Student Support
Learning the law is a challenging endeavor, which is why the University of Dayton School of Law offers a number of resources to support you in your journey through law school.
One of the biggest challenges you will face as a law student is preparing for the bar exam. We want to make sure that when you take it you are confident in your ability to pass it. That is why the School of Law has an integrated and ambitious program for improving student success on the bar and in practice.
Innovations In Teaching The Law
Our efforts go beyond simply doing prep work for the bar exam. We are improving the way you learn to think like a lawyer. The first-semester Learning Skills Lab course uses exercises and multiple formative assessments to help students develop the skills needed to be effective, self-regulated learners, critical readers and thinkers, and analytical writers. With a solid foundation on which to build, you will be ready for the material that will follow in your law school classes.
Focus On Foundational Courses And Formative Assessments
Students will have more time to focus on key, bar-tested subjects. Moreover, all major bar-tested courses provide a minimum of three formative assessments so students get individualized feedback to make mid-course corrections as needed.
Personalized Bar Preparation
Our final semester Bar Practice & Process course focuses on preparing students for the hardest examination of their lives by providing skill-building techniques in the context of substantive course review. Students who are struggling may be assigned Bar Mentors who can provide individualized attention throughout the semester and up to the bar examination.
Our Road to Bar Passage program provides unprecedented support to students who are preparing for a bar examination in any jurisdiction. For those sitting in July, the Road to Bar Passage program begins in mid-May and runs through mid-July, offering twice-weekly practice essay writing sessions and weekly practice MPT writing sessions. All submitted work receives individual, actionable feedback so students can improve their writing skills throughout the summer. The same program is offered for February first-time bar takers and repeat takers. All students, regardless of where they are sitting for the bar exam, are invited to participate in the program. Additionally, for those staying in Dayton, free, on-campus housing may be available for the duration of your bar study.
Character, Fitness and Other Qualifications for Bar Admission
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
The Academic Success Program ("ASP") is the School of Law's comprehensive program to support all students in maximizing their personal academic success in law school.
How We Support Students
The Academic Success faculty welcome incoming first-year students during the 1L Orientation experience and the first-semester skills programs. Instruction covers a wide range of skills essential for law school success, including professional goal-setting, case reading and briefing, note-taking and outlining, and exam preparation.
Support for students at UDSL does not stop after the initial transition to law school. Students may also take advantage of additional Academic Success courses in the second semester and beyond, depending upon need.
Set Up a Meeting
The Director of Academic Success and other members of the ASP faculty are available to meet with any student individually to discuss strategies for optimizing productivity and time management, customizing study techniques, and improving academic performance. Appointments are available both online and in Keller Hall.
The University of Dayton School of Law is dedicated to providing all incoming law students with an education that is committed to leadership and service through placement in a Learning Community.
How Learning Communities Work
Each Learning Community consists of approximately 8 to 10 students and is led by Dean’s Fellows, upper-level students selected for their academic achievement, commitment to the Law School community, and interest in education.
Dean’s Fellows work with the Law School’s Student Affairs department to assist students in developing the values of the UDSL community including the five Marianist pillars: Faith, Mary, Community, Mission, and Inclusivity.
What You'll Learn
During the year, the Learning Community program offers first-year students the opportunity to learn about the core values of the University of Dayton School of Law and the professional norms of the legal profession through featured guest speakers from throughout UDSL and the legal community.
The Learning Communities also encourage and promote students’ participation in various professionalism and career services activities and workshops to ensure that 1Ls are healthy and well-rounded law students that the Law School cultivates and honors.
Participation in a Learning Community during the first year of Law School is a graduation requirement for all students.