Bowen Class of 2010: Below is a compilation of FAQs addressing topics most pertinent to you as you make plans to begin law school at Bowen this fall. The FAQs will be frequently updated with new questions and answers, so be sure to check back often. We invite you to pose questions to us for placement on this page. To do so, send your question(s) to Assistant Dean for Admissions, Aaron N. Taylor.
GENERAL INFOWhen does school start?
Orientation is August 13-17. All students are required to attend Orientation. Regular classes will begin on August 20.
Where can I find the academic calendar?
You may find the academic calendar here: http://law.ualr.edu/academics/calendar.asp. It consists of important dates through fall 2008.
I have submitted my seat deposit. Are there any other documents I must submit before school starts?
In addition to the Intent to Enroll form and seat deposit, you must submit the following documents to us by August 16, 2007:
1) official copy of your transcripts showing the conferral of your baccalaureate degree;
2) proof of immunization against measles and rubella.
Both documents should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Please note that the copies of transcripts included in your LSDAS report are NOT official, and, thus, cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. For more information about proof of immunity, please contact Janice Lewis, director of Health Services, or Charlotte Beck at 501.569.3188.
How do I update my contact information?
Updates to contact info may be made in BOSS. You should also inform the Admissions Office (vlberhiet@ualr.edu) of the update.
Where can I find the Orientation schedule?
The Orientation schedule is available at this link: http://www.law.ualr.edu/admissions/orientation.asp. Remember, Orientation is REQUIRED of all entering students.
What classes will I be taking in the first year?
A list of required courses, organized by year taken, can be found here: http://law.ualr.edu/academics/curriculum/
Where can I find the class schedule?
The class schedule and other helpful info can be found here: http://law.ualr.edu/studentresources/registration.asp. Keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change slightly for day students.
Will I be assigned a UALR email account?
Yes. UALR email accounts will be assigned during Orientation.
Are there any resources for students with disabilities?
Yes. The UALR Office of Student Disability Support Services is available to any student in need of such assistance. Their phone number is 501.569.3143.
How can I find out what textbooks I need for the fall?
New information will be posted soon.
Where can I purchase textbooks?
The law school bookstore will have all required textbooks in stock. There are also many online resources where textbooks may be purchased.
Is there a suggested reading list for entering students?
The following are faculty recommendations:
The Buffalo Creek Disaster
A Civil Action
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Legally Blonde (movie pick)
One L
Strunk and White: The Elements of Style
To Kill a Mockingbird
The Paper Chase (movie pick)
And the advice from one professor is, “DON’T STRESS. DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO READ ANYTHING TO GET THE JUMP ON PROFESSORS AND FELLOW STUDENTS ... COME WITH A FRESH AND OPEN MIND.”
Does Bowen offer admissions deferments?
Deferment requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Typically, the Admissions Committee grants requests only when unforeseen changes in circumstance render the requestor unable to begin law school this fall. Requests arising from foreseeable circumstances are typically not granted. Deferments are one year in length, which means you would be required to enroll in the fall of 2008.
May I switch enrollment divisions before starting the first year?
Requests to switch divisions before the start of the first-year are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the final decision largely depends on space availability.
Currently, there is no available space in the full-time division; thus, part-time to full-time requests will not be granted. Full-time to part-time requests will be granted on a space-available basis.
May I switch enrollment divisions after starting the first year?
Yes. All students in good standing are allowed to switch divisions after the first year if they so choose.
Is it true that part-time students can graduate in three years?
Yes. Students who begin the first year in the part-time division may graduate in three years by switching to the full-time division after the first-year and attending summer school throughout. For more information on this process, please contact Andy Taylor, assistant dean for academic support, at amtaylor@ualr.edu.
May I work as a full-time first-year student?
Full-time students are not allowed to hold outside employment during the school year, but may work up to 10 hours a week in the law school and law library. There are no employment limitations on part-time students.
What kind of computer should I buy?
The technology department here at Bowen recommends Dell computers. But any computer running Windows should be compatible with the tech applications here at the law school, including wireless internet and exam writing software. For information regarding Macs or any other tech-related questions, please contact Steve Hyatt at sghyatt@ualr.edu.
Does the law school technology support Microsoft Vista?
XP remains the preferred version of Windows. However, Vista will work with most tech applications at the law school. A Vista-supported version of the exam writing software is available.
Do Bowen students get a discount on computers?
Bowen students can get discounts on Dell computers. For more information, go to http://computing.law.ualr.edu/ and click on the Dell icon.
For further inquiries, please submit your question(s) to the Assistant Dean for Admissions, Aaron N. Taylor, at 501.324.9903.
Revised: 11/26/2007