The Columbus School of Law's first ever Open House for potential applicants turned out to be a hit, with nearly 50 people interested in law school and their guests braving inclement weather to attend. The Jan. 29 event was designed to answer common questions about law school, emphasize the special advantages of a CUA Law education, and give attendees a general sense of the strong community that flourishes in the building.
The 90-minute program featured welcoming remarks from Dean Daniel F. Attridge, followed by staff presentations from the offices of admissions, financial aid, and student support. Guests also absorbed impressions of life at CUA Law from a panel of current students, and later heard from a panel composed of members of the law school's Alumni Council.
"We do a couple of things differently," Dean Attridge began. He explained the school's commitment to the tri-pillars of Practical, Focused, and Connected, three bedrock principles that shape the law school's approach to legal education.
On the first point, the dean asked the group to keep in mind that law school should not be all airy theory, but should involve mastery of things that real lawyers do in daily practice. "You can graduate first in your class from some law schools and never have read a contract. Isn't that unbelievable? Not here," he said. The speaking program was moderated by alumna Sanchelle Charles, Class of 2014, who now works in the law school's admissions office. "I sat where you are now just three years ago," she told the audience. "This journey will forever change your life for the better." Law school staff members explained the steps in the admissions process, how financial aid works, and the kinds of support and resources that are available to law students on the Catholic University campus. Each emphasized an open door policy and round-the-clock willingness to help.
"You're here to be law students, not to be anxious about the financial aid process," said David Schrock, director of the Office of Financial Aid. The five-member panel of current students, representing both the day and evening divisions, discussed the factors that led them to law school and to CUA Law specifically. During the question-and-answer session, prospective students queried the law school community about topics such as grade curves and what sorts of student groups exist within the law school. The successful Open House concluded with a reception in the law school's atrium and optional tours of the Judge Kathryn J. DuFour Law Library. A second Open House is planned for March.