Academic Support

The Academic Support Program (ASP) complements the law school curriculum. The Program focuses on the process involved in developing skills that are necessary to succeed in law school and on the bar exam. These skills include, in part, the ability to understand (brief), organize (outline) and apply the law (exam writing) as well as time and stress management. ASP recognizes that students have different learning styles and backgrounds that affect their learning and performance in law school. Throughout the program, diverse teaching methods are used to assist students to reach their academic potential. To help students succeed, ASP offers the following:

Skills Workshops
The Legal Education Consultant will address topics such as briefing, note-taking, outlining, exam writing as well as time and stress management. Skills Workshops are offered at key times during the year and are open to all interested students.

Skills Sessions
An upper division student, with proven academic success, is assigned to each first year section. The Section Leader will conduct a follow-up Skills Session to reinforce and enhance the skills addressed in each Skills Workshop. They will work closely with the Consultant and section professors in the development of active learning materials and exercises. These are open to all interested first year students.

Legal Analysis Course
This course, offered for academic credit, assists students in developing and refining analytical and exam writing skills that are necessary for problem solving across the first year curriculum. Legal Analysis is offered in the spring to first year students and to upper division students in the fall. The Academic and Related Regulations indicate the admission criteria for this class.

Labs
An upper division student, with proven academic success, will facilitate labs for students who would especially benefit from a smaller learning environment. These labs emphasize writing and feedback. First year labs will be offered in the spring. Additional labs for upper division students will also be offered. Participation in Labs is limited.

Bar Program
Third year students are introduced to the bar exam as well as ways to effectively prepare for each section. A Practicum is offered to students who would especially benefit from a smaller learning environment that emphasizes writing and feedback. Some parts of the program are offered to all third year students while other parts are limited.

Office Hours
Individual meetings enable students to gain a specific understanding of their academic strengths and weaknesses as well as explore non-analytical concerns that may interfere with learning. The Consultant, Section Leaders, Lab Tutors, and the Director of ASP will hold office hours.

Information about specific times and locations for activities and office hours will be on the ASP bulletin boards and in the Hastings Weekly. The Academic Support Program office is located on the 4th floor of the 198 building in room 403.

• Laurie Zimet, Director
  Telephone: 415.565.4839
  Email: zimetl@uchastings.edu

• Mike Stonebreaker, Program Coordinator
  Telephone: 415.565.4643
  Email: stonebre@uchastings.edu