LAW ORIENTATION 2021
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August 11, 2021 Welcome to Roger Williams University School of Law! We are so excited to begin working with you. Law school is an exciting and transformative experience, and being a lawyer—and a law student—is a wonderful way to work for change and justice in the world. But first things first. Our objective over the next few days is to help prepare you for the study of law and to welcome you to the RWU Law community. My law school colleagues and I hope that you will find this week’s orientation to be a helpful mix of academic, professional, social, and emotional programming. By the end of the week, you will know us and your classmates much better— and you should have a better idea of what will be expected of you in your first classes. You also will know much more about the programs we have at RWU Law to support you during your time here. There will be a lot of information coming at you this week, but we have done our best to focus only on the most important matters. What MUST NOT get lost in the shuffle, however, is what brought you here. You are here because you deserve to be. You are here because you want to help make the world a better place in your own unique way as a lawyer. You are here because we believe you can do just that. The study of law is exciting, and what lawyers do matters—perhaps now more than ever. So, enjoy the next few days! Congratulate yourself on being here. Know that we are thrilled that you are part of the RWU Law community. And good luck on this first step in your legal education journey! All my best,
Gregory W. Bowman Dean and Professor of Law
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. First Floor Lobby
Registration / Check In
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Room 283
Your Journey Starts Here – Expectations, Support and Your Roadmap to Success
Business Attire Required Kathryn M. Thompson, Director of Academic Excellence Brittany L. Raposa, Associate Director & Professor of Bar Support Justin R. Kishbaugh, Associate Director of Academic Excellence & Professor of Writing During this session, you will meet the professors in the Academic Excellence Program and learn how the program can help you transition to law school and learn the skills needed to thrive as a law student.
10:30 – 12 noon Room 283
Inclusion and Belonging at RWU Law
Ralph E. Tavares, Jr., Director of Diversity & Outreach During this session, you will hear from the Director of Diversity & Outreach at RWU Law about important resources, information, and efforts being made at the law school related to our diversity strategic plan. Additionally, you will learn about some of the challenges facing law school education around the country and how RWU Law is confronting systemic oppression and lack of diversity in the legal profession.
12:15 – 12:55 p.m. Various Locations
Lunch with Your Cohort Group
Success in law school depends not just on your individual hard work and effort, it also requires support from your colleagues and others in the Law School community. We have divided the 1L class into “cohort groups” to help promote a sense of community and to share information about your new law school. Please grab a boxed lunch and join your cohort group at your designated location as posted. 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Rooms 262, 286
Academic Skills Class #1
Jonathan M. Gutoff, Professor of Law Emily J. Sack, Professor of Law Last Name A – K, Room 262
Last Name L – Z, Room 286
There will be four Academic Skills Classes during orientation. During this session, students will be introduced to core legal academic skills of case reading, analysis and briefing, utilizing the case assigned prior to Orientation. There will be extensive class discussion and participation, which will expose students to the active engagement emphasized in law school classes.
2:30 – 3:45 p.m. Rooms 262, 286
Academic Skills Class #2
Kathryn M. Thompson, Director of Academic Excellence Brittany L. Raposa, Associate Director & Professor of Bar Support Last Name A – K, Room 262
Last Name L – Z, Room 286
During this session, students will continue to form their understanding of case analysis, case briefing, and the process of preparing effectively for a law school class. 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Room 283
The Practice of Law Starts Now – Welcome Program and Oath of Professionalism
Michael W. Donnelly-Boylen, Assistant Dean of Admissions Ioannis Miaoulis, President, Roger Williams University Gregory W. Bowman, Dean, Roger Williams University School of Law Mark B. Morse, President-Elect, Rhode Island Bar Association Gregory N. Hoffman ’13, President, RWU Law Alumni Association Diana Perez ’22, President, Student Bar Association Paul A. Suttell, Chief Justice, Rhode Island Supreme Court
Roger Williams University Law Student Oath of Professionalism I, [NAME], as I engage in the study of law, do solemnly swear: § To display integrity and civility to all with whom I come in
contact; § To respect the law and the legal system; § To seek justice; and § To adhere to the Roger Williams University School of Law Honor Code. This I do swear.
9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Rooms 262, 286
Academic Skills Class #3
Jonathan M. Gutoff, Professor of Law Emily J. Sack, Professor of Law During this session, students will practice the legal academic skills learned in Class #1, including case reading, analysis and briefing, as well as class participation.
10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Rooms 262, 286
Academic Skills Class #4
Kathryn M. Thompson, Director of Academic Excellence Brittany L. Raposa, Associate Director & Professor of Bar Support Professors will reinforce the skillsets learned in Class #3 by providing students with the opportunity to assess their understanding of the process of case briefing and their understanding of case analysis.
11:45 – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own Lunch Provided
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Room 283
Introduction to Legal Writing and the Writing Center
Justin R. Kishbaugh, Associate Director of Academic Excellence & Professor of Writing In this presentation, our in-house Writing Specialist, Dr. Justin Kishbaugh, will discuss the common traits of and expectations for legal writing and how those criteria may differ from the types of writing to which you are accustomed. Along with providing some immediate tips for you to employ in your first assignments, Dr. Kishbaugh will show you how to access his online collection of instructional handouts and videos on various writing topics and will introduce you to and show you how to make an appointment at the Law School’s Writing Center. Dr. Kishbaugh will also leave ample time for your questions and, hopefully, introduce you to a few of his tutors who will be available to help you throughout your time at RWU Law.
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Rooms 262, 285, 286
Meet Your Professors
During this session, we will introduce you to your fall semester professors who will teach Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legal Practice and Torts. Professors will review course policies and provide recommendations for academic success in their course. Please select the session to attend based on your fall semester schedule. Section A – Room 262
Section B – Room 285
Section C – Room 286
2:45 – 4:30 p.m. Various Locations
Optional Sessions and Library Tours
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Marine Affairs Institute Open House 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Location: Suite 284
Visit the Marine Affairs Institute for an informal opportunity to check out the extensive Marine Affairs library and learn more about this center of excellence at Roger Williams Law School. Institute attorneys, staff and current Marine Affairs students will be on hand to answer your questions and share their experiences. •
Meet & Greet with Ralph Tavares, Director of Diversity & Outreach 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Location: Room 244
Please stop by Room 244 to meet Director Ralph Tavares and to learn more about upcoming programs and events sponsored by the Office of Diversity & Outreach. •
Financial Planning for Law Students 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Location: Room 286
From developing a simple spending plan to outlining your three-year financial plan, smart money strategies lay the foundation for every law student's personal and professional success story. Learn to apply core concepts of personal finance to make confident decisions about money and better achieve your short and long-term goals. Law school is an investment—make the most of yours! •
Law Library Tours 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Location: Law Library Lobby
Advanced registration required. The Law Library is the center of any law school – a place where first year law students spend hundreds, perhaps thousands of hours. This tour will familiarize you with the library services and resources. Additional tours are scheduled on Tuesday, August 17 and Monday, August 23. Please check your email for a registration link.
9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Room 283
Law School Essentials: Who’s Who at RWU Law
Jared A. Goldstein, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Professor of Law This session will provide an introduction to various administrative offices including library services, student services, and disability support.
9:45 – 10:15 a.m. Room 283
Introduction to Academic Technology
Raquel M. Ortiz, Assistant Dean for Library and Information Services Nicole P. Dyszlewski, Head of Reference, Instruction, & Engagement The law librarians will walk you through various systems needed for wireless printing, access to course materials, and legal research. Please bring your laptop.
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Room 283
Your Professional Responsibility: Academic and Community Standards
Jared A. Goldstein, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Professor of Law Lorraine N. Lalli, Assistant Dean of Students Rachel Dunham ‘22, Honor Board Chair As members of the legal profession, law students are held to high ethical standards. This session will provide an overview of the Student Handbook and the Honor Code.
11:30 – 12:15 p.m. Room 283
Career Development: Your Career Planning Starts Today
Veronica D. Paricio, Assistant Dean for Career Development Jodi P. Haley, Assistant Director of Career Development Christopher Gerlica, Assistant Director of Career Development Kayla Weier, Program Coordinator You will meet the members of the Office of Career Development and learn about the resources and programs we offer, what you should be doing during your first year regarding your job search, and what to expect during the employer visits.
12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Online program
Virtual Visits with Legal and Judicial Offices
The Office of Career Development has arranged for virtual visits with legal employers to provide a better understanding of the type of work they do and the kinds of opportunities that are available to law students. Employers include federal courts, law firms, public interest agencies and government offices. This program will introduce you to the dynamic legal community in Rhode Island early in your legal career and connect you with attorneys and judges who hire our law students and alumni.
ADDITIONAL ORIENTATION EVENTS
Please mark your calendar for these additional events being held during the first several weeks of the fall semester. Additional information will be shared by email and posted online.
Multicultural Law Students Association (MCLSA) Movie Night Friday, August 13, 7:00 p.m. Location: Law School Room 283 International Student Orientation Session (Required for Students on F-1 Visa Status) Monday, August 16, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Location: Roger Williams University Library Welcome and Welcome Back Barbeque Hosted by Dean Bowman and the Student Bar Association Wednesday, August 18, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Location: School of Law, Front Lawn Eastern Medicine Singers Drumming Circle Hosted by the American Indian Law Students Association (AILSA) Friday, August 20, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Location: Michael J. Yelnosky Patio (Law School Lower Level) Bike Ride to Colt State Park with Dean of Students Lorraine Lalli Saturday, August 21, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., RSVP required to LLalli@rwu.edu Location: Meet at Independence Park in Bristol LGBTQ+ Alliance Presents: Ice Cream Social: “Not Out to Come In” Saturday, August 21, 11:00 – 12:30 p.m. Location: Jules Ice Cream, 446B Thames Street, Bristol, RI
Honors Program Gathering Tuesday, August 24, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Location: Bay View Room Student Bar Association Organization Fair Wednesday, August 25, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Location: Law School Second Floor Atrium LLSA Presents: Q&A with Sabor Latino Thursday, August 26, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Location: Bay View Room 1L and Transfer Student Public Interest Luncheon Friday, August 27, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Location: Bay View Room Bristol Slave Trade Talk and Walking Tour Presented by Linden Place Friday, August 27, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., RSVP Required to RTavares@rwu.edu Location: Linden Place, 500 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809 Orientation to the Experiential Education Programs (Required for 1L students) Monday, August 30, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Location: School of Law Room 283
ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2021-22 Fall Semester ~ 2021 Jump Start Program August 2-7 Orientation & Registration – First Year Students Wednesday, August 11-13 First Day of Classes Tuesday, August 17, 2021 Last Day to Register – Returning Students Tuesday, August 17 Orientation for Returning Students (Required) Wednesday, August 18 Last Day to Drop/Add Classes Tuesday, August 24 Labor Day Holiday – No Classes Monday, September 6 Make-Up Day (Follow Monday Schedule) Tuesday, September 7 Indigenous Persons Day Holiday – No Classes Monday, October 11 Make-Up Day (Follow Thursday Schedule) Tuesday, November 9 Veterans Day Holiday Observed – No Classes Thursday, November 11 Thanksgiving Holiday – No Classes November 24-26 Last Day of Regularly Scheduled Classes Tuesday, November 30 Reading Period/Make-Up Days if Necessary December 1-2 Final Examinations December 3-17 Spring Semester ~ 2022 Classes Begin Monday, January 10, 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – No Classes Monday, January 17 Last Day to Drop/Add Classes Tuesday, January 18 President’s Day Holiday – No Classes Monday, February 21 Make-Up Day (Follow Monday Schedule) Tuesday, February 22 Spring Break – No Classes March 14-18 Last Day of Regularly Scheduled Classes Tuesday, April 26 Reading Period/Make-Up Days if Necessary April 27-30 Final Examinations May 2-13 Commencement Friday, May 20 (tentative) Summer Session ~ 2022 Classes Begin Monday, May 23, 2022 Memorial Day Holiday – No Classes Monday, May 30 Last Day to Drop/Add Classes Tuesday, May 31 July 4th Holiday – No Classes Monday, July 4 Make-Up Day (Follow Monday Schedule) Tuesday, July 5 Last Day of Regularly Scheduled Classes Tuesday, July 26 Reading Period/Make-Up Days if Necessary July 27-28 Final Examinations July 29-Aug. 4
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Recreation Center Admission and Alumni Center Law School The Commons School of Architecture, Art & Historic Preservation
To Almeida Apartments @ 1.5 miles
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Administration Building Library Marine and Natural Sciences Building Global Heritage Hall Mario J. Gabelli School of Business
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School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences and School of Justice Studies Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences Center for Student Development Richard L. Bready Mount Hope Bay Sailing and Education Center Waterfront & Learning Platform
To Baypoint Residence & Conference Center
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One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 (401) 253-1040 www.rwu.edu
BRISTOL CAMPUS
Notes
Office of Admissions Ten Metacom Avenue Bristol, Rhode Island 02809 USA (401) 254-4555 admissions@law.rwu.edu law.rwu.edu
@RWULaw