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

Daily Schedule

Part-Time JD Program

All sessions are required unless specifically noted as optional

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 – 9:40am

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

Lexis 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 Lexis Platform Orientation (live or online) Claudio Grossman Hall

6:00pm – 6:45pm [Dinner]

Meet Your 1L Faculty Dinner
By the end of this session, students will have met and shared a meal with their 1L faculty and the Associate Dean for the Part-time and Evening Program.
Session Title Room
Meet Your 1L Faculty Lunch NT01

6:45pm – 6:50pm

5-minute Break

6:50pm – 7:35pm

Who You Are Matters: Professional Identity Formation, Leadership & the Law
In this session, we invite you to reflect on who you are, what you value, and the kind of legal professional you want to become. Through interactive discussions and personal reflection, this session will provide you with a personalized guide to shaping your voice, purpose, and approach to leadership as you start your law school journey.
Session Title Room
Who You Are Matters: Professional Identity Formation, Leadership and the Law NT01

7:35pm – 7:40pm

5-minute Break

7:40pm – 8:25pm

Demystifying the Law School Classroom
By the end of this session, students will be able to define Socratic teaching, situate it within legal education’s teaching techniques, name its pedagogical goals, and critique its strengths and weaknesses.
Session Title Room
Demystifying the Law School Classroom NT01

8:25pm – 8:30pm

5-minute Break

8:30pm – 9:15pm

Student Ambassador Peer Session
By the end of this session, students will have the opportunity to hear from upper-level AUWCL students – no faculty or staff allowed. Students will have a chance to get information from and ask questions of current WCL students who have recently completed their 1L year.
Session Title Room
Student Ambassador Peer Session NT01

Optional Thursday Activities

These Thursday activities are optional and designed to help you get familiar with campus, connect with classmates, and ease into your law school experience. You are welcome to attend any that interest you. 

12:45pm – 2:00pm | Lunch on your own

12:45pm – 2:00pm

Lunch on Your Own
AUWCL Dining Room

The AUWCL Dining Room will be open throughout Orientation week. It is located on the first floor of the Yuma Building. During this lunch break, our vendor Chartwells will be hosting a tasting event (i.e. samples) and providing educational materials (i.e. how to place orders, sharing menus) about its offerings for students!

Tenleytown Dining Options

The AUWCL Campus is located in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, DC. Tenleytown has a number of fast casual and sit-down restaurant options within a short walk of the law school! Here are a few dining suggestions: Five Guys, Panera, Robeks, Whole Foods, Chipotle, Cava, Nandos, Surfside, and Saku Saku.

2:00pm – 3:00pm | Safety at AU with University Safety and Security Services

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Safety at AUWCL
AU Safety and Security Services will join the AUWCL community for a presentation on Safety at AU in Claudio Grossman Hall.

2:00pm – 4:00pm | Get to Know the Pence Law Library

2:00pm – 4:00pm

Get to Know the Pence Law Library
Stop by the Pence Law Library on the first floor of the Warren Building to see all that we have to offer. Take a tour of the library and scope out your favorite study spots. Make sure your Bloomberg, LexisNexis, and Westlaw accounts are all set and learn about the full range of resources the library offers.

2:00pm – 4:00pm | Student Resource Fair

2:00pm – 4:00pm

Student Resource Fair

Meet staff from student support and advising offices in the WCL Commons (Terrace Level). Get to know the friendly faces behind the emails and ask anything that is still on your mind as Orientation concludes. Upper-level students will also be present in the WCL Commons ready to answer your questions!

The following offices will have a presence at the Fair! Office of Student Affairs; Office of Academic Excellence; Office of the Registrar; Office of Career and Professional Development; U-Pass Office; American University Police Department; Office of Disability Support; AU Center for Wellbeing Programs and Psychological Services; DC Lawyer’s Assistance Program