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Starting your legal education with a solid foundation

Washburn Law's orientation is a weeklong program dedicated to acclimating our new students to the study of law at Washburn. During this time, you will be introduced to legal research and writing, how to brief a case and strategies for success. In addition, you will have opportunities to familiarize yourself with all things Washburn Law, and equally important, you'll have a chance to meet your new classmates and professors.

Assignments: Forms and Readings to be completed before August 14, 2025

Background readings on professionalism (required)

Your assignment for the Academic Skills class is to read and brief these four cases. You should have a completed brief for each case with you on the first day of class (August 21) 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.
A student smiles while dressed professionally in one of the courtroom classrooms.
Fall 2025 Orientation

Schedule of Activities

LL.M. students will arrive in Topeka and have a specialized welcome/orientation one week prior to the J.D. start. Therefore, the first first-week schedule below will pertain to only LL.M. students, but the following two weeks of orientation will apply to both J.D. & LL.M. students.
LL.M. Students Only

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

  • All sessions will be in Robert J. Dole Hall, room 150, unless noted. While modifications may occur to this schedule, in-person attendance is required for all events unless otherwise noted.
  • The Kent & Karen Smith Student Commons is commonly called Smith Commons or Student Commons. It's the large room with floor to ceiling windows near the main entrance.
  • Bring your laptop to each day of orientation.

LL.M. students should plan to arrive in Topeka no later than Monday, August 11, 2025.  It will take some time for you to set up your household, source and buy food and get other necessities you could not bring with you. You will want to set up your accommodations, find out where the nearest grocery store is, and figure out transportation to and from campus. Please have these things settled before you start orientation so you are not scrambling for time.

9:00-11:00 a.m. – Washburn University Office of International Programs – Plass Building

  • Check-in with the Washburn University Office of International Programs
  • Provide copies of signed Form I-20 and F-1 visa
  • Required tuberculosis/TB testing (will be scheduled for you by Office of International Programs). This is required before you can attend classes.
  • Get your WU student ID (iCard)
  • Health and safety on campus/in Topeka
  • WU health insurance policy
  • Business Office session (payment options, setting up a payment plan, etc.)
  • Introduction to the Topeka Metro Bus system
  • On-campus employment: How to find and apply for an on-campus job

All events today, unless noted, are in room 150 of Robert J. Dole Hall School of Law Building, 2073 SW Washburn Terrace E, Topeka Kansas 66621.

Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport) today.

9:00 a.m. – Welcome Breakfast and Introductions

10:00 a.m. – Technology Connection

  • Technology staff will assist you with connecting to the Washburn University wireless network and verify that your email address is active. Be sure to have your computer and phone with you!

10:30 a.m. – Directory and Class Photo

  • Take your photo for the School of Law directory. There will also be an LL.M. class photo taken at this time.

11:00 a.m. – Bar Admission Introductory Information

  • Professor McMillan,
  • an introduction to the LL.M program and share some information for those of you considering taking a U.S. bar exam.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Course Selection

  • You will finalize your course selections (based on the questionnaire you filled out previously) with Professor McMillan

12:30-1:30 p.m. – Lunch (provided) 

1:30-2:00 p.m. – Landlord/Tenant Rights in Kansas (Tentative)

  • Professor Michelle Ewert will give a presentation via Zoom on:
  • security deposits (max amounts allowed, return at end of tenancy)
  • how to report problems to the landlord
  • landlord duties and right of entry
  • terminating a tenancy

2:00-3:00 p.m. – Washburn Law Honor Code

  • Dean Emily Grant, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
  • An essential presentation to LL.M. students about how to stay out of trouble with the Honor Code. Such codes are taken very seriously in U.S. legal culture, and failure to understand and comply with the Honor Code can result in serious repercussions, including failing classes, inability to take a bar exam in any state in the U.S., and even dismissal from law school. You need to know these rules, so you can avoid trouble and help ensure your success in earning your degree.
  • Please read the Honor Code and Procedure for Law Students at https://washburnlaw.edu/honorcode prior to this session.

3:00-4:30 p.m. – Campus Tours

  • LL.M. Ambassadors will take you around campus and show you where to find the bookstore, cafeteria, Health Services, and gym. Students who have not submitted a photo for their Washburn ID (see above) will be taken to have their Washburn ID issued, which requires government-issued identification (usually passport).
J.D. & LL.M. – First week schedule

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

  • All sessions will be in Robert J. Dole Hall, room 151, unless noted. While modifications may occur to this schedule, in-person attendance is required for all events unless otherwise noted.
  • The Kent & Karen Smith Student Commons is commonly called Smith Commons or Student Commons. It's the large room with floor to ceiling windows near the main entrance.

9:00 a.m. – Breakfast, Check-in, and Photos – Kent & Karen Smith Student Commons (main entrance)

  • Admissions will welcome and check you in. Informational handouts will be provided with a complimentary t-shirt to be worn Friday (tomorrow) for a class photo. Breakfast food will be provided
  • Headshot photos with a white background will be taken of each student by the marketing department. Because we're excited to have you here, candid photos will be taken throughout the day for social media purposes.
  • Headshots will be used for the intranet (aka "Sidebar") directory and class rosters that your professors use for seating charts. Dress presentable but also weather appropriate—retakes using our studio are offered throughout the semester for the directory (and/or LinkedIn, etc) if requested.
10:00-10:30 a.m. – Welcome
  • First order of business – Admissions department "Group Selfie"
  • Jeff Jackson, Washburn Law Dean – 1L Playbook
  • Michael Gallegos, WSBA President
  • Elizabeth Marston, ABA Representative

10:30-11:00 a.m. – Law School Resources

  • Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Associate Dean for Student Affairs
  • School of Law Website/Sidebar (intranet)
  • Academic Accommodations
  • Lockers and Student Mail
  • Washburn ID
  • Bookstore/Memorial Union
  • Financial Aid
  • Key Cards/Building Access
  • Professionalism Mentors and Tutors
  • Emergency Loans/IMF Grants
  • Library and Tech Staff
  • Law Student Organizations Fair/Law Community Fair
  • Academic Support and Bar Passage – Professor Baldwin and Professor Stewart
  • Professional Development and Employment – Director King and Director Wiggins
  • Moot Court, Journal, Client Competition – Professor Mastrosimone
  • Centers. Internships, Externships and Clinic – Professor Leisinger
  • Washburn Law Study Abroad – Professor Kowalska

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Washburn University Campus Resources

  • Washburn University Financial Aid
  • Washburn University Recreation and Wellness Center
  • Washburn University Food Bank – BFB Outpost
  • Washburn University Police Department/IALERT – (785) 670-1153
  • Washburn University Health Services – (785) 670-1470
  • Washburn University Counseling Services – (785) 670-3100
  • Washburn University Campus Advocate
  • Washburn University EEOC Office
  • Washburn University Foundation and Alumni Association
  • Washburn University Athletics

12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch (provided)

1:00-1:30 p.m. – Email, Wi-Fi, Printing – Get Connected

  • Technology staff will assist you with connecting to the Washburn University wireless network, verify that your email address is active, and set up your two-factor authentication. Be sure to have your computer and phone with you!

1:30-2:30 p.m. – Introduction to Professionalism Mentors and Building Tour

2:30-3:30 p.m. – I Belong at Washburn Law

  • "Belonging" – Emily Grant, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

3:30-4:30 p.m. – Planning for a Meaningful Legal Career

  • Tammy King, Assistant Dean for Professional Development
  • Meredith Wiggins, Assistant Director for Professional Development 
  • LL.M. students: OPTIONAL for LL.M. students who are not planning to work in the U.S.

4:30-5:15 p.m. – Academic Support and Bar Passage Resources

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Director of Academic Enrichment and Bar Readiness
  • Professor Andrew Stewart, Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment and Bar Readiness

HOMEWORK: Read and brief these cases 

Reminder: please wear your t-shirt for the class photo on Friday (next day).

8:30 a.m. – Coffee

8:45 a.m. – Class Photo – Smith Student Commons

  • Wear your Washburn Law t-shirt today for the J.D./LL.M class photo! (t-shirt distributed at check-in)

9:00-10:00 a.m. – Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program (KALAP) and Wellness (ABA Standard 303)

10:00-11:00 a.m. – Time Management for Busy Law Students - Succeeding in U.S. Legal Education
  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Director for Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage Programs
  • Professor Andrew Stewart, Assistant Director for Academic Enrichment and Bar Readiness

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Professionalism and the Honor Code (Academic Section)

  • Dean Emily Grant, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
  • LL.M. students: REQUIRED despite having a previous session with Dean Grant

12:30-1:30 p.m. – Lunch (provided) – Meet with Your Professionalism Mentor Group

1:30-2:30 p.m. – Character and Fitness Qualifications for the Bar Exam – Character and Fitness information, disclosures and investigations required for licensure

  • Gayle Larkin, Disciplinary Administrator, Office of the Disciplinary Administrator
  • Laurel Klien Searles, Chief of Attorney Services, Kansas Supreme Court
  • Amanda Kohlman, Attorney Admissions Program Manager, Kansas Supreme Court, admissions@kscourts.gov
  • Royetta Rodewald, Investigative Specialist, Office of the Disciplinary Administrator, royetta.rodewald@kscourts.gov
  • Crystalyn Ellis, Director of Investigations, Office of the Disciplinary Administrator

1:30-2:00 p.m. – Amending your Law School Application

  • Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Associate Dean for Student Affairs
  • If you discover after the presentation that you have any matters that you need to report to the law school, please call (785) 670-1662 and set up a meeting with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

2:00-3:00 p.m. – Cross-Cultural Competency for Lawyers: ABA Standard 303

3:00 p.m. – Student Oath of Professionalism

3:15-4:30 p.m. – Tour – Brown v. Board National Historic Park

  • J.D. & LL.M: 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 Building
    1515 SE Monroe, Topeka, Kansas
  • You should plan at least one hour to self-tour.  The National Historic Park Building is about a five minute drive east of the law school. (See map below. From the Law School Building go north on SW Washburn Avenue. Turn right on 17th Street and go east until you reach the Park Building'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.)
  • Do NOT wear spike heels or expensive shoes, as the path from the parking to the building is not paved. The grass and soil may remain wet after rainy weather.
  •  Please contact Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, if you need a ride to the Park: danielle.dempsey-swopes@washburn.edu.
  • You are free for the rest of the day once you have finished your tour.

HOMEWORK: Read and brief these cases 

Unscheduled days. Relax and take a breath and/or take care of things you need to get done for the upcoming week and semester ahead.
J.D. & LL.M. – Second week schedule

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

  • All sessions will be in Robert J. Dole Hall, room 151, unless noted. While modifications may occur to this schedule, in-person attendance is required for all events unless otherwise noted.

Academic Skills Program attendance (for ALL 4 parts):

  • J.D. & LL.M. students – REQUIRED. All Academic Skills Program sessions are required for all J.D. and LL.M. students that are beginning law school this semester.
  • Transfer & Visiting students – OPTIONAL, but highly encouraged for those who will not yet be starting their third year.

8:30-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast – Kent & Karen Smith Student Commons (main entrance)

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Academic Skills Program (1 of 4)

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Director for Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage Programs
  • Review required readings. 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.

12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch (provided) and Student Panel

  • 2L Students will share their experience as first-year law students.

1:00-2:00 p.m. – Library Tour and Research Techniques

  • Library staff
  • Bring your laptop. Students will get their Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis database account information and have an introductory training session on how to use these databases, Zoom, and D2L (the Learning Management System used by Washburn).

2:00-5:00 p.m. – Academic Skills Program (2 of 4)

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Director for Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage Programs

8:30 a.m. – Coffee – Smith Commons 

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Academic Skills Program (3 of 4) 

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Director for Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage Programs

12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch (provided) Professionalism Mentor Group Meeting

  • Professionalism Group Meetings (Mandatory) will continue for the first few weeks of the regular semester. This meeting will be used to set the location and time for each group. 

1:00–2:00 p.m. – Academic Integrity, Professional Responsibility and the Use of AI in Law School  

  • Professor David Rubenstein, Ahrens Chair in Constitutional Law and Director of the Dole Center for Law and Government 

2:00-5:00 p.m. – Academic Skills Program (4 of 4) 

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Director for Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage Programs

Use this day to visit the Bookstore, iCard Center, and/or Financial Aid Office.

Regular law school classes begin.

Other Activities Through the Semester Most law students are advised not to 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.

  • Orientation to Your Professional Development Office – TBD 
  • Legal Resume and Cover Letter Workshop – TBD 

Dates TBD: Academic Support will email you details.

  • Welcome Back Event for all students: Details TBD and announced in the WSBA Newsletter, which is emailed to students each weekend. 
  • WSBA Fall Elections: Details TBD. 

  • Learn about student and non-student organizations at the Opportunity Fairs – Dates TBD. 
  • 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. 

Non-Student Organizations Opportunity Fair 

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

Non-Washburn Organizations