Admitted Students

Congratulations! Now that you have mastered the application process and gained admission to the School of Law, it is time to begin a new chapter in the process of becoming a law student - making your final decision to attend and getting ready for your first year of study.

This section is designed to answer many of the questions that will arise as your thoughts move from getting accepted to getting ready. We hope you find these pages helpful, and encourage you to contact us with any other questions or concerns you might have.

NOTE: RWU Law student ID numbers will be assigned and distributed in mid to late July.

• Administrative Matters - Beginning August 1, you may visit the University Card Office, located in the Lower Commons, between 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. to receive your RWU Law Student ID card.  You may get your ID at your convenience before, during, or after Orientation.  You will receive your mailbox assignment, student email account information, and locker key when you check-in for Orientation.
• Books & Course Materials - Once you receive your course schedule, all required books and other course materials may be obtained through the bookstore located in the lower level of the School of Law building.  Course materials may also be purchased online or by calling (401) 254-4592. (Text Books | Bookstore FAQ's)
• Bridges - Bridges provides the academic community with a single environment to manage courses, build e-portfolios for teaching, learning and assessment, and collaborate with colleagues on research, projects, and varied other University activities. Bridges is fully integrated with ePortfolio and facilitates the work of both faculty and students through a consistent toolset for instruction, research collaboration, projects, advising, assessment, and committee work.  Please see instructional tutorials for additional information.
• Bristol Bargains for RWU Students
• Bus (see transportation)
• Class Schedules - First year students will automatically be registered for fall classes in one of three sections (A, B, C).  Individual class schedules will be mailed starting in late July. 
• Computers - A computer is not required, but most students find a laptop helpful.  RWU Law offers wireless Internet service in most areas of the law school including the library and cafeteria.  Both Mac and PC operating systems can access our network.  For those looking to purchase new hardware, Roger Williams University partners with CompUtopia to provide a variety of computer options for our students.  Additional information is available by contacting CompUtopia or by calling (800) 638-0286.  Up-to-date laptop model and pricing information is available online.  The School of Law offers wireless (802.11b/g) Internet service in the Law Library, Cafeteria, and second floor common areas if your laptop is equipped with a compatible wireless network card. If you have any problems please call the helpdesk at x5200 (Option 1) for assistance.
• Dining Plan Options
• Disabilities - The School of Law endeavors to assist students with disabilities.  Students with documented disabilities will be granted reasonable accommodations necessary to enable them to undertake the prescribed course of study.  To request accommodations, please contact Dean of Students, Lorraine Lalli.
• Facebook - Begin networking with your fellow classmates!  Join the RWU Law - Class of 2015 Facebook Group.
• Financial Aid - Students must have completed their Master Promissory Note at the website indicated in their Financial Aid Package for loan funds to be disbursed to the Law School.  Additionally, students who are borrowing Stafford Loans or Graduate Plus Loans must complete an Entrance Interview for each type of loan.  If you are unsure about whether you completed this process, please check with Direct Loan.  Once your financial aid package has been processed, the bookstore will be notified that you are eligible to receive a book voucher to allow you to purchase books and course materials from your anticipated loan funds.  If your name is not on the list of students approved for book vouchers, please check with the Financial Aid Office on the status of your anticipated federal loans.  Students expecting to receive refund checks from their student accounts due to excess loan funds should receive them around September 1.  If you have any questions about financial aid, please call Denise Rousseau in our Financial Aid Office at (401) 254-4510.
• First Assignments will be posted as they become available on our about August 1, 2012.
  
• Health Services - Law Students have the option of signing up for the University Health Service, which entitles the student to services available at the University Health Service Clinic, located on campus in the Center for Student Development.  When enrolled in Health Service, there is no charge for illness or injury visits.  Charges will be incurred for routine well physical exams, immunizations, lab work and prescription medication.  Lab and prescription charges can be submitted to your selected health insurance.  Student Health Service is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.  After hours, emergency care is provided through Newport Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital or Bristol County Medical Center.  Students who do not enroll in University Health Service may not access the University Health Services Clinic but may use their private insurance to seek care at area walk-in clinics or private physician’s offices.
• Health Insurance
• Housing & Roommates - As you plan your move to the East Bay area, these housing and roomate resources will provide a good foundation for locating convenient and affordable living arrangements.
• Immunization Records
• Jump Start Summer Program
• Local Resources
  • Moving to Rhode Island
  • Places of Worship
  • Utilities
  • Schools
• Orientation - Additional details will be posted as they become available.
• Parking
• Scholarships
• Seat Deposits
• Transcripts - Prior to matriculation, your degree granting institution must forward an official copy of your final transcript indicating conferral of your Bachelor's degree to our Admissions Office.  Please note that the copy of your transcript we received through the LSAC Credential Assembly Services (CAS) is considered an unofficial copy and does not fulfill this requirement.
• Transportation - Students may obtain an RWU RIPTA PLAN membership by paying a fee of $50 for the academic year (End of August 2011 – May 31, 2012).This fee entitles each student cardholder to a maximum of 60 rides per month. Rides in excess of 60 in a given month must be paid for by the student at the rate of $1.35 per ride. Students who use all of their allotted rides (540 rides over the course of 9 months) end up paying only 9 CENTS per ride…..a terrific deal!  For details on bus routes and schedules, visit the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) website.  Look for Route 60/61.  Please contact Tracy Cookinham in the I.D. Office (Lower Commons) to register for this program.
• Tuition and Fees - You will receive a tuition bill and payment information from Roger Williams University School of Law by the second week of July.  If you do not, please contact the Office of Student Finance and Records at (401) 254-4657 so that you do not miss the August 1 tuition payment deadline.
• Tuition Management Systems (TMS)  - If you would like to pay your education expenses monthly, use the Interest-Free Monthly Payment Option offered by our partner, Tuition Management Systems (TMS). The payment is available for a small enrollment fee and includes personal account service, automated account information 24 hours a day and access to your account through their website. Visit the Tuition Management Systems website at www.afford.com for more information.  Tuition Management Systems offers Interest-Free Monthly Payment Options which allows you to maximize your savings and income and reduce loan need by spreading your education expenses over several interest-free monthly payments instead of making one large, lump sum payment. Automatic Payment Option allows you to avoid check writing, postage and the possibility of late payment penalties due to mailing delays.
• Visiting the School of Law - Deciding which law school is the right fit for you can be one of the most difficult yet important decisions you will ever make.  With that said we invite you, in fact, we encourage you to come visit our campus. While you are here you have many options, including student led tours, classroom observation, and meeting with Admissions staff.
• Virtual Open House