Academic Achievement Program

Orientation Academic Sessions

Orientation includes several sessions for 1Ls designed to introduce incoming students to the foundations for being successful in law courses. These sessions cover topics including, but not limited to, the U.S. legal system, sources of law, legal reasoning, briefing cases, preparing for class, the Socratic method, note-taking, study methods to synthesize material after class, and preparing for exams.

AAP Leader for each Section of First-Year Substantive Courses

Upper-level students work with first-year students in a variety of settings under the training and supervision of Professor Kate Stoker and Professor Diane Kraft, Director of the Academic Achievement Program. Each semester, outstanding upper-level students are selected to work with AAP in coordination with the professor of the class. The focus of the group meetings is on the development of academic skills in the context of a particular substantive course. Leaders also work individually with first-year students to address specific concerns. Topics addressed by the leaders include case reading and briefing, note-taking in class, outlining, exam preparation, and exam writing. DU students may find more specific information about schedules and leader contact information on the AAP TWEN site.

Individual Conference with Professor Diane Kraft

Any student is encouraged to make an individual appointment with Professor Diane Kraft to discuss academic performance issues, particularly after receiving midterm exam results. If a first-year student receives a final grade of C or below for any course, the student is required to meet with either Professor Kraft or the professor for the course for an exam review. This review is intended to help the student diagnose substantive problems as well as exam writing issues.

Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.6 after the first semester will meet with Professor Kraft to undertake a diagnostic review to determine the reasons for the low GPA and to develop a program to address any issues identified.

First-year students on academic probation must meet with Professor Kraft as well as the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. These students must develop a plan for academic improvement and participate in the Academic Achievement Program.

Legal Writing Clinic

The Writing Specialist, Professor Kate Stoker, meets individually with first-year students to help them with writing assignments for Lawyering Process and other first-year courses, as well as general writing concerns. Professor Stoker also administers a writing diagnostic and proficiency testing process, including individual meetings, weekly writing tips, and workshops, to help assure that all first-year students are proficient in formal grammar, punctuation, and usage. 

AAP Library Resources

The AAP/Bar Success Resource Center in Rm. 457 is available to all law school students, offering study aids and one-on-one advice regarding academic skills needed during law school.

When is it open?

The Resource Center is typically open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays and 12-2 p.m. on weekends. However, these hours may vary. You can check the posted hours on the Resource Center door, or email Professor Kraft. The AAP maintains study aids and selected materials for first-year courses in the AAP Resource Center. These materials may be checked out. *School Holidays Apply*

Do I need an appointment to speak with AAP faculty members?

Email Professor Kraft and Professor Kate Stoker or make an appointment on the AAP TWEN site. 1L Student Leaders are also available to help; please visit our AAP TWEN site for their contact information.

Can I take study aids home with me?

Yes! We encourage students to check out our materials. Items are due back one week after check-out date (with an option for an additional one-week renewal). Items can be returned to the Westminster Law Library Circulation Desk on the 2nd floor when we are closed.

Individual Meetings with Professor Kraft

Professor Kraft is available to meet with upper-level students to address any academic performance concerns.

Legal Writing Clinic Support for Courses Requiring Substantial Written Assignments

With prior professor approval, the Writing Specialist, Professor Kate Stoker, will work with students completing writing assignments for upper-level courses. For more information, contact the Writing Clinic.

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