In anticipation of Orientation 2023, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (Catholic Law) held its pre-orientation program across Monday, August 14, and Tuesday, August 15. A collaborative event hosted jointly by the Asian and Pacific Law Students Association (APALSA), the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), the Latin America Law Students Association (LALSA), and the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council (DIA), the program began on Monday with a welcome breakfast, followed by a several panels designed to aid incoming law students with navigating their new educational environment and building resourceful support networks.
The event’s first panel, composed of current Catholic Law students, addressed the prevalence of imposter syndrome among first-time law students and the best ways through which such students can confront and tackle it. Speakers included LALSA president Julie Orlando (4E), BLSA president Miranda Turner (3D), and pre-orientation program alumnus Jay-Jay McCargo (2D). The second panel, entitled “Demystifying Your Professors,” featured professor Regina Jefferson, who—in coordination with three second-year law students Ryan Ferebee, Katiah Scott, and Alexandra Van Cleef—discussed how incoming students could best work with their professors and maximize their time working with them one-on-one, such as during office hours.
The program’s Monday portion continued with a luncheon featuring Jim Moye ’99 as an alumni speaker. The day concluded with an alumni spotlight session led by Damon Porter ’94 and Debbie Chu ’17, both of whom discussed how Catholic Law had prepared them for their careers. They additionally provided incoming students with advice for success—not only in law school, but also in the legal profession.
“The purpose of the Pre-Orientation Program is to allow students the space and opportunity to reflect upon their journey to law school—to create space to celebrate what they are bringing to the law school community, and to introduce them to the Catholic Law family,” Shani Butts, Assistant Dean for Admissions & Financial Aid, said of the event. “Our alum Jim Moye was instrumental in the creation of this program that helps to foster a real sense of belonging for all those who participate. We hope that this extra time together allows our students to feel empowered and supported.”
Pre-orientation program attendees visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Tuesday.