Fall 2023 Orientation
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 8 to September 1.
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 Canvas. Required 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.
Orientation Kickoff: Road Map for the Month
- 12-1 PM
- Virtual (see link in Canvas)
Intro to Law School Resources
- 12-1 :30 PM
- Virtual (see link in Canvas)
- This session is required!
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)
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!
Intro to UW Law School Technology
- 12-1 PM
- Virtual (see link in Canvas)
Law School Financial Aid Info Session
- 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.
LEO/First-Generation Orientation
The Legal Education Opportunities (LEO) and First-Generation student organizations at the Law School are designed to support students of color, students from other historically underrepresented groups, and first-generation students 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/First-Generation Orientation offers an opportunity for community-building among these students and their allies. RSVP required (see email from Admissions).
AEP Study Smart, Part III: Preparing for the Law Classroom
Students who do not attend LEO/First-Generation 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/First-Generation Orientation need not attend the standalone AEP Study Smart, Part III sessions listed above, as this programming is covered during LEO/First-Generation Orientation.
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
- 10:45-11:45 AM: Welcome, Introduction, and Keynote Address
- 12-1 PM: Lunch with Peer Mentors
- 1:15-4 PM: Simultaneous Programming (location and order will depend on your LRW 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!
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 LRW section; see Canvas)
- DEI Session
- Mock Class
- Lunch with Legal Research & Writing Professor
- Student Organization Fair
- 5:30 - 8 PM: Post-Orientation event hosted by the Mindfulness in Law Society, the Law School Wellness Coalition, and 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.
Day Three of 1L Orientation
- 9-10 AM: Financial Aid Counseling
- 10:30-11:45 AM or 12-1:15 PM: AEP Study Smart, Part IV: Basics of Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, and Contracts
- Sign up for a timeslot via Canvas
Enjoy the Labor Day weekend!
Additional Resources
