I. Academic Policies and Procedures

Every student is responsible for knowing and complying with all Law School policies and procedures.

A. Attendance

In accordance with American Bar Association standards, regular and punctual class attendance is part of each student’s required work in courses. While instructors are authorized to require a higher standard of attendance, at a minimum, students are required to attend 80 percent of class sessions. Poor attendance may be taken into account by the instructor in any manner for grading purposes.

An instructor is expected to notify the Student Records Office when a student is frequently absent from class. If it is determined that the student's absence from class is excessive, then the student shall be withdrawn from the class with a grade of WF (Withdrawn Failing), and the student shall not receive any academic credit for work performed in the course. The grade of WF does not have exclusionary significance, nor does it preclude the student from re-enrolling in the course in a subsequent semester.

Any member of the Law School community (faculty, student, or staff) who has reason to believe that a student is frequently absent from classes in general should inform the Student Records Office. Students not in compliance with the attendance standard in multiple classes could be subject to administrative withdrawal per Section I.J.

B. Class Rank

The Law School does not use or disclose class rank except for limited purposes, such as determination of specific academic awards.

C. Grievance Policy

The Law School is committed to addressing student concerns that directly implicate its program of legal education and its compliance with the ABA’s accreditation standards. In accordance with the University’s Student Academic Grievance Policy, any student who believes that an academic decision (as defined by that policy) violates the University’s or Law School’s academic policies may either consult with the vice dean or file an academic grievance with the vice dean. Any student who is concerned about the Law School’s compliance with the ABA’s accreditation standards may submit a signed, written statement explaining the concern and identifying the relevant ABA standard(s) to the assistant dean for student affairs. The assistant dean will work with a review committee consisting of the vice dean, the senior associate dean for administration, and other Law School personnel, as appropriate, to address the concern within a reasonable period of time. The assistant dean will notify the student in writing about the review committee’s resolution of the concern. A copy of all such concerns and their resolutions will be kept in the dean’s office until the next ABA accreditation visit.

D. Concurrent Enrollment at Other Institutions

While enrolled in the Law School, no student may be enrolled concurrently in academic courses, as part of a degree program or otherwise, at another institution without prior approval by the Curriculum Committee. Exception: Students enrolled in external collaborative programs do not need Curriculum Committee approval.

Index

Academic Policies (continued)