First Week Overview and Schedule for Spring 2023 Incoming Students (Tentative)

Updated: January 10, 2023.

Information for LL.M., M.S.L., and Transfer Students.

Introduction

Washburn Law's First Week Program (see Schedule below), which begins on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, for Spring 2023 incoming students, helps you become accustomed to the study of law in a supportive, introductory environment. In the interest of planning, you should prepare yourself for full days.

In-person attendance is expected for all events unless otherwise noted. If you find that you are experiencing a health and safety concern at any time during First Week, you should not attend, and you should notify the Dean of Students so that the event can be recorded for you when possible: jalen.lowry@washburn.edu. A health and safety concern includes a fever, cough, sore throat, or exposure to Covid-19.

Covid Regulations: At this point in time, First Week and all classes are expected to be in person, and masks are not required. University policy can be found at: https://www.washburn.edu/student-life/health-safety/index.html. The university will review its policy weekly and send out any updates via email, as well as updating the site above.

Kansas Requires Tuberculosis Health Verification for All New Students: Without verification, a student may not be allowed to attend classes! Please follow this link to answer four short "yes or no" questions: Student Health Verification - Washburn University.

Recording by Students Prohibited: Recording by students or distribution of school recordings are prohibited pursuant to Part I.A.1.h of the Washburn University School of Law Honor Code. See http://washburnlaw.edu/honorcode.

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NOTE: All times shown below are Central Time (CT); e.g., 7:00 p.m. CT = 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time = 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time = 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

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Thursday, January 5, 2023 – 7:00-8:00 p.m. via Zoom:
"So a Family Member is Going to Law School: What to Expect, How to Help, and Your Questions Answered"

Jalen Lowry, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, hosts an online event for family and friends of incoming law students. A Zoom invitation will be sent to you before the meeting. If you have not received the invitation by January 4, please contact admissions@washburnlaw.edu. Topics discussed will include what law students will be experiencing and ways they can be supported. If you, family members, or friends were unable to attend but have questions about law school please feel free to contact Dean Lowry at jalen.lowry@washburn.edu.

The 1L Playbook for Spring 2023 Incoming J-Section Students (232 KB PDF)
is a guide to having a successful first semester at Washburn Law.
Feel free to share the Playbook with your family and friends
to provide them with background about what you
will be experiencing in law school.

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Please Do These Things Before January 10

1. Complete and submit Washburn University's Student Health Verification (four "yes or no" questions).
   • Kansas requires tuberculosis health verification for all new students.
   • Without verification, a student may not be allowed to attend classes!
2. Submit a photo for your Washburn ID (iCard)
   • In order for us to have your Washburn ID card ready for pick up on Tuesday, January 10 (or earlier if you wish to do so at the iCard Center in Memorial Union), please upload your photo at https://get.cbord.com/washburn.
     • Login with your MyWashburn.edu credentials, generally, firstname.lastname@washburn.edu plus your password.
     • Problems logging in or need help activating your account?
       Please contact Washburn University Information Technology Services (ITS) at (785) 670-3000. Have your Washburn ID number (W followed by 8-digits) available when you call; your ID number was sent to you from the Washburn Law Admissions Office by Cindy Sharp in an email.
   • After logging in: click the "Upload ID Photo" quick link then "Choose File" under Upload ID Photo.
   • Your photo should meet these specifications (199 KB PDF) (generally, full color; clear with good contrast; WHITE background; centered, frontal view of full face and shoulders; no hats/headgear except those worn daily for religious reasons; no articles not visible in your government issued ID; jpg file format; include first and last name as part of the filename).
   • Questions about uploading your photo can be sent to icard@washburn.edu or call (785) 670-1188.
3. Complete and Submit the Profile Information Form
   • Completing the Profile Information Form will expedite First Week Check In and help us get to know you better.
   • Information from the form is also used to compile the law school directory.
   • For your address, please use the address where you expect to be during the fall semester.
4. Complete and Submit the Consent to Release Information Form
   • Download the Consent form (105 KB PDF)
   • Print your name on the line at the top of the form.
   • Place a checkmark next to each item for which you are granting consent.
   • Sign and date the form.
   • Scan the form or take a picture of it and email the picture to admissions@washburnlaw.edu.
   • Questions about the form can be sent to admissions@washburnlaw.edu or call (785) 670-1185.
   • Changes to your consent can be made after submitting the form by contacting Donna Haverkamp, Law School Student Records Administrator, at donna.haverkamp@washburn.edu.
5. Send Official Undergraduate Transcript to Washburn Law
   • The accreditation standards of the American Bar Association require that an official copy of your final undergraduate transcript, demonstrating that you have received your Bachelor's Degree, be on file at the law school.
   • The transcript must be official and sent directly from the institution in which you graduated to: Washburn University School of Law, Admissions Office, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621.
   • Please note: copies of transcripts provided to LSDAS, for admissions purposes, do not fulfill this requirement.
6. Compete the required readings and other assignments described below.
7. Order Your Textbooks.
   • More information will be sent to you about your academic schedule and textbooks at a later date.

Thank You!

What You Should Bring to Law School

1. Portable charger/power bank. You may find it convenient to have one or two portable chargers/power banks. An electrical outlet may not always be available. Examples (but not recommending any specific brand) are covered in this review: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-portable-chargers-and-power-banks.
2. Laptop. Any modern laptop should be able to access the campus wireless network. Instructions are at: https://washburn.edu/its/wireless/index.html.
   
   Many Washburn law students use laptops to take final exams. The program typically used for online exams is Examplify. Learn more about Examplify: https://washburnlaw.edu/students/academic/examsoft/faq.html.
   
   The above FAQ includes suggested requirements for Windows, Surface Pro, and Mac devices (tablets cannot be used with Examplify). If you are in the market for a new laptop, you might want to go above these minimum requirements by purchasing a device with the best processor and most memory that can be accommodated by your budget, expecting the laptop to last throughout law school. An SSD rather than a hard drive would provide for quicker startup. In addition, Washburn University ITS provides suggested minimum and "for best performance" requirements for Windows and Mac devices: https://washburn.edu/its/tech-recommendations.html.
   
   Note that you will be able to download Office 365 to your laptop or other devices at no charge. There is no need to pay for a separate subscription: https://washburn.edu/its/office-365/index.html.
   
   The law school IT staff, Jason Dinkel, will also be happy to assist should you run into any issues setting up your new laptop or accessing the University network. Feel free to contact them now with questions: lawtech@washburn.edu.

First Week Theme: Professionalism in the Law

You should begin thinking about professionalism early in your career. Some of the following assignments directly address professionalism. All of them help prepare you for a professional career in the law.

Assignments: Readings to Be Completed Before January 10, 2023

In preparation for First Week you should read the following before arriving on January 10.

Background Readings on Professionalism for January 10 and January 11 (required)

• The Pillars of Professionalism (30 KB PDF): The Pillars have been adopted by the Kansas Supreme Court, the Kansas Bar Association, and the United States District and Bankruptcy Judges of the District of Kansas as an aspirational goal for lawyers. Although the Pillars are addressed to Kansas lawyers and law students, they are relevant for attorneys and law students in any jurisdiction.
• Washburn Law Professionalism Oath
• Character and Fitness to Practice Law
• Honor Code and Procedure for Law Students
• Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954) opinion (read syllabus and case)
• Emailing Like a Professional (130 KB PDF)

Professor Grigg's Academic Skills Assignment for January 12 and January 13 (required)

Your assignment for the Academic Skills class is to read and brief these four cases (297 KB PDF). You should have a completed brief for each case with you on the first day of class (January 12) when you will also be assessed on your class preparation. To aid you with the case reading and briefing assignments, here is an introductory guide to case law briefing, and instruction on how to read a legal opinion (272 KB PDF).

Financial Aid

See the Financial Aid section of the Admitted Student Checklist, Spring 2023 Entering Class.

First Week Check-in

Incoming students are expected to check in on Tuesday morning, between 9:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., at the Robinson Courtroom just inside the law school north entrance. The law school is at the northwest corner of Washburn University. See the Washburn Campus Map (4.4 MB PDF).

See below for the tentative first week schedule.

Enrollment and Section Assignments

Law school staff will formally enroll all first semester students for their spring courses prior to arrival on January 10, 2023. No Spring 2023 pre-enrollment steps need to be taken by incoming students.

Tuition

Tuition rates, per hour, for the 2022-2023 academic year are:

• $844 - Resident
• $1,291 - Non-resident

In addition, there is a $55 per semester student activity fee.

See Tuition and Costs for more information.

Health Insurance

A Blanket Accident and Sickness Insurance plan is available to Washburn students. To learn more, see Student Health Services and Health Insurance Coverage.

Washburn University School of Law Directory

The Washburn Student Bar Association sponsors and publishes a directory of students, faculty, and staff at the beginning of each academic year. Photographs taken for the directory are also used to provide faculty with course rosters for their classes.

During check-in on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, we will take your photograph and ask you to provide/verify your address, phone number, hometown, and verify your undergraduate institution.

The directory is available in two formats: print, and electronically through a password protected area of the Washburn Law website. One copy of the print Directory is distributed to each student, faculty, and staff member at Washburn Law. Access to the electronic version of the Directory is limited to students, faculty, and staff at Washburn Law.

Although the information collected above is used to produce the Directory and by Washburn Law personnel in order serve you better during the school year, we recognize that you may not want to share some of this information outside the law school staff. When you provide your Directory information you may indicate your desire to not have one or more of the following items printed in the Directory and displayed in the electronic version:

• Your photograph
• Your local address
• Your local phone number
• Your hometown
• Your undergraduate institution

Questions about the Directory may be sent to Martin Wisneski at martin.wisneski@washburn.edu.

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First Week Schedule

If find you have other free time, feel free to go to the Memorial Union to visit the Ichabod Shop for books or the Student Services Office for your iCard at the Union. You may also want to review required readings, listed above.

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Tuesday, January 10

Breaks are NOT noted on the schedule, but will be provided throughout the day as needed.

9:15-10:00 a.m. – Check-In – Law School, Robinson Courtroom (enter through law school north doors)

• Incoming students are expected to check in on Tuesday morning, January 10, 2023, between 9:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
• Students will check in, have their photos taken for the Washburn University School of Law Directory, and receive their registration packet and their Washburn Law Alumni Association gifts of t-shirt and water bottle.
• Professional dress is not required, but your picture will be taken for the student directory, so you'll want to feel confident in what you're wearing.
• Library staff and Student Ambassadors will be available for questions.
• While you are waiting, feel free to socialize, read, visit the restrooms, visit the Washburn Bookstore in the Union directly southwest of the Alumni Center or review required readings.
• Continental Breakfast available outside Room 102 on the lower level after check-in.

10:00-10:45 a.m. – Welcomes – Room 102

• Welcome by Dean Preston Nicholson, Assistant Dean for Admissions, and Introduction of Dean Jeff Jackson
• Welcome by the Dean
• Introduction of Students

10:45-11:15 a.m. – Belonging – Room 102

• Dean Emily Grant, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

11:15 a.m.-Noon – University Resources – Room 102

• Dean Jalen Lowry, Associate Dean for Student Affairs
  • Introduction of Director Andy Fogel, Financial Aid Office
  • Introduction of WSBA Vice President Nicholas Smith
• Discussion of Student Services
  • Washburn University Recreation and Wellness Center
  • Washburn Law Student Emergency Loan Program.
  • Washburn University Alumni Association Emergency Assistance Grant
  • Washburn University Food Bank.
  • Washburn University Police Department.
  • Washburn University Health Services.
  • Washburn University Counseling Services.
  • Washburn University Campus Advocate
  • Washburn University EEOC Office
• Discussion of Professionalism Small Group Program and the Formation of Your Professional Identity per ABA Standard 303
  • Explanation of Program and Introduction of Small Group Mentors

Noon-1:00 p.m. – Box Lunches (provided) with Small Group Mentors

1:00 p.m. – Law Library and Laptop Set-Up and Instruction – Room 102

• Laptop and Printer Set-Up, Explanation of D2L
  • Mr. Jason Dinkel, User Services Administrator
  • Ms. Barbara Ginzburg, Head of Access Services
  • Library staff will be available after their presentations to answer individual questions.

Once your tech set-up and questions are resolved, please drive to the Brown Park to view an important part of the history of Washburn Law.

This is a required event: please be sure to sign the register at the Park, noting on the register that you are a Washburn Law Student.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park – 1515 SE Monroe, Topeka, Kansas

• You should plan on about an hour to self-tour.

Directions: The National Historic Park is about five minutes east of the law school. (See map below. Take 17th Street, on the north side of the law school, east until you reach the Park's parking lot on your left just past Monroe Street. If you need disability-accessible parking, go through the parking lot and park behind the building.)

• It is advised that you do not wear spike heels or expensive shoes, as the path to the building is sometimes not good in bad weather.

Please contact Jalen Lowry, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, if you need a ride to the Park: jalen.lowry@washburn.edu.

See the Summer 2004 issue of Washburn Lawyer for more information about Washburn Law graduates involved in the Brown case.

You are free for the rest of the day once you have finished your tour.

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Wednesday, January 11

Breaks are NOT noted on the schedule, but will be provided throughout the day as needed.

Wear your Washburn Law t-shirt today for the class photo! (t-shirt distributed at Tuesday check-in)

10:15-10:45 a.m. – Class photo – meet in Room 102

• A staff member will watch your belongings so you can leave them in the room while we take the photo.

10:45-11:30 a.m. – Planning for a Meaningful Career – Room 102

• Dean Tammy King, Assistant Dean for Professional Development

11:30 a.m.-Noon – KALAP and Wellness (ABA Standard 303) – Room 102

• Wellness: Director Danielle Hall, Washburn Law '09, Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program (KALAP)
  Email: halld@kscourts.org or danielle.hall@washburn.edu or (785) 368-8275
  Twitter: @Danielle_mHall
• Explanation of KALAP Program
• Wellness Techniques
  Belly Breathing video to help focus on your breathing (2 minutes)

Noon-1:00 p.m. – Pizza (provided) and Meet with Your Small Groups

1:00-2:00 p.m. – Cross-Cultural Competency for Lawyers: ABA Standard 303 – Room 102

• Professor Michelle Ewert

2:00-2:45 p.m. – Professionalism and the Honor Code (Academic Section) – Room 102

• Dean Emily Grant, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

2:45-3:00 p.m. – Law School Services – Room 102

• Accommodations/Facilities/Staff
  • Director Shelby Grau, Director of Compliance and Administration
• Finance
  • Ms. Julie DesRuisseaux, Law School Accountant

3:00-4:00 p.m. – Character and Fitness Qualifications for the Bar Exam – Room 102

• Ms. Gayle Larkin, Kansas Supreme Court Disciplinary Administrator, will present important information about the Character and Fitness investigations required for licensure. Ms. Larkin will be joined by Ms. Royetta Rodewald, Investigative Specialist, Office of the Disciplinary Administrator (rodewaldr@kscourts.org), and Amanda Kohlman, Attorney Admission Administrator (admissions@kscourts.org).
  • If you have individual questions for the Disciplinary Office after today, you may call Kathleen J. Selzler, Deputy Disciplinary Administrator and Admissions Attorney for the Kansas Supreme Court, at (785) 435-8218 or email her at lippertk@kscourts.org.
  • If you discover after the presentation that you have any matters that you need to report to the law school, please call Donna McMurry at (785) 670-1662 and set up a meeting with Dean Lowry.

4:00-4:05 p.m. – Administration of Professionalism Oath by Dean Lowry – Room 102

After the administration of the Oath, you are free for the rest of the day.

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Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 13

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Room 102 (Lunch will be provided for students during the lunch break.)

Academic Skills Program

Professor Marsha Griggs, Director, Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage

• Review required readings, listed above
• This intensive program will introduce students to many of the basic skills and processes they need to succeed in law school. Students will begin the study of case law during the program and the process of learning how to extract critical information from case readings. Students will also be exposed to law school fact patterns and the mechanics of answering law school examination questions. These skills are not explicitly taught in the traditional legal education model, but the program represents Washburn's commitment to cutting-edge legal pedagogy that is supported by modern educational research.
• The Academic Skills Program is required for all J.D. and LL.M. students. It is optional for Transfer and Visiting students (but highly encouraged for those who will not yet be starting their third year).

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Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15

• Unscheduled Days

Check your assignments for next week. (Spring class assignments aren't posted yet, but they should be by January 15.)

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Monday, January 16

• Unscheduled Day – Martin Luther King Day: No class.

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Tuesday, January 17

• Regular class schedule begins

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Other Activities Throughout the Semester

Most law students are advised to not immerse themselves in other activities at the beginning of their first semester, until they find their footing and know how much time they will actually have.

Professionalism Group Meetings (Mandatory) will continue for the first few weeks of the regular semester: Dates TBD

Professional Development Office (PDO) Events

• Orientation to Your Professional Development Office – Friday, February 3, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – Room 114
• Legal Resume and Cover Letter Workshop – Friday, February 24, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – Room 114

Academic Support Events

• Tuesdays, beginning January 17, from 11:00 a.m.–Noon: Academic Support will email you further details.

Washburn Student Bar Association Events

• January 20: WSBA will have a Welcome Back Event for all students at the Celtic Fox, 118 SW 8th Avenue, Topeka in the Lounge and River Rooms – more details will be forthcoming in the WSBA Newsletter, which is emailed to students each weekend.
• February 1-2: WSBA Spring Elections.

Opportunity Fairs / Organizations

Learn about student and non-student organizations at the Opportunity Fairs on Wednesday, February 1 and Wednesday, February 8 in the First Floor Commons of the Law School.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 – 12:15-1:15 p.m. – Student Organizations

Feel free to contact the organizations on your own at any time. More information about Student Organizations can be found at https://washburnlaw.edu/organizations.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 – 12:15-1:15 p.m. – Non-Student Organizations Opportunity Fair

Information about and opportunities with university, law school, and legal community organizations.

• Washburn University School of Law
  • Admissions Office Student Ambassadors
  • Business and Transactional Law Center
  • Center for Excellence in Advocacy
  • Center for Law and Government
  • Children and Family Law Center
  • Externship Program
  • International and Comparative Law Center
  • Law Clinic
  • Oil and Gas Law Center
• Washburn University
  • Counseling Services
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Police Department
  • Recreation and Wellness Center
  • Student Health Center
• Non-Washburn Organications
  • American Bar Association (ABA)
  • Jackson County Bar Association
  • Kansas Bar Association
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program (KALAP)
  • Kansas Women Attorney Association (KWAA)
  • Topeka Bar Association (TBA)
  • TBA Young Lawyers Division
  • Women Attorneys Association of Topeka (WAAT)

Short URL for this page:
https://washburnlaw.edu/firstweek