New Student Orientation

Welcome new law students! On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students it is my pleasure to welcome each of you to Golden Gate University School of Law. Our traditions of access, innovation, diversity, and opportunity have guided this institution for more than 100 years. We are honored that you have decided to become a part of a noble profession. We look forward to meeting you!

Dean Drucilla Stender Ramey

Note: This page was updated on August 5, 2009.

Note: JD schedules and section assignments are not considered final until the first day of Orientation. We do not recommend that you purchase any course materials in advance of Orientation.

Welcome to law school! We are delighted that you will be joining the Golden Gate University School of Law community. While you are in law school, you will undertake a rigorous and challenging course of studies and take your first steps toward becoming an attorney.

The start of law school is an exciting time. The faculty and staff at GGU School of Law look forward to working with you, and we are committed to providing the foundation for your academic and professional success.

An important component of this foundation is the Law School's New Student Orientation, which takes place the week before the beginning of classes. The mandatory Orientation Program begins on Monday, August 10, and ends on Thursday, August 13.

Orientation involves administrative, academic, professional, and social components. Here are some examples of what is included in the Orientation Program:

• Administrative: Processing for lockers, books, and financial aid; introduction to administrative services for law students.
  
• Academic: Introduction to basic law school skills and academic expectations, including a mock classroom experience.
  
• Professional: Introduction to the work of lawyers, litigation, career paths, and the importance of professionalism in law study and law practice.
  
• Social: Informal and formal opportunities to meet faculty, staff, alumni, classmates, and upper division students; we will also provide a program for the spouses, partners, and significant others of law students to discuss the challenges and rewards of having a loved one in law school.

The general Orientation time schedule is shown below. A detailed schedule will be mailed to all incoming students in July.

Welcome to GGU Law! We look forward to seeing you in August.

Sincerely,
Mateo Jenkins, Senior Program Coordinator for Academic Affairs, Communications, and Events

The Monday through Thursday Orientation Program is required of all entering first-year students.

DAY STUDENT SCHEDULE

Monday, August 10: First Day of Orientation

• 2:00-5:00 pm: Administrative Processing
• Processing by last name: A-H 2:00-3:00 pm, I-Q 3:00-4:00 pm, and R-Z 4:00-5:00 pm.

Tuesday, August 11: Second Day of Orientation

• 9:00-10:00 am: Breakfast
  
• 10:00 am-3:00 pm: Orientation Program (lunch will be provided).
  

Wednesday, August 12: Third Day of Orientation

• 9:00-9:30 am: Beverages
• 9:30 am-3:00 pm: Orientation Program (lunch is not provided; you will have an opportunity to buy lunch. Students will be meeting with peer mentors at this time).

Thursday, August 13: Fourth Day of Orientation

• 10:00-10:30 am: Beverages
• 10:30 am-4:15 pm: Orientation Program (lunch is not provided; you will have an opportunity to buy lunch. Students will be meeting with peer mentors at this time).
• 4:15-6:30 pm: Orientation Reception

NIGHT STUDENT SCHEDULE

Monday, August 10: First Night of Orientation

• 5:00-7:00 pm: Administrative Processing and Dinner Provided
  
• 7:00-9:00 pm: Orientation Program
  

Tuesday, August 11: Second Night of Orientation

• 6:00-6:30 pm: Dinner Provided
  
• 6:30-9:00 pm: Orientation Program (Students will be meeting with peer mentors at this time.)
  

Wednesday, August 12: Third Night of Orientation

• 6:00-6:30 pm: Dinner Provided
  
• 6:30-9:00 pm: Orientation Program
  

Thursday, August 13: Fourth Night of Orientation

• 4:15-6:30 pm: Orientation Reception
• 6:30-9:15 pm: Orientation Program (Students will be meeting with peer mentors at this time.)

The first day of instruction for all entering first-year law students is Monday, August 17.

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Day Students

• Thursday, August 13
• Room 3201
• Discussion and Panel for spouses, partners, and significant others (refreshments served), 12:15-1:15 pm. Please RSVP by Friday, August 7, to lawstudentservices@ggu.edu or by phone at 415-442-6615.
• In addition, Students' spouses, partners, and significant others are invited to attend the rest of the day's programming in Room 2201-2202, including the Professionalism session from 3:00-4:15 pm.
• Orientation Reception, 4:15-6:30 pm, 2nd floor of main academic building

Please RSVP for the Discussion and Panel by Friday, August 7, to lawstudentservices@ggu.edu or by phone at 415-442-6615.

Night Students

• Thursday, August 13
• Room 3203
• Discussion and Panel for spouses, partners, and significant others, 6:30-7:00 pm
• Students' spouses, partners, and significant others are invited to attend the rest of the evening's programming in Room 3208, including the Professionalism session from 8:15-9:00 pm.

All spouses, partners, and significant others are also invited to the Orientation Reception on Thursday, August 13, 4:15-6:30 pm on the second floor of the main academic building.

Please RSVP for the Discussion and Panel by Friday, August 7, to lawstudentservices@ggu.edu or by phone at 415-442-6615.

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Some reading assignments are required to be completed for Orientation. Complete information is available in the packet sent to entering students in July. If you did not receive this packet, please send an email to lawadmit@ggu.edu.

Click here for the reading assignments.

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Click here for a list of recommended reading from Golden Gate University School of Law professors and staff.

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For tips on buying a computer for your work in law school, click HERE

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For tips on setting up your wireless connection while on campus, click HERE.