WashU Law Orientation August 2025

[Intro voiceover]: Hello everyone, and welcome to Navigating Grad Law at WashU — your guide to admissions, academics, and more. Today’s guests are Rachel Johnson and Jamie Rogan.

Jamie Rogan: Hey everyone, and welcome to Orientation Breakdown. I’m Jamie.

Rachel Johnson: And I’m Rachel. Whether you’re tuning in while packing your bags or walking to campus, we’ve got your guide to everything happening during WashU Law’s orientation and Fundamentals of Legal Process course. So buckle up, folks. It’s going to be a packed couple of weeks, but don’t worry — we’re breaking it all down for you.

So we start Friday, August 1 — the kickoff. Things kick off Friday, August 1, in Anheuser-Busch (AB) Hall, room 310 — a.k.a. your new home for the day. Check-in begins at 11:45 a.m. that day outside of AB Hall room 310.

International students: please bring your visa, or at least a picture of it, with you. And everyone can bring their official transcripts if we haven’t already received them in our office.

At 12:30 p.m., we start with a general information session — “The Essentials.” Think of it as WashU Law 101. Then rapid-fire intros: Career Services at 1:15, followed by Student Life at 1:30, and a full hour with Campus Police and Campus Transportation at 1:45 p.m.

Now, we’ll move on to Monday, August 4 — Tours and the Law. At 10 a.m., we’ll meet at Seigle Hall, Suite 108, for the campus tour. You’ll want comfy shoes for this one, as we’ll show you all around our beautiful campus. Then from 2 to 4 p.m., there are optional office hours with Dean Heil-Chapdelaine — a great chance to ask questions, or have your mandatory one-on-one about course registration with Dean Jeanne.

Oh — and don’t forget the overview of the U.S. legal system. That one’s online via Canvas.

Jamie Rogan: So, Tuesday, August 5 — Real World Law. This is the big field trip, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s the courthouse visit — but only 40 students can go, so check Canvas to snag your spot. If you get a spot for the courthouse visit, check Canvas for the instructions and important things to note for the day of the visit.

I’d say some of the most important things to note are that you need to travel down there with the group. We will all meet in Seigle Hall, Suite 108, at 9 a.m. that morning, and we will take the MetroLink together. You’ll need to bring your WashU ID — not only to get into the courthouse, but also to use with your U-Pass — so don’t forget to bring your MetroLink U-Pass and your WashU ID.

Now, if you don’t yet have your WashU ID or U-Pass, you’ll need to purchase a daily pass for MetroLink and bring a photo ID with you — perhaps your passport. Other than your ID and U-Pass, you should travel lightly. No purses, bags, or backpacks. And it probably goes without saying — but no weapons.

Rachel Johnson: Yes — and no cameras or recording equipment. Your phones are allowed, but they’ll need to be turned off for the majority of the visit. And online homework alert: case briefing. Yep — also on Canvas. If we haven’t already said it or made it clear, you’ll need to be very familiar with Canvas during your time here at WashU Law.

Now we’re moving on to Wednesday, August 6 — Hunt, Help, and AI. At 10 a.m., it’s the campus scavenger hunt. Clues, maps, and maybe a prize. Either way, it’s a good excuse to learn the layout and see what you remember from the campus tour on Monday.

Yes — it starts again at Seigle Hall, Suite 108. It should be fun. Then in the afternoon, another office hours block with the dean. And don’t skip the Plagiarism and AI module online — found on, you guessed it, Canvas.

Moving on to Thursday, August 7 — Lions, Tigers, and Legal Ethics, Oh My! Field trip time, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: it’s the St. Louis Zoo visit. Meet at the South Entrance on Wells Drive — and don’t be late. Then you can swing back to campus for Dean Heil-Chapdelaine’s office hours. And don’t forget to knock out the Honor Code and Ethics module online.

Jamie Rogan: Now we’ll move on to Friday and Sunday fun. Friday, August 8 — it’s game night. Catch the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, 7:15 p.m. Ticket link: Canvas, as always — you probably guessed it. The Cardinals are facing their rivals, the Chicago Cubs, so it should be a fun time. Tickets are $40, and you can find the link on Canvas.

Then on Sunday, August 10, you can watch my favorite — soccer. St. Louis City 2 is playing at Energizer Park. Again, check Canvas for the details. We do have tickets for the first 50 students who sign up at the link on Canvas.

Rachel Johnson: Soccer — also my favorite! August 11 through the 18 is Fundamentals of Legal Process. Starting Monday, August 11, and running through the 15, you’ll begin your first class — Fundamentals of Legal Process.

Yes — for this week, it’s Section 1 in the morning, Section 2 in the afternoon, all in AB Hall, room 401. There’s also a welcome lunch with remarks from Dean Koby and Dean Lindquist. Business attire required. That’s in Crowder Courtyard on the third floor of AB Hall.

And don’t miss the legal research intro, plus Westlaw and LexisNexis account creation. That’s crucial, and will begin at 3:15 p.m. — that’s only on Monday, August 11.

So then, August 12 through 15 — photos, office hours, pizza, and continuing Fundamentals of Legal Process. Now, throughout the week, you are assigned to photo sessions based on your last name. Business attire is required for the photo session. And you’ll have the chance to meet with Dean Jeanne, your academic advisor, during virtual office hours each day.

Lunches vary throughout the week. One day, it’s pizza with the BarBri group. Another day, it’s with Student Life, librarians, or CASL. Scope out those courtyard guest tables and enjoy lunch with your new classmates. Oh — and mark your calendars for Friday night dinner at Dean Koby’s house. Location and details can be found on Canvas.

Now, moving on to August 16 through 17 — International Students Weekend. Saturday, August 16, is a big day for international students. OISS orientation at Graham Chapel, followed by a lovely International Reception in Holmes Lounge. Sunday the 17th, you’ve got the Graduate Student Welcome events. Check-in is at Bowles Plaza, with a welcome session and a resource fair with snacks.

Jamie Rogan: Then on to August 18 — Convocation and NDR begins. On Monday, August 18, the moment arrives: Convocation. Check-in is at 9 a.m., class photo at 9:45, then the ceremony at 10:30. Don’t worry — you get lunch at noon. And for those of you in the Negotiation and Dispute Resolution specialization, your course runs 1 to 4:30 p.m., starting that very afternoon and every afternoon that week until Thursday.

Whew — that was a lot. But now you’re ready to tackle orientation like a pro. Remember: check Canvas often, hydrate, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. You are not alone.

Rachel Johnson: So we’ll catch you in the next episode. Until then — welcome to WashU Law.

Jamie Rogan: Bye!