Student Handbook Fall 2013 Table of Contents Introduction Signature Page ...................................................................................................................................4 First Year Student Class Schedule .....................................................................................................5 New Student Orientation Schedule 2013 ...........................................................................................9 Campus Map ......................................................................................................................................12 Purpose & Philosophy .......................................................................................................................13 Accreditation Statement ....................................................................................................................14 Mission Statement Mission Statement .............................................................................................................................15 Academic Calendar Academic Calendar ...........................................................................................................................16 Orientation Materials Primer on Plagiarism .........................................................................................................................17 What to Expect in Law School ..........................................................................................................20 Setting Your Course & Following Through ......................................................................................23 Ten Tips from Top Students ..............................................................................................................25 Evaluating (Briefing) Cases ...............................................................................................................26 Character & Fitness Requirements for Bar Admission ......................................................................29 Verification of Completion of Student Bar Application ....................................................................30 Information About Registration with the Alabama State Bar ............................................................31 Faculty/Staff Directories Faculty ................................................................................................................................ 33 Administration ..................................................................................................................... 35 Adjunct ................................................................................................................................ 36 Library Faculty .................................................................................................................... 38 Faculty & Staff Directory .................................................................................................... 39 Technology & Support Directory ........................................................................................ 41 Academic Policies Writing Requirements .......................................................................................................................42 Professional Skills Requirements ......................................................................................................45 Academic Progress ............................................................................................................................46 Course of Study .................................................................................................................................47 Attendance .........................................................................................................................................50 Student Employment .........................................................................................................................52 Examinations .....................................................................................................................................53 Grades ................................................................................................................................................56 Recognition of Academic Achievement ............................................................................................63 Interruption of Academic Progress ....................................................................................................65 Admissions-Beginning Students ........................................................................................................70 Readmitted Students ..........................................................................................................................72 Transfer Students ...............................................................................................................................74 Visiting Students ...............................................................................................................................75 Curriculum Guidebook Purpose & Mission ............................................................................................................................79 Graduation Requirements ..................................................................................................................80 Required Courses...............................................................................................................................81 i Elective Courses ................................................................................................................................84 Curriculum Inventory ........................................................................................................................96 Course Clusters ..................................................................................................................................97 Co-Curricular Programs ....................................................................................................................104 Professional Skills Courses ...............................................................................................................106 Seminars ............................................................................................................................................107 Clinical Programs ..............................................................................................................................108 Registration & Student Advising Registration .......................................................................................................................................110 Exam Review Review ................................................................................................................................. 112 Financial Information Information ........................................................................................................................................113 Tuition and Fees ................................................................................................................................114 Honor Code & Related Policies Honor Code .......................................................................................................................................115 Honor Code Violations & Sanctions .................................................................................................125 Summaries of Honor Court Opinions ................................................................................................128 Other Policies Nondiscrimination & Diversity .........................................................................................................144 Academic Freedom ............................................................................................................................145 Policy on the Use of Alcohol .............................................................................................................146 Professional Courtesy and Behavior ..................................................................................................146 Administrative Discipline ..................................................................................................................147 Services for Students with Disabilities ..............................................................................................149 Notification of Rights Under FERPA ................................................................................................151 Sexual Harassment ............................................................................................................................152 Non-Smoking ....................................................................................................................................152 Appropriate Dress ..............................................................................................................................152 Weapons ............................................................................................................................................152 Written Student Complaints ..............................................................................................................153 Student Use of ExpressO ...................................................................................................................155