Student Handbook Academic Year 2020-2021 JD Students DREXEL UNIVERSITY THOMAS R. KLINE SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021 – TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page A Note About This Handbook ................................................................................................ 4 Introduction to Student Services ............................................................................................ 5 I. Academic Rules and Policies A. Graduation Graduation Requirements ........................................................................................ 7 Completion of Degree Requirements..................................................................... .. 9 Degree Conferral............................................................................................ .......... 9 Graduation Honors.......................................................................................... ......... 9 Commencement ..................................................................................................... 10 B. Grades Grading System ..................................................................................................... 10 Grade Distribution Policies.................................................................................... 11 Grade Changes ... ................................................................................................... 12 Incomplete Grades ................................................................................................. 12 Dean’s List ............................................................................................................. 12 C. Registration and Coursework Advisors........................................................................................................... ...... 12 Maximum/Minimum Credits.............................................................................. ... 13 Registration and Course Changes .......................................................................... 14 Registration Eligibility and Holds ......................................................................... 15 Credit Hour Policy ................................................................................................. 15 Attendance................................................................................................... .......... 15 Auditing Courses……………………………………….................................. ...... 15 Repeating Courses ................................................................................................. 16 Independent Study.......................................................................................... ........ 16 Joint Degree Programs ........................................................................................... 16 Program Changes ................................................................................................... 17 Leaves of Absence ................................................................................................. 17 Withdrawal from the Law School...................................................................... .... 18 Tuition Refund and Credit Policy....................................................................... ... 19 Satisfactory Academic Progress/Time to Completion ........................................... 19 Credit for Non-JD Courses at Drexel University ................................................... 19 Transfer Credits ..................................................................................................... 20 D. Assessments General Examination and Assessment Policies...................................................... 21 In-Class Examinations ........................................................................................... 24 Take-Home and Online Examinations ................................................................... 28 Alternative Assessments ........................................................................................ 28 E. Academic Standing Letters of Good Standing................................................................................ ....... 28 Referral for Academic Skills ................................................................................. 28 Probation (Academic) ............................................................................................ 28 Academic Dismissal .............................................................................................. 30 Reinstatement............................................................................................... .......... 30 F. Student Employment and Practice Employment During Law School............... .. ........................................................ 33 Student Practice (Certified Legal Interns) ............................................................. 33 2 II. General Policies Financial Aid Information ...................................................................................... 35 Bar Requirements ................................................................................................... 37 Disability Accommodations................................................................................. ... 38 International Students and Scholars Services ......................................................... 39 Class Cancellations and Rescheduled Classes ........................................................ 40 Observance of Religious Holidays.......................................................................... 40 Student Records ...................................................................................................... 40 Libraries .................................................................................................................. 41 Computer and Laptop Policies ................................................................................ 41 E-mail ..................................................................................................................... 43 Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices ............................................................. 44 DragonCards ........................................................................................................... 44 Books ..................................................................................................................... 45 Health-Related Policies ........................................................................................... 45 COVID-19 .............................................................................................................. 47 Smoking Policy ....................................................................................................... 47 Grievances .............................................................................................................. 47 III. Student Safety and Health Resources Public Safety ............................................................................................................. 51 Counseling Center ..................................................................................................... 55 Health Services ......................................................................................................... 56 Substance Abuse Assistance ..................................................................................... 56 Emergency and Support Services for Sexual Assault Victims ................................. 57 Other University Resources ...................................................................................... 58 IV. Kline School of Law Code of Conduct General Ethical Principles ......................................................................................... 59 Prohibited Conduct ................................................................................................... 59 Procedure for Actions Under the Code of Conduct for Allegations of Discrimination, or Harassment……. .................................................................................................. 61 Procedure for Actions Under the Code of Conduct for Allegations of Gender Discrimination or Sexual Harassment……. .............................................................. 61 Procedure for Actions Under the Code of Conduct for Allegations other than Discrimination, Harassment, Gender Discrimination or Sexual Harassment……. .. 62 Sanctions for Violation of the Code of Conduct for Violations of Discrimination, or Harassment……. ....................................................................................................... 67 Sanctions for Violation of the Code of Conduct for Violations of Gender Discrimination or Sexual Harassment……. .............................................................. 67 Sanctions for Violation of the Code of Conduct for Violations other than Discrimination, Harassment, Gender Discrimination, or Sexual Harassment……. 67 Publication ................................................................................................................ 68 COVID-19 Addendum ........................................................................................................ iii 3 A Note About This Handbook This handbook will be effective for JD students at the Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law for the 2020-2021 academic year. All rules governing academic performance and student conduct may be modified or amended under the authority of the Dean and the faculty. Modifications