Association Membership
Resources - Declarations of Disclosure
You must complete your Declarations of Disclosure document by Monday, August 29.
Student Schedules
Please go to Porches to view your schedule.
Student Life
Please view our 2022 Campus and Beyond Guide and our Living on a Budget Guide for more information about starting law school.
Shannon Penn
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Registrar
spenn1@udayton.edu