This is a guest blog post from LSS President Madison Pate-Green.
Hey everyone,
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Victoria’s Law School! As someone who just two short years ago was exactly where you are, I want you all to know how much there is to look forward to! This school is really one of a kind in how it brings people together and builds a community which we are all so proud to be a part of. At the same time, law school is hard and for me, at times, it was quite painful. Still, you learn so much about who you are, and I found I grew in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Always remember to breathe, and if you’re comfortable, be open. There is so much ahead of you. For those of you who like me left home and family to come to UVic, remember to keep your pre law school people close while also being mindful that people at the school can and very likely will create a home away from home for you. For those of you who are born and/or raised close to campus lands, remember how special that is and how amazing of an opportunity you have to make those who aren’t, feel a little closer to home.
Finally, I want all of you to know that I am always here if you need to chat, ask questions or just have a friendly face on campus. I cannot wait to meet you all at Orientation in the fall and I wish you all a wonderful, adventurous and ideally, lawless summer!
Wishing everyone very well,
Madison, UVic Pres
Introduction
The University of Victoria Law Students’ Society acknowledges and respects that the university was built on the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and SENĆOTEN-speaking peoples of the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ Nations, whose relationships with these lands continue today.
Welcome everyone, and congratulations on your admission to the University of Victoria Faculty of Law! You are joining a community of like-minded peers interested in advancing the law while learning from nationally leading academics. The student body at the Faculty embodies what is referred to as the “UVic Difference”, and student involvement is at the heart of this movement.
The LSS is the elected student government that represents law students to administration within the Faculty. Our Executive Team works all year to represent student voices, while delivering a variety of programs and overseeing student clubs and societies. The LSS is the heart of student life within the Faculty, and we are so excited that you will be joining us!
Orientation
Every year, the LSS organizes a 2-week Orientation program focuses on connecting students. We aim to cover a variety of bases, from our signature Sea Cider Soiree at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse, to Gala, a semi-formal evening event to celebrate the end of Legal Process. In the past, we have also hosted Billiards Night, Movie Nights, Mature Student Mixers, Yoga and Spin Classes, Trivia, and so much more. During the daytime at lunch, we will host panels to help orient you to your new program, generally hosted by upper year students who are able to answer all of your questions.
Law Buddies
The Law Buddies Program matches upper year students to 1L, exchange, and transfer students joining the UVic Law Community. Our Social Coordinators match incoming students to volunteer mentors by learning a bit about your goals and hobbies.
Throughout your first year at UVic Law, your Law Buddy can assist with navigating the Faculty, tips and tricks on studying and exams, and how to achieve work-life balance in a new environment. Law Buddies can also assist with job search strategies, finding upper year courses you may like, and other important practical skills to help you survive law school. Law Buddies can meet as often or as little as both individuals want, and we try to match Law Buddies based on their ideal level of involvement.
The LSS takes the hassle out of finding an upper year mentor and does the matching for you! More information will be released this summer.
Locker Rentals
Students have the ability to rent small or large lockers in the Faculty of Law, for either one semester or both semesters. Lockers can be a great option for a number of reasons! Maybe you have intramurals after class, or are tired of carrying around heavy books. Maybe you bike to school, or workout at CARSA before your 9:00am class. Whatever the reason, all students have the opportunity to rent a locker that suits their needs. Locker rental sales will begin in September.
Clubs and Societies
One of the best ways to augment your law school experience is to join clubs and societies! Clubs and societies can help deepen your academic understanding of the law, as well as connect you to causes you care about and meet like minded people, or those with similar backgrounds. There are many clubs available, and any student can also submit new club ideas! Some current clubs include the Black Law Students’ Association, Environmental Law Club, HARD Club (Harm Reduction), South Asian Law Students’ Association (SALSA), Business Law Club, and many more.
Clubs and societies are ratified through the LSS, and receive their funds from the LSS Budget. Our Sports and Clubs representative also supports clubs through our semi-annual Involvement Fairs, where students can learn more about getting involved. There will be an Involvement Fair during Orientation, where you can sign up!
The Student Lounge
Within the Faculty of Law, we have a central Student Lounge (which is currently getting a facelift in anticipation of your arrival!). The lounge has comfortable couches and chairs for students to get together and chat, study, and hang out. The student lounge and its amenities, including the microwaves, fridges, coffee and tea supplies and games are provided through the LSS.
Career Services
Did you know that $160 of your $170 in student fees goes directly towards the Law Careers Office (LCO)? As a professional program, we understand that many students come to law school looking for a variety of careers. That is why the LSS is proud to support the LCO in assisting students through the job-hunting process, while educating students on the variety of careers available to them during and post-graduation.
The LSS funds the majority of the LCO’s operational budget, and also collaborates with the LCO to bring different careers-focused events to students at the Faculty. The LSS Career Options and Articling Representatives work particularly closely with the LCO, planning summer Firm Tours and Career Options Night.
Intramurals
It’s crucial for all students to find a life-work balance, and that includes staying active and having fun. Every semester, the LSS organizes several intramural teams to bring students together to do just that.
Not only does the LSS assist in putting together teams for various intramural sports composed solely of law students, but the LSS also subsidizes the cost of participation. Every intramural participant will receive a percentage of reimbursed funds, to help make intramurals more accessible.
Graduation
Every year, graduating students get together to celebrate their final days at the Faculty with a student-focused reception. Beyond the Graduation ceremony itself, this is the only formal event to bring the entire graduating class together. The 3L Representatives also coordinate graduation pictures for the group composite photos found on the walls of the Fraser Building.
The LSS is wholly responsible for planning, funding, and executing graduation activities on a yearly basis. The 3L Representatives are in charge for throwing a meaningful and fun send-off for each grad class, which is often a highlight for graduating students. The 3L Representatives also organize the school’s clothing sales fundraiser, to benefit graduation planning.
More Information
For more information, please visit www.uviclss.ca.
Please note: as exams and team transition are in progress, communication times may vary. To get in touch with a member of the LSS, please email lss@uvic.ca or president.uviclss@gmail.com.
Given the increasing emphasis on work-life balance in legal education, how does UVic Law plan to address the potential stress and burnout caused by the extensive and high-energy Orientation program, especially when many of these events seem to encourage socializing over self-care?
Thanks for this comment. This is a very valid concern. It’s no surprise that in much of law school, at all law schools, there are more events than one can attend. This is done in order to include as many students as possible and speak to their specific interests. There is also a push to network, which is important for securing jobs in many markets. The push-and-pull of events versus mental health and self-care is real, and we acknowledge that it’s easy to go overboard. However, we additionally message to students that they need to take care of themselves. We have robust student support (including mental health support) and we emphasize that attendance at all events is not only unnecessary but impossible.
I’d add that a lot of events encourage relationship-building amongst students and in the legal field. Relationships and community are an essential part of self care and mental health support.