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Talking to Academic Success

We're here to assist you. Read on:

We're here to assist you. Read on:

Our Virtual Office Hours

We are available five days a week through the scheduling links below beneath our emails or by sending us an email.

The Academic Success Professionals

Professor Kathryn Thompson
Director of Academic Success
401 254-4568
kthompson@rwu.edu

Make an Appointment

Dr. Justin Kishbaugh
Associate Director of Academic Success & Professor of Writing
401 254-4616
jkishbaugh@rwu.edu

 

FAQs

When should I contact you for assistance?
As early and as often as you’d like. We want to meet you and get to know you. Through the relationships that we build with you, we can provide the right support at the right time. We do get busy, so be sure to plan ahead. We also have wonderful Academic Success Teaching Fellows and Writing TAs who are available to help.

Do I need to have something written to meet with the writing specialist or the Writing TAs? 
No. In fact, the earlier you come the better. Coming up with a plan and outline together is an effective way to ensure that the efforts you put into your writing are spent well and achieve the best results.

What single piece of advice would you give someone who wanted to do well in law school?
Plan ahead. Be proactive. If you need work on time management, set up an appointment with Professor Thompson and she will help you set up a schedule and identify planning tools that work for you. Preparation is key and the academic success professors can help you prepare for classes and exams and help with your writing in Legal Practice. Planning ahead for all of these things is key. The sooner you come in, the more we are able to help.

Is taking care of myself emotionally and physically as important as keeping up with my studies?
Yes, emotional and psychological well-being are important aspects of your ability to learn and engage in law school. We know that making time for self-care or knowing how to appropriately administer self-care can be challenging, and that’s why we are here to help you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you want or need to discuss any of these issues. We can direct you to the proper resources.

 Dean Lalli is a wonderful resource at llalli@rwu.edu

The University Counseling Center is available to law students:

https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/student-life/health-and-counseling/counseling-center

 

Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.