Right click to save as. 2012 Orientation Handbook

Shortly before Registration, first year classes are assigned by the Registrar’s Office. On occasion, students will be allowed to change their first year schedule due to an unavoidable serious conflict (e.g., child care issues). Contact the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (AKA the “Dean of Students), Mary McGuire, ASAP if you have a scheduling problem.

What are Sakai and TWEN and why do I care? (AKA How do I get my assignments and other important details before classes begin?)

Professors turn in the details about required materials and first assignments to the Faculty Support Office (or as we call it: “the FSO”) and the FSO staff posts this information on the Pacific Sakai site. This link will take you directly to the FSO’s Sakai site (you’ll be required to first login using your PacificNet ID and password): https://pacific.rsmart.com/xsl-portal/site/a4762abe-1822-4ba7-96e6-1a074e835d7e. Once there, click on “Resources” then “Required Materials & Ist Assignments Fall 2012.” Details are posted on a rolling basis, as they become available, typically during the week prior to the start of the semester.

While on Sakai, you’ll also want to check out the “PDFs Syllabi Fall 2012” link within the “Resources” section. If your professor has provided their syllabus to the FSO, it will be posted here. (Don’t see a syllabus for your class? Do not despair! It may be posted closer to the start of classes, or distributed in class on the first day.)

If you have problems with Sakai, contact Dan Breuer in the Computer Lab at 916.739.7025 or email him at dbreuer@pacific.edu. If you need to get in touch with the FSO, you can call them at 916.739.7101, email them at fso@pacific.edu, or stop by their window during business hours.

TWEN (part of Westlaw, online at: lawschool.westlaw.com) is an online extension of the law school classroom. You can use TWEN to access your course materials, participate in class discussions, receive and submit online assignments, complete quizzes, exchange e-mail messages with your professors and classmates, and more. To participate in TWEN, you need a Westlaw login (provided by the law school during Registration) and you need to “add a course” created by one of your professors. More detailed instructions here: http://lscontent.westlaw.com/images/banner/SurvivalGuide/PDF08/08StudentsGuidetoTWEN.pdf

What if I am supposed to pick up printed materials from the FSO? Where is the Faculty Office Building?

First off, a word of advice: When you arrive on campus for Orientation, student representatives from the Student Bar Association (“SBA”) will be on hand to show you around campus. Even if you got a tour during the admissions process, you’ll still want to get another tour now because this one will be geared towards all of the really practical things you need to know as a student…prime study spots, where your classes will be located, where you can find key offices, such as the FSO, Office of Student Affairs, Career Development Office, and the Academic Success Resource Center, and other important student-centric details like which offices stock candy dishes and coffee pots on a regular basis! Tours will be available throughout the day on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Orientation Week.

Okay, now to answer the question at hand: The FSO is located in the Faculty Office Building (or “FOB,” to some). The FOB is adjacent to Classroom G and H. Enter the hallway between those two classrooms, walk all the way to the back, and the FSO will be right in front of you. All printed materials are left for you to independently pick up in the vertical wooden “pigeonholes.” Don’t see what you need? Ask the FSO staff for help.

What Are My Options for Buying Books?

Bookstore

Online sites

Other students

Should I buy a law dictionary?

Yes, you must, but it can be an app and doesn’t have to be in print! Just FYI, Black’s Legal Dictionary (which seems to be the most highly recommended legal dictionary) is available as an iPhone/iPad App. It is very user friendly and has a lot of neat features, including audio pronunciation of words. It is a bit pricey, but it is much cheaper than the hard copy. Plus…you will save a tree, space in your bag, and your back by not buying another book!

Once I’ve bought my law dictionary, should I use it?

Yes, in fact when you are reading and come across a word you don’t recognize it, you’ll want to look it up and perhaps write the definition in your casebook.  Your professors will expect you to know the meaning of the words you read, and you’ll impress them (or at least not feel like a fool) when they ask.

Will Someone Please Teach Me How to Use the Library?

Yes! You will learn this in GLS.

Hey! The Library is Locked at Night!

Yes! Use your swipe card to get in.  If it’s after (or before) library hours, you can use the After Hours Study Room (subject to change, but currently Classroom G)

2012-2013 Academic Schedule: http://www.mcgeorge.edu/Academic_Programs/Catalog/Academic_Schedule.htm

Academic Success:

http://www.mcgeorge.edu/About_McGeorge/Campus_Offices_and_Services/Academic_Success.htm

Career Development Office:

http://www.mcgeorge.edu/Career_Development_Office.htm

(with a link to the MCO, McGeorge CareersOnline)

Chartered Student Organizations: http://www.mcgeorge.edu/About_McGeorge/Campus_Offices_and_Services/Student_Organizations.htm

Library: http://www.mcgeorge.edu/Library.htm

Reserve a group study room in the library:

Gocat (practice exams, other databases, and more): http://gocat.law.pacific.edu/

Westlaw: http://lawschool.westlaw.com

LexisNexis: http://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/home.page

InsidePacific:: https://insidepacific.pacific.edu/cp/home/displaylogin

(Student Information, Financial Aid, lots of other good stuff including PacificSakai access – password protected)

*Some of these are public, but many are password protected and more useful for current/continuing students.  New students will receive details by email for access from admissions.

Have a suggestion for an addition to this list? Please add it as a comment.

Can I pick my classes/professors?

Shortly before Registration, first year classes are assigned by the Registrar’s Office. On occasion, students will be allowed to change their first year schedule due to an unavoidable serious conflict (e.g., child care issues). Contact the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (AKA the “Dean of Students), Mary McGuire, ASAP if you have a scheduling problem.

What are Sakai and TWEN and why do I care? (AKA How do I get my assignments and other important details before classes begin?)

Professors turn in the details about required materials and first assignments to the Faculty Support Office (or as we call it: “the FSO”) and the FSO staff posts this information on the Pacific Sakai site. This link will take you directly to the FSO’s Sakai site (you’ll be required to first login using your PacificNet ID and password): https://pacific.rsmart.com/xsl-portal/site/a4762abe-1822-4ba7-96e6-1a074e835d7e. Once there, click on “Resources” then “Required Materials & Ist Assignments Fall 2012.” Details are posted on a rolling basis, as they become available, typically during the week prior to the start of the semester.

While on Sakai, you’ll also want to check out the “PDFs Syllabi Fall 2012” link within the “Resources” section. If your professor has provided their syllabus to the FSO, it will be posted here. (Don’t see a syllabus for your class? Do not despair! It may be posted closer to the start of classes, or distributed in class on the first day.)

If you have problems with Sakai, contact Dan Breuer in the Computer Lab at 916.739.7025 or email him at dbreuer@pacific.edu. If you need to get in touch with the FSO, you can call them at 916.739.7101, email them at fso@pacific.edu, or stop by their window during business hours.

TWEN (part of Westlaw, online at: lawschool.westlaw.com) is an online extension of the law school classroom. You can use TWEN to access your course materials, participate in class discussions, receive and submit online assignments, complete quizzes, exchange e-mail messages with your professors and classmates, and more. To participate in TWEN, you need a Westlaw login (provided by the law school during Registration) and you need to “add a course” created by one of your professors. More detailed instructions here: http://lscontent.westlaw.com/images/banner/SurvivalGuide/PDF08/08StudentsGuidetoTWEN.pdf

What if I am supposed to pick up printed materials from the FSO? Where is the Faculty Office Building?

First off, a word of advice: When you arrive on campus for Orientation, student representatives from the Student Bar Association (“SBA”) will be on hand to show you around campus. Even if you got a tour during the admissions process, you’ll still want to get another tour now because this one will be geared towards all of the really practical things you need to know as a student…prime study spots, where your classes will be located, where you can find key offices, such as the FSO, Office of Student Affairs, Career Development Office, and the Academic Success Resource Center, and other important student-centric details like which offices stock candy dishes and coffee pots on a regular basis! Tours will be available throughout the day on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Orientation Week.

Okay, now to answer the question at hand: The FSO is located in the Faculty Office Building (or “FOB,” to some). The FOB is adjacent to Classroom G and H. Enter the hallway between those two classrooms, walk all the way to the back, and the FSO will be right in front of you. All printed materials are left for you to independently pick up in the vertical wooden “pigeonholes.” Don’t see what you need? Ask the FSO staff for help.

What Are My Options for Buying Books?

Bookstore

Online sites

Other students

Should I buy a law dictionary?

Yes, you must, but it can be an app and doesn’t have to be in print! Just FYI, Black’s Legal Dictionary (which seems to be the most highly recommended legal dictionary) is available as an iPhone/iPad App. It is very user friendly and has a lot of neat features, including audio pronunciation of words. It is a bit pricey, but it is much cheaper than the hard copy. Plus…you will save a tree, space in your bag, and your back by not buying another book!

Once I’ve bought my law dictionary, should I use it?

Yes, in fact when you are reading and come across a word you don’t recognize it, you’ll want to look it up and perhaps write the definition in your casebook.  Your professors will expect you to know the meaning of the words you read, and you’ll impress them (or at least not feel like a fool) when they ask.

Will Someone Please Teach Me How to Use the Library?

Yes! You will learn this in GLS.

Hey! The Library is Locked at Night!

Yes! Use your swipe card to get in.  If it’s after (or before) library hours, you can use the After Hours Study Room (subject to change, but currently Classroom G)

As the end of this year approaches, many of you are likely starting to think about ways to get involved on campus in the coming year.  One of those ways may be through participation in a leadership role with a Chartered Student Organization.  Below is some very important information for those who were selected to lead an existing group and/or those who want to start a new group.  Please review this e-mail in its entirety.

Student organizations play an integral role in the quality of the campus environment and the educational process for students.  Student organization events enhance and support academic and career preparation, cultural diversity and awareness, campus tradition, public service, leadership, and personal growth.

The Office of Student Affairs is the campus department through which groups officially register as a student organization at Pacific McGeorge.  We are here to help you operate successfully on campus and to support the educational experience that these groups provide for student members. 

Student organizations need to complete the chartering/re-chartering process each year.  In accordance with University policies and local, state, and national laws, the benefits of being a Chartered Student Organization include:

• ·         Use of reservable campus facilities for activities such as meetings, social events, fundraising, and guest speakers;
• ·         The privilege to post and distribute materials on campus;
• ·         Opportunities to sponsor fundraising activities;
• ·         Financial services through the Business Office;
• ·         A campus mailbox in the Office of Student Affairs; and
• ·         Use of the name of the McGeorge School of Law in connection with approved activities.

For the 2012-2013 Academic Year, the Chartering Process (for NEW CSOs) includes the following steps:

1.       Meet with the Student Services Counselor*

2.       Complete the “Club Registration Form”

3.       Upload your group’s Bylaws/Constitution to the “Office of Student Affairs: Student Leadership” TWEN Drop Box

4.       Complete the “Chartering/Re-Chartering Quiz” on TWEN

For the 2012-2013 Academic Year, the Re-Chartering Process (for RETURNING CSOs) includes the following steps:

1.       Complete the “Club Re-Registration Form”

2.       Upload your group’s Bylaws/Constitution to the “Office of Student Affairs: Student Leadership” TWEN Drop Box

3.       Complete the “Chartering/Re-Chartering Quiz” on TWEN

4.       OPTIONAL – Meet with the Student Services Counselor*

The 2012-2013 Representative at Large Gerry Latasa will be acting as liaison to each student organization next and would be happy answer any questions if they arise.  Alternatively, Rebekah Grodsky, the Student Services Counselor, has been assigned the responsibility of advising and overseeing the activities of all CSOs. Rebekah will be your group’s primary link to the Pacific McGeorge Administration and Senior Staff. You can schedule your meeting with Rebekah by contacting the Office of Student Affairs (916.739.7089 or sacstudentaffairs@pacific.edu).

The Chartering/Re-Chartering Deadline is July 1, 2012.  Your group also will be required to submit an Annual Summary (description of the events and activities your CSO offered last year, if any), Calendar of Events and Activities (description of the events and activities your CSO intends to offer in the coming year), and Budget (detailed breakdown of the income/expenses your group expects to have) by July 15, 2012.  Start early to ensure that you complete the above steps in time.

Dear graduating folks: Caps and gowns are in at the Bookstore.  Stop by during Bookstore business hours and get your regalia!

The SBA will sponsor two days of Happy Hours for students.

Free COFFEE, TEA and FOUNTAIN SODA in the Student Center:

Monday, April 30th. 10:00-1:00 and 4:00-6:00
Monday, May 7th. 10:00-1:00 and 4:00-6:00

From everyone on your SBA Board of Governors – best of luck on your exams. It’s been a pleasure serving you this year.

ALSO from the McG Admins: “We know that this time of year gets stressful and that a little bit of caffeine can go a long way towards lifting your spirits so that you can focus on the task at hand. We are therefore happy to be able to offer each student two “free drink coupons,” which you can redeem for a large cup of coffee, tea, or a fountain drink at the Student Center!”  McGeorge administration has some drink tickets for free drinks as well!! Pick up your coupons from the Registrar’s Office between now and May 4th, and redeem them at your convenience, any time the Student Center is open until the end of finals.

SBA needs your help interviewing the potentially new Dean of Admissions!! I know it’s during finals, but this is a great chance for current students to evaluate our prospective new Dean of Admissions and have an influence on our campus’ administration.

**Tuesday, April 24th at 1:05, Human Resources Conference & Training Room (Muddox Building).

**Wednesday, April 25th at 10:00am, Human Resources Conference & Training Room (Muddox Building).

Email p_blood@u.pacific.edu for more information or to confirm you can make it!

The McGeorge Animal Law Society is proud to announce the first-ever animal assisted therapy pet rental program on campus!  On Wednesday, April 25 and Thursday, April 26 (the first two days of reading period), MALS will be hosting certified therapy dogs from the Lend-A-Heart organization, a non-profit that provides animal assisted therapy to children, the aged population and those in need.  This organization is comprised of volunteers who donate their time, and the time of their pets, for the betterment of our community.  A flyer detailing this event is also attached.

Lend-A-Heart has graciously agreed to bring dogs to McGeorge just for students!  The purpose of this two-day adventure is to allow you, the McGeorge student, to have an opportunity to reduce stress and take a break from studying by spending time with a lovable, cuddly dog.  Each session will last about a half hour, and you may spend this time snuggling with your pet, playing with them, reading to them from your outline, or discussing the meaning of life.  Each pet will have a handler attending to their needs, so you will be free to enjoy yourself.

Here is how the process will work:

-Sign-up for the McGeorge Animal Law Society TWEN page
-Under “Sign-Up Sheets”, select either Wednesday, April 25 or Thursday, April 26
-On Wednesday, we will have 7 dogs visiting the campus, and each will be available for one student every hour at 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM and 2 PM
-On Thursday, we will have 4 dogs visiting the campus, and each will be available for one student every hour at 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM and 2 PM
-When you sign up for a specific day and time, a drop-down menu will appear from which you may select the pet you are most interested in of those still available (organized by name and breed).  Although there are no guarantees, this pet will be your “study buddy” for the duration of your appointment

If you missed our table during Wellness Week, we will also have flyers available highlighting the health benefits of pet interaction and ownership.  If you miss your little ones because you live far away, or enjoy meeting new furry friends, this is an exciting change to have a great day!

In good weather, MALS will be stationed with Lend-A-Heart in the quad area, near the gazebo.  In less ideal conditions, we will have a table set up in the breezeway and appointments will take place underneath the Dean of Students office in the basement level.

Some additional information:
-If you will be late to your appointment, even by 5 minutes, you must call MALS President Andrea Moon at (925) 260-5349 so we can keep your appointment.  If you do not call, your appointment will be given away
-If all appointments are filled on TWEN, but you are still interested in signing up, email McGeorgeALS@gmail.comwith your name, preferred day/time, flexibility and contact information.  These students will be contacted on a first-email, first-serve basis.
-If there are free appointments, students will be allowed to come to the MALS table and sign-up in person