myAU | AU Library | myWCL | Library Home | myLEAGLE Library Account

Pence Law Library Guides

Library Home | Research Guides | LEAGLE Catalog | E-Journals & Articles | Library Databases | Frequently Used Resources | Ask a Librarian

Skip to Main Content

AUWCL Orientation 2025

Full-Time JD Program

All sessions are required unless specifically noted as optional

9:00am – 9:40am

Note: A remote option is available at your preferred date and time. Please see below for additional information.

Westlaw Platform Orientation
[In-Person Option]

Students must complete two research platform orientations before their first Legal Research and Writing class the week of August 25th. Students will upload a certificate of completion for each orientation to the course Canvas page. These sessions can be completed in person or online at a time of your choice.

Students will receive instructions for accessing the platforms and expectations for these orientations via a course message on Canvas to their American University email address before the start of orientation. 

The purpose of these orientations is to orient students to the structure and features of the Westlaw and Lexis research platforms before students need to use them independently.
1L Section Session Title Room
All Westlaw Platform Orientation (live or online) Claudio Grossman Hall

10:00am – 1:00pm

Introduction to Legal Research & Writing Curriculum
By the end of this session, students will be able to name the core skills and sources of law that lawyers use to represent clients. They will have strategies for success to acquire those foundational skills in their Legal Research & Writing courses. They will have a practical and holistic understanding of how their Legal Research & Writing courses are structured week to week and the various people involved in delivering the course.  
1L Section Session Title Room
Section 1 Introduction to Legal Research & Writing Curriculum NT01
Section 2 Introduction to Legal Research & Writing Curriculum NT07
Section 3 Introduction to Legal Research & Writing Curriculum NT08
Section 4 Introduction to Legal Research & Writing Curriculum YT17

1:00pm – 3:00pm [Lunch]

Meet Your 1L Faculty Lunch
By the end of this lunch session, students will have met their Legal Research and Writing, Civil Procedure, Contracts, and Torts professors over lunch.
1L Section Session Title Room
Section 1 Meet Your 1L Faculty Lunch NT01
Section 2 Meet Your 1L Faculty Lunch NT07
Section 3 Meet Your 1L Faculty Lunch NT08
Section 4 Meet Your 1L Faculty Lunch YT17

6:45pm @ Nationals Park

Nationals v. Mets [Optional]

For students who are able, please join us at Nationals Park to watch the Nationals take on the Mets. Orientation ends early today at 3:00pm to give students time to travel to Nationals Park. Nationals Park is metro accessible. American University President Jonathan R. Alger and Washington College of Law Interim Dean Heather M. Hughes will be joining us at the ballpark!

Ensure that you check the Nationals Park bag policy prior to heading to the ballpark. Be sure to bring your ticket, your AUWCL shirt, and your game face!