Boalt’s orientation is considered an ongoing process of familiarizing you with all aspects of life at Boalt Hall. There are two days of orientation at the very start of the academic year; programs and sessions throughout the fall semester to acquaint you with the law school; a third official day of orientation later in the fall semester, designed to address issues that require some familiarity with law school life; and sessions during the spring semester to introduce you to the upper-class curriculum. Most orientation activities are planned
by the Student Services Office. The Admissions Office also helps to plan your initial two-day orientation. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact either one of these offices.
WELCOME AND ORIENTATION
The orientation program at Boalt Hall is an integral part of the first-year curriculum, and attendance is required. You will receive more information about orientation, including dates and times, in the summer.
At orientation you will pick up your orientation packet, which will contain an orientation schedule, your individual class schedule, a small-group (module) assignment and other materials. A light breakfast will be available outside the lobby in the Darling Courtyard.
The orientation program will commence in Booth Auditorium with brief welcoming remarks from the director of admissions, the dean of the law school, the dean of students, and the president of the Boalt Hall Student Association. The rest of the program will include academic and administrative information, opportunities to meet faculty and fellow students, and time to complete important administrative tasks like getting your Cal Photo ID card, being photographed for your yearbook and getting an email account. There will be ample time during orientation to purchase books and supplies at the Boalt Hall bookstore. You should not buy books until you know your first-year module assignment.
Family Picnic
The Office of Student Services and the Admissions Office co-host a picnic on the evening before orientation for new Boalt students and their families. This is a chance for you to meet your fellow classmates, a number of faculty and staff, and a few returning students. You’ll receive more information about this event in the summer.
WELCOME WEBSITE
For up-to-date information on orientation, services for incoming students and related events, please periodically check our welcome page at www.law.berkeley.edu/prospectives/admitted. You need a password to access this site. Your password will be mailed to you in early April.
