Orientation Week is your introduction to life at Western Law. Be prepared to meet many of your classmates, attend your first lectures in law school, and have a great time! The Orientation Committee is pleased to organize a week of opportunities to make friends and get settled into Western Law. We’ve worked hard all summer to make O-Week fun for all first-year students, and we strongly encourage you to attend every event. You only get one O-Week and you don’t want to miss it! The Justices of the Party (“JPs” if you will) are 2L volunteers who are here to help you transition into Law School. Whether it’s organizing get-togethers before O-Week events, providing you with summaries and advice on professors, or being that shoulder to cry on, they are here to support you all year long!
Overall Schedule
For individualized schedules for your small group, please visit this page.
Western-Law_O-Week-Schedule_2020_FINALSchedule at a Glance:
Tuesday September 8, 2020:
In person:
Induction Ceremonies
Online:
Overview of Academic Year Webinar
Evening (Online):
Legacy Games Small Group Mixer
Wednesday September 9, 2020:
In person (Groups A-E):
Introduction to the Canadian Legal System
Small Group Meetings
Online (Groups F-I):
Extra Curricular Opportunities Webinar
Mental Health and Wellness Webinar
Student Perspectives on Surviving and Thriving in Law School Panel
Evening (Online):
Western Law Trivia Night – Online
Thursday September 10, 2020:
In person:
Professionalism Seminar
Small Group Meetings
Online:
Keys to Academic Success Seminar
Diversity in the Workplace Panel
Evening (Online):
Moot Boot Camp – Online
Friday September 11, 2020:
In person (Groups F-I):
Introduction to the Canadian Legal System
Small Group Meetings
Online (Groups A-E):
Extra Curricular Opportunities Webinar
Mental Health and Wellness Webinar
Student Perspectives on Surviving and Thriving in Law School Panel
Evening (In-person)
Informal Small Group Gatherings – Various London Patios
Monday September 14, 2020:
Evening (Online)
OUTLaws Virtual Game Night
Event Highlights
Tuesday September 8, 2020
VARIOUS TIMES: INDUCTION CEREMONY
As scheduled, you will meet at Althouse Auditorium, which is a short walk from the Law School, for Western Law’s Induction Ceremony! You have already received a formal invitation to this event from Dean Erika Chamberlain. This is an important part of Orientation designed to formally welcome you to Western Law and to the legal profession. Business attire is required, which typically means suits. However, it’s perfectly appropriate to wear pants/skirt with a collared shirt and tie or a nice blouse.
The Western Law community looks forward to sharing this important milestone with you!
7:00PM: LEGACY GAMES MIXER
The Legacy Games are a virtual social event taking place at 7:00 pm on September 8th. It will provide the 1L students with a fun opportunity to become acquainted with the people in their small group, as well as with upper year students! It will take place over Zoom, look out for the meeting link from your JPs. Join in for fun games and a good time!
REMINDERS FOR THE FIRST DAY:
- Arrive on time!
- Bring your credit or debit card for textbooks.
- Bring cash or a cheque for your SLS Fees ($180). Cheques can be made payable to “UWO Student Legal Society.”
- Wear professional business attire, and bring a change of clothes if you wish. If you are unsure about what to wear, please feel free to reach out to the Orientation Week Co-Chairs!
Wednesday September 9, 2020
12:15PM-1:45PM: DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE PANEL
The virtual Diversity in the Workplace panel is happening on September 10th from 12:15 – 1:45 pm. It will provide students with the opportunity to hear about the lived experiences of a diverse group of lawyers in various practice areas and firms. There will be a moderated discussion, followed by an opportunity for students to ask questions.
7:00PM: TRIVIA NIGHT
Virtual Trivia night will provide 1L students with the chance to test their knowledge of Western law fun facts and law related pop culture. Small groups will compete for prizes and bragging rights. Students are welcomed and encouraged to gather in appropriately sized, socially distanced groups along with their JP’s to compete as a unit or to join in individually to contribute to their small groups success!
Thursday September 10, 2020
7:00PM: MOOT BOOTCAMP
For this virtual event the Orientation Week team has partnered with Western Law’s phenomenal Advocacy Committee and some of the schools most accomplished 2L mooters to provide incoming students with a comprehensive introduction to mooting. This bootcamp will cover all the fundamentals to ensure incoming students are ready to put their best foot forward for their first moots!
Friday September 11, 2020
7:00PM: JP ORGANIZED MEETUPS
On Friday, JP’s will be organizing socially distanced meet-ups for those comfortable with in person interactions. Activities may include picnics, patio gatherings or indoor restaurant meetups.
Monday September 14, 2020
7:00PM: OUTLaws Virtual Game Night
Calling all LGBTQ+ students and allies: On Monday, September 14 at 7 pm, Western Law’s LGBTQ+ student group, OUTLaws, will be hosting a virtual game night. This will be a great opportunity to meet other queer students and allies, learn more about OUTLaws, and unwind after the madness of O-Week!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the OUTLaws Exec at outlaws@uwo.ca. Details will be posted on our Facebook page, @WesternOUTLawsPublic, closer to the date of the event.
The contact information for the OUTLaws exec is as follows:
Email: outlaws@uwo.ca
Facebook: @WesternOUTLawsPublic
Instagram: western_outlaws