Student Life at OCU Law

Page 1

STUDENT LIFE


WELCOME

WELCOME! Every year we look forward to another opportunity to grow individually and collectively. At Oklahoma City University School of Law, we see each day as a chance to grow in our mission – Servant Leadership, and you are a critical part of that mission. As our newest community members and our first-year law students, we welcome you. You have taken the first step in an amazing journey to the practice of law. Support each other and remember that we are also here to support you. Let us be your guide on this new adventure. We can’t wait to see all you will accomplish.

2

3


MEET OUR DEAN

“I WA S D E T E R M I N E D TO FO L LOW M Y D R E A M TO O CU A N D TA K E A DVA N TAG E O F T H I S PR O M I S E , A PR O M I S E T H AT I H AVE R E A L I Z E D A S I H AVE N AVI G AT E D T H E PR ACT I C E O F L AW, PU B L I C O F F I C E , A N D L I F E .”

M E E T O UR D E AN Jim Roth is the thirteenth dean of Oklahoma City University School of Law. Dean Roth is an alumnus of OCU Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1994. “I became interested in Oklahoma City University School of Law because I wanted to attend a law school located in a capital city. I was told by the law school’s Dean of Admissions that OCU would offer me an education that would help me develop critical thinking skills to last a lifetime. I was determined to follow my dream to OCU and take advantage of this promise, a promise that I have realized as I have navigated the practice of law, public office, and life.”

ME ET O U R DE AN

Dean Roth’s life as a lawyer has been one of service: first as an elected

JIM ROT H

Oklahoma County Commissioner and then in state-wide office as an

O CU A LUMNU S ‘ 9 4 , JU R IS DOCTOR D EGREE

of A New Energy, LLC, an energy consultancy specializing in energy policy

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner. Dean Roth also serves as president and energy developments throughout the region and United States, representing regional and national energy companies and foundations.

4

5


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

THE DEAN’S PROGRAMS

T H E D E AN ’ S

T HE ROT H RO U N DTAB L E

PROGRAMS

Throughout the year, The Roth Roundtable provides opportunities

Each year, the Dean hosts programs

for law students to have frank and

that meet our mission of supporting a

open dialogue about issues that

diverse, student-centered community.

are important in the law school

These programs include Capital City

community. Diversity and inclusion,

Connect, The Roth Roundtable, and

health and wellness, and other

Refuel with Roth.

emerging issues in the legal profession have been discussed. The Roth

A LUMNI SPOTLIGHT David Holt, 2009 Mayor of Oklahoma City

OKC: Then & Now

Roundtable is one example of our

Former Mayor Ron Norick and

commitment to providing a safe and

Mayor David Holt, both alumni of

nurturing learning environment for

OCU, shared their experiences

our students.

developing the city and the vital role lawyers play in that process.

“I think OCU is founded on values of service... but also Oklahoma City is well known for its own sort of culture of service and volunteerism and giving and philanthropy. I think all those things might lend to people who want to get an education there who are interested in public service. I know a lot of folks who passed through those doors who have gone on to either elected office type positions or are just in community service positions on the side of their professional life. I would encourage anybody I know from OCU or who has OCU in their background to always think about the ways they can serve. We would love to see more and more of that. There’s always need in the community and we can always use more stars out there.”

They were joined by Kenneth Jordan, the Oklahoma City Municipal Counselor, and other municipal attorneys, who shared their

CA PITA L C I TY CO N N ECT Learning the law in a capital city drew Dean Roth to Oklahoma City University School of Law, and that experience remains an enduring draw to OCU for many students. The Capital City Connect Program is an educational and networking series of opportunities designed to help students learn new areas in the law and connect with

in innovative city planning and Health, Wellness, and Balance

development.

in the Practice of Law In the Weeds: Medical Marijuana

John McShane, one of the top lawyers

Lawyers and students discussed

in the country and a leading advocate

the history, status, and development

for lawyer well-being, joined Dean

of medical marijuana law in

Roth for a discussion about health

Oklahoma.

and wellness in the practice of law.

attorneys in those fields. From animal

STU D E N T S P OT L I G HT

law to predictive analytics, aviation

Roy Adams, Class of 2021

law and more, students benefit from

“I am in law school surrounded by a new family that shares common interests. A law degree will give me the leverage to empower people that have been in my shoes. It will give me the voice to empower the voiceless and to show that the law serves those who are brushed aside. One day, after graduation, I will be able to give back to this community, the community that took me under its wing and allowed me the opportunity to grow and be the man that I am today.”

learning and connecting with leaders in our capital city community. The following are two recent Capital City Connect opportunities for OCU students.

6

experiences as attorneys assisting

7


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

Discussion About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OCU Law Dean Roth, Jessica Martinez-Brooks (former Vice-President for Diversity & Inclusion for OCU), and Assistant Dean for Student Services Alana House discussed current issues related to diversity, inclusion, and equity with students, staff, and faculty. Trailblazing Women in Oklahoma Dean Roth was joined by Dana Murphy, Oklahoma Corporation

STUDEN T S POT LI G H T

Commissioner, and Jari Askins,

Abigael Hood, Class of 2020

former Lieutenant Governor for the

“I wish I would have known the journey, the friends, the family, and the community I would be joining. Why? I am a third-year law student, Class of 2020. I can wholeheartedly say, with the current state of the country and the world, the things I miss most are seeing the people at my school. The education at OCU Law is exemplary, no doubt. The professors are brilliant and challenged me every day. The staff always put forth an effort to know me and know my name. My classmates and I all formed a bond of friendship and comradery I had never experienced before in a challenging classroom setting. I would be challenged. I would have hard days. I would have worries. I would be scared for my future. But at OCU Law, I would be equipped for my future. I am grateful to my past self for choosing this profession and choosing OCU Law.”

State of Oklahoma and the current Administrative Director for the Administrative Office of the Courts during Women’s History Month to discuss their experiences as prominent leaders in their communities and in Oklahoma and the trails they blazed for themselves and other female leaders to come.

R E FUEL WITH ROTH Refuel with Roth are informal times to chat with the Dean and grab a free cup of coffee. Our Dean relishes the opportunity to sit and chat with law students about whatever’s on their minds. Coffee and the Dean: It’s a winning combination! 8

9


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

STUDENT SUCCESS

STUDE NT

SUCCESS

You can do this. Don’t listen to

people telling you how hard it is and

The Student Success Program is a personalized approach to the study

how miserable you will be. Don’t get

of law that begins for each student with a meeting with the Director of

caught up in the competitive element

Student Success. Together, they create an individualized Success Plan,

of school. It doesn’t matter how well

unique for each student, taking into consideration the student’s interests

other people do. Run your own race,

and goals, and allowing each student to define what success means to

and keep your eyes on yourself. If you

them, while creating the framework to graduation, bar passage, and

do your personal best, then you are

employment. We ensure that your success is comprehensive and that

succeeding. Remember that law school

you have the support you need to become the lawyer you envision

is not an end in and of itself. It’s a

for yourself.

steppingstone to your future. It will be

challenging, and it is worth it!

Work on your outlines on a weekly

basis or at the end of each chapter/ section for each class! Participate in the school activities. They are a lot of fun!

Almost 90% of our students who completed our 1L Mid-Year Survey found their student success meeting valuable:

Advice for classes: Start with the end

in mind. Try to figure out the big picture,

then all the details tend to fall into place

Do not overlook the importance of

a little easier. Advice for life: People will

this to your education.

talk, but focus on what you are doing and you will find your own success.

10

Focusing on mental health and stress

relief is crucial to being successful.

11


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

PROFESSIONALISM & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Academic Achievement Department We offer various academic programs designed to maximize your performance — both in law school and on the bar exam. We know that students arrive on campus with assorted backgrounds, diverse skills, and various learning styles. We embrace that diversity, offering opportunities that cultivate success. Individual academic counseling, voluntary skills workshops, review sessions, and credit courses for bar exam preparation are offered. And did we mention that the costs for your post-graduation bar exam class are part of the fees during law school, so you don’t have to spend several thousand dollars after graduation to prepare for the bar exam? Law Alumni Mentorship Program At OCU Law, our Alumni are active partners in student success. The goal of this mentorship program is to provide intentional opportunities for lawyers and law students to establish meaningful connections and for students to be supported by those who’ve gone before them in the transition from law school to practice.

PR O FES S I O NA L I S M &

CAREER DEVELOPMENT Graduation is just the first step on the journey to a flourishing career. We provide support before, during, and after law school to help you land the perfect position. In addition to the services provided by our Career Services team such as one-on-one counseling, career document review, and more, we also support programming that prepares you for professional life long after graduation. Professionalism Week Professionalism Week helps students prepare for their first experience with legal employer recruitment for summer internship opportunities by offering programs, mock interviews with lawyers, and professional headshot services. Your success in the legal profession is top priority for us, and we know that knowledge is a key component of success. We offer Internship Practice Week, Careers Classes, a Business Etiquette Course, a Patent Bar Information session, and Speed Networking with Lawyers. On-Campus Interviews We host recruitment programs for employers to conduct job placement interviews at the law school, for the convenience of the employers and students. From large downtown firms to small boutique firms, government agencies to legal services, corporate counsel to the courts, all types of employers have the opportunity to meet with our qualified students as students take the first steps into their professional careers. Experiential Programs We strive to provide a curriculum rich with both legal theory and practical application. Classes will be challenging, the professors are demanding, and you’ll be expected to be prepared each day to engage in reasoned, logical, and precise dialogue about the assigned reading. Outside of the classroom you will find a wide variety of opportunities to prepare you for life beyond law school. Clinics, Centers, externships, moot court and mock trial teams, and networking opportunities will introduce you to the legal community and the myriad of career opportunities you may not have imagined.

12

13


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

PROFESSIONALISM & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

CLINICS Oklahoma Innocence Clinic Students, under the supervision of a clinical faculty member, work to help identify and rectify actual cases for those defendants with a viable claim of wrongful conviction. Students travel around the state to conduct client interviews and advance case investigation for those wrongfully convicted of crimes. Students draft pleadings, motions, and briefs and may appear in court in proceedings to obtain post-conviction relief for the clients. Students make recommendations regarding the litigation and have a pivotal role in changing lives for those convicted of crimes they did not commit.

American Indian Wills Clinic Drafting wills and providing basic estate planning services to American

Norick Municipal Law Research Clinic

Indians who own an interest in tribal land is the focus of this clinic. Under

Students research issues of labor and employment law, land use and

the supervision of a licensed lawyer, students provide needed legal

economic development, trusts, utilities, finance, criminal justice, and civil

services to tribal members while receiving instruction and training in

litigation for the City of Oklahoma City’s Municipal Counselor’s Office.

client relations and the complex area of American Indian estate planning.

Students develop their research, writing, communication, interviewing,

Students travel to tribal headquarters to provide services and also host

and counseling skills by working closely with a city attorney on actual

the clinic clients at the law school.

legal issues facing a thriving capital city.

“ THE INNOCENCE CLINIC WAS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I CHOSE TO AT TEND OCU L AW, AND SO FAR, IT HAS BEEN A

Bail and Bond Reform Clinic In the Bail and Bond Reform Clinic, offered in partnership with the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s office, students have an intensive

DREAM COME TRUE . I BELIEVE THE CLINIC GIVES HOPE TO

experience in indigent criminal defense work. Students learn the basics

THOSE THAT FEEL HOPELESS AND LENDS A LISTENING EAR

of criminal defense work, including client representation, ethics, criminal

TO THE DEFENDANTS THAT NO ONE ELSE WILL LISTEN TO.” - KATI E BO URA SSA , CL A SS OF 201 7

14

pre-trial work, and docket practice. Students spend five to seven hours a week in the public defender’s office representing clients in bail hearings and other misdemeanor proceedings.

15


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

PROFESSIONALISM & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

CE NTE R S The Judge Alfred P. Murrah Center for Homeland Security Law & Policy The Murrah Center offers analysis of the legal issues facing the Department of Homeland Security; serves as a voice on domestic security matters for states, towns, and municipalities; and provides insight and support to public and private sectors on matters of homeland security. Students may serve as fellows or research assistants for the Center and study issues of counterterrorism, electronic surveillance and privacy, intelligence law and operations, and cybersecurity. Center for the Study of State Constitutional Law & Government The Center for the Study of State Constitutional Law and Government was founded to develop and implement programs dedicated to the improvement of state constitutions and state governance. By sponsoring workshops, scholarly writing, and public lectures, the Center promotes scholarship and discussion on important issues relating to

Center for Criminal Justice

state government. Students can complete a certificate program through

The Center for Criminal Justice provides an institutional home for

the Center.

comprehensive criminal justice reform and will create a permanent and lasting environment to promote criminal justice reform in Oklahoma County, the State of Oklahoma, and nationally. The Center provides on-going support for criminal justice education, advocacy, and action. Students explore alternatives to pre-trial detention and learn to proactively reinforce the presumption of innocence as a fundamental cornerstone of the criminal justice system. American Indian Law & Sovereignty Center Through the Center, students, faculty, and staff provide needed services in tribal communities, including legal, governance, and capacity-building services, through our clinics and externships and training to lawyers and judges on Indian law topics. Pro Bono Housing Eviction Legal Assistance Program (HELP) HELP was created to provide assistance to those facing evictions by informing them about their procedural and substantive rights, and we hope, detouring them from facing the consequences of eviction. OCU Law students who have a community-driven work ethic are recruited to help these families while gaining experience with basic legal skills.

16

17


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

PROFESSIONALISM & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

EVE NTS

Oklahoma Forward Conference: Rethinking Criminal Justice The Oklahoma Forward Conference focuses on why Oklahoma ranks at the top for incarceration rates and what we can do to stop these rates. Panel discussions examine the processes taken pre- and post-trial, reform efforts, and legislative solutions to this issue that remains prominent in our time.

EXT ERNS HI P S We have five externship placement tracks: Corporate Counsel, Government Practice, Judicial, Litigation, and Native American. Students learn from actual lawyers while serving real clients with current legal issues, and receive academic credit while working under the guidance of supervising lawyers selected from the bar and judiciary. Students are sure to graduate practice-ready and with a network of professional connections. Licensed Legal Intern Program Upon completion of at least half the ABA-required credit hours for a Juris Doctor, law students may obtain a Limited License to Practice Law in the State of Oklahoma. After being sworn in before the Oklahoma Supreme

Oklahoma Innocence Project: Full Circle

Court, they will work on actual court cases and gain invaluable hands-on

The Full Circle Event recognizes Wrongful Conviction Day with featured

experience in the courtroom. Through supervised practical training in the

speakers and exonerees. Our student organization, Fighting for Innocence

practice of law, trial advocacy, and professional ethics, Licensed Legal

Through Exoneration (F.I.T.E.) helps support this event in partnership with

Interns develop solid, marketable skills that appeal to employers, both

our Oklahoma Innocence Project.

in-state and out-of-state.

18

19


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

PROFESSIONALISM & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Judicial Clerkship Panel Students interested in securing a judicial clerkship after graduation are afforded opportunities to network with members of the federal and state judiciary and their current law clerks. Students are placed in academic externships in state and federal district and appellate courts, and the state supreme court.

STU D E N T S P OT L I G HT Anissa Paredes Class of 2020 “Now that I am graduating, I wish I would have been more open to potential job opportunities. When I started law school, I was so focused on what I wanted to do, that I didn’t really leave open any options to explore other opportunities until my 3rd semester—halfway through the program. I didn’t think about other opportunities such as judicial clerkships and other federal government jobs because I was only interested in private practice. Just because you are interested in one thing, don’t be so quick to write off other options. Someone asked me one day if I had applied to federal judicial clerkships and I had no idea what it was. So, I started researching and found that it was something that I would be interested in. When you find new opportunities, explore them, because you never know where it could lead.”

M OOT COURT A ND M O C K T R I AL T E AMS Moot court and mock trial team membership provide students with invaluable training for a career as a lawyer and extensive experience preparing for and participating in trials or appellate brief writing and oral arguments. OCU Law regularly send teams to regional and national rounds in the following competitions: American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition, American College of Trial Lawyers National Trial Competition, NBLSA Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition, National Native American Law Students Association Moot Court Competition, and the Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.

Career Fair OKC Law Works Career Fair educates students about the role

A LUMNI SPOTL I G H T

lawyers play in meeting critical public

Katherine Mazaheri Franze 2007, Managing Partner, Mazaheri Law Firm

within their communities, and each

“When I first started at OCU Law, I didn’t know that OCU Law was going to change my life in ways I couldn’t imagine, open doors of opportunity to help others, and give me lifelong friends, both professors and students, that would support my success.”

service and pro bono legal needs year, representatives from private, pro bono, and public sector organizations attend and offer opportunities and advice on how students can put their skills to work on the path to a lifetime career.

20

21


DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

D IVERS I TY, EQ UI TY, &

INCLUSION

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are central to our mission of servant leadership. Throughout the year, we focus on partnering with the Dean’s Diversity Council, our diverse student organizations, and our community partners to support programming with diversity at its center. Following are just a few of the examples of how we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms.

Hispanic Heritage Month The Hispanic Law Students Association participates in Oklahoma City’s annual Fiestas de las Americas Parade and Festival in October. This signature event attracts more than 20,000 visitors and showcases the beauty, taste, and talent of the rich multicultural heritage found in Oklahoma. We also celebrate Oklahoma’s rich multicultural heritage at a school-wide family breakfast, recognize El Día de los Muertos, and offer a specialized Legal Research Award class about the legal structure of and resources for legal research in Mexico.

22

23


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

Black History Month We celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events. Co-curricular Legal Research Award classes covering a broad array of legal topics and sophisticated research tools are offered, which allow students with these skillsets to be even more are attractive candidates for potential employers. Class topics include the

A LUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Civil Rights Act of 1964 and social

Rozia McKinney-Foster, 1981 Assistant U.S. Attorney Western District of Oklahoma

justice resources. Soul Food Lunch

“The thing that sets OCU apart from other competing law schools here in the state is its location in downtown Oklahoma City. They’re able to benefit from this awesome facility and its location, the professors, and the diversity of students. It’s amazing.

A favorite tradition for everyone is the

My son Larry (who is also an OCU Law alum) was born the fall of my second year here so I was really busy working, trying to be a mom, trying to be a student, a wife... and working in my community. It was one of the purest times in my life – when I was really being me.

Black Law Students Association’s Soul Food Lunch! McLaughlin Hall in the heart of our law school building is the perfect venue for food and fellowship,

National Women’s History Month

and faculty, staff, and students look

During Women’s History Month,

forward to this event each year in

the student Organization for the

support of BLSA’s fundraising efforts

Advancement of Women in Law hosts

to donate to local non-profit agencies.

discussions with trailblazing women in Oklahoma history and law. And for an evening of fun and inspiration, OAWL

BLSA’s Soiree Each year, BLSA hosts its annual

No one in my family had gone to college. But my mother told me I could do anything in this world I wanted to do. Having an OCU Law degree has meant that I could pursue my dream. That I could be a lawyer and effect justice and make a positive impact on society and on people in any way that God chose for me to do it.”

Soirée, a live auction of products and

National American Indian Heritage Month

services donated by faculty, staff,

Topical legal research classes and

and students. Lunch or dinner with

panel discussions by attorneys about

professors, golf outings, lessons, and

career opportunities in tribal law,

much more is available.

featuring leaders representing the

hosted a screening of “RBG!”

Comanche Nation, the Kaw Nation,

24

LGBT+ History Month

the Iowa Nation, and Oklahoma

OUTLaws, our student organization

Indian Legal Services are offered.

for our LGBTQIA+ students, brings

The Native American Law Students

in speakers and programs to address

Association also hosts an Indian Taco

trans rights, equality, and other topical

Sale as a fundraiser to support their

issues in the community and in the law.

organization’s activities.

25


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

HE A LTH &

LEADERSHIP

WELLNESS

LEADERSHIP

Your health and wellness are vital to your legal education experience,

Becoming a lawyer means becoming a leader. Communities look to their

and equally vital to your success as a practicing attorney. We provide

lawyers for creative problem-solving, innovation, and service. We know

resources inside the law school community, such as counseling services,

that to become an effective lawyer, you also must learn to lead, and

mindfulness classes, a meditation room, stress relief during final exams,

with that goal in mind, we offer a variety of ways to get involved and to

and a fitness center membership, along with outside speakers to talk

practice your leadership skills.

candidly about the pressures of this rewarding profession, and how to take care of yourself so you can take care of your clients.

Outside speakers and sessions have included State Representative Collin Walke, an alumnus and owner of AwakeOKC, a meditation and mindfulness clinic, and Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court Noma Gurich and Dean Emeritus Valerie Couch on grit and resilience in the practice of law. Mental Health Awareness Week and Stress Relief Week provide information, tools, and relaxation activities, like trained therapy dog visits, a free hot lunch from the Dean, yoga classes, and

Student Organizations

chair massages.

Our many student organizations provide opportunities to strengthen knowledge of legal specialties; build bonds with fellow students, faculty,

STUDENT SPOTL I G H T Leilah Naifeh, Class of 2020 “My favorite spot in the law school is the group study section of the library near the main entrances. It’s a great spot to get focused studying done preparing for class while also interacting with my peers. It stays pretty quiet in this area, but if a classmate comes by with a question, we can sit down and discuss course work right there. To me, it’s illustrative of our school’s supportive nature.”

alumni, and legal professionals who share their passions; and represent the law school on a local, state, and national level. The Student Bar Association (SBA) is the official organization of the student body of Oklahoma City University School of Law. All students enrolled at OCU Law are members of the SBA. The vitality and diversity of student organizations and student activities add to the overall richness of the OCU Law experience. To learn more about SBA and all of our student organizations here: https://law.okcu.edu/student-life/getinvolved/student-orgs/

26

27


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

Student Advisory Board Your voice matters and the Law School Student Advisory Board was created to allow student leaders to use their voices. The Board allows

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY We know that we are stronger together, and our sense of community

the law school staff an opportunity to solicit and hear student perspectives

runs deep and wide. We’re a tight-knit community within the law school,

on matters affecting students and the law school community and provides

but we’re also aware of our role in partnership with the wider community.

students an opportunity to express their views about administrative

Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, we’re blocks from courthouses,

matters affecting the student body. Members of the Student Advisory

law firms, governmental agencies, businesses, and non-profit

Board are selected by the Dean to represent the 1L sections and the 2L,

organizations. We’re about a mile from the State Capitol Complex and

3L, and 4L classes, and to reflect the diversity of the student body.

the centers of political, legislative, legal, and administrative power. Our location, in an iconic and historic building lovingly restored and equipped

The Dean’s Diversity Council

with the latest technology, allows us to gather together as a

Perhaps more than any other profession, the law has a special

law community and with our neighbors.

responsibility to promote diversity and inclusion, and we take this solemn duty seriously. We’re committed to an inclusive environment that engages faculty, students, staff, and administration and highlights equity, social justice, and intercultural awareness both inside and outside of the classroom. The Council is made up of students, faculty, and staff with a commitment and interest in the diversity of faculty and staff. Law Review The Oklahoma City Law Review is our student-run and student-edited scholarly journal. The Law Review provides an immersive writing and editing experience that is invaluable in future legal practice and offers leadership opportunities in its management.

STU D E NT S P OT L I G HT Jasmine House, Class of 2021 “My favorite spot in the law school is a study area located on one of the corners of the 4th floor. It has a couple desks pushed to walls on opposite sides, and it also has a couple of sofa chairs. The best feature of this area is the floor length windows that allow for an abundance of sunlight to come through. I love spending weekday evenings or Saturdays in this spot. The view from the windows overlooks the parking lot of the law school and some of downtown. This spot is my favorite because it gives me the sunshine I need, and the view inspires to me to be productive and get my readings and assignments done.”

28

29


OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT LIFE

COMMUNITY

A LUM N I S POT LI G H T Capt. Sean R. McDivitt, 2015 Special Victims’ Counsel, US Air Force, Air Force Legal Operations Agency

Back-to-School Bash The Dean’s Back-to-School Bash is our annual block party that invites our law students, friends, family, and neighbors to join us for an evening of fun with food, music, games, and more. Safe Spook At Halloween, the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity sponsors an open event for friends and family that gives back to

SBA Volleyball Tournament Fuel for Finals

The Student Bar Association hosts

During final exams, students study

a sand volleyball tournament for

long hours and need nutrition

a friendly night of competition for

What is your lasting impression of OCU Law?

and support. That’s one way our

students, faculty, and staff.

“I loved my classmates, my professors were approachable, and I knew that OCU Law wanted me to succeed. I still remember playing Bananagrams in the basement of the Gold Star library between Criminal Procedure and Contracts and being amazed with the move from Sarkeys to downtown.”

bottomless pots of coffee, tables

community partners help, with replenished with plenty of study snacks, and Professor Tim Gatton’s famous home-baked cookies (chosen by a student survey!). Pro Bono Reception and Awards Ceremony

the local community with face-painting

Students give back to their

and cookie decorating booths, food

communities through service

trucks, a costume contest, and safe

projects and pro bono internships

trunk-or-treating.

with legal aid providers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies,

Alumni Association Student

Friends & Family Feast

and the judiciary. Each year we host a

The Student Services office and

recognition and awards reception to

student organizations join forces to

honor our students and to thank our

group that loves to connect with and

host a catered Friends and Family

host organizations and community

support students. They attend every

feast for the law school community,

partners for providing opportunities

bar exam luncheon to provide pick-

and participants write holiday cards

for our students to take an active

me-ups with kind and encouraging

to military service members and

role in improving access to justice

messages attached and host meet-ups

families of hospitalized children.

for the underserved.

and networking gatherings.

30

Appreciation Events The Alumni Association is an active

31


These are just some of the opportunities and events that await you at Oklahoma City University School of Law. We can’t wait for you to start upon your unique journey to becoming a lawyer. We’ll be here for you, every step of the way.

32


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.