The Red Guide
THE (UN)OFFICIAL GUIDE TO STANFORD LAW SCHOOL The First and Only Guide to SLS Created by and for SLS Students
Brought to you by: Stanford Law Association (SLA)
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ...... 2 ACADEMIC TERMS & TIPS ...... 4 IMPORTANT: How to Get a SLATA Outline ...... 5 TIPS FOR PET OWNERS ...... 7 TIPS FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS ...... 7 FOOD AND COFFEE MAP ...... 8 STUDY SPOT MAP ...... 9 MAP OF CAMPUS ...... 11 TIPS FOR STUDENT-PARENTS ...... 12 TIPS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS ...... 12 BAR BRIEFS ...... 13 OFF-CAMPUS COFFEE FAVORITES: ...... 14 OFF-CAMPUS FOOD FAVORITES: ...... 14 1L DICTIONARY: SLS TERMS & ACRONYMS ...... 16 MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS AT SLS ...... 20 (UN)OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ZOOM LAW ...... 22
1
INTRODUCTION
We remember being in your shoes. Although 1L won’t be nearly as terrifying as popular perception would have you believe, we know the first quarter can be overwhelming—new classmates to meet, new professors from whom to learn, and a new place to call home. So we (your Stanford Law Association) created this guide to make your transition to SLS a bit smoother. In these pages you’ll find tips on briefing and outlining cases, on places on or off campus to get a quick bite to eat or a late-night cup of coffee, on area resources for taking care of pets or children, and on understanding the special SLS lingo, in which you’ll quickly become fluent. This guide is by no means all-inclusive, and we would love to hear your suggestions and questions. After all, we are here for you, so please don’t be shy: email us, join SLS Intergalactic, or e-mail Law Talk (from your Stanford e-mail)—whatever you need to make your transition easier. Get ready for a great adventure beneath the palm trees. Work hard but don’t lose perspective. Go out (often). Be athletic. Relish California. Get involved on campus. Spend a few days a month without your casebooks. Experience San Francisco. You will all be fine. Really. We promise. Lastly, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that you are starting law school during a time of great uncertainty. While things will look quite different this year, please know that SLA is committed to welcoming you to the Stanford Law family just the same. We’ve included a new “(un)official guide to Zoom law” at the end of this Red Guide with some tips and tricks for how to navigate online law school. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us if you need anything at all. SLA is comprised of 2Ls, 3Ls, and advanced degree students (and soon some of you!) with a wide range of personal and professional interests. If you have questions, someone here can help you find answers. Good luck and we wish you all the best!
Sincerely, Your 2020-2021 Stanford Law Association
EXECUTIVE Co-Presidents: Rachel Bowanko and K.C. Shah Executive Vice Presidents: Silvie Saltzman and Annie Wanless Treasurer: David Liou
COMMITTEES Academic Affairs Committee: Morgan Pearlman (Vice President), Bruce Easop, Alero Egbe, Kate Gaumond, Chris Meyer, Samantha Noh Alumni and External Relations Committee: Trip Henningson (Vice President), Josh La Fianza, Ian McQueary, Allie O’Keefe Community Development Committee: Isabella McKinley Corbo (Vice President), Alice Bishop, Taylor Jaszewski, Guillaume Julian, Tyler Robbins, Julian Schneider Diversity and Inclusion Committee: Anita Desai (Vice President), Natalie Felsen, Celina Malavé Events Committee: Alex Evelson (Vice President), Rachel Cohen-Sidley, Helen Kirkby, Jasmine Shao Mental Health and Wellness Committee: Maddie Coles (Vice President), Jody Bianchini, Taylor Chambers, Leah Kennedy
REPRESENTATIVES 2L Representatives: Allie O’Keefe and Julian Schneider 3L Representatives: Taylor Jaszewski Transfer Representative: Natalie Moyce
SPECIAL INTEREST Director of Technology: Tyler Robbins Swag Tsars: Rachel Cohen-Sidley and Emily Wood
Join our SLS Intergalactic Facebook Group! 2
GENERAL LAW SCHOOL TIPS
We hope this guide will help ease your transition into law school. We’ll start with some general tips—we won’t dare refer to them as wisdom, but hope you will find them helpful nonetheless.
RELAX! Don’t pay attention to what the person next to you is doing. Do what is right for you to learn and feel prepared.
DON’T WORRY. Did you freeze while being cold-called? Got an answer wrong in class? No one cares but you. Trust us. We all have said or done something embarrassing in class at some point, but we only remember our own mistakes. A former SLA President offers the following reassurance: “One time, I got three yes/no questions wrong in a row— I’m still alive and doing well!”
REACH OUT TO PROFESSORS! They’re professors because they like and care about students! Pop in on their office hours or set up times just to chat. They’ll take you up on the offer. Seriously, they are part-time life advisors, and love doing it.
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS! Okay, so maybe we are a bit self-interested here, as we want to recruit you to SLA, but the truth remains that student activities can be a fantastic way to make friends, find a supportive community, gain some valuable perspective, and add some variety to life. There’s a group or a journal for everyone; if you don’t see yours, start it!
SAY “NO” SOMETIMES. Don’t feel obliged to fill every minute, join every group, attend every event, and excel at everything. Getting caught up and overextended may stress you out for no reason. You already made it to SLS, and you will have plenty of opportunities—focus on the things that make you happy and further successes will follow naturally.
DON’T ISOLATE YOURSELF! Reach out to your classmates (and upper-classmates), professors, and SLS staff whenever you want or need to talk. And keep in touch with old friends and family members—outside perspective can really help keep you grounded.
EXERCISE! Take care of yourself. We are in lush surroundings! Make sure to take advantage of it—go for a run, or a swim, or even just a walk regularly. The Stanford gyms are free for all students and filled with great equipment rentals, a rock climbing gym, and more. Although the gyms are not yet open, students can still reserve a swimming lane or tennis court- you’ll begin to get Rec Report emails from Stanford Recreation & Wellness with details on what is and is not open! There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to hiking, climbing, and pick-up games of different sports. When the going gets tough (looking at you, finals), you’ll be grateful for the outlet.
ASK FOR HELP! Law students can be like peacocks—strutting their feathers, too proud to see over them. Don’t be afraid to reach out to upperclassmen (including anyone on SLA!), faculty members, and friends to ask for help, guidance, and support. Being a small school helps us meet each other, but students, administrators, and professors work hard to make SLS a real community. Take advantage of it. 3
ACADEMIC TERMS & TIPS CASE BRIEFS A “brief” is a summary of the major aspects of a court decision and is usually is prepared before class and used in class (especially if cold-called). Unlike the briefs you’ll write in LRW and Fed Lit, these case briefs are short summaries of cases for your eyes only. Written briefs typically include: ● Who are the parties, the year, the court, key facts, the procedural posture (case history and how it got to whatever court it’s in) ● Rules (the law from previous cases/statutes that the court applies to the new facts) ● Dicta (a statement of opinion or belief that’s considered somewhat authoritative but isn’t necessarily binding) ● Holding (the final decision the court comes to based on applying the rule to the facts) ● Concurrences and Dissents (opinions that agree or disagree
with the majority—concurrences typically agree with the Briefing Tips:
holding but differ in reasoning, while dissents disagree 1) Find a level of detail that works for you
partially or totally with the reasoning and/or holding) 2) Find a format that you like: - Separate typed sheets for each case.
- Briefs written in the casebook margins. For sample briefs or tips on different styles, contact anyone in - Highlighted elements in different colors. SLA and/or your student mentor(s). - List of case basics in a spreadsheet.
- Or (gasp) don’t brief at all. STUDY GROUPS 3) We recommend writing briefs at least for the Some law students have found groups of students with whom first few weeks and modifying as you go they can review material regularly and help prepare for exams. according to your work style and needs. Some don’t find a group until finals. Many others choose to study alone. If you need to talk things out, find a study partner or study group. Your section of thirty first-year students will have all the same classes as you, and possibly similar questions— a perfect source of members for a study group if you want one. If you need to immerse yourself in your studies and not be bogged down by other people’s questions, then work alone. Try not to think about what others are doing, and just do what feels right for you.
OUTLINES People approach outlines differently, but generally it is a summary of all major concepts, cases, and rules learned in a class over a quarter. An outline can usually be brought to an exam and used as a reference during the test (professors will give you the specifics on accepted test materials for their courses). Most students start outlining toward the end of the quarter, when they have a bigger picture of how the course material fits together. Some people make outlines with other people, some use outlines from previous years (see the section on SLATA outlines below), and some people do not use outlines at all. Again, figure out what system works best for you, and feel free to reach out to anyone in Law Association if you need more guidance.
SLATA (Stanford Law and Technology Association) OUTLINES SLATA outlines were created by past students to prepare for their exams. Past students donate their outlines through SLATA to be helpful to future students. Outlines are available for almost every course (see box on following page). Use them to model your own outline or as an extra study tool.
If there are no outlines available from your professor, don’t panic; he or she may not have taught this course before. Just peruse what’s available to find which ones look most applicable to the material you covered (i.e. other professors teaching the same class). If your professor is new to the course or school, ask if they recommend looking at any other professor’s preparation materials or if you can access old exams from another school where he or she taught the subject.
4
EXAMS Most students study by preparing an outline for each course, studying off of an old outline, and reviewing old exams from that professor or similar courses if that professor hasn’t taught before. Old exams here: https://digitalreserves.law.stanford.edu/.
Some people reread all their cases while others never open their case books to study. One thing that many of us agree upon, though, is that it really helps to actually take practice exams (timing yourself and everything) and then reviewing them. This method is frequently where study groups come in handy even for solo studiers, as you can talk through answers. Taking the full exams can also help to get an understanding of law school exams and what your professors expect. Reach out to your professors for guidance if you need specific suggestions of how to study for a particular course.
THE BEST RESOURCE Your professors! Many of the professors are more than happy to help you and offer guidance. Take advantage of the unique atmosphere at SLS and get to know your professors; they are amazing resources, and many love to talk with students (about class, jobs, their legal career, etc.). Don’t be shy!
THE SUMMER JOB SEARCH Relax! The ABA bars 1Ls from talking with most employers or applying for summer jobs until December 1. Most students start after that, usually after fall exams, and many continue into spring. The folks at the Office of Career Services and the Levin Center will update you on how to identify potential employers and begin the job search when it is appropriate. For the first few months of school, don’t worry about this—just focus on adjusting to law school. You will ALL get great jobs—that’s the beauty of Stanford. In the meantime, this is an excellent topic for any SLA members or mentors, who can talk to you about applications for law firms, judges, government agencies, nonprofits, and pretty much anything else that comes to mind.
IMPORTANT: How to Get a SLATA Outline
Step 1: Go to https://law.stanford.edu/slata/slata-outlines/ and log in with your Stanford username.
Step 2: Narrow the list. Type in your course name or professor. Every professor’s class is a little different, so an outline from your professor’s class will be most helpful.
Step 3: Select the right one(s) for you. Some outlines will be more useful to your studying habits than others. Professors tend to alter their content and focus a bit each year, so more recent outlines are more likely to cover the same cases or laws.
Step 4: Pay It Forward. When you finish exams—and you WILL finish exams—consider uploading your outlines for the next group of Stanford 1Ls to use. You can do so anonymously if you like. Stanford students are a collaborative bunch and your contribution to the community could make a huge difference to someone down the road. Be one of the legendary outliners who helps the next generation of law students for years to come.
TIP: Be sure to compare the content of the SLATA outline to your notes—don’t assume that the outline covers everything your professor taught this semester.
5
GROCERIES AND ESSENTIALS
SAFEWAY
325 South Sharon Park aka Secret Safeway, closest and open 24 hours 525 El Camino Real Closest full-size store
TRADER JOE’S No Car or Bike, No problem…
855 El Camino Real Located within Town & Country Village (shopping center MARGUERITE in Palo Alto). Best deals for your dollar. Within (Stanford's Bus System) comfortable biking distance from school. Perks: Free, Live Map Online, Nearby Shopping Limits: Fixed Routes/Schedule WHOLE FOODS
LAW LIBRARY BIKE RENTAL 774 Emerson Street Within comfortable biking distance from school. Perks: Free, Easy to Use and Return Limits: No Overnight Checkout MOLLIE STONE’S MARKETS ZIPCAR 164 S. California Ave Perks: Easy Access from Munger, Hourly Rental Bay Area grocery store chain with both conventional and Limits: Drink Responsibly, Not Always local/organic grocery options Available
MUNGER MARKET UBER / LYFT Munger 5 - First Floor Perks: On-demand Rides, Easy-to-Use Apps Pricey, but close at hand in Munger (closed on Sundays!). Limits: Costs $ CALIFORNIA AVE FARMERS’ MARKET CALTRAIN California Avenue Perks: Runs to SF, on Marguerite Route Every Sunday 9am-1pm. Open during the pandemic- Limits: Takes Time, Fixed Schedule (masks required)! They have fresh produce and delicious food. It’s biking distance from the school and there are always law students there! Located on Cal Ave between El Camino Real and the Cal Ave Caltrain station
CVS PHARMACY
855 El Camino Real Town & Country Village- same place as Trader Joe’s! 352 University Ave Downtown Palo Alto
6
TIPS FOR PET OWNERS
Apartments that accept dogs + cats Dog Parks
● Archstone - Avalon (many locations) - Birch Creek (cats ● Palo Alto: http://www.yelp.com/biz/mitchell-park-palo- only) - Parker Palo Alto (breed restrictions) - Southwoods alto (close to Charleston, not E. Meadow; best close by), ● Email Law-Talk to find one through other students ● Mountain View: http://www.yelp.com/biz/shoreline-dog- park-mountain-view (not highly reviewed) Dog Boarding/Daycare ● 20~30 minutes towards SF but worth the trip: http://www.shoredogs.org/ (great views, small dog area), ● PetSmart - Planet Pooch - Pet Villa http://www.yelp.com/biz/foster-city-dog-park-foster-city ● Email Law-Talk and you’ll probably find a student who (swimming, small dog area), misses their dog and is happy to pet sit. http://www.yelp.com/biz/seal-point-dog-park-san-mateo (HUGE) Veterinary Clinics Other Dog Places ● Adobe Animal Hospital (4470 El Camino Real, Los Altos) – Everyone will tell you this is the best vet in the area. Keep in mind ● Beaches that allow dogs (or where people take dogs everyone here is rich. $$$, but great. anyway) include Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Carmel ● El Camino Animal Hospital (2951 El Camino Real) (by Monterey). If you’re at Big Sur, there’s a beautiful dog- ● South Peninsula Veterinary Emergency Clinic (3045 friendly beach (~hard to get to) Middlefield Rd., (650) 494-1461 – Great emergency services ● The only hiking trail close by that allows dogs is Windy Hill 24/7, very compassionate vet http://www.yelp.com/biz/windy-hill-open-space-preserve- portola-valley
TIPS FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
● Beach Walk from San Gregorio to Pompano Beach (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/the-southern- beaches-at-san-gregorio-state-beach: trail near Half Moon Bay, California that is good for all skill levels. ● Big Basin Redwoods (https://www.yelp.com/biz/big-basin-redwoods-state-park-boulder-creek) California’s oldest state park and home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods. ● Castle Rock State Park (https://www.sanjose.org/listings/castle-rock-state-park): Trails too far from campus. Enjoy horse- backing on certain trails. ● DipSea Trail (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dipsea-trail--2): Beautiful hike cutting through Muir Woods forest en route to Stinson Beach. ● McWay Waterfall Trail (http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/hikes_mcwayfalls.html): Most famous hiking trail in Big Sur. ● Pescadero Creek (https://parks.smcgov.org/pescadero-creek-park): Serene and many hiking trails to choose from. ● Russian Ridge Open Space (https://www.openspace.org/preserves/russian-ridge): Go in springtime to see famous bloom of wildflowers.
7
FOOD AND COFFEE MAP
7. GSB
13. Free Lunch 15. Cubberley @ Encina Hall Café
8. Arrillaga Dining
1. Coupa Café 11. Axe & Palm 10.Bookstore Café
5. Food 3. Law School Café Truck
2. Russo
4. Tresidder: Starbucks, Coho, 6. Munger 9. Faculty Club Treehouse, Panda Market Express, Subway
----Coho – Some food, some beer/wine, coffee, plenty of undergrads. Most nights have 1. Coupa Café – You will go here... often. Paninis, crepes, and the best coffee on some sort of live performance. Try the clubhouse sandwich! campus.. Soak it up and enjoy the casual walk from school. 5. Food Trucks – Parked here weekdays from 11-2. Some good options, rotating 2. Russo - In Munger 4, Russo serves coffee, sushi, burgers, paninis, pizza, salads, daily. See foodtrucks.stanford.edu for who's there & when. and hot entrees and sides. Open for lunch and closes at 2 pm. Not cheap, but the food 6. Munger Market–Basic dorm groceries and free ice cream during finals. can be delicious. 7. GSB – Arbuckle cafeteria has everything, done well, though not cheap, and the 3. Law School Café - It is right here! Different hot entrees every day. Hot outdoor seating is great. There's also another Coupa here if that's your thing. breakfast everyday. Can’t beat the convenience... or the bacon. 8. Arrillaga Dining –If you opt for a university meal-plan this is your spot. 4. Tresidder - Fast-food type options, long lines, and undergrads. Includes Jamba 9. Faculty Club – Decent fare, but you need an invite from a professor. Juice, Subway, paninis, Panda Express, pizza and salads (including a great Southwest 10. Bookstore Café –Upstairs this is an oft forgotten source of coffee and a table to Chicken Salad), and Fraiche (frozen yogurt and healthy snacks). work in peace. If you're pro, read a textbook you haven't bought yet... ----Starbucks -The Tresidder location opened in 2012 but was the first company- 11. Axe & Palm –Standard American fare of okay quality. Open past midnight owned store on a college campus anywhere in the country. It gets busy, but they move the (recommend the Immortal 21 (chicken tenders)). Foosball is a plus. line along. The new food items are a nice addition. 12. Cubberley Café – An oft forgotten Coupa alternative, this spot offers inexpensive ----Treehouse - Located behind Tressider, the Treehouse has pizza, wings, burgers, sandwiches without a line and delicious espresso...try it at least once. and Mexican fare AND is open much later than most campus eateries. They also sell 13. Free Lunch in Encina Hall – Want free lunch, but away from the Law pitchers of beer for pretty reasonable prices. School? Encina hosts polisci, IR, and a host of related departments. 8
STUDY SPOT MAP Everyone has their favorites, their secret spots, their preferences, but this’ll get you started (and out of the law library).
6. GSB 5. Under the Library Trees
11. Arrillaga Pool 4. Philosophy 2. Green Library Library
9. Bookstore 10. Old Union Café 13. Maori 3. Ed School Library 12. In the Garden Sun
8. Coho or Starbucks
14. Kingscote Gardens
1. 7. Gold Course Café (Off Map to West) Neukom
Coffee Noise Outside Tables Busy Comments 1. Neukom Nearby Quiet No Big Yes You know it, you love it The main undergrad library – it has 2. Green Library Nearby Varies No Varies Depends everything to offer. Explore the Bing Wing and Bender room 3. Ed. School a Walk Quiet No Big Never Quiet and nice, but closes early Library 4. Philosophy a Trek Silent No Nice Never Dusty, small, silent. What you’d expect Library 5. Under the Trees Nearby Varies Yes Big Maybe This spot is nice, but anywhere works 6. GSB Library Nearby Talking No Shared Always Fancy, new, makes us feel cool 7. Golf Course Café Yes Talking No Small Varies Good getaway spot with coffee & putting 8. Coho or Yes Loud No Small Yes Open late, often crowded or loud Starbucks 9. Bookstore Café Yes Talking No Small Maybe 2nd floor, less busy than Starbucks/Coho 10. Old Union Yes Talking No Some Rarely Plush couches and TVs and study rooms 11. Arrillaga Pool a Trek Talking Yes Nope Yes Open grassy hill, sun, swimsuits, towels 12. In the Sun a Trek Varies Yes Nope We Hope The undergrads hang by Meyer Green 13. Maori Garden a Trek Quiet Yes Nope Never A bit creepy, if that’s your thing 14. Kingscote a Walk Quiet Yes Nope Never Nice pond, private property but who cares Gardens 9
10
MAP OF CAMPUS 1 The Quad The original university buildings, home to departments like history, philosophy, languages, etc. Stanford’s architectural crown jewel. Dedicated in 1903: “to test whether a non-sectarian church can minister 2 Memorial Church to the spiritual needs of a great university.” Attend a service or just explore the space during normal business (“MemChu”) hours. 3 White Plaza + The Claw A central point for student gatherings, publicizing events, or relaxing by the fountain. 4 Old Union A relaxing space used mostly by undergrads with TVs, couches, and rooms available by reservation. 5 Tresidder The food epicenter of campus and home to a couple banks. There’s a hair salon (expensive). 6 Dinkelspiel Auditorium A major performing space- just don’t get lost finding it. 7 Bookstore Stanford swag, books, coffee, technological needs, etc., including some SLS gear. 8 Post Office It’s right by the law school, so you can’t miss it. 9 “The Row” Premium undergraduate housing, two fraternities, and the extremely loud party epicenter of campus… 10 Munger Most law school students’ home. Get to know your neighbors and staff! 11 Vaden Health Center Simple health need? For infections, check-ups, counseling, etc., head here. Make appointments online. 12 Wilbur Field + Parking Big open grassy field in the sun with an enormous parking structure underneath. 13 Undergrad Dorms These get noisy too, and the undergrads sometimes overflow onto Wilbur and adjacent fields. 14 Cubberley Auditorium Another important performing space to find. 15 Hoover Tower Use to orient. Ride to the top for a view. The Hoover Institution think tank is next door. 16 Memorial Auditorium Big performing space; most “big” speakers are here. Called “MemAud” by some. 17 Graduate School of Take a class. Grab breakfast or lunch in a punny dining pavilion. Stare at the “Monument to change as it Business (GSB) changes” for a while in the courtyard (seriously), or just soak up the sun on a wooden lounger. 18 Graduate Community Rooms available to reserve for events and a lounge. The “Old Union” equivalent for grad students. Center 19 Escondido Grad housing with a neighborhood feel, unless you’re in a mid/high-rise. Nice for families with kids. EVGR Village/EVGR is the new high-rise graduate residences (just opened this year!) 20 Gas / Service Station Used to be here, now it’s gone. 21 Parking Office You’ll probably just head here once a year, if at all. 22 Basketball + Volleyball Maples Pavilion is home to amazing basketball and volleyball teams. You won’t regret going. One of two big Arrillaga gyms with all your basic, gym-rat needs, bball courts + some. 23 Arrillaga 1 Perks: Closer, bouldering walls, squash & racquetball courts (free checkout of equipment) “Old Arrillaga” Limitations: No locker rooms/showers, muggy downstairs, slightly older equipment (but still good) 24 Football Free for students. (9pm Tuesday before). Tailgate with SLA before or just walk over. 25 Frost Amphitheater Cool outdoor performances and events here. Keep an eye out for them. 26 The Oval Nice big grassy area flanked by tree groves and the iconic view of Stanford’s front. Beware of tourists. 27 Campus Art Museums Cantor is the classic, but two new ones opened recently. Check them out for free. 28 Cactus Garden Off the beaten path, worthwhile escape, adjacent to the Mausoleum where Stanford and family rest. 29 Stanford Hospital If you need serious medical treatment, there’s an ER is nearby (<7 minute drive from Munger). 30 Engineering Quad Home to science and engineering departments, huge sandwiches, and smart people. One of two big Arrillaga gyms with all your basic, gym-rat needs, bball courts + some. 31 Arrillaga 2 Perks: Rock climbing, camping gear rental, SWEET OUTDOOR POOL, new equipment “New Arrillaga” Limitations: Not Many... too many attractive people? 32 Stables Yep, you go to a school with stables. Walk over and say hi to the horses. It’s “the farm” after all. 33 Driving Range Go hit a bucket at a reasonable price during lunch or take a rec class and get class credit. 34 Lake Lagunita (“Lag”) Unless there’s a lot of rain, it’s a dry grassy field, but there’s a pretty trail around it regardless. 35 Lag Firepit Go celebrate the end of finals by burning your outlines or making s'mores with your section. 36 Golf Course Beautiful course at a fraction of the cost ($25 for students) or play nine at the evening rate. 37 Observatory Great place to escape for the sunset over the hills or public stargazing at the student observatory. 38 The Dish A great walk, run or hike. Enjoy views of the bay, rolling hills, and Stanford’s giant dish.
11
TIPS FOR STUDENT-PARENTS
Student-parents can visit the website of Stanford’s Work Life Office (http://worklife.stanford.edu) for TIPS FOR SIGNIFICANT several helpful resources. OTHERS
Several former student-parents wanted to share the 1) Get a “courtesy” Stanford ID following advice: From the Student Services Center in Tresidder, it’ll get you almost everything ● “Ask for help (including fellow classmates) -people students get for free (the gyms, pools, are more willing to help than you probably think.” buildings, concerts, speakers, etc.). More info here! ● “For New Moms: Be sure and ask Holly 2) Consider the Red Zone sports pass. [[email protected]] for the code to the lactation room. And know that it's possible to get $35 –student pass to all Football games OR $65 –student pass to every sports, extra time on your exams if you need to pump, but all-year. you have to talk to Jory [[email protected]] in advance.” 3) Stay in the loop on events by having Stanford listservs auto-forward to you from your S-O (prepare for a flood of emails). ● “If you don’t have pets, consider living in 4) If you’re looking for a job, don’t overlook Escondido Village. We’ve been living off campus, jobs on-campus (there are many – check out and I feel like if we’d been in Escondido we’d have the job board here!) made more friends and had more of a network of 5) Come to any lunches, parties, or events other parents.” your SO does and some that they don’t. There’s so much going on at Stanford – ● “For the parents living on campus, make as many check out all the academic and cultural friends as [you] can with the neighbors in their offerings here! yards. This is a great source of information, toy 6) Finals will be stressful. Make plans with exchange, play dates and occasional babysitting! :)” other SOs or friends outside school.
● “The [Graduate Community Center] has an indoor play area that is great for little ones’ birthday parties.”
● “If you have a significant other, don’t forget to give them some down time. It’s hard work taking care of little ones all the time.”
● “It’s easy to fall into a binary world of family and classwork. Find time to socialize with your classmates.”
12
BAR BRIEFS In case you want a drink sometime this year. Alpine Inn (AKA “Zott’s”) (3915 Alpine Rd., Portola Old Pro (541 Ramona St.): Basically, a mediocre sports bar Valley): The beer is cold, the service is gruff, and the burgers are with overpriced drinks and annoyingly high covers on weekends. served on sub rolls. A classic Silicon Valley dive with a large beer But, they do have a mechanical bull and a ton of TVs to show garden perfect for a sunny afternoon. Which you’ll have a few of at every big game. Happy hour prices are much more reasonable. Stanford. The Patio at Rudy’s (412 Emerson St.): Amazing Antonio’s Nut House (321 S California Ave.): Known for karaoke by DJ Purple on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. An its cheap beer and free peanuts, though not for its friendly SLS favorite for dancing. The Patio has a cool outdoor area that bartenders. Lots of bar games (darts, pool, avoiding weirdos, etc.). will often set up beer pong or flip cup on Bar Review nights. Don’t miss the giant stuffed gorilla. Located dangerously close to Pizza My Heart and the 24/7 Subway. Café Borrone (1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park): Fun place to go grab some dessert, a light meal, and a drink. But not Ray’s (750 Escondido Rd., Stanford—did you seriously in that order. Or maybe in that order. We’re not sure how you need this address?): Our very own on-campus bar = no townies roll. and no taxis! You can stroll on over and crawl back home at the night’s end. Similar to Treehouse in Tresidder, but with slightly Castro St. (Mountain View): When you’re ready to get the better food and fewer undergrads. Too cheap and convenient to hell out of Palo Alto, but too lazy to venture out to the city, Castro miss! Street might be just the compromise you’re looking for. Lots of great bars and interesting restaurants. And unlike most of Rose & Crown (547 Emerson St.): A popular pub with downtown PA, there is no unofficial curfew on Castro Street. trivia on Tuesdays, a small outdoor courtyard, and a great beer selection. Crowded like whoa. Coconuts (642 Ramona St.): Delicious Caribbean food and cocktails. Even basics like rice and beans and cornbread are The Rosewood (2825 Sand Hill Rd.): Nestled amid 16 amazing. acres in Northern California this little number is home to the hottest cougar night in Palo Alto – don’t believe us, try rolling in Dutch Goose (3567 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Menlo on a Thursday night and see what felines are roaming around. Park): A Menlo Park institution famous for its deviled eggs. You’ll see all sorts of jungle cats, from cougars to snow leopards. Cheap beer, jukebox, pool. Has an outdoor bar—the Duck The bar in this hotel is known for being the cat’s meow in which Blind— and a Coke machine from the future. the cougariest of them all are waiting to pounce on some fresh meat. Gordon Biersch (640 Emerson St.): A chain brewery with Scotty’s (548 Emerson St.): A small bar with a nice pretty decent food and beer, centrally located in downtown Palo atmosphere and good happy hour specials. They make tasty drinks Alto. The garlic fries are pretty epic. and so-so doughnuts. NOLA Restaurant & Bar (535 Ramona St.): Surprisingly The Tap Room (233 University Ave.): A low-key bar with enough, this is a New Orleans-themed restaurant and bar. It can local craft beers, board games, and some solid bar food. get annoyingly crowded, but has fun cocktails (try a big-ass Hurricane) and a good vibe. Bar Review favorite. Wine Room (520 Ramona St.): As “decent a place to get a glass of wine, and nothing else” as PA gets. Perfect for a pre-Bar Oasis (241 El Camino Real, Menlo Park): Burgers and beer Review sophisticated mingle hour. Cozy chairs and wines by the done right. Nice beer garden seating and some cool stuff on the glass from $9-$14. walls. Great for a catching a game in a relaxed setting. 13
OFF-CAMPUS COFFEE FAVORITES:
Peet’s (in Town & Country, on University, and in downtown Happy Donuts (3916 El Camino Real): Open 24 hours. Drip Menlo Park): Great coffee, but so popular it can be hard to find a spot coffee but donuts! to sit and work. Zombie Runner (429 S. California Ave.): A running shop with a Philz Coffee (3191 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto): Some of the barista inside. If you’re looking for a phenomenal latté, look no further. best coffee in the area. Very knowledgeable baristas. This is possibly the best in town! Joe & the Juice (various locations around Palo Alto) Blue Bottle (456 University Ave): Amazing coffee. Verve Coffee Roasters (162 University Ave): Great coffee, great Coupa Café (538 Ramona St): Same great coffee just located ~off- breakfast sandwich, great outdoor seating campus~ for those adventurous folks. Great downtown study spot too!
OFF-CAMPUS FOOD FAVORITES: Don’t want to make the trip? Consider delivery to your door from area restaurants with Door Dash (www.doordash.com), Grub Hub (www.grubhub.com), Uber Eats (ubereats.com), or Caviar (trycaviar.com). Download their apps and you’re off to the races… or rather, at home on your couch.
nighter (not that any of us would end up there after our final LRW Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria (790 Castro Street, Mountain briefs were due at 7 am). Their milkshake of the month specials are not View): Incredibly delectable pizza if you are willing to drive just a few always the greatest, but their coffee cake is to die for (leave the butter on!). extra minutes to the always lively Castro Street (actual nightlife here, unlike the psuedo-nightlife in PA). Try the New Haven White Clam In n’ Out (1159 N. Rengstorff Ave. Mountain View): You pizza for a semi-adventurous treat. know you moved to California to get you some of this. Be sure to order your burger “animal-style” and your fries “well.” Vegis—order “grilled Celia’s Mexican Restaurant (3740 El Camino Real): Always cheese.” Open late—Now if only we could get them to open one closer to hoppin’—delicious fajitas, large margs. Stanford... Fuki Sushi (4119 El Camino Real): The first Sushi restaurant on Izzy’s Bagels (477 S. California): Missing Manhattan? New the Peninsula is still # 1. York-style bagels and sides. Guaranteed to have a long-line Sunday Darbar Café (129 Lytton Ave.): An SLS favorite, this is the best mornings (with more than a few hungover/workaholic SLS students). Indian food around. If Darbar is being served at an on-campus event, it Jeffrey’s (888 El Camino, Menlo Park): Cheap burgers, shakes is guaranteed to be packed. and fries. No fusses. Order at the front. Douce France (Town and Country): Bright French bakery-café. Joanie’s Café (447 S. California): Best breakfast around—and the Good place to study too. perfect place to dish about your weekend as you people-watch. Serves Driftwood Deli & Market (3450 El Camino Real): Yummy dinner, too. East Coast style sandwiches. Kali Greek Kitchen (451 California): simple and affordable Fraiche Frozen Yogurt (200 Hamilton): Locals’ favorite frozen Mediterranean food. Good for dining in or takeout. yogurt shop. Kara’s Cupcakes (Ste 50, 855 El Camino Real): Fun-filled Gelato Classico (435 Emerson): Best gelato around. Try the cupcakes (yes, some of them having filling . . . mmm), but not quite as lavender! amazing as Sprinkles. Hobees (Town & Country—855 El Camino Real): Cheap, Local Union 271 (271 University Ave): Good brunch, great great breakfast; kistchy theme. Also a great place to go after an all- aesthetic/atmosphere. 14
Nola (535 Ramona St): An ambiance-filled Cajun restaurant with a Tamarine (546 University): White tablecloth Vietnamese. Pricey, bar in front. Think New Orleans Square in Disneyland. You might be but delicious. Another good date night place that you’ll need a sat outdoors in their adorable courtyard or in one of the surrounding reservation for. private rooms. There are free beads for everyone (if they aren’t on your Tender Greens (Stanford Mall): Great casual sandwich and salad table when you arrive just ask!), incredible food and AMAZING spot. Healthy but hearty portions. drinks. Great fun. Terun (448 California Ave): Great pizza, cute ambiance. Oren’s Hummus (261 University Ave): The best hummus you’ll find. Oren’s Hummus and Oren’s Express both deliver. Tin Pot Creamery (Town and Country): Amazing ice cream. Palo Alto Sol (408 S. California): Delicious Mexican food and Tofu House (El Camino): This hole-in-the-wall has authentic strong pitchers of margaritas. Drinks by the can = no refills! Korean barbeque and amazing tofu ramen for a reasonable price. Paxti’s Chicago Pizza (441 Emerson): Chicago deep dish Thaiphoon (543 Emerson): Yummy food, and nowhere else in town pizza. Takes a while to cook so may want to call ahead. Ask for the makes a better lychee martini. by-the-slice options if you don’t want to wait. University Café (271 University Ave.): Great place to eat while Peninsula Creamery (566 Emerson and at the Stanford you study (slash people-watch). Mall): Famous shakes and great omelettes, sandwiches, steak breakfasts Vino Locale (431 Kipling St): Really cute Italian restaurant and and more. Try the pineapple malts. wine bar with lots of outdoor seating. Good date spot. On Wednesday, Pizza My Heart (220 University Ave.) Late-night pizza with wine bottles are discounted. long lines once the bars let out. Conveniently located near the taxi line. Wildberry Yogurt (325 Sharon Park Drive, Menlo Park): The Pizza slice + t-shirt for 5 bucks! BEST froyo near Stanford. Located in the same shopping area as the Pizzeria Delfina (651 Emerson St): This is a great date spot or “Secret Safeway.” Pay by weight, and mix and match as many flavors location for a nicer dinner with friends/family. It’s a little on the pricier and toppings as you can handle. Not cheap, but not completely out of side (classic Palo Alto) but delicious pizza and great outside dining area. control if you can hold back and not fill the huge cup to the brim . . . but there is little reason to hold back since so many of their flavors are fat Pluto’s (482 University Ave.): Salads made to order—very popular free. and crowded. A little pricey. Zareen’s (California): Delicious and affordable South Asian food. Rojoz Wraps (Town and Country—855 El Camino): Fast, Don’t miss the chai. delicious wraps to satisfy even the hungriest.
Reposado (236 Hamilton Ave): A high-end Mexican restaurant with outstanding margaritas. Sprinkles (393 Stanford Shopping Center): Cupcakes with lots of options (including vegan and gluten free!). Sprouts (168 University Avenue): Great sandwiches and salads, a slightly pricier version of Pluto’s.
Stacks (600 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park): World-famous breakfast (if your world is Palo Alto); very popular so expect to wait on weekends. Su Hong (4256 El Camino): One of the Peninsula’s favorite Chinese restaurants. Susie Cakes (642 Santa Cruz Ave. Menlo Park): Worth the drive. Our fav? the Vanilla Celebration Cake!
15
1L DICTIONARY: SLS TERMS & ACRONYMS
Above the Law (ATL) – A law blog; ATL takes a behind-the-scenes look at the world of law; the website (www.abovethelaw.com) publishes news and gossip about the profession’s most colorful personalities and powerful institutions, as well as original commentary on breaking legal developments. Very guilty pleasure. Try not to do anything that would warrant a story on this website—they love to run “Top Law Students Behaving Badly” pieces. Google “Berkeley Law and Vegas bird” if you don’t believe us… ADSA – The Advanced Degree Students Association, which represents the advanced degree students at SLS. Advanced Degree Students – International lawyers who are part of Stanford's LLM, SPILS (JSM) and JSD programs, who have already earned a first degree in law in their home countries. American Constitution Society (ACS) – An organization of students who strive to enact a progressive vision of our Constitution and laws. APILSA – Asian and Pacific Islander Law Students Association APILSA Book Closet – APILSA’s collection of used books, commercial outlines, and hornbooks, that students buy from and sell to. Opens a couple times per quarter; will advertise their hours on law-announce. Bar Review – Weekly event held on Thursday evenings where students gather at a designated bar to socialize; many a 1L has first “met” here. Barbri – Extensive bar exam review program (don’t even worry about it til 3L year) Barrister’s Ball / Law Prom – The Spring Formal thrown by Law Association during second semester; Semi- Formal takes place first semester; see party of the year. Black Letter law – The basic principles of law in a given subject #bleSLSed – What we all are. BLSA (“balsa”) – Black Law Students Association Bluebook – The handbook and format for legal citation; will become either your favorite or least favorite book, depending on whether or not you noticed that (almost) none of these definitions ends with a period. Book Prize (formally known as “Class Prize”) – award for academic achievement given to a small number of students in each class, depending on the class size (up to two per every thirty students in the class; 1L classes with sixty students give four). They appear on one’s transcript after grades and are not publicly announced. Brief – This is used to refer to two different things. (1) The case summaries you will prepare for your classes as a 1L, and then stop once you realize that it takes up too much time (can also be used as a verb in this context); (2) what you will be writing multiple times for the legal research and writing classes. Clinic(s) – Intensive courses that 2Ls and 3Ls can take that provide hands-on legal experience (ex. Environmental Clinic, Criminal Defense Clinic, Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, etc.). Students apply to clinics the year before (May of 1L year). Cold-calling – Classroom technique made infamous in One-L and The Paper Chase in which the professor picks students to answer questions, whether or not they feel like talking. It happens to everyone; it’s not a big deal when you say something stupid. We all have. Common law – The English and American system of law that has developed through judicial opinions rather than statutes or civil codes. DAMNS – Disability and Mental Health Network at Stanford ELJ – Stanford Environmental Law Journal 16
ELS – Environmental Law Society EVGR – Escondido Village Graduate Residences Falcon, the – Large black sculpture outside the law school; a common meeting spot for students FedLit – Federal Litigation, the Legal Research and Writing follow-up in the Winter and Spring. You’ll write two more briefs and do two oral arguments based on those briefs. Required for all 1Ls FedSoc – The Federalist Society, a group for libertarian and conservative law students and lawyers. Probably has the most lunch talks of any student organization. FLI – First-Generation & Low-Income Professionals Hornbook – A treatise that provides a summary of the law in a given area; explains the legal doctrine subject by subject. Not required, and many students do not use them—but can be a useful way to review/learn material. Related to “E&E”, the abbreviation for “Examples and Explanations.” Pretty useful for doctrinal classes. The one written by Joseph Glannon for Civil Procedure is indispensable as is the one written by Erwin Chemerinsky for Constitutional Law. JLSA – Jewish Law Students Association JSD – Stanford's doctorate program: this is for students who have already completed the SPILS (JSM) program and who are pursuing the Doctor of the Science of Law degree. Kirkwood – Stanford’s Moot Court competition (open to 2Ls/3Ls) Law Lounge – Indoor dining area/room located between the classroom building and the Law Library; where you will go to get your morning caffeine fix before classes. Law Review – Stanford’s main law journal; generally, law reviews in most schools are considered the most prestigious activity; law students try out for it spring or early summer of their 1L year. Levin Center – Stanford’s Public Interest center provides resources for students interested and committed to public service and achieving social justice through the law; coordinators of the pro bono program and the public interest program at SLS. LLM - Stanford Law School's one-year Master of Laws program, for students who already have a first degree in law (equivalent to the JD) from a law school in another country, and who all have had at least 2 years of work experience before coming to Stanford. Stanford's LLM is divided into four streams of specialized focus - the Corporate Governance and Practice (CGP) stream, the Environmental Law and Policy (ELP) stream, the Law, Science and Technology (LST) stream, and the International Economic Law, Business, and Policy (IELBP) stream. LRW – Legal Research and Writing Class OCI – The on-campus interviewing program in which 2Ls and 3Ls interview for summer jobs; 1Ls can participate in an abbreviated OCI in January (you’ll get this information when you need it) OCS – Office of Career Services. Provides resources and career guidance for students looking at private sector careers and judicial clerkships One-L (1L) – You OutLaw – Stanford’s LGBT organization OWLS – Older Wiser Law Students MESALSA – Middle Eastern and South Asian Law Students Association Munger – Graduate apartment complex next to the law school. You will spend your share of grungy nights at the Munger 5 lounge. NALSA – Native American Law Students Association 17
National Lawyers Guild (NLG) – An organization of law students dedicated to harnessing the law as a tool to advance social justice and social movements Panel – A system used in some classes, in which a professor will let a group of students know that they are on “panel” for a particular class and can expect to be called on that day. PLA – Stanford’s Plaintiffs’ Lawyers Association Pro bono – Not for profit legal work; also used to refer to SLS’s volunteer programs Public Interest – Term used to describe employers that promote the public good/social justice and do not seek to earn a profit (ex. Public defenders and district attorneys; jobs at non-profit organizations; government work); also used to describe students who intend on going into those fields. Robert Crown (also “Bobby Crown”) – The Law Library; see Hell or Your New Home SAIR – Stanford Advocates for Immigrants’ Rights Section – The group of 1Ls that you will have all of your first semester and several of your second semester classes with; essentially your law school siblings, for better or worse. “Section incest”– A term used to describe members of the same section who date each other. Generally frowned upon, but happens every year Shakings – Shaking the Foundations, a conference on progressive lawyering that takes place each Fall SJCRCL (“CRCL” or “circle”) – Stanford Journal of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties SJIL – Stanford Journal of International Law SJLBF – Stanford Journal of Law, Business & Finance SLA – Stanford Law Association (see entry below) SLATA – Stanford Law and Technology Association; its website includes links to course outlines (organized by class title & professor) and the SLATA bookstore on Amazon.com. SLLSA (“salsa”) – Stanford Latino Law Students Association SLPR (“slipper”) – Stanford Law and Policy Review SLR – see Law Review SLVO (“salvo”) – Stanford Law Veterans Organization SNSLS (“snuzzles”) – Stanford National Security and the Law Society SPILF – Stanford Public Interest Law Foundation; sometimes used to refer to the auction (see entry below). SPILF Auction – The spring auction thrown by SPILF to raise money for public interest law organizations; predominantly planned and executed by 1Ls. SPILF summer funding – Grants given to students who pursue public interest work during their summer (though these grants are no longer funded by SPILF, they are often referred to this way) SPILS – Stanford Program in International Legal Studies. Stanford Law School's one-year Master of the Science of Law program, for students who already have a first degree in law (equivalent to the JD) from a law school in another country. Stanford Law Association –The representative organization of the Law School student body (that’s us!). Founded: January 1953. Besides being exceptionally attractive and well-mannered, Law Association (SLA) represents the interests of the Law School student body in general, assists in new student orientation and administrative decisions, and serves as a special advisory council to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. SLA also sponsors social programs, including community service day, mental health week, formal and semi-formal, weekly bar reviews and happy hours. We may or may not be the greatest student organization of all time. We are. Stop by for a meeting!
18
STLR (“stellar”)– Stanford Technology Law Review SSDP - Pro bono activity in which law students help people procure social security disability benefits StreetLaw – Pro bono activity in which law students teach kids in juvenile detention centers about their legal rights. Symplicity – Career service website on which students upload resumes, search for jobs and apply to jobs for OCI Treehouse – Restaurant behind Tresidder that serves burgers, Mexican, and pizza Tresidder – The Stanford student union; has a food court, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Subway and Wells Fargo. WoCC – Women of Color Collective of Stanford Law WSL (“whistle”) – Women of Stanford Law
19
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS AT SLS
Everyone feels imposter syndrome, anxiety, and other mental health-related issues at times. Your peers and professors are great resources to talk to! Don’t stay silent. We are in this together.
LAW SCHOOL RESOURCES • Reach out to Dean Jory Steele (Associate Dean of Student Affairs) ([email protected] / 650-723-6203) with COVID-related and any other concerns. She is eager to help students with any issues that come up. • You can reach out to a member of the SLA Mental Health and Wellness Committee with questions, programming ideas, or academic or administrative concerns: Madelyn Coles ([email protected]); Leah Kennedy ([email protected]); Jody Bianchini ([email protected]); Taylor Chambers ([email protected]). • Wellness@SLS (https://law.stanford.edu/office-of-student-affairs/wellness-at-stanford-law-school/) is your go- to source for information about counseling sessions at the law school, wellness events, and mental health resources and events for law students. • If you need accommodations due to temporary or ongoing physical or mental health issues or other personal reasons, contact Dean Steele and the Office of Accessible Education (https://oae.stanford.edu/students/registering-oae). If you worry about recurring mental or physical health issues, contact Dean Steele and OAE now so you are prepared in advance. • If you have an issue with classroom dynamics or pedagogy (triggering hypotheticals, harassing comments, etc.), please report your concerns either: o Anonymously to Dean Steele by leaving a note in the box outside her office. o In person to Dean Steele by emailing or calling her. o To a member of the SLA Mental Health and Wellness Committee, Academic Affairs Committee, or Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCES (CAPS) • You can call CAPS at 650-723-3785 24/7 to address your health options. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday, but a clinician is available to answer the phone any time if you need urgent assistance. • You can find Vaden’s Virtual Well-Being Resources here (https://vaden.stanford.edu/virtualwellbeing). • CAPS counselors Dr. Riley Cropper and Dr. LaWanda Hill are specially trained to work with law students. You can schedule an appointment with either of them here: http://vadenpatient.stanford.edu/. Select “Law Student Counseling Visit “ to select a time. Or you can email them at [email protected] and [email protected]. • CAPS has information about finding off-campus care here (https://vaden.stanford.edu/caps/referrals). We recommend calling CAPS and asking for Referral Coordination services. A CAPS staff member will help you find out which therapists and psychiatrists are in your insurance network and have upcoming openings. • CAPS offers many workshops and group therapy sessions you can view here (https://vaden.stanford.edu/events/upcoming-events) and access by calling CAPS or talking to Dr. Cropper or Dr. Hill. Additionally, some lessons are pre-recorded here (https://vaden.stanford.edu/caps/groups/virtual).
PEACEFUL PLACES Spots to relax on campus, listed from closest to furthest from the Law School, because there’s more to Stanford than the law school (and sometimes you just need to get away from Crown). • Kingscote Gardens (a pond and water feature) • Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden (an interesting and fairly quiet place) • Windhover (a good spot if you’re looking for quiet and/or abstract paintings; also has a meditative labyrinth) • Memorial Church Garden (a tucked away courtyard with pretty flowers) 20
• Terman Courtyard (a sunken park with a massive rectangular fountain) • Science and Engineering Quad (a good spot to get some sun) • McMurtry Art Building (check out the rooftop garden) • Cactus Garden (and the Stanford Mausoleum, just a short walk away) • Just start walking. Wander aimlessly around campus - you never know what you might find.
ISSUE-SPECIFIC ASSISTANCE • Sexual Assault & Harassment: o Call the YWCA Rape Crisis Hotline at 800-572-2782 o Contact Vaden’s Confidential Support Team hotline 24/7 at 650-725-9955 if you have been impacted by sexual, relationship, or gender-based violence and find more resources at https://vaden.stanford.edu/cst. o Report to the Title IX Coordinator ([email protected] / (650) 497-4955) or the Office of Sexual Assault and Relationship Abuse (SARA) ([email protected] / (650) 725-1056). • Suicide: Contact the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386; the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255; or an on-call Vaden clinician at 650-723-3785. • Disordered Eating: Check out the resources at https://vaden.stanford.edu/health-resources/transitioning-your- medical-and-mental-health-care/eating-disorders. • LGBTQIA+ Health: Check out the resources at https://vaden.stanford.edu/health-resources/lgbtqia-health or https://queer.stanford.edu/stanford-pride. • Substance and Alcohol Use: Check out the resources at https://vaden.stanford.edu/health- resources/substance-use or schedule a consult with a Substance Use Educator at https://alcohol.stanford.edu/consult/students. • Grief: Check out the resources at https://kara-grief.org/ and be on the lookout for Stanford events at https://religiouslife.stanford.edu/programs-events/student-grief-and-loss-gathering and https://vaden.stanford.edu/grief-and-loss.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES • Bridge Peer Counseling Center https://web.stanford.edu/group/bridge/ o The Bridge Peer Counseling Center is Stanford’s student run peer-counseling center. It offers anonymous and confidential 24/7 counseling and is staffed by students. o And see their “resources” for various resources for a variety of health and well-being numbers to call! • Well-being at Stanford Coaching - Well-Being at Stanford Coaches are experts in the change process and serve as skilled partners to help you make shifts in beliefs and behaviors to improve your overall well-being, or simply offer support when you’re struggling. With them, you can clarify values, set goals and priorities, talk through challenges, and create your own vision for well-being. • Free meditation resources: https://healthlibrary.stanford.edu/books-resources/mindfulness-meditation.html • Check out the WELL for resources on various health topics at Stanford. • Check Stanford Recreation & Wellness for virtual and in-person physical health resources.
21
(UN)OFFICIAL GUIDE TO ZOOM LAW
Recognizing that, of course, classes via Zoom are far less than ideal, students have put together some tips and tricks, based on their experiences last spring quarter, that will hopefully be helpful (and maybe even provide some level of comfort?) as fall quarter begins. It is also worth noting that across the board, students were thrilled to see professors find new and creative ways to keep class engaging via Zoom. More questions about Zoom classes? Reach out to anyone on SLA and we’ll happily (and candidly) share our thoughts and experiences with you.
• Please don’t let the virtual nature of this year stop you from meeting everyone else at the law school – the people are the best part about being here!
• Professors want to get to know you! Now that you can’t see them in person, you should feel extra welcome attending their office hours and asking them questions after class. Remember that if they didn’t want you there, they could have left (and kicked you out) with a click.
• Take a few weekends off. Fully off. Away from your computer and casebooks and all other screens you can possibly avoid. You don’t need to study all the time and your eyesight and mental health will deeply appreciate it.
• Make it so you don’t see yourself on the screen except for when you are talking/ on panel- otherwise it is too easy to get distracted. Create a groupchat with friends in the class you can commiserate with/ ask questions to when you get distracted and miss something in class. If you have questions, most professors will stay in the Zoom room after class. Professors can get transcripts of any chats you send (even private ones) after class, so don’t message friends through Zoom. Don’t feel bad using Zoom rooms to chat and catch up with friends- social time is just as important.
• Buy Quimbee with a group, create a section GroupMe, do socially distanced or virtual happy hours with your section. Keep your video on during lecture- it helps motivate you to stay focused, but use the “hide myself” function if looking at yourself is too distracting. Turn on night shift on your phone and laptop to limit blue light and help you sleep better (f.lux works great for this also!). Try and spend more of your day outside your bedroom; that being said, make your room peaceful and conductive to studying.
• The app ColdTurkey is worth its weight in gold- it’s a paid app, but it allows you to set lists of apps and websites on your computer and block them. For example, I have a “classtime” list that blocks me from accessing all email, messages, Reddit, etc. You can even set a weekly schedule! You can also set it up so that you start the timer and it gives you ten minute breaks every hour, or other preferred ratio.
• Afternoon walks after class are your friend. An external monitor is really nice even in normal times, but especially great during Zoom classes. It’ll allow you to have your notes on one screen and still be able to see everyone’s faces the rest of the time.
• If you are able to, buy a standing desk/multiple monitor setup, it is truly a life changing way to attend online classes.
• If your financial conditions allow, I think investing in a second monitor is really helpful. I usually attend Zoom lectures on my laptop, with my reading notes and class notes in a split screen on the monitor. This set-up mimics the set-up I usually have in class to the extent possible. I also think that while most professors 22
allow you to have your camera off no questions asked, having it on usually holds me accountable to paying attention in class. With that said, zoning out and Zoom fatigue is really common. Once you notice that you're zoning out, make sure to note that down in your notes (like a timestamp) so you can watch the recordings later (but whether you'll actually look at that later is a different question...).
• I think that something Zoom Law School makes clear is that you should invest time in maintaining personal connections with your friends. Going on a walk with a friend or doing a safe, socially distant picnic has been my way of maintaining some sense of sanity during this period. Finally, take some time for yourself. I usually try to go for a run/walk at night to clear my mind and think, because god knows you can't do that on a Zoom screen all day.
• Take classes outside if the weather is good, use a dual monitor and external mouse (if possible)
• Do your best not to have other tabs open during class. Your doctrinal professors’ explanations will be critical and you don’t want to be distracted!
• There’s absolutely no shame in leaving your camera off (pretty sure we’ve literally all done it), but don’t think you’re going to fool anyone with a virtual background of your face.
• Don’t try to private message people using the Zoom chat. Use literally anything else.
• Change out of your PJs (even if it's just into leggings) and try to find some semblance of a morning routine. Go for walks between classes. Be patient with yourself!
• Zoom fatigue is real! Don't feel obligated to go to every event just because everything is a few clicks away - take time to go outside, or just turn your brain off with some youtube/netflix when you can.
• Set a schedule for yourself, sit by a window, hang in there!
• Even if you're not someone who usually goes to office hours or meets with profs, do it via Zoom! It's less intimidating and no extra work, and the profs are desperate to get to know you in this new strange environment.
• (1) It's OK if you feel like you're more exhausted learning via zoom than you've felt in an in-person classroom (be kind to yourself!) (2) Try out different ways to stay engaged in class (some don't like to use video to see themselves or see others in class except for the speaker for example) (3) Note that moving backgrounds on Zoom might be distracting to others even if it's not for you (4) Reach out to friends before/ after class (maybe this is a section GroupMe?) (5) It's OK to feel overwhelmed. Just know you're not alone and definitely do not feel embarrassed to reach out.
We wish you the very best of luck and cannot wait to welcome you to the SLS family! When in doubt, reach out! Shoot a note to your SLA presidents Rachel ([email protected]) or K.C. ([email protected]) with questions big and small. We would be happy to help ☺ 23