Student Life

SBA Letter

July 7, 2004

Dear Members of the Class of 2007:

Congratulations on your acceptance to Villanova University School of Law and welcome! Over the next three years, you will discover why Villanova Law enjoys a reputation as an excellent academic institution. You will also experience the unique spirit of community and camaraderie that sets this school apart from others.

Below you’ll find a brief description of Orientation 2004 and some helpful hints:

Wednesday, August 18th:

You will check-in and receive your registration packet as Orientation officially begins. Your registration packet contains all the information necessary to get you through Orientation, including your class schedule. Members of the Student Bar Association (SBA) and Law School Ambassadors will be in the law school cafeteria from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to distribute packets and take interested students on tours of the school. There also be a financial aid workshop, and students will have the opportunity to visit the bookstore and purchase books before the inevitable crowds. Bring a bag. Please come at your allotted times. (See the Orientation schedule for the alphabetical breakdown.)

From 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., the SBA is hosting a picnic for the Class of 2007. This event is a great opportunity to meet other members of your class, as well as some second and third year students. Picnic information is available on the orientation website.

Thursday, August 19th: 

This day of Orientation begins at 10:00 a.m. However, at 9:00 a.m., Father Denny, the law school chaplain, will be celebrating mass, which is open to students of all faiths. Attendance for Mass is optional. A continental breakfast will be available in the cafeteria from 9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. The day officially begins with a welcome from the President of Villanova University and an introduction of various members of the law school administration and staff.

After a break, you will attend a Legal Writing and Research overview. You will meet with your legal writing instructor and your legal writing section. Materials for you to read for the Legal Writing Overview and an assignment for Orientation are accessible on the orientation website. After your lunch break, you will participate in a workshop on Community Building. As a professional, it is never too early to improve your communication skills and increase awareness of the people around you.

Whew! It has been a long day and you deserve a break. Go home, rest, eat dinner, or hang out with new friends before returning to the law school for the Welcome. At 7:00 p.m. Dean Mark A. Sargent will give the Welcoming Address to the Class of 2007. Please be prompt. Afterward, please join us for a reception where you will get an opportunity to meet members of the faculty, alumni, and other students. Professional attire is requested.

Friday, August 20th:

Day Three of Orientation will begin at 9:00 a.m. after continental breakfast in the cafeteria. I will discuss a student's perspective of what to expect and ways to take advantage of the next three years. Dean Brogan will address the importance of professional responsibility and ethics and Father Denny will enlighten you with the Augustinian history of Villanova. Throughout the rest of the morning, you will attend sessions on various principal aspects of law school, including: time management, technology and information systems, lawyers concerned for lawyers and pro bono work. The day concludes by 12:10 pm, giving you some free time so that you can go purchase your books, take care of responsibilities with the Bursar’s office, or get a head start on your first day assignments. Good luck!

Saturday, August 21st:

On Saturday, members of the Student Bar Association and the Class of 2007 are invited to lend a helping hand with a day of service in Philadelphia. Details of the day will be available on the orientation website throughout the summer. Villanova Law prides itself on its commitment to community service and strongly believes the study of law encompasses a sense of responsibility to those less fortunate. While participation is optional, I encourage you to become involved in this project. Sign-up for the day of service will take place at Orientation – space will be limited.

Tips for Orientation:

Bring a backpack. You will be given a lot of material to carry each day. You may also wish to purchase books and the bookstore is a bit of a walk from the law school.

Bring cash or personal checks. You will have minimal fees at Student Services and may wish to purchase a parking pass and books. Parking Permits are $75 – cash, check, VISA, and MasterCard are accepted. Student Services accepts only cash or checks.

Dress comfortably. The weather could be hot and humid, and you will be on your feet for much of the day. While keeping comfort in mind, remember that your picture will be taken for both seating charts and the Student Face Book (casual dress).

Have Fun. Classes have not yet begun so relax, smile, and meet your law school community. Get to know your classmates since this is your only opportunity to be with you entire class until graduation.

I hope you find this information helpful. Again, congratulations on your acceptance to Villanova University School of Law. I look forward to meeting you next month. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Michael V. Phillips
SBA President
mphillips@law.villanova.edu

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