2014 Admit Packet

Admit Packet

Congratulations on your acceptance to the 2014 Entering Class of Seattle University School of Law. We are pleased that you are considering joining our law school community and welcome you on behalf of the entire student body.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Admission Office at (800) 471-1767 or (206) 398-4200.

Meet Admission Fellows Patricia ’15 graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a degree in history. She enjoys hiking and playing with her Siberian Husky in her spare time. Patricia is interested in military law and hopes to go JAG after graduating.

Leandra ’15 graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in political science. She is the Diversity Representative for the Student Bar Association and is interested in promoting diversity within the legal community. After graduating, she hopes to practice criminal law.

Javi ’16 graduated from the University of California, Riverside and majored in political science/law and society, with a minor in creative writing. He is a first generation Guatemalan-American who loves finding ways to balance a social life with the life of a law student.

Brittany ’16 graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in political science and a minor in sociology. Prior to starting law school, Brittany worked at a local estate planning law firm and completed her paralegal certificate. After graduating, she hopes to practice estate planning and estate administration.

Matt ’16 is from Boston and graduated with a double major in political science and public policy from Hobart and William Smith (NY). Before law school, he worked in investment banking. After graduation, he hopes to work in sports law.

Chris ’14 graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in history and German. He enjoys camping and working on computers in his free time. After graduating, he hopes to practice family or business law.

Tamara ’14 graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in law & justice.

Prior to starting law school, Tamara worked at a local credit union. She has become a pro at balancing school life and home life with her daughter.

Thomas ’16 graduated from University of Texas at Austin. Prior to that, he served in the United States Air Force. Thomas is interested in cyber law and enjoys photography and chess in his spare time.

Chris ’14 graduated from Central Washington University. He is the editor-in-chief of the Seattle Journal for Environmental Law and is interested in business and intellectual property. Chris loves spending time with his wife, Lindsay.

At this stage in the decision process, you may have questions about the student body, faculty, core class requirements, the Seattle area, and international opportunities. You will find answers to your questions within this packet. We will have one of our current law school students contact you and act as a resource to address any additional questions or concerns.

Here is some information you will find helpful: Seattle Living For those of you who are relocating, we understand your concerns regarding housing.

The Admission Office has put together a website outlining the neighborhoods that make up Seattle at www.law.seattleu.edu/x1202.xml.

Seattle University is located on Capitol Hill; consider learning more about Capitol Hill from the Seattle Convention Center and Visitors Bureau: http://visitseattle.org/Visitors/ Discover/Neighborhoods/Capitol-Hill.aspx.

The Seattle Official Visitors Guide enclosed also details information regarding Seattle neighborhoods and a map. Finally, a few rental locations throughout the city are listed on our website: www.law.seattleu.edu/x1326.xml.

Getting Involved There are many student organizations for you to get involved with at Seattle University School of Law. Please go to www.law.seattleu.edu/ x2254.xml for a listing of them all. Additionally, there are a number of events and seminars held at the law school throughout the year including Social Justice Mondays, public lectures, and Superior Court docket proceedings. Check out the Sullivan Docket to see other sample events. http://dockets.seattleu.edu

Staying in touch between now and orientation We, of course, are available during regular business hours at the Admission Office to discuss your questions and concerns, if you do not wish to wait for a student to contact you.

You may have already spoken to one of us; we would be happy to continue the dialogue. Also, the Admission and Student Financial Services staff are available to meet with you in person.

You will receive (via e-mail) an SU e-mail address in the spring. The majority of our communication occurs via e-mail. This helps to keep you in contact with all law school departments and happenings. In the near future we will send you a link to a private Facebook group. This group is an opportunity for you to meet your 2014 cohort before the first day of class.

Surviving Law School It’s true that law school is a challenging time.

But it’s also a time of excitement and personal growth. To help you manage during your first year, the law school has prepared a 1L survival guide. Check it out: www.law.seattleu.edu/ Documents/studentlife/1Lsurvivalguide2013. pdf. If you are a parent, please be in touch with our office for an opportunity to hear from students who are parents, and get their tips on locating resources, such as childcare and education.

Scholarships Applicants receiving merit-based scholarships are notified at the time of admission.

Official Transcript a Must Arrange for your undergraduate institution to send us a copy of your official, final undergraduate transcript, which notes the degree received and the date it was awarded. The transcripts mailed to the Law School Data Assembly Service do not meet this American Bar Association requirement. We must receive one directly from your undergraduate school.

Notice to Students with Disabilities It is the policy of Seattle University that no qualified person shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of, or be subject to discrimination in any job, facility, program, or activity provided by the University. The law school will respond to and evaluate all requests to make reasonable accommodations, modifications, or adjustments in law school facilities, programs, policies, services, and activities to ensure equal opportunity for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis; documentation is required. Associate Dean Donna Claxton Deming coordinates the services the law school can provide and she can be reached at (206) 398-4307.

Notice to Students with a Conviction Each bar association has a character or ethics section as part of its certification. Your criminal record could prevent you from sitting for the bar examination足even if you have received a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Only the bar association in each individual state can advise you regarding your conviction and its impact on your ability to sit for the bar exam. We advise you to contact them directly. It is imperative you do so prior to your law school matriculation rather than waiting until graduation. Any questions or concerns regarding this matter can be directed to Associate Dean Donna Claxton Deming at (206) 398-4307 or dcdeming@seattleu.edu. It is important that you also notify us immediately if you received a new criminal charge, conviction, or misconduct notification from LSAC after submitting your application.

Campus Parking Upon arrival for the new semester, all students planning to park their vehicles on campus should check with the Department of Campus Public Safety and Transportation (University Center 102).

There are no reserved parking spaces on the Seattle University campus. All students have equal access to lots and garages owned by the University. The current rate for unrestricted parking is $280 per semester. Rates for evening students and carpoolers are $144 and $134 respectively, per semester. Rates for 2014-2015 can be obtained by contacting the Department of Campus Public Safety and Transportation during the summer of 2014.

Public Transportation As in any major city, traffic in Seattle can be a headache. To encourage the use of public transportation, Seattle University provides a subsidy toward the cost of a monthly bus pass in King and Pierce Counties. Many students find it a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Arrangements for bus and train passes can be made at the Department of Campus Public Safety and Transportation. www.seattleu.edu/transportation Carpools Carpools generally can be organized during many of our spring events or within the first week of the semester, so don’t worry about making the commute alone! Carpools and vanpools can also be arranged by contacting Seattle Metro Transit. www.rideshareonline.com Website Quicklinks

All websites start with http://www.law.seattleu.edu/ Access to Justice Institute Externship Program Center for Professional Development Seattle Living Student Financial Services Tuition Information

www.law.seattleu.edu/x1221.xml Call On Us! Current law students have offered their services to answer your questions about our school, life as a 1L, the job market for soon-to-be lawyers, and more. Keep a list of questions you’d like to ask and have them handy when a student representative calls. If you can’t wait for a student to call, feel free to contact the Admission Office and we will put you in touch with a student. Finally, we post a question of the week answering many of your questions. www.law.seattleu.edu/admission

x1864.xml x1353.xml x1861.xml x1190.xml x1180.xml x1231.xml

Computers All entering students are required to have laptop computers. For specifications, please refer to our website. More information will follow in a future mailing. www.law.seattleu.edu/x1197.xml

Insurance If you currently have health insurance coverage, we recommend that you retain your present policy. In the event you do need health and accident insurance, there is a program currently available to you and your family through Seattle University. Should you have questions regarding health insurance, use the following link for more information.

Come Visit Us! We would be happy to arrange for you to tour our building, sit in on a class, and/or meet with a member of our Admission or Student Financial Services staff. To allow us to provide you a seamless visit, please call (206) 398-4200 or (800) 471-1767 at least one week prior to the date you plan to visit. If you are unavailable to visit but have questions, we take phone or Skype appointments (via username seattleulawadmis) on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. PST. You can find the list of available visit opportunities on our website.

Contact information is available on the last page of this packet. www.law.seattleu.edu/x1191.xml

Student Organizations We have nearly 40 student organizations on campus. There are six co-curricular organizations: Dispute Resolution, Moot Court, American Indian Law Journal, Law Review, Seattle Journal for Environmental Law, and Seattle Journal for Social Justice.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

American Bar Association/Law Student Division American Civil Liberties Union Asian Pacific Islander Law Student Association Business and Entrepreneur Legal Association Black Law Students Association Christian Legal Society College Republicans Criminal Justice Society Eastern European Student Association Entertainment and Sports Law Association Environmental Law Society Federalist Society Future Prosecutors for Social Justice Health Law Society Incarcerated Mothers Advocacy Project Intellectual Property Law Society International Law Society Iraqi Refugee Assistance Program J. Reuben Clark Law Society JD/MBA Student Association

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Korean American Law Student Association Labor and Employment Law Association Latina/o Law Students Association Law Students for Reproductive Justice Middle Eastern/South Asian Law Student Association National Lawyers Guild Native American Law Students Association Outlaws Phi Alpha Delta Public Interest Law Foundation Real Estate Law Student Association Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Seattle University Law Democrats Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington Student Bar Association Wine and Beverage Law Society Women’s Law Caucus Tax Law Student Association Trust & Estates/Elder Law Student Association Seattle University Law Veterans Association

The Admission Office has assembled an online database of current student and alumni ambassadors. We recommend that you contact either a current student or alumni ambassador regarding any comments, concerns, or questions you may have.

To hear from students and/or alumni go to www.law.seattleu.edu/x1254.xml and then choose the specific ambassador group. To login, enter “seattleu\m-sulaw” under the SU e-mail field and the password is “liaisons”.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact the Admission Office at (800) 471-1767 to speak with an Admission Fellow.

Award Letter

Your Award Letter will be mailed approximately three weeks after your admit letter is received (but no earlier than mid-March), if your financial aid file is complete. Sign, date, and return the award letter indicating what aid you accept, reduce, or reject.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note

Complete the Stafford Loan Promissory Note online at https://studentloans.gov (unless you previously signed a Master Promissory Note at a Direct Lending school, e.g. University of WA). Click on Subsidized/ Unsubsidized. The Stafford unsubsidized loan is disbursed equally each semester, but tuition charges vary from term to term. Budget carefully.

Entrance Counseling

Complete Entrance Counseling documentation at https://studentloans.gov (click on Entrance Counseling) for Stafford and Grad PLUS loans.

Forms

Submit verification forms or any other documentation as requested by our office. Disclose any outside scholarships or funding assistance.

Alternative Loans

Apply for an alternative loan (federal Grad PLUS or private loan) if eligible and additional funding is necessary.

Credit check required. Equal disbursements fall/spring unless requested otherwise in writing and approved.

If you choose Grad PLUS, complete the PLUS request process, promissory note and entrance counseling at https://studentloans.gov.

Laptop Computer

You must buy the computer first, keep the store receipt and proof of payment by you, the student, and submit documentation to our office within the academic year. After authorization, you may apply for an alternative, credit-based loan to reimburse yourself up to the cost of the computer or $1,350, whichever is less. You must pass a credit check.

Funding

You must complete the registration/validation process each term and attend class. Financial aid pays institutional charges first. Refunds for living expenses are usually available shortly after the term begins, if you have completed all necessary paperwork in a timely manner. However, always be prepared to pay for books and expenses yourself the first few weeks of each term.

More Information

Please contact Student Financial Services if you have any questions, need more information, or would like a one-on-one appointment. We are happy to help you with this process.

To contact Student Financial Services, call (206) 398-4250, e-mail lawfa@seattleu.edu, or visit www.law.seattleu.edu/financialservices.

Contact Update Please contact Admission to update your e-mail address and mailing address. Check your spam filter to make sure that you don’t miss any important communications from us. Send updates to lawadmis@seattleu.edu.

Complete Financial Aid Documents Please see the post-admit checklist on the Financial Aid tab. Your Social Security Number is required for financial aid purposes. If you did not provide your Social Security Number to the Admission Office during the application process, contact Student Financial Services at (206) 398-4250 with your information to avoid delay.

Submit Tuition Deposit A $250 deposit is due to reserve your seat in the 2014 Entering Class. (Please see your admit letter for the due date of this deposit.) If you are enrolling in the fall, a second deposit of $150 will be due on July 1, 2014.

Watch for communication regarding your Seattle University e-mail account To keep you in contact with all law school departments and happenings, we will provide you with an SU e-mail account in the near future. Watch your current e-mail for your account information.

Research Laptop Computer Purchase Review our website for laptop requirements and information on the Dell purchase program at www.law.seattleu.edu/x1292.xml Research Insurance Options The Seattle University program is on our website at www.law.seattleu.edu/x1221.xml.

Complete Confirmation for Summer Criminal Law course In May, use SUOnline to choose a section and confirm your registration. Directions will follow.

Send Official Transcript The transcript must reflect the awarding of your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts should be sent directly to the Admission Office.

Complete Confirmation of First Year Course Load In July, use SUOnline to confirm your registration. Confirmation information will be sent to you via your SU e-mail account.

Sign Up for a Mentor The Women’s Law Caucus, in conjunction with the Student Bar Association, organizes this program. You can elect to have a student and/or alumni mentor. Materials will be available at the beginning of the school year.

Student ID Card Campus Card staff will be available at orientation to provide Student ID (Campus Cards). You must bring a valid driver’s license, state ID, or a passport and your SU student ID number.

Purchase a Parking Pass, Bus Pass, Etc. The University Services Building is directly north of the law school. The Department of Campus Public Safety and Transportation is on the 1st floor of the USB building. Bus and parking pass can be purchased online at www.seattleu.edu/transportation Check First-Week Assignments A few weeks before classes begin, please go to www.law.seattleu.edu/x1470.xml.

Research Textbooks and Purchase Options In late summer via your SU e-mail account, the Admission Office will send a list of required textbooks with your registration confirmation materials and section assignment. You can review textbook availability and purchase options on the Seattle University Bookstore website. www.seattleubookstore.com

Important Dates Tuition Deposit Reminder

Remember your $250 advance tuition deposit to ensure your place in the 2014 Entering Class is due by the deadline stated in your admit letter documentation. The tuition deposit is non-refundable. Should you enroll at Seattle University, the $250 deposit will be applied to your first semester’s tuition.

A second $150 deposit will be required by Tuesday, July 1, 2014 for students beginning fall semester.

Dates to Remember

Students planning to join our community as members of the 2014 Entering Class will want to remember these important dates: • Financial aid applications are due Saturday, March 1, 2014 or as soon thereafter as possible.

• Those planning to start law school by taking a single class this summer should circle the date of Monday, June 23, 2014, the first day of the summer term.

Individuals starting via the Access Admission program will begin Monday, June 16, 2014. All entering 1Ls will have orientation on Thursday, August 21. Students who didn’t take summer criminal law will have a second day of orientation on Friday, August 22.

Open House and Spring Visit Day

Our Open House is scheduled on February 28. Faculty, career services professionals, alumni, and current students will be on hand to discuss the courses offered at the law school, talk about career opportunities, address what it means to be a law student, and answer any of your questions. Tours of Sullivan Hall will also be provided. Information on how to RSVP will be sent via e-mail. RSVP is required and space is limited.

Our annual Spring Visit Day is Monday, May 20. This popular event, which attracts students from around the country, features mock classes, informal get-togethers with current students, a faculty forum, workshops on everything from effective study techniques to mastering the financial aid maze, and much, much more! Watch for further communication regarding Spring Visit Day.

2014 Calendar January 2014 S M T W T 5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

February 2014

F

S

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

S M T W T 2 9 16 23

3 10 17 24

May 2014

4 11 18 25

F

March 2014 S

1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28

S

S M T W T

F

S

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

1 8 15 22 29

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

3 10 17 24 31

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

F

S

S M T W T

F

S

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

1 8 15 22 29

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

July 2014

F

5 12 19 26

2 9 16 23 30

June 2014

S M T W T 4 11 18 25

S M T W T

April 2014

F

S

1 8 15 22 29

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

7 14 21 28

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

3 10 17 24

August 2014

S M T W T 6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

2 9 16 23 30

S M T W T 3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

F

S

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

Notes

Seattle University School of Law 901 12th Avenue, Sullivan Hall P.O. Box 222000 Seattle, WA 98122-1090 Admission (206) 398-4200 (phone) (206) 398-4058 (fax) seattleulawadmis (Skype) lawadmis@seattleu.edu www.law.seattleu.edu/admission Carol Cochran Assistant Dean

Amy Crusan-Kramer Administrative Assistant

Whitney Earles Director of Admission for Communication & Outreach

Eric Bender Computer Records Specialist & Student Records Evaluator

Shontrana Gates Assistant Director

Student Financial Services (206) 398-4250 (phone) (206) 398-4058 (fax) lawfa@seattleu.edu www.law.seattleu.edu/financialservices Kathleen Koch Assistant Dean

Natasha Murphy Program Assistant

Lynette Splinter Director

Eric Bender Computer Records Specialist & Student Records Evaluator

Paula Nagel Associate Director

www.law.seattleu.edu/admission

How you can reach us

Establish justice.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment related policies and practices.

In addition, the University does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information in its employment related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program. All University policies, practices and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with Seattle University’s Catholic and Jesuit identity and character. Inquiries relating to these policies may be referred to the University’s Vice President for Human Resources and University Services and Equal Opportunity Officer at 206-296-5870. Consistent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, Seattle University has designated three individuals responsible for coordinating the University’s Title IX compliance. Students or employees with concerns or complaints about discrimination on the basis of sex in employment or an education program or activity may contact any one of the following Title IX coordinators: Gerald Huffman, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and University Services, RINA 214, 206-296-5870, huffmaje@seattleu.edu; Dr. Michele Murray, Associate Vice President of Student Development, Student Center 140B, 206-296-6066, mmurray@seattleu.edu; Ruth Donohue, Manager of Human Resources, RINA 215, 206-296-5865, donohue@seattleu.edu; individuals may also contact the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.

To learn more information about Seattle University's policies, please visit www.seattleu.edu/policies.