Dear Class of 2013

This website gathers together materials which will support your academic efforts throughout your time at Osgoode, but specifically in your first year as a student here.  If you have questions, concerns or suggestions about this material, please contact me:

Professor Bruce Ryder, Ross S846
416 736 5548 adfy@osgoode.yorku.ca

The materials available from this site are briefly described below.

 

Academic Integrity

York University and Osgoode Hall Law School have specific policies respecting academic integrity.  It is your responsibility to be aware of the academic integrity policies, rules and penalties here at Osgoode and at York more generally. 

We expect that all students will take responsibility for maintaining Osgoode's academic reputation.  Your honesty and integrity are critical to your success as a student, and in your future career.

Academic Success Program

The Academic Success Program is the umbrella under which a variety of programs for first years are gathered.  The common goal of these programs is to help students improve their skills and confidence as they face first year law school.

The ASP includes the Dean's Fellow Program, a series of sessions in the Fall and Winter on a variety of academic and wellness topics, print and online resources, and individual support from the Assistant Dean - First Year.

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First Year Guide

The web version of the 2008 Guide is available from the table of contents of this page.

 

Dean's Fellow Program

A Dean’s Fellow serves in each section of Torts, Contracts, Criminal, State and Citizen, Legal Process (Winter term) and Property.  The Dean's Fellows are upper year students selected by the instructors to serve as mentors and hold study sessions to facilitate learning and preparation for exams and assignments in each course. The Dean's Fellows are not TA's. Their role is to facilitate studying and learning. 

Since Instructors differ in their pedagogical approaches, you will find that your Dean's Fellows take different approaches to their work.  We hope that you make good use of the assistance the Dean's Fellow can provide – but of course you cannot do so without a commitment to taking responsibility for your own learning and studying. 

 

A Balanced Life

The office of the Assistant Dean – First Year is committed to helping students:

·        Maintain balance between different facets of their life

·        Access supports when stress becomes significant

·        Combat heightened stress levels through active measures designed to take responsibility for feeling stressed and directly confront the problem.

We highly recommend that every law student develop their stress reduction skills. These will be invaluable not only in law school but throughout your life.

 

Resources for Essay Writing

In this section, you will find annotated bibliographies on the topics of Legal Writing, General Writing, Legal Analysis and Legal Research.  There are also dozens of web links on writing, citing/plagiarism, research, and Canadian and U.S. legal resources.  You may find this information useful.

I look forward to meeting you and I hope that my office can help to support you through your first year as you lay a strong foundation for your legal education.

 

 

 

Bruce Ryder

Associate Professor

Assistant Dean, First Year