campus

First Week Overview and Schedule for Spring 2024 Incoming Students (Tentative)

Updated: January 8, 2024.

Due to inclement weather, First Week is now starting on Wednesday, January 10.

Introduction

Washburn Law's First Week Program (see Schedule below), which begins on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, for Spring 2024 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: danielle.dempsey-swopes@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 https://washburnlaw.edu/honorcode.

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.

"So a Family Member is Going to Law School: What to Expect, How to Help, and Your Questions Answered"

Monday, December 18, 2023
6:00-8:00 p.m. Dole Hall, room 150 and Zoom

Photograph: Danielle Dempsey-Swopes.Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, 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 December 14, 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 Dempsey-Swopes at danielle.dempsey-swopes@washburn.edu.

The 1L Playbook for Spring 2024 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.


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 9 (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
  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, 2024

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)

Professor Baldwin's Academic Skills Assignment for January 11 and January 12 (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 11) 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 2024 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 Kent and Karen Smith Student Commons just inside the law school main entrance. The law school is at the southeast 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, 2024. No Spring 2024 pre-enrollment steps need to be taken by incoming students.

Tuition

Tuition rates, per hour, for the 2023-2024 academic year are:

  • $878 - Resident
  • $1,330 - 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 Friday, January 12, 2024, we will take your photograph.

The directory is available in two formats: print and electronically, accessible to students, faculty, and staff at Washburn Law.

Questions about the Directory may be sent to marketing@washburnlaw.edu.


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.


Wednesday, January 10 — Room 150 or Zoom

Due to the Inclement Weather, orientation sessions may be joined via Zoom

https://washburn.zoom.us/j/91216594804?pwd=Uks0TGRIUTB3TTN2Yk85MFlYTGZBdz09

Meeting ID: 912 1659 4804
Passcode: 844798

If you experience issues logging in, contact gannon.minnick@washburn.edu

8:00-8:45 a.m. - Welcome

  • Welcome by Assistant Dean of Admissions, Kaitlin Alegria
  • Welcome by Dean Jeff Jackson
  • Welcome by WSBA President Caitlyn Riffer and Vice-President, Kiley Deain

8:45-9:15 a.m. – Law School Resources

  • Accommodations
  • Emergency Loan Procedures
  • Building/Scheduling
  • Professionalism Mentor Program
  • Academic Fellows
  • Student Organizations
  • Student Lockers – Ms. Kerrie Bacon
  • Enrollment/Student Records - Ms. Cory Payne

9:15-10:15 a.m. – Building a Sense of Belonging in Law School

  • Professor Emily Grant, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

10:15-11:15 a.m. – Planning for a Meaningful Career 

  • Tammy King, Assistant Dean for Professional Development
  • Kate Davis, Assistant Director for Professional Development

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – KALAP and Wellness (ABA Standard 303)

12:15-12:45 p.m. – Lunch Break (pizza will be provided. Weather permitting)

12:45-130 p.m. — Meet with Your Professionalism Mentor Group

  • Students will meet with professional group mentors via Zoom/Zoom Groups

1:30-2:15 p.m. – Washburn University Resources

2:15-3:15 p.m. – Professionalism and the Honor Code (Academic Section)

  • Professor Emily Grant, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

3:15-4:30 p.m. – Character and Fitness Qualifications for the Bar Exam, Character and Fitness information, disclosures and investigations required for licensure

  • Ms. Laurel Klien Searles – Chief of Attorney Services, Kansas Supreme Court
  • Ms. Amanda Kohlman – Attorney Admissions Program Manager, Kansas Supreme Court, admissions@kscourts.org
  • Ms. Royetta Rodewald, Investigative Specialist, Office of the Disciplinary Administrator rodewaldr@kscourts.org
  • Crystalyn Ellis, Director of Investigations, Office of the Disciplinary Administrator
  • If you have individual questions for the Disciplinary Office after today, you may call Ms. Searles at (785) 435-8218
  • 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 Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

4:30 p.m. – Administration of Professionalism Oath 

  • Dempsey-Swopes, Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Thursday, January 11 — Room 150

8:00-9:00 a.m. – Law Library and Laptop Set-Up and Instruction

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Academic Skills Program - Day 1

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Interim 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.

12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch - lunch break in the Law School lobby (weather permitting)

1:00-2:45 p.m. - Academic Skills Program- Continued

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Interim Director Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage

3:00-4:00 p.m. – Cross-Cultural Competency for Lawyers

4:00-5:00 p.m. – Brown v. Board National Historic Park (Weather permitting)

  • 1515 SE Monroe
    Topeka, KS 

Friday, January 12

8:00-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast - Check-In and Photos – Robert J. Dole Hall Lobby
(weather permitting an in-person meeting)

  • 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.

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Academic Skills Program – Day II

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Interim Director Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage

12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided (weather permitting)

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. – Academic Skills Wrap-up

  • Professor Chelsea Baldwin, Interim Director Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage

6:00-8:00 p.m. – Back to School Hangout with WSBA @Henry T’s


Tuesday, January 16

 


Short URL for this page:
https://washburnlaw.edu/firstweek
Important Dates
  • December 18: Family & Friends: What to Expect, How to Help, and Your Questions Answered About Law School (Dole Hall in room 150 and Zoom) (6:00-8:00 p.m.)
  • January 9: Direct Deposit Financial Aid Refunds Available
  • January 9: First Week Begins for Entering Students (9:15 a.m.)
  • January 16: Regular Classes Begin
  • January 26: Tuition Payment Deadline; Last day to receive 100% tuition refund
Help With Zoom

If you are not familiar with Zoom, please familiarize yourself with this program. For assistance with Zoom go to: https://washburn.edu/student-life/health-safety/, select "Technology Support Links," then click the link below "Zoom Training." Register for access to Zoom if you have not done so already. Test your equipment (Zoom works on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smart phones) and internet access (cable, wifi, cellular data plans).

Contact Professor Thomas Sneed at thomas.sneed@washburn.edu with equipment/internet concerns.

D2L Tutorials

The learning management system used by Washburn University is D2L (Desire2Learn). You should not need to access D2L for First Week activities. The following tutorials will help acclimate you to D2L for your regular classes that begin on August 30:

Additional tutorials are available in your D2L account under the "Online Student Resource Center" link near the top of the page.

To access D2L at Washburn University go to: d2l.washburn.edu.

  • Your login credentials are your Washburn email address and password.

D2L support is available 24 hours a day by calling (866) 888-1272.