Jump to other pages in the Admission section
Question: Am I required to have health insurance while in school?
Answer:
We do not require that you have a health insurance plan but it is highly recommended. See http://www.law.seattleu.edu/business/insurance for more information.
Question: Is there a curve on grades during the first year?
Answer:
Yes, in all first year courses (except Legal Writing), their is a mandatory grade curve. Visit www.law.seattleu.edu/registrar/grading for further information.
Question: Is there an orientation planned before classes start in August?
Answer:
Yes, there will be a mandatory orientation program on Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22.
Question: If I have a change of address to report, which office should I contact?
Answer:
Please let the Office of Admission know right away by emailing lawadmis@seattleu.edu. The Office of Admission will then let other appropriate offices know of the new address.
Question: If I am starting in the fall, is there anything I should be doing now to prepare?
Answer:
We get this frequently and really advise incoming students to enjoy their free time over the course of the summer. The only thing that needs to be done between now and fall entry orientation (August 21& 22) is to pay your second deposit, which is due Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Fall registration materials will be mailed mid- to later July.
Question: What do I need to know about parking on campus?
Answer:
Parking on campus is extremely tight and we highly encourage students to car pool, ride public transportation, bicycle, walk or a combination thereof. If you would like to investigate your options, please contact the Public Safety/Transportation Office at (206) 296-5995, or stop by their office, University Services 102, which is next to Sullivan Hall.
Question: I've been admitted for a while now and am thinking of switching from one program to another (full-time to part-time or part-time to full-time). May I do that at this time?
Answer:
In some cases you may be able to do this. Contact the Admission Office to discuss the options at this time.
Question: Where can I find class assignment information?
Answer:
As it becomes available, class assignment information will be posted at www.law.seattleu.edu/classassignments.
Question: I'm trying to plan for vacations and breaks. Where can I find the academic calendar?
Answer:
The Academic Calendar may be viewed at www.law.seattleu.edu/academics/calendar.
Question: If I am starting in the fall, when is my second deposit due?
Answer:
If you are starting in the fall, your second deposit is due Tuesday, July 15.
Question: When will fall registration materials be available?
Answer:
Fall registration materials will be made available around the middle of July.
Question: Is there any assistance for finding a roommate or off-campus housing for out of state students?
Answer:
Yes. We have a roommate matching list that all students can sign up for by adding themselves to the Roommate Matching Database. Additionally, Phillips Real Estate manages over half of the rentals on Capital Hill and our Seattle Living Web site links their contact information and additional apartment listings which are a good start for finding off campus housing. Craigslist is another popular option for finding rentals and as always, a trip to Seattle to specifically look for apartments is always a good idea. While the Office of Admission doesn't work individually with students to secure off-campus apartments, we're more than happy to help you determine appropriate resources for your search.
Question: When can I purchase my laptop and when can I pick it up?
Answer:
According to the Technology Department, the best time to order your laptop would be mid-May. It usually takes two weeks for the laptop to arrive. Detailed information about the laptop purchase program is available on the Technology Department Web site.
Question: I'm taking the Summer Criminal Law course. When will I receive Summer Registration information?
Answer:
Summer registration packets will be handed out on Monday, May 19 if you attend Spring Visit Day. If you do not attend Spring Visit Day, the packets will be placed in the mail the next day. Again, the first year curriculum includes Criminal Law, Torts, Contracts, Civil Procedure, Property and Legal Writing.
Question: Do I need a Student ID card?
Answer:
It is a very good idea to have a Student ID card. You may use it for identification purposes but also for discounts on meal plans and events on campus.
Question: How do I know that my deposit has been received?
Answer:
Once your deposit has been received and processed (this could take up to seven business days), our department will send you a Seat Reserved postcard in the mail that serves as your receipt.
Question: I received a call from a current student asking if I had questions about Seattle University School of Law. I do, but I missed the call. Who can I be in touch with for more information?
Answer:
Our student callers try each student three times - on different days and different weeks. If they don't reach you on these tries, we include brochures on the student and alumni ambassador programs in your welcome packet which are mailed out two weeks after you are admitted. The passwords in those brochures provide you access to the online databases and you can be in touch with current students and alumnae through this site.
Question: How will I know if you have received my official transcript?
Answer:
You may go to our online application status check to verify whether or not we have received your official transcript yet.
Question: As a Seattle University law student, what do I have access to on the campus?
Answer:
Once you are an enrolled law student, besides having access to all law school facilities, you have access to the Connolly Center (athletic facility), the main campus library, all dining facilities, bookstore, chapel, health services, counseling services, and parking.
Question: Do you offer on campus housing?
Answer:
No. Please take a look at our Seattle Living page for some off campus housing options. Of course, we always recommend that you visit the area to get a first-hand view of the neighborhoods surrounding the school.
Question: When will I know my class schedule for 2008-2009?
Answer:
All first year law students take the same required courses throughout their first year. First year students can complete their first year in 9 months, 12 months or 15 months. If you are planning to start classes in June by taking Criminal Law, the summer registration packets will be available on Monday, May 19 at Spring Visit Day. If you are unable to attend that day, the packets are put into the mail the next day. Fall registration packets (these packets will indicate which section you are placed in - the first year entering class is divided into sections) will be sent out in mid July.
Question: What type of student activities take place or what type of student organizations are there?
Answer:
There are a wide variety of student organizations you can get involved in. Each of them hosts a good number of activities throughout the year.
Question: If I was planning to start in the fall (August) may I switch to the summer (June) start?
Answer:
Yes, there is still time for you to change your enrollment start status. If you decide to start summer, you will also need to let the Student Financial Services office know by contacting them at (206) 398-4250 or lawfa@seattleu.edu. Please contact the Office of Admission at 1-800-471-1767 or lawadmis@seattleu.edu to let us know of your enrollment status change. Or, we are sending out 'Summer Start' information each week, respond by filling out the card and returning it to the Office of Admission.
Question: What classes are a part of the first year?
Answer:
First Year Courses 2008-2009
CIVIL PROCEDURE (3 credits) CIVL-100 (Fall) CIVL-105 (Spring)
Pleading under the rules of civil procedure for U.S. District Courts and under state rules. Discovery and other pretrial mechanisms; jurisdiction and venue; summary judgment; parties and the dimensions of a dispute; aspects of trial practice.CONTRACTS (3 credits) CONT-100 (Fall) CONT-105 (Spring)
Enforceable agreements, including requirements for the formation of a contract; problems of interpretation; consideration and its equivalents; damages for breach; the statue of frauds; illegality; rights and liabilities of third parties; delegation of contractual duties.CRIMINAL LAW (4 credits) CRIM-100 (Summer or Fall only)
Substantive criminal law and elements of criminal responsibility. Topics include law of homicide and other crimes; determination of guilt; principles of justification, including the insanity defense.LEGAL WRITING I (1 credit-fall) WRIT-100 (2 credits-spring) WRIT-105
Intensive, small-group instruction in the basics of legal research, reading, analysis, and writing. To locate and read statutes and cases construct factual and policy arguments, analyze and synthesize cases, and write effective legal memos and client letters.PROPERTY (3 credits) PROP-100 (Fall) PROP-105 (Spring)
Law of real and personal property, emphasizing real estate. Creation and transfer of property interest; relationship between landlord and tenant; public and private controls of land use; common law estates and future interests.TORTS 100 (2 credits-fall) TORT-105 (3 credits-spring) or TORT-100 (5 credits-summer)
Nature, historical development, social and economic elements, and consequences of the body of law defining noncontractual civil obligations by which the legal system shifts the economic burden of various injuries. Study of liability for physical harm, defamation, and other relational harm.
Question: How do I arrange a visit to the Law School?
Answer:
Call the Office of Admission at (800) 471-1767 or (206) 398-4200. You are welcome to chat with an Admission staff member, sit in on a class and take a tour of the law school building. We would like to have at least a couple of days advance notice before your visit to provide you with the best experience. Monday through Thursday provides the biggest selection as far as choices for class visits. Most classes during the day are fifty minutes long. (A reminder-your last opportunity to sit in on a class for Spring 2008 is Friday, April 18.) You are also welcome to make an appointment with the Student Financial Services if you have specific concerns or questions. Please contact them at (206) 398-4250 or lawfa@seattleu.edu.
Question: What important events/dates should I be aware of?
Answer:
Make sure you know when your $150 deposit is due - the date is indicated in your Admit Letter packet. Informal Admitted Student Open Houses will be held in February and March. Also, Spring Visit Day is Monday, May 19. You will receive summer start registration packets on May 19 if you attend. Informal Admitted Student Open Houses will be held on February 1 and March 28. If you plan to start in the summer by taking our Criminal Law course, June 18 is the start date.
Question: Now that I've been admitted, when can I expect to hear from Student Financial Services?
Answer:
Tuition for the 2008-2009 school year will not be set until the beginning of March. Therefore, an Award Letter will be mailed approximately three weeks after admit date (but no earlier than mid March), if your financial aid file is complete. Contact Student Financial Services at lawfa@seattleu.edu with any specific financial aid questions.