Fall 2024 Orientation 

Below is the Fall 2024 Orientation schedule.

We are excited to welcome you to the University of Wisconsin Law School! Below is a schedule of Orientation events, which includes virtual Early Orientation sessions throughout August and in-person Orientation Week, from August 27 to August 30.

Logistics

Early Orientation sessions are virtual and available on Canvas. Some sessions are required. 

Orientation Week sessions are in-person unless otherwise specified. Most sessions are required. 

All times are in Central Daylight Time (CDT).

For more information about Orientation, visit Canvas. 

Canvas Course

The full Orientation schedule, session descriptions, sign-up links, links for virtual sessions, and locations for in-person sessions are available on Canvas.

You must activate your NetID to access Canvas.

Early Orientation Schedule At-a-Glance

All Early Orientation sessions are virtual and available on CanvasRequired Early Orientation sessions are indicated below.

The full Orientation schedule, session descriptions, sign-up links, links for virtual sessions, and locations for in-person sessions are available on Canvas.

August 12

Orientation Kickoff: Road Map for the Month

  • 12-1 PM
  • Virtual (see link in Canvas)
August 13+ 

Connecting with Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors will begin reaching out to all of their assigned new students around this time. Be sure to check your wisc.edu email! 

August 13       Required!

Intro to Law School Resources

  • 12-1 :30 PM
  • Virtual (see link in Canvas)
  • This session is required!
August 14

Intro to UW Law School Technology

  • 12-1 PM
  • Virtual (see link in Canvas)
August 15

Law School Financial Aid Info Session

  • 12-1 PM
  • Virtual (see link in Canvas)
August 16

Accommodations & Accessibility Panel

  • 12-1 PM
  • Virtual (see link in Canvas)
  • Hosted by the Students for Accessibility, Disability, and Accommodation (a Law School registered student organization) 
August 19       Required!

Intro to the Academic Enhancement Program (AEP)

  • Sign up for one of the following timeslots via Canvas
    • 9-10 AM
    • 10:30-11:30 AM
    • 12-1 PM
  • Virtual (see link in Canvas)
  • This session is required!
August 20

Study Smart, Part I: Essential Learning Skills and Theories for Law Students' Academic Success

  • Sign up for one of the following timeslots via Canvas
    • 9-10 AM
    • 10:30-11:30 AM
    • 12-1 PM
  • Virtual (see link in Canvas)
August 21

Study Smart, Part II: Understanding the Law Classroom and Faculty Expectations

  • Sign up for one of the following timeslots via Canvas
    • 9-10 AM
    • 10:30-11:30 AM
    • 12-1 PM
  • Virtual (see link in Canvas)

Orientation Week Schedule At-a-Glance

Unless otherwise specified, all events during Orientation Week are in-person. Required Orientation Week days are indicated below.

The full Orientation schedule, session descriptions, sign-up links, links for virtual sessions, and locations for in-person sessions are available on Canvas.

August 27

LEO Orientation

The Legal Education Opportunities (LEO) student organizations at the Law School are designed to support students of color and students from other historically underrepresented groups throughout the recruitment, enrollment, and alumni experience.

These organizations also provide an informal academic and social support network for students while they are in law school and beyond. LEO Orientation offers an opportunity for community-building among these students and their allies. RSVP required (see email from Admissions).

Study Smart, Part III: Preparing for the Law Classroom -- An In-Depth Discussion

Students who do not attend LEO Orientation may sign up for one of the following timeslots via Canvas:

  • 12-1:15 PM
  • 1:30-2:45 PM
  • 3-4:15 PM

Students who attend LEO Orientation need not attend this standalone Study Smart, Part III session, as this programming is covered during LEO Orientation. 

August 28 Required!

Day One of 1L Orientation

  • 8:30-10:30 AM: Check-In, Photograph, Breakfast, and Optional Activities
    • Sign up for some optional activities via Canvas 
  • 10:45-11:30 AM: Welcome & Introduction
  • 12-1 PM: Lunch with Peer Mentors
  • 1:15-4 PM: Simultaneous Programming (location and order will depend on your LAAW section; see Canvas
    • Law School Resource Scavenger Hunt
    • Student Panel
    • Professional Identity: How Do You Want to Lawyer? 
  • 4-5 PM: Reception

All Day One programming is required! 

August 29 Required!

Day Two of 1L Orientation

  • 9-10 AM: Light Breakfast and Optional Activities
    • Sign up for some optional activities via Canvas 
  • 10 AM-4 PM: Simultaneous Programming (location and order will depend on your LAAW section; see Canvas
    • DEI Session
    • Mock Class
    • Lunch with Legal Analysis, Advocacy & Writing Professor
    • Student Organization Fair
    • Intro to the Office of Career & Professional Development
  • 5:30-8 PM: Post-Orientation event hosted by the Student Bar Association

All Day Two programming is required, except for the Optional Activities in the morning and the post-Orientation event! 

Transfer Student Orientation

Required for transfer students only.

August 30

Day Three of 1L Orientation

  • 9-10 AM: Financial Aid Counseling Drop-in Hours
  • 9-10 AM: Student Affairs Drop-in Hours 
  • 10:30-11:45 AM or 12-1:15 PM: Study Smart, Part IV: Basics of Criminal Law and Procedure, Civil Procedure, and Contracts
    • Sign up for a timeslot via Canvas
  • 2-3 PM: UW-Madison Campus Tour

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend!

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