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AUWCL Orientation 2025

Daily Schedule

Part-Time JD Program

All sessions are required unless specifically noted as optional

Evening Sessions Location

All evening sessions will take place in NT01, and attendance is required at all evening sessions. Dinner will be provided outside NT01 beginning at 5:30pm each day, but students may also pick up dinner on the way into the Orientation sessions.

9:00am - 4:00pm

In My Backyard (Optional)

IMBY is a celebration of everything good in our community and a chance to be part of positive work being done at various organizations all over the District. IMBY sets the tone for the spirit of public service and community involvement that pervades at AUWCL. For 1Ls, IMBY is a fun way to kick off orientation, get out and see the city, and meet new classmates in a relaxed environment. For questions about IMBY, please contact IMBY.WCL@gmail.com. 
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Register by July 18:  IMBY Registration

Schedule 

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Breakfast
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Remarks
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Travel to Site
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Service On-Site
 

Parents, Partners & Friends: Supporting a Loved One in Law School (Optional)

The best research shows that the recipe for success in law school requires more than good study habits and detailed outlines—a strong support network is an equally critical ingredient, as it truly takes a village to thrive in law school. This session is intended for parents, partners, friends, and anyone else who has a loved one starting law school. Join this remote session to hear from representatives from American University Washington College of Law’s Office of Academic Affairs, Admissions Office, Office of Student Affairs, and Office of Academic Excellence. The session will provide you with a better understanding of the modern law school experience, share information about resources available on campus, and offer advice on how best to support a loved one in law school.
Register:  https://auwcl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEkceyvrz0pGNDg_7Teu_zctUFjs8EpjT9y 

5:00pm – 6:00pm

Required Check-in and Orientation Packet/AU ID Pickup

Welcome to AUWCL! Please arrive early to Orientation to check in, pick up your name tag, Orientation packet, and AU ID. We’ll start distributing materials and dinner at 5:00PM outside of NT01 by the Welcome Desk. We encourage you to arrive early to connect with classmates and the WCL community members assisting with Orientation week. Orientation will begin promptly at 6:00pm.

We encourage you to arrive early to connect with classmates and the WCL community members assisting with Orientation week.Grab some dinner and meet someone new!

6:00pm – 6:30pm

Overview of Orientation 
By the end of this session, students will be able to identify the goals of Orientation, understand Honor Code requirements, and get to know their colleagues.
Session Title Room

Overview of Orientation

 NT01
 

6:30pm – 7:00pm

Dean's Welcome and Professional Oath

By the end of the session, students will be welcomed to the American University Washington College of Law by Dean Heather Hughes. 

Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia Ebony M. Scott (AUWCL alumna class of 2006) will administer the Professional Oath to the incoming part-time class.

Session Title Room

Dean's Welcome and Professional Oath

 NT01

7:00pm – 7:10pm 

10-minute Break

7:10pm – 7:55pm

The US Legal System and Types of Legal Authority
By the end of this session, students should be able to understand the nature of common law, describe the basics of federal vs. state jurisdiction, identify the types of authority that each branch of government produces, distinguish between primary and secondary sources of law, identify which sources are mandatory primary authority versus persuasive primary authority, and explain when and why lawyers use secondary sources.
Session Title Room
The US Legal System and Types of Legal Authority NT01

7:55pm – 8:00pm

5-minute Break

8:00pm – 9:00pm

Introduction to Law School Learning

By the end of this session, students will be able to identify strategies to effectively manage their time and prepare for meaningful class participation in the law school setting. Law school is a unique learning experience that requires specialized skills and growth strategies 
Session Title Room
Introduction to Law School Learning NT01