Incoming Student Orientation

Pre-Orientation Welcome Happy Hour
Join your classmates, faculty, and staff for an informal welcome before Orientation begins

Complete these important tasks before Orientation begins.

• Pick up your laptop (Barco Law Building)
• Visit Financial Aid, Admissions, and the Dean of Students (Drop-in Hours)
• Obtain your Pitt ID at Panther Central
• Purchase your textbooks
• Learn how to use Pittsburgh Regional Transit (your Pitt ID provides access)

9–10 a.m. I Registration & Continental Breakfast I Lobby & Ground Floor

10–10:15 a.m. I Welcome to the Pitt Law Community I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Presented by Michelle Yingling, Director of Admissions, Dean Jerry Dickinson, and SBA President Mark Okocha

10:15–11 a.m. I Student Success & Wellness I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Presented by Allie Linsenmeyer, Dean of Students

11–11:30 a.m. I Pitt & Pitt Law Resources I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Meet representatives from:

• Information Technology
• Barco Law Library
• Office of Equity, Inclusion & Engagement
• Registrar
• Professional Development Office
• Communications
• JURIST
• Building & Safety
• Pitt Pantry
• Pitt Eats

11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. I AccessLex Financial Education I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Presented by Mary Bechler

12:15–1:30 p.m. I Lunch with Faculty I First Floor Lobby & Teplitz Memorial Courtroom

1:30–2 p.m. I Library Resources I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Presented by Patrick Parsons, Director, Barco Law Library

2–3 p.m. I Current Student Panel I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Hear from Pitt Law student ambassadors about life as a law student, academic success, organizations, and campus involvement.

3–4 p.m. I Optional Building Tour 
Explore the Barco Law Building and become familiar with classrooms, study spaces, student services, and other important locations.

9–10:30 a.m. I Case Annotation Research Study I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Participate in a case annotation exercise as part of a legal education research study.

Presented by Professor Kevin Ashley and Morgan Gray

10:30–11 a.m. I Title IX at Pitt I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Learn about the University's commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment, as well as the resources available to students.

Presented by the University of Pittsburgh Title IX Office

11 a.m.–Noon I Professional Development Office  I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Meet the Professional Development Office team and learn how Pitt Law supports students in career exploration, networking, internships, externships, and employment throughout law school.

Noon–1:15 p.m. I Lunch with Your Section I Ground Floor, Outdoor Lawn & Patio
Meet with your classmates in your assigned section and begin building connections before classes begin. Lunch provided by Pitt Law.

1:15–2:15 p.m. I Student Responsibilities & Academic Policies I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Learn about important academic policies and expectations, including:

• Student responsibilities
• Course registration
• Academic advising
• Exams and grading

Presented by Vice Dean John Linarelli and Allie Linsenmeyer, Dean of Students

2:15–3:30 p.m. I Character & Fitness I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Gain an understanding of the Character and Fitness process required for admission to the bar, including common issues to avoid during law school.

Presented by Allie Linsenmeyer, Dean of Students and Rob Wible, Director of Academic Success & Bar Exam Services

3:30–4:30 p.m. I Adaptive Mindset Survey & Equity at Pitt Law I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Complete the Adaptive Mindset Survey and learn about Pitt Law's commitment to fostering an inclusive learning community.

Presented by Ann Sinsheimer, Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusive Excellence and Vincent Johnson, Director of Equity & Inclusive Excellence

9–9:30 a.m. I Meet the Clinics & CILE I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Learn about Pitt Law's clinical programs and the work of the Center for International Legal Education (CILE).

9:30–10:30 a.m. I Mock Law School Class I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Experience your first law school classroom with a mock class led by Professor David Harris.

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. I Briefing Cases & Academic Success I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Learn effective strategies for reading cases, briefing opinions, and preparing for success in your first semester.

Presented by Rob Wible, Director of Academic Success & Bar Exam Services

12:30–4 p.m. I Open Time
Meet with your Academic Success Program mentors, Teaching Assistants, faculty, or classmates before classes begin.

4–4:30 p.m. I Class Swearing-In Ceremony I Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Join your classmates as you officially begin your legal education during Pitt Law's annual swearing-in ceremony.

Guest Speaker Hon. Cindy K. Chung
Family and friends are welcome to attend.

4:30–5:30 p.m. I Reception & Dessert Bar I Ground Floor, Student Lounge & Outdoor Lawn
Celebrate the start of your Pitt Law journey with classmates, faculty, staff, family, and guests.

10–11:30 a.m. I Student Organization Fair I Lobby & First Floor Classrooms
Meet representatives from Pitt Law student organizations, explore ways to get involved, and learn how to start a new organization.

11:30 a.m. I Box Lunch Pickup I Ground Floor & Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Pick up your lunch before departing for the community service project.

Noon–12:15 p.m. I Community Service Project Welcome I Ground Floor & Teplitz Memorial Courtroom
Hear opening remarks and project information from Megan Lovett, Assistant Dean for Public Interest & Pro Bono Initiatives.

12:15 p.m. I Departure
Transportation will be provided to community service project sites.

1–5 p.m. I Community Service Project
Begin your Pitt Law experience by giving back to the Pittsburgh community through a service project with your classmates.