Student Handbook
2022-2023
By Stephen D. Sowle
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
(312) 906-5282
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE J.D. DEGREE
1.1 General Requirements: Credit Hours, Time to Complete the Degree, Grade Point Average,
Undergraduate and Graduate Transcript Submission
1.2 Required Courses
1.3 Independent Research in Lieu of a Seminar
1.4 Legal Writing 4 Waiver
1.5 [Reserved]
1.6 Studying at Another Law School
1.7 Application for Graduation
1.8 Student Responsibility for Fulfilling Requirements
1.9 Bar Examination Requirements
1.10 Degree with Honors
1.11 The Order of the Coif
1.12 Law Review Eligibility
1.13 Moot Court Honor Society Eligibility
1.14 Intellectual Property Moot Court Eligibility
1.15 Credit for Moot Court Participation
1.16 Certificate in Environmental and Energy Law
1.17 Certificate in International and Comparative Law
1.18 Certificate in Intellectual Property Law
1.19 Certificate in Labor and Employment Law
1.20 Certificate in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (LADR)
1.21 Certificate in Business Law
1.22 Certificate in Public Interest Law
1.23 Certificate in Criminal Litigation
1.24 Praxis Program
1.25 Joint Degree Programs
SECTION II. STUDY LOAD, COURSE, AND WORK LIMITATIONS
2.1 Maximum Credit Hours
2.2 Minimum Credit Hours
2.3 Seminar Limitation
2.4 Pass/Fail Election
2.5 Law Review and Moot Court Credit Hour Limitation
2.6 Clinical Courses and Externship Limitation
2.7 Pass-Fail Credits
2.8 Employment Limitation for Full-Time Day Division Students
2.9 Exceptions to Limitations
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2.10 Hour Requirements for Financial Aid and Loan Deferment Purposes
2.11 Legal Writing and Academic Support Program Teaching Assistant Limitations
2.12 Distance Education Limitations
SECTION III. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
3.1 Official Registration Required
3.2 Registration Priority
3.3 Sequence of Required Courses
3.4 Registration for In-House Clinical Programs
3.5 Registration for Externships
3.6 Registration for LL.M. courses
3.7 Registration for Independent Research
3.8 Registration for Intensive Trial Advocacy
3.9 Registration for Courses in Another Division
3.10 Adding and Dropping Courses
3.11 Changing Divisions
3.12 Class Attendance in Proper Section
3.13 Auditing Classes
SECTION IV. WITHDRAWAL AND REENTRY TO THE LAW SCHOOL
4.1 Withdrawal or Transferring From the Law School
4.2 Reentry Before Completion of One Semester
4.3 Reentry After Completion of One Semester, But Before One Year
4.4 Reentry After Completion of at Least One Year
SECTION V. TRANSFER CREDITS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS
5.1 Procedure for Taking Courses at Another Law School
5.2 Courses at Other Chicago-Area Law Schools
5.3 Credit Hour Limitations for Courses Taken at Other Law Schools
5.4 Credit Hours Required for a Chicago-Kent Degree
5.5 Procedure to Take Non-Law Courses at Graduate Schools
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SECTION VI. GRADING SYSTEM
6.1 Grading Scale
6.2 Computation of Grade Point Average
6.3 Grade of WP (Withdrew Passing)
6.4 Grade of WE (Withdrew Failing)
6.5 Grade of I (Incomplete)
6.6 Grades of P (Pass) and LP (Low Pass)
6.7 Effect of Grades of P (Pass), LP (Low Pass), E (Failure), and WP (Withdrew Failing) on GPA
6.8 Grading Curves
6.9 Anonymous Grading
6.10 Change of Grade
6.11 Deadline for Submission of Grades
6.12 Disclosure of Grades
6.13 Class Rank
6.14 Dean's Honor List
6.15 Transcripts
6.16 CALI Excellence for the Future Award
SECTION VII. EXAMINATIONS
7.1 In General
7.2 Exam Schedule and Conflicts
7.3 Missing an Examination
7.4 Make-up Examinations
7.5 Student Conduct During Examinations
7.6 Examination Procedures
7.7 Determination of Grades
7.8 Review of Examinations and Other Assignments
7.9 Appeal of Grade
SECTION VIII. GRADE POINT AVERAGE REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Definitions
8.2 [Reserved]
8.3 GPA Requirements
8.4 Dismissal From the Law School
8.5 Academic Probation
8.6 Effect of Summer Session Grades on the Probationary Semester
8.7 Applications for Readmission
8.8 Repeated Courses
SECTION IX. CLASS ATTENDANCE
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9.1 Class Attendance
9.2 Failure of an Instructor to Appear in Class
9.3 Tape Recording Class Sessions
9.4 Scheduling of Make-up Classes
SECTION X. FACULTY MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
10.1 Schedule of Faculty Meetings
10.2 Student Representation
10.3 Publication of Minutes of Faculty Meetings
10.4 Student Representation on Faculty Committees
SECTION XI. CURRICULAR MATTERS
11.1 Required Courses and Course Descriptions
11.2 Recommended Courses for Upper-Level Students
11.3 Course Prerequisites
SECTION XII. TUITION AND FEES
12.1 Tuition
12.2 U-Pass Fee
12.3 Student Activities Fee
12.4 Student Insurance
12.5 Change of Program
12.6 Course Materials
12.7 Payment of Charges
12.8 Financial Delinquency
12.9 Dishonored Checks
12.10 Tuition Refund Policy
12.11 Tuition Refund Policy: Special Situations
SECTION XIII. FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
13.1 Full-time, Half-time Status for Financial Aid & Deferment Purposes
13.2 Scholarships
13.3 Scholarship Policies
13.4 Outside Scholarships
13.5 Student Loans
13.6 Sandra Baez Emergency Loan Fund
13.7 Summer Loans
13.8 Visiting Another Law School or Visiting Overseas
13.9 Veterans
13.10 Deferments
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SECTION XIV. GENERAL INFORMATION
14.1 Official Notices: Law School Record
14.2 Bulletin Boards and Posting of Notices
14.3 Rule 711 Licenses
14.4 Privacy Rights and Access to Educational Records
14.5 Directory Information
14.6 Reservation of Rooms and Scheduling of Events
14.7 Use of Facilities
14.8 Lost and Found
14.9 Lockers
14.10 Bookstore
14.11 ID Cards
14.12 Parking
14.13 IIT Main Campus Facilities
14.14 Shuttle Bus Service to Main Campus
14.15 Personal Mail
14.16 School Closing Due to Inclement Weather
14.17 Alcoholic Beverages
14.18 Smoking Policy
14.19 Student Complaints
14.20 Escort Service
14.21 Disability Accommodations
SECTION XV. [Reserved]
SECTION XVI. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT
POLICIES
16.1 Law School Policy on Equality of Opportunity
16.2 IIT Policy on Equality of Opportunity
16.3 IIT Policy on Sexual Harassment
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SECTION XVII. CONVISER LAW CENTER LIBRARY
17.1 Library Hours
17.2 General Rules
17.3 Circulation Policies
SECTION XVIII. CAREER SERVICES
18.1 Policies and Procedures
SECTION XIX. CODE OF CONDUCT
Art. I Definitions
Art. II Prohibited Conduct
Art. III Law School Discipline Tribunal
Art. IV Guilty Plea
Art. V Pre-hearing Procedures
Art. VI Hearing Procedures
Art. VII Appeal
Art. VIII Maintenance of Records
Art. IX Exclusivity of This Code
Art. X Effective Date; Repeal; Savings; Amendments
SECTION XX. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION
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SECTION I: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE
§ 1.1 General Requirements: Credit Hours, Time to Complete the Degree, Grade Point Average,
Undergraduate and Graduate Transcript Submission
(a) Credit hours
Students must complete 87 hours of credit to earn the degree of Juris Doctor. At least 64 of these credit
hours must be in courses that require attendance in regularly scheduled classroom sessions or direct
faculty instruction. Clinical coursework counts toward the 64-credit requirement, but externships,
extracurricular activities (including credits earned for participation in a law journal, moot court
competitions, trial advocacy competitions, or as a Teaching Assistant), and courses taken in another
academic unit (e.g., the Stuart School of Business) do not count toward the 64 credits.
(b) Time to Complete the Degree
Students must complete the Juris Doctor degree no earlier than 24 months and no later than 84 months
after commencing law studies at Chicago-Kent or at a law school from which Chicago-Kent has accepted
transfer credit.
(c) Grade Point Average
All students must attain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.300 to earn the degree. See §§ 8.1-
8.8 in this Handbook for further information on the academic regulations concerning probation and
dismissal for failing to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.300.
(d) Undergraduate and Graduate Transcript Submission
In accordance with guidance from the American Bar Association, the Law School's accrediting agency,
students who do not have all required undergraduate and graduate transcripts submitted by October 15 of
their first semester will be administratively withdrawn from their Fall courses and will not be permitted to
continue pursuing the J.D. degree. Contact the Admissions Office if you are uncertain how to arrange for
submission of your transcripts. If you believe you will be unable to comply with the October 15 deadline
due to circumstances beyond your control, please contact the Director of Admissions no later than
October 1 to discuss your situation.
§ 1.2 Required Courses
The following courses must be successfully completed to earn the J.D. degree: Contracts, Torts, Criminal
Law, Civil Procedure, Property, Legislation, Legal Writing 1, Legal Writing 2, Legal Writing 3, Legal
Writing 4, Constitutional Law, Professional Responsibility, Professional Development and Identity (for
students starting Fall 2021 or later), and one seminar. A student who fails any of these required courses
must retake the course. As provided in §8.4, a student who fails the same required course twice shall not
be permitted to re-register for that course and shall be dismissed from the Law School.
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In addition to the courses listed above, students beginning in Summer 2016 or later must also successfully
complete a total of six credits from an approved list of experiential courses
. Most students will already
satisfy four of these credits by taking Legal Writing 3 and Legal Writing 4. However, students who opt
for the Legal Writing 4 Equivalency Class (see §1.4) should consult the list of approved courses to
determine whether the qualifying activity counts toward the experiential requirement. Law Review does
not count toward the requirement.
To satisfy the seminar degree requirement, the seminar must be taken in a semester at the start of which
the student has successfully completed at least 54 hours of credit and has completed the Legal Writing 4
writing requirement, unless the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs waives this requirement in the same
manner as provided in §2.9. Students may take seminars for which they meet the prerequisites in earlier
semesters, but not in satisfaction of the degree requirement.
Students who are in the bottom 25% of their class at the end of their second year are required to take Bar
Exam Strategies in their final Spring semester.
Certain writing requirements may be waived or satisfied in an alternative manner as provided in §§1.3
and 1.4.
§ 1.3 Independent Research in Lieu of a Seminar
The seminar requirement may be satisfied by an Independent Research course supervised by a member of
the faculty. To fulfill the seminar requirement, an extensive seminar-style research paper must be written.
A student must obtain written approval from the instructor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
prior to beginning the research and prior to registration. In order to satisfy the seminar requirement,
Independent Research must be taken in a semester at the start of which the student has completed at least
54 hours of credit and has completed Legal Writing 4, unless the Associate Dean waives this requirement
in the same manner as provided in §2.9. Independent Research is graded on a pass/fail basis; a student
may not earn a letter grade. Only one credit hour is awarded for this course even though it fulfills the
graduation seminar requirement. A student may earn only one credit hour of Independent Research per
semester.
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§ 1.4 Legal Writing 4 Waiver
The Legal Writing 4 requirement may be waived by taking a Legal Writing 4 Equivalency Class in
certain circumstances for students who participate in one of the following: Law Review, Moot Court
Honor Society, the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, the Criminal Litigation
Program, and Judicial Externship. The Equivalency Class must be taken in the same semester as the
activity that qualifies the student to take the Equivalency Class; it may not be deferred to a later semester.
For details, see the most recent semester's Schedule of Classes or Registration Bulletin, or contact the
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
§ 1.5 [Reserved]
§ 1.6 Studying at Another Law School
If a student receives permission to study at another law school, the student will receive a degree from
Chicago-Kent provided the student earns at least 54 credit hours at Chicago-Kent and meets the other
degree requirements of the Law School. In appropriate circumstances, the Associate Dean for Academic
Affairs may make modifications to the credit hour requirement. See §5.1 for the procedures for obtaining
permission to study at another law school.
§ 1.7 Application for Graduation
Graduating seniors must submit an online Application for Graduation by the end of the add/drop period
for their last semester. It is imperative for graduating seniors to notify the Registrar if they have changed
their schedules and reduced their hours after they have submitted the Application for Graduation.
§ 1.8 Student Responsibility for Fulfilling Requirements
Each student has the responsibility to make sure that all degree requirements are fulfilled. Graduating
seniors should make an independent review of their records before registering for their final semester. The
Registrar will review the academic record of each senior who has submitted an Application for
Graduation and will attempt to notify a student of any apparent deficiencies prior to the conclusion of the
add/drop period for the student's last semester. However, it is the student's responsibility, not the
Registrar's, to make sure that all degree requirements will be fulfilled by the end of the final semester.
After all graduating seniors' grades have been received by the Registrar in the final semester, the Registrar
will review each graduating senior's record to make sure that all degree requirements are fulfilled. If a
student has not fulfilled all degree requirements, he or she will not receive a degree and will not be
certified to the bar examiners.
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§ 1.9 Bar Examination Requirements
(a) General Information
The Illinois bar exam is administered in February and July of each year. Students must also pass the
Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), which is given three times a year and may be taken
at any time during or after law school. The registration forms and instructions for the Illinois bar exam are
available at https://www.ilbaradmissions.org. Information about the MPRE is available at
https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre.
Illinois does not require any specified courses to take the bar exam. However, some states require specific
law courses to be eligible to take the bar exam. Students should obtain information as soon after they
begin law school as possible about the character and fitness, curricular, preregistration, and other
requirements for admission to the bar in states in which they may seek admission. Graduating seniors
must advise the Registrar of the forms and documents required by out-of-state bar examiners well in
advance of the date the material is required.
(b) Character and Fitness
At the end of each semester, the Law School sends a Certification of Juris Doctorate to the Illinois Board
of Admissions to the Bar for each graduate certifying that the student has earned the J.D. degree. The
Certification requires the dean to answer the following questions for the Character and Fitness Committee
and to provide relevant details and documentation:
1. Do your records or other information show anything adverse as to his/her honesty, integrity or
general conduct?
2. Was he/she ever involved in a disciplinary inquiry or proceeding while in attendance?
3. Are you aware of any matter or matters reflecting adversely upon his/her reputation and
character?
4. Remarks: Here please state any facts, not covered by the foregoing questions, unfavorable to
the applicant which you think the committee should know in connection with its duty to
determine whether he/she is worthy of the highest trust and confidence.
Other states require similar certificates to be completed by the Law School for students taking the bar
exam in their states.
All information disclosed on the bar registration application should be consistent with answers to
questions on the student's Application for Admission to the Law School. The bar registration application,
however, asks for a considerable amount of information that applicants are not asked to provide on the
Application for Admission. You only need to be concerned about the consistency of answers for
questions asked on both forms. You can amend your Application for Admission, if necessary, by
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addressing a letter to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs setting forth the details of the omission or
misrepresentation and the reason for it.
(c) Graduating Seniors
Graduating seniors must file a bar exam application with the Illinois bar examiners by February 15 of
their senior year if they plan on taking the July bar exam in Illinois. (Students planning on taking the
February bar exam should check the deadlines and other requirements on the bar examiners' web site.)
Late applications for the July bar exam may be filed up to May 15, but penalty fees apply. The forms and
instructions are available on the bar examiners' web site at https://www.ilbaradmissions.org
. The Law
School sends a Certification of Juris Doctorate to the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar at the end of
each semester for every graduating student. Please be sure to file an Application for Graduation (see §1.7)
by the end of the add/drop period in your final final semester so that we will know you plan to graduate.
If you have any questions about the Illinois bar exam or about the registration or application process, you
may call the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar at 217-522-5917.
§ 1.10 Degree with Honors
The Juris Doctor degree is conferred by the University upon students who are recommended by the Dean
and faculty of the Law School after successful completion of all degree requirements. On
recommendation of the faculty, degrees may be awarded cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum
laude. Under current practice, students who rank in the top 1% of their class are awarded their degrees
summa cum laude; those who rank in the remainder of the top 10% of their class are awarded their
degrees magna cum laude; and those who rank in the remainder of the top 25% of their class are awarded
their degrees cum laude. Students who graduate in August and December are ranked with the succeeding
May graduating class.
Under current practice, students who earn the LL.M. degree in International and Comparative Law degree
will graduate with Honors if they achieve cumulative GPAs of at least 3.750. Students who earn the
LL.M. degree in International Intellectual Property will graduate with Honors if they earn grades of B+ or
better in the Graduate Seminar in International Intellectual Property and achieve cumulative GPAs of at
least 3.500, and will graduate with High Honors if they earn grades of A in the Graduate Seminar in
International Intellectual Property and achieve cumulative GPAs of at least 3.750. Students who earn the
LL.M. degree in Taxation will graduate with Honors if they attain cumulative GPAs of at least 3.250 and
with High Honors if they attain GPAs of at least 3.750. There are no Honors designations for students
who earn the LL.M. degree in Financial Services.
§ 1.11 The Order of the Coif
J.D. graduates who rank in the top 10% of the graduating class are eligible for election to membership in
The Order of the Coif, if they otherwise meet the membership criteria of the Order, including the
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requirement that at least 75% of the student's credits must be in graded courses (rather than pass/fail). The
faculty members of The Order of the Coif elect the new members from among the eligible graduates.
§ 1.12 Law Review Eligibility
(a) Eligibility by Academic Achievement
The following students will be invited to join the Chicago-Kent Law Review at the end of each academic
year: (1) students who have completed only one academic year as full-time Day Division students who
rank in the top 7% of the full-time Day Division class (not divided into sections); (2) students who have
completed only one academic year as part-time Day Division students or as Evening Division students
who rank in the top 7% of the combined part-time Day Division and Evening Division class; and (3)
students who have completed at least one academic year, but not more than two academic years, as part-
time Day Division students or as Evening Division students who rank within the top 7% of the combined
class comprised of first-year full-time Day Division students, second-year part-time Day Division
students, and second-year Evening Division students. The eligibility of first-year full-time Day Division
students will be determined based on cumulative GPA calculations that include all grades received to that
point, with the exception that grades received for Legislation, or for an elective taken in place of
Legislation, will not be considered. Students who transfer into Chicago-Kent from other law schools are
not eligible for Law Review based on grades, but may participate in the Summer Candidacy Program,
subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) below.
(b) Eligibility by Successful Summer Candidacy Program Participation
(1) The Summer Candidacy Program typically consists of writing a comment on a legal topic chosen by
the Law Review Executive Board. The paper is usually a closed research problem. Exact program dates
and requirements are announced by the Law Review. The Law Review Executive Board selects which
students, if any, will be invited to join the staff based on evaluation of the comments submitted.
(2) All students who have completed at least one academic year at Chicago-Kent are eligible to participate
in the Law Review Summer Candidacy Program. No student may participate in the Summer Candidacy
Program unless he or she will be in residence at Chicago-Kent for at least two full semesters following
that Summer.
(3) Students who will not be in Chicago during the Summer of their eligibility may still participate in the
program, but should contact the Law Review as soon as possible after the program dates are announced to
make the necessary arrangements.
(c) For purposes of Law Review academic or Summer candidacy eligibility, "completing" an academic
year means that a student earned sufficient credit to be ranked with the corresponding Day/Evening
Divisions combined class for the student's particular graduation year. Class rank and graduation year
information is determined by the Registrar.
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§ 1.13 Moot Court Honor Society Eligibility
A student may receive an invitation to join the Moot Court Honor Society based on performance in either
(1) the Charles Evans Hughes Moot Court Oral Arguments, in which all first-year students participate as a
required part of the Legal Writing 2 curriculum, or (2) the Moot Court Honor Society Summer Candidacy
Program. Students who argue in the final (second) round of the Hughes Arguments in the first year of law
school and finish in the top 10% of all students who competed on a problem-by-problem basis, and who
earn at least a B+ in Legal Writing 2, receive invitations to join the Society, provided that they meet the
minimum cumulative GPA requirement discussed below. Students may participate in the Summer
Candidacy Program in any Summer, provided they will be in residence at Chicago-Kent for at least two
full semesters following that Summer. A grade of B+ in Legal Writing 2 is not required to participate in
the Summer Candidacy Program.
In addition to fulfilling the requirements discussed above, a student must have at least a 3.000 cumulative
GPA at the completion of the Spring semester immediately preceding the Summer Candidacy Program in
order to be eligible for membership by either selection process discussed above. Any student, however,
who otherwise qualifies for automatic membership based on performance in the Hughes Arguments and
Legal Writing 2, but who fails to qualify for automatic membership because he or she has a cumulative
GPA below 3.000, may petition the Moot Court Honor Society Executive Board to participate in the
Summer Candidacy Competition.
A student who receives an invitation to join the Moot Court Honor Society may defer acceptance of the
invitation for no more than one year with permission of the Director of Appellate Advocacy. Deferral is
typically granted if (1) the student also has been invited to join the Chicago-Kent Law Review and has
accepted that invitation, or (2) the student will be a second-year part-time Day Division student or a
second-year Evening Division student and wishes to begin Moot Court membership in the Fall of his or
her third year.
All new members of the Moot Court Honor Society are required to register for Appellate Advocacy in
their first semester of membership. Appellate Advocacy is offered only in the Fall semester, so students
must begin their membership in the Fall semester. A student may not receive credit for more than five
hours of Moot Court Honor Society, including the two hours of Appellate Advocacy. Appellate Advocacy
is a two-hour graded course that may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. See also the requirements set forth
in §§1.15 and 2.5.
§ 1.14 Intellectual Property Moot Court Eligibility
To receive credit for Intellectual Property Moot Court, the following requirements must be met: (1) the
student must have completed Legal Writing 2; (2) the student may not have participated more than two
semesters in the Moot Court Society; (3) the student must adequately complete briefs per competition
rules as determined by the Intellectual Property Law Society's coach and faculty advisor; and (4) the
student must participate in at least two arguments in an intramural round robin of oral argument, one
argument on each side. Also see the requirements set forth in §§1.15 and 2.5.
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§ 1.15 Credit for Moot Court Participation
Except as noted below, the following rules must be followed to earn credit for participation in the Moot
Court Honor Society, BLSA Moot Court, Environmental Moot Court, Intellectual Property Moot Court,
International Moot Court, and any other moot court competition activity.
A student may earn only one credit hour per semester for participation in a Moot Court program (except
for the Appellate Advocacy class), subject to the following conditions:
(1) In order to earn the one credit, the student must fulfill the program requirements for obtaining credit,
and the requirements must include substantial participation in an Interscholastic Moot Court competition
or the Moot Court Honor Society's Spring Intramural Competition.
(2) A student may earn no more than one credit for each Interscholastic Moot Court competition in which
he or she participates, and such credit shall be awarded in the semester in which the competition takes
place.
(3) A student may earn no more than one credit in total for participation in the Moot Court Honor
Society's Spring Intramural Competition, and such credit shall be awarded in the semester in which the
competition takes place.
(4) A student may earn no more than one credit in total for coaching a Moot Court team, but only for
coaching a team entered in a competition sponsored by the Moot Court Honor Society, and such credit
shall be awarded in the semester in which the competition takes place.
(5) To be eligible to participate in the International Law Moot Court, a student must have completed or be
taking an international section of Legal Writing 4.
§ 1.16 Certificate in Environmental and Energy Law
A student may earn a Certificate in Environmental and Energy Law, in addition to the J.D. degree, by
participating in the Program in Environmental and Energy Law. A student joins the program by notifying
the director of her/his interest.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
Students must complete an Application for a Certificate and have it approved by a Director of the
Program during their last semester. For additional information, contact Prof. Keith Harley.
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§ 1.17 Certificate in International and Comparative Law
A student may earn a Certificate in International and Comparative Law, in addition to the J.D. degree, by
successfully the certificate requirements. A student joins the program by notifying the directors of her/his
interest.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
Students must complete an Application for a Certificate and have it approved by a Director of the
Program during their last semester. For additional information, contact Assistant Dean Edward Harris.
§ 1.18 Certificate in Intellectual Property Law
A student may earn a Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, in addition to the J.D. degree, by
participating in the Program in Intellectual Property Law.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
Every prospective Certificate student must complete a Letter of Intent and submit it to the Director of the
Program. In the final semester prior to graduation, the student must complete an Application for the
Certificate and submit it to the Director. For additional information, contact Prof. Edward Lee.
§ 1.19 Certificate in Labor and Employment Law
A student may earn a Certificate in Labor and Employment Law, in addition to the J.D. degree, by
participating in the Program in Labor and Employment Law. The Program is a component of the Law
School's Institute for Law and the Workplace, which also sponsors conferences and symposia dealing
with current workplace issues.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
Every prospective Certificate student must notify the Director of the Institute after the student's first year
of law school of his or her interest. In the final semester prior to graduation, the student must complete an
Application for the Certificate and submit it to the Director. For additional information, contact the
Director of the Institute, Professor Martin Malin.
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§ 1.20 Certificate in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (LADR)
A student may earn a Certificate in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, in addition to the J.D.
degree, by successfully completing the requirements of the LADR Program. Students in the LADR
Program learn traditional doctrinal and case analysis along with the theoretical and ethical foundations of
law and receive training in legal research and writing, trial skills, negotiation and mediation, and clinical
education.
Full-time Day Division students apply for admission into the LADR Program during their second
semester of law school (the Spring semester of their first year) and begin the LADR curriculum in at the
beginning of their second year. Part-time Day Division and Evening Division students may apply in either
their second or fourth semesters and typically begin the LADR curriculum at the beginning of their third
year.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
For additional information, contact Prof. Richard Gonzalez.
§ 1.21 Certificate in Business Law
A student may earn a Certificate in Business Law, in addition to the J.D. degree, by successfully
completing the requirements of the Business Law certificate program.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
For additional information, contact Prof. Adrian Walters.
§ 1.22 Certificate in Public Interest Law
A student may earn a Certificate in Public Inteest Law, in addition to the J.D. degree, by successfully
completing the requirements of the Public Interest Law certificate program.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
For additional information, contact Prof. Ronald Staudt.
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§ 1.23 Certificate in Criminal Litigation
A student may earn a Certificate in Criminal Litigation, in addition to the J.D. degree, by successfully
completing the requirements of the Criminal Litigation certificate program.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
For additional information, contact Prof. Richard Gonzalez.
§ 1.24 Praxis Certificate
A student may earn the Praxis Certificate, in addition to the J.D. degree, by successfully completing the
requirements of the Praxis Certificate program.
Additional information about the program, and requirements for completing the certificate, are available
here. A student may not make the pass/fail election for any course that will be used to fulfill the
requirements for the Certificate.
For additional information, contact Prof. Maureen Van Neste.
§ 1.25 Joint Degree Programs
Chicago-Kent offers the following joint degree programs. Click on the links below for more information
about each program.
Chicago-Kent Joint Degrees:
● J.D./LL.M. in Family Law
● J.D./LL.M. in Financial Services Law
● J.D./LL.M. in Taxation
With IIT Stuart School of Business:
● J.D./M.B.A.
● J.D./M.S. in Environmental Management and Sustainability
● J.D./M.S. in Finance
● J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)
19
Section II: Study Load, Course, and Work Limitations
§ 2.1 Maximum Credit Hours
All students have fixed schedules in their first year and may not take additional credits. (The one
exception is that Full-time Day Division students may take a designated 1L Your Way elective in the
Spring, which may vary from two to four credits.) After the first year, Full-time Day Division students
may register for a maximum of 16 credit hours per semester (17 if registered for Law Review and/or
Moot Court Honor Society), and Part-time Day Division students and Evening Division students may
register for a maximum of 13 credit hours per semester. All students may register for a maximum of six
credit hours during a Summer session. The maximum hour limitation applies to all courses the student is
taking that are to be applied to the J.D. degree. For example, if a full-time Day Division student takes 14
credit hours of law courses, the student may not receive credit for more than two hours of graduate
courses in the Stuart School of Business or in any other graduate school for credit toward the J.D. degree.
§ 2.2 Minimum Credit Hours
All students have fixed schedules in their first year and may not take a reduced load. After the first year,
Full-time Day Division students must register for a minimum of twelve credit hours per semester, except
graduating seniors who need fewer than twelve credit hours to graduate. Part-time Day Division students
and Evening Division students must register for a minimum of eight credit hours per semester, except
graduating seniors who need fewer than eight credit hours to graduate. However, senior students should
refer to the residency requirements set forth in §1.5.
§ 2.3 Seminar Limitation
A student may not receive credit toward graduation for more than six credit hours of seminar work.
§ 2.4 Pass/Fail Election
A student in good standing may elect to take six credit hours on a pass/fail basis in accordance with the
limitations of this section, provided that the student designates such an election by the end of the second
week of the Fall or Spring semester, or the end of the first week of the Summer session. After the
deadline, the student may not convert from the standard grading system to pass/fail. However, a student
may revoke the pass/fail election and convert from the pass/fail election to the standard grading system.
The Registrar, each semester, will set a date during the final week of classes by which a pass/fail
revocation must be made, and will publish the date in the Record. A student may not revoke a revocation
and re-elect the pass/fail option after the deadline for making the pass/fail election. No more than six
credit hours taken under this election will count toward the graduation credit requirement. A student may
submit election forms for up to six hours of pass/fail; forms submitted that exceed six hours are null and
20
void. If a student goes on academic probation, all pass/fail elections the student made for the probationary
semester are nullified.
In order to earn the grade of Pass in a course for which the pass/fail election has been made, the student
must earn at least the grade of C. If a student earns a C- or lower, the student will be awarded the grade of
LP (Low Pass). See also the requirements set forth in §6.6.
The pass/fail election does not apply to: (1) a course required for the degree, including Professional
Responsibility; (2) a seminar, whether or not being taken to fulfill the seminar requirement; (3) a course
that has been designated by the instructor before registration as unavailable for the pass/fail election; (4) a
course offered only on a pass/fail basis, such as Law Review, Moot Court, and clinical courses; (5) LL.M.
courses; (6) Appellate Advocacy and Trial Advocacy courses; or (7) any course being taken to fulfill the
requirements of any certificate program.
Credits for which a student may only receive a pass/fail grade, such as Law Review, Moot Court Honor
Society, clinical courses, Independent Research, or credits transferred from another law school, do not
affect a student's right to elect six hours of pass/fail credits under this section.
§ 2.5 Law Review and Moot Court Credit Hour Limitation
A student may receive no more than five hours of credit toward graduation for participation in Law
Review, and no more than one credit hour per semester, with the exception of the Editor-in-Chief,
Managing Editor, and Executive Notes & Comments Editor of the Law Review, who may earn additional
credits (see Dean Sowle for details). A student may receive no more than a total of five credits toward
graduation for participation in the Appellate Advocacy course, Moot Court Honor Society, BLSA Moot
Court, Environmental Moot Court, International Moot Court, Intellectual Property Moot Court, and any
other moot court program. With the exception of the Appellate Advocacy course, a student may take no
more than one credit hour per semester of any moot court activity listed herein. A student may receive no
more than a total of five credits toward graduation, and no more than one credit per semester, for
participation in the Journal of Intellectual Property. A student may not take any moot court credits while
enrolled in Appellate Advocacy. The Law Review and moot court credit-hour limitations are separate; a
student may earn five credit hours for Law Review and an additional five credit hours for Moot Court.
Credits earned for participation in activities listed in this section are subject to the requirement that at
least 64 credits must be earned in courses that require attendance in regularly scheduled classroom
sessions or direct faculty instruction; see §1.1.
§ 2.6 Clinical Courses and Externship Limitation
A student may receive no more than 24 credit hours toward graduation for clinical courses and
externships combined. Credits earned for externships are subject to the requirement that at least 64 credits
must be earned in courses that require attendance in regularly scheduled classroom sessions or direct
faculty instruction; see §1.1.
21
§ 2.7 Pass/Fail Credits
There is currently no overall limit on the number of pass/fail credits a students may take. However,
students should be careful to observe the limitations placed on certain types of credits as provided in
preceding sections of this Handbook.
§ 2.8 Employment Limitation for Full-Time Day Division Students
A student, whether full-time or part-time, may not be employed for more than 20 hours per week during
any semester in which the student is taking 14 or more credits. First-year full-time students may not work
more than 20 hours per week even if they take fewer than 14 credits in a semester.
§ 2.9 Exceptions to Limitations
Subject to the limitations described below, the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student
Affairs may grant an exception to any of the provisions in this section if a student has compelling
extenuating circumstances. To request an exception, a student must submit a petition to the Assistant
Dean setting forth in detail the circumstances necessitating the exception. The faculty does not recognize
a desire to accelerate the date of graduation as a valid reason to exceed the maximum number of credit
hours in a semester.
The Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs may not grant an exception to the
maximum credit requirement that would violate any applicable ABA accreditation rule concerning the
maximum number of credits that students may take in a single semester.
§ 2.10 Hour Requirements for Financial Aid and Loan Deferment Purposes
See §13.1 for the number of hours required to be considered full-time or part-time for financial aid and
loan deferral purposes.
§ 2.11 Legal Writing and Academic Support Program Teaching Assistant Limitations
A student may not receive credit toward graduation for more than four credit hours as a Legal Writing
Teaching Assistant or for more than four credit hours as an Academic Support Program Teaching
Assistant. Credits earned as a Teaching Assistant are subject to the requirement that at least 64 credits
must be earned in courses that require attendance in regularly scheduled classroom sessions or direct
faculty instruction; see §1.1.
22
§
2.12 Distance Education Limitations
A student may not receive credit toward graduation for more than 29 credit hours of distance education
courses (one-third of the required 87 credits for the J.D.). A student may earn no more than 10 credit
hours of distance education courses in the first third of their J.D. studies. Courses subject to these
distance education limits are indicated in each semester's schedule.
23
Section III: Registration Procedures
§ 3.1 Official Registration Required
A student may not receive credit for a course unless the student is properly registered for the section of
the course for which the grade was submitted.
§ 3.2 Registration Priority
Subject to the provisions, below, about students pursuing certificate programs and about summer
registration, Day Division students have priority for Day Division classes, and Evening Division students
have priority for Evening Division classes. For upper-level elective classes in the 4:00 time slot, seats are
allocated proportionately between Day Division and Evening Division. Within divisions, registration
priority is based on anticipated graduation date, with the earliest graduation date having the highest
priority. Priority for certain courses may be given to students seeking a particular certificate program. For
summer registration, Evening Division students have priority over Day Division students. Students in the
J.D. program have priority for J.D. courses over students in the LL.M. programs. Students in the LL.M.
programs have priority for LL.M. courses in their program area over J.D. students.
§ 3.3 Sequence of Required Courses
Students must take all required courses at the time prescribed and in the sequence designated in the
registration instructions. First-year students are not permitted to change programs, drop required courses,
take Incompletes in required courses, or take a reduced class load; see §3.10(c).
§ 3.4 Registration for In-House Clinical Programs
Prior to registration, the Law Offices will solicit applications for positions for the next semester. If more
students apply than can be accepted, a lottery will be held to select the students who may register. A list
of the students authorized to register for the In-House Clinical Programs will be published prior to the
commencement of registration.
§ 3.5 Registration for Externships
(a) Legal Externship. The Legal Externship Program is a 4-credit-hour, pass/fail program that enables a
law student to receive academic credit for working 16 hours a week in an approved legal placement under
the supervision of a designated attorney. Legal Externship consists primarily of a fieldwork experience
under a supervising lawyer approved by the Law School, supplemented by individual and group meetings
24
throughout the semester between the extern and Professor Vivien Gross. Students must meet with Prof.
Vivien Gross (vgross@kentlaw.edu) to apply. Externships are available for the Fall and Spring semesters
and the Summer term.
(b) Judicial Externship. The Judicial Externship Program is a 4-credit-hour, pass/fail program that enables
students to work for participating federal court judges and magistrate judges. There is an accompanying
classroom component that focuses on aspects of judicial decision-making and their effect on the extern's
work product. Judicial Externship is open to Chicago-Kent students in their second and third year who
possess the requisite minimum G.P.A. (approximately top 25%). Judges select their externs only through
Chicago-Kent's formal application process and do not accept applications directly from students. To
register, students must be selected through the law school's application process and obtain permission
from Professor Vivien Gross (vgross@kentlaw.edu). Applications are available in mid-February for
Summer and Fall externships and in late September for Spring externships. A student may enroll for only
one Judicial Externship per semester and for a maximum of two Judicial Externships.
§ 3.6 Registration for LL.M. Courses
See §§1.25 for information on the joint J.D./LL.M. degree programs in Taxation and Financial Services.
Students in the joint programs must consult with the program directors before registering for LL.M.
courses. Non-joint degree students may register for graduate Taxation courses only with the permission of
Professor Gerald Brown. Non-joint degree students may register for graduate Financial Services courses
provided the student is in his or her final year of Law School and has a 3.200 cumulative GPA or the
permission of the director of the program.
§ 3.7 Registration for Independent Research
To register for Independent Research, a student must make arrangements with a full-time faculty member
and submit an Independent Research form approved by the faculty member and the Assistant Dean for
Academic Administration and Student Affairs. The work assigned for Independent Research should have
the equivalent educational value as that assigned for Independent Research In Lieu of a Seminar
described in §1.3. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis only; a student may not earn a letter grade for
Independent Research. A student may earn only one hour of Independent Research credit per semester.
§ 3.8 Registration for Intensive Trial Advocacy
Students must be in good academic standing to enroll in Intensive Trial Advocacy 1. Students in Intensive
Trial Advocacy 1 must enroll in Trial Advocacy 2 in the succeeding Spring semester. Intensive Trial
Advocacy 1 grades are counted in the Fall semester GPA, but the credit hours do not count toward the
maximum number of credit hours permitted in the Fall semester.
25
§ 3.9 Registration for Courses in Another Division
Students must register for at least one-half of their credit hours in the division in which they are enrolled
each semester. Required courses must be taken in the division in which the student is enrolled; elective
courses may be taken in the other division. Courses that meet at 4:00 p.m. are considered both Day
Division and Evening Division courses. Except for the Saturday sections of Trial Advocacy, all Trial
Advocacy courses are considered Evening Division courses.
§ 3.10 Adding and Dropping Courses
(a) Program Changes
Changes to a student's class schedule may only be made through the online registration system, available
through the Registrar's office home page and the main Student Portal page. Courses may be added or
dropped according to the following rules.
(b) Adding Courses
Students may add open courses in either division (subject to the limitation in §3.9) without special
permission during the first week of the semester. During the second week of the semester, students may
add an open course only with permission of the instructor. Students may not add a course after the second
week of the semester. During the Summer session, a course may not be added after the first week of
classes.
(c) Dropping Courses
Courses may be dropped at any time before the final exam or, if there is no final exam in the course,
before the date the final paper or other final assignment is due. A required course may not be dropped
without the permission of the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs. First-year
students are not permitted to change programs, drop required courses, take Incompletes in required
courses, or take a reduced class load; see §3.3. A student may withdraw from a clinical course at any time
prior to the end of the eighth week of classes during a regular semester and prior to the end of the fourth
week of classes during a Summer session.
If a course is dropped by the end of the second week of the semester, no record of the course will appear
on the student's transcript. A course dropped after the second week will appear on the student's transcript
with the grade of WP (Withdrew Passing), which has no effect on the student's GPA.
The tuition refund policy for dropping courses after the beginning of the semester is contained in §12.10.
§ 3.11 Changing Divisions
26
A student who wants to change from the Evening to the Day Division, or vice versa, must submit a
request to change divisions to the Registrar by the date announced in the Record. Changes are permitted
on a space-available basis. If all students can be accommodated, all will be permitted to change divisions;
if all students cannot be accommodated, a lottery drawing will be held to determine which students will
be permitted to change. First-year students are not eligible to change divisions until after the completion
of the first year.
§ 3.12 Class Attendance in Proper Section
Students are required to attend the section of a course for which they are registered. A student may not
attend another section of the same course, even if taught by the same instructor.
§ 3.13 Auditing Classes
A J.D. student may audit a course only if (1) the student registers to audit the course by the end of the
period prescribed for adding courses (see §3.10(b)), (2) permission of the instructor to audit is obtained
prior to the student's registering to audit, and (3) tuition is paid for the course. An auditor receives neither
a grade nor credit for the course, but the fact of auditing will appear on the student's transcript. After the
period for adding courses has expired, the student may not convert from auditing to graded status or from
graded to auditing status. A student who has audited a course may not thereafter take that course for credit
without the permission of the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs. A person
not enrolled as a student at the Law School may audit a course only with the permission of the Assistant
Dean and the instructor.
27
Section IV: Withdrawal and Re-entry to the Law School
§ 4.1 Withdrawal or Transferring From the Law School
To withdraw from the Law School in good standing (either during or between semesters), the student
must complete an online withdrawal form. The withdrawal form is required whether the student is
permanently withdrawing, withdrawing for one or more semesters with the intention of returning to
Chicago-Kent, or transferring to another law school. If a student withdraws during a semester, the student
must also drop all of his or her courses using the online registration system. To reenter the Law School in
a later semester, the student should contact the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student
Affairs. The next sections of the Handbook set forth the rules regarding reentry.
§ 4.2 Reentry Before Completion of One Semester
(a) A student who withdraws from the Law School with good cause before the completion of one
semester may automatically reenter the Law School the next Fall semester in the division in which the
student was originally enrolled, provided the student notifies the Assistant Dean for Admissions in
writing of his or her intention to reenter by May 15 of the next year. If notification is not received by May
15, reentry shall be permitted on a space-available basis only. Good cause will be determined by the
Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs at the time of the withdrawal and
includes, but is not limited to, medical or financial hardship. The reasons for the withdrawal must be set
forth on the Withdrawal form.
(b) A student who withdraws from the Law School without good cause before the completion of one
semester will be considered a new applicant and may reenter only with the approval of the Admissions
Committee and must comply with all the steps and procedures required of all new applicants to the Law
School.
§ 4.3 Reentry After Completion of One Semester, But Before One Year
(a) A student who withdraws with good cause after completion of the first semester but before completion
of the first year may automatically reenter the Law School within two years from the time of withdrawal
in the same division in which the student was originally enrolled, provided the student notifies the
Assistant Dean for Admissions in writing of his or her intention to reenter by May 15 of the year of
reentry. If notification is not received by May 15, readmission shall be permitted on a space-available
basis only. Good cause will be determined in the manner provided in §4.2(a).
(b) A student who withdraws without good cause after completion of the first semester but before
completion of the first year, or a student who withdraws with good cause after one semester but does not
reenter within two years, may reenter only with the approval of the Admissions Committee and must
comply with all the steps and procedures required of all new applicants to the Law School.
28
(c) In the event of readmission under §4.3(a) or (b) within two years, the grades earned in completed
courses will appear on the transcript and will be counted in the student's GPA. In the event the student is
readmitted by the Admissions Committee more than two years after the student withdrew, the Assistant
Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs will determine which grades and credits earned in
completed courses, if any, will be reflected on the transcript and will be counted in the student's GPA.
§ 4.4 Reentry After Completion of at Least One Year
(a) A student in good standing after completion of at least one year may be absent from the Law School
for any reason for a maximum of four academic semesters. A Summer session does not constitute an
academic semester. An "absent semester" includes any semester in which a student withdraws or fails to
register. The "absent semesters" may be consecutive or non-consecutive. A student who has not been
absent more than four semesters is entitled to automatic readmission.
(b) If a student who has been absent four semesters wishes to be absent an additional semester, the student
must petition the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs before the next absent
semester begins, setting forth the reasons an additional absent semester is requested. The Assistant Dean
may grant approval for an additional absent semester upon a showing of good cause. If the petition is not
approved, the student may reenter only with the approval of the faculty. Good cause will be determined in
the manner provided in §4.2(a).
29
Section V: Transfer Credits From Other Schools
§ 5.1 Procedure for Taking Courses at a Law School Outside Chicago
A student seeking permission to take courses at a law school outside Chicago should submit an
Application to Visit at Another Law School to the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and
Student Affairs. Credit will be awarded only if the school is ABA-accredited and permission was granted
prior to the start of the coursework. The student must arrange to have an official transcript showing the
grades earned sent directly by the other law school to the Chicago-Kent Registrar.
If the grade earned in a course is C or higher, the credit hours will be counted toward graduation. The
grade will not appear on the student's transcript and will not be computed in the student's GPA. If the
grade earned is below C, no credit will be granted for the course. A student may not take a course at
another law school on a pass/fail basis. If the course is only graded on a pass/fail basis, a separate Petition
must be submitted to the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs with the
Application form requesting to take a pass/fail course at the other school.
Separate rules apply with respect to grades earned in courses taken at Chicago-area law schools through
our consortium arrangement; see §5.2 below.
§ 5.2 Procedure for Taking Courses at Chicago-Area Law Schools
Chicago-Kent has a consortium arrangement with Loyola (Chicago) School of Law, DePaul University
College of Law, and John Marshall Law School that permits students from each school to register for
selected courses at the other schools. Students pay tuition to their home school, and grades transfer (not
just the credits) and are counted in your GPA. Courses taken through the consortium arrangement may
count toward a Chicago-Kent certificate program only with permission of Dean Sowle and the director of
the relevant certificate program.
§ 5.3 Credit Hour Limitations for Courses Taken at Other Law Schools
When a student takes courses at another law school, the maximum number of credit hours permitted for
the semester or Summer term at Chicago-Kent (not the school being visited) must be observed.
§ 5.4 Credit Hours Required for a Chicago-Kent Degree
A student must earn at least 54 credit hours of Chicago-Kent courses in order to receive a Chicago-Kent
College of Law degree. These hours do not include courses taken in other academic units within IIT, e.g.,
M.B.A. courses. Exceptions may be made in appropriate circumstances by the Assistant Dean for
Academic Administration and Student Affairs.
30
§ 5.5 Procedure to Take Non-Law Courses at Graduate Schools
A student in good standing may receive credit toward the J.D. degree for two non-law graduate-level
courses taken after the student has begun law studies. To be eligible for credit, the course must be relevant
to or enhance the student's law studies and be approved by the Assistant Dean for Academic
Administration and Student Affairs. A student who seeks permission to take a graduate-level course for
J.D. credit must submit a Petition to Take Non-Law Graduate Courses to the Assistant Dean and the
petition must be approved before the graduate course begins.
A student who receives permission to take a graduate-level course in another academic unit within IIT, or
at another university, pursuant to this section must arrange to have an official transcript showing the
grades earned sent to the Chicago-Kent Registrar. If the grade earned in the course is B- or higher, the
credit hours will be counted toward graduation. The grade will not appear on the student's transcript and
will not be computed in the student's GPA. If the grade earned is below B-, no credit will be granted for
the course. This section does not apply to students enrolled in the joint J.D./M.B.A. program or other joint
programs described in §§ 1.23 to 1.26.
31
Section VI: Grading System
§ 6.1 Grading Scale
Letter grades, A through E, are assigned in all courses other than those graded only on a pass/fail basis. A
student may elect to take a letter-graded course on a pass/fail basis in accordance with the provisions of
§2.4. No grade will be awarded in a course, whether graded on a letter basis or a pass/fail basis, unless the
student is properly registered in the section of the class for which the grade was received. J.D. students
taking LL.M. courses may only be awarded grades according to the J.D. grading scale. Grades are
awarded on the following scale:
A
4.0 grade points per hour
A-
3.7 grade points per hour
B+
3.3 grade points per hour
B
3.0 grade points per hour
B-
2.7 grade points per hour
C+
2.3 grade points per hour
C
2.0 grade points per hour
C-
1.7 grade points per hour
D+
1.3 grade point per hour
D
1.0 grade point per hour
D-
0.7 grade point per hour
E
(Failure) 0 grade points per hour (no credit earned but will count in the student's grade point
average)
32
WE
(Withdrew Failing) 0 grade points per hour (no credit earned but will count in the student's grade
point average)
WP
(Withdrew Passing) no value assigned (no credit earned)
I
(Incomplete) no value assigned (no credit earned)
AU
(Audit) no value assigned (no credit earned)
P
(Pass) no value assigned (credit earned)
LP
(Low Pass) no value assigned (credit earned)*
*The grade of Low Pass is awarded to students who pass a pass/fail course but earn a grade lower than a
C; see §6.6.
§ 6.2 Computation of Grade Point Average
A grade point system is used to determine academic standing. The GPA is computed by dividing the total
number of grade points earned by the total number of graded credit hours. Graded credit hours do not
include courses graded WP, P, X, or I, but do include grades of E and WE (whether in a graded or
pass/fail course).
§ 6.3 Grade of WP (Withdrew Passing)
If a student withdraws from a course after the second week of classes, the grade of WP (Withdrew
Passing) and the course name will appear on the transcript. A WP has no effect on the GPA. An instructor
may assign the grade of WP to a student who does not satisfy an attendance requirement.
§ 6.4 Grade of WE (Withdrew Failing)
A student who is officially registered for a course but who fails to take the final examination, or fails to
complete any other requirement for the course without the permission of the instructor, will be assigned
the grade of WE. This grade counts in the student's grade point average as a failing grade.
33
§ 6.5 Grade of I (Incomplete)
The grade of Incomplete will be assigned to a student who has been excused from taking the final
examination on good cause shown, or who, with permission, has failed to complete the required
assignments in a course in which written assignments form a basis for the grade. An instructor may assign
the grade of Incomplete to a student who has not met the attendance requirement specified. First-year
students are not permitted to take Incompletes in required courses; see §3.3.
Unless a different time is specified by the professor giving the Incomplete, the Incomplete must be
completed within one year from the end of the examination period for the semester in the Incomplete was
received. When completed, the grade will replace the Incomplete for the semester in which the
Incomplete was awarded. If the Incomplete is not completed within one year, or within such other time
period specified by the professor, the Incomplete will be replaced with the grade of WP, if good cause is
shown for failing to complete the Incomplete, or the grade of WE, if good cause is not shown.
A student who is making up an Incomplete during a subsequent semester should not register for the
course. Instead, the student must notify the instructor that he or she is making up an Incomplete before
attending class, taking an examination, or turning in a paper, and must submit an Incomplete Course
Make-up Notice form during the first two weeks of the semester.
§ 6.6 Grades of P (Pass) and LP (Low Pass)
In order to earn the grade of P (Pass) in a course being taken on a pass/fail basis, the student must earn at
least the grade of C. If a student earns a C- or lower in a course being taken on a pass/fail basis (but does
not fail), the student will be awarded the grade of LP (Low Pass). The LP grade is applicable to all
courses and activities being taken on a pass/fail basis, including courses for which the student makes a
pass/fail election pursuant to §2.4.
§ 6.7 Effect of Grades of P (Pass), LP (Low Pass), E (Failure), and WE (Withdrew Failing) on GPA
Credit hours graded as a P (Pass) or LP (Low Pass) are counted toward graduation but have no effect on a
student's GPA. If a student receives an E (Failure) or WE (Withdrew Failing), whether in a graded or
pass/fail course, the grade will be included in the GPA computation as indicated in §6.2.
§ 6.8 Grading Curves
The following curve is mandatory for all required courses, except for: Legal Writing courses, seminars,
and specialized Professional Responsibility courses (Ethics and Advocacy; Practice and Professionalism;
34
and Professional Responsibility: Business Ethics). The curve does apply to the basic Professional
Responsibility course. The curve is also highly recommended, but not required, for all elective courses
(except Appellate Advocacy and Judicial Externship) if at least 40 students are enrolled.
Recommended
Range
Cumulative
Range
A
5%
0-10%
0-10%
A-
15%
10-20%
15-30%
B+
20%
15-25%
35-50%
B
25%
20-30%
55-75%
B-
20%
15-25%
75-90%
C+
10%
5-15%
85-95%
C & Lower
5%
5-10%
§ 6.9 Anonymous Grading
The Law School uses an anonymous grading system for final written exams. Instructors do not have
access to the identity of students while final examinations are being graded. Students are assigned random
examination numbers each semester to identify their examinations. The instructor assigns preliminary
letter grades to the examinations and submits these letter grades by examination number. The instructor is
then given the names of the students matched with each student's preliminary grade. The instructor then
has 48 hours to adjust grades according to the criteria announced to the class at the beginning of the
semester, such as class participation, attendance, and other factors.
After the professor has submitted final grades, grade changes may only be made pursuant to §6.10. The
Registrar's office is not permitted to disclose any information regarding the adjustments instructors made
to the grades. The student must contact the instructor for information regarding the grade and adjustment.
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§ 6.10 Change of Grade
Grade changes may be made by an instructor after the 48-hour adjustment period set forth in §6.9 only
with the approval of the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs. The instructor
must submit a Grade Change form explaining the reason for the change, which must be signed by the
Assistant Dean.
§ 6.11 Deadline for Submission of Grades
Fall Semesters: Faculty members must submit grades within five weeks after the date of the final
examination. If there is no final examination (for example, a seminar where the final grade is based on a
paper), grades are due five weeks after the last day of the exam period.
Spring Semesters: Faculty members must submit grades within four weeks after the date of the final
examination. If there is no final examination, grades are due four weeks after the last day of the exam
period.
Summer Sessions: Summer session grades must be submitted within four weeks after the date of the final
examination. If there is no final examination, grades are due four weeks after the last day of the exam
period.
Graduating Seniors' Grades: Grades for graduating seniors may be due earlier than other students' grades
so the Law School may certify graduates to take the bar examination.
§ 6.12 Disclosure of Grades
Students may obtain their final grades through the Web for Students system on the Chicago-Kent web site
(grades are not mailed to students). Grades are posted as they are received and approved by the
administration. The Registrar is not permitted to disclose grades over the telephone to any person.
Students must give written consent for disclosure of grades to an individual other than themselves.
§ 6.13 Class Rank
For students entering in 2022 or after, class ranks will be assigned only to the top half of each class.
Subject to the provisions described below, students in the top 50% of each class will receive their first
class rank at the completion of their first full academic year, and thereafter, every Fall and Spring
semester until they graduate. Each June, an official final class rank is assigned to the top 50% of the class
that graduated that May. Students who graduate in August or December are ranked with the succeeding
May graduating class. Transcripts (including final transcripts upon graduation) will not include class rank.
36
Class ranks are based on cumulative GPA. Classes are ranked by expected date of graduation. The class
rank is not affected by students who transfer to another law school or withdraw from the Law School after
the semester is completed; the departed students will not be included in the next computation of class
rank. Once class ranks are released to students, ranks will not be affected by grade changes submitted by
instructors subsequent to that date.
Only Law School grades are used in calculating the GPAs of students in the joint degree programs
described in §1.25. Grades earned in LL.M. courses prior to the student receiving the J.D. degree are
included in the J.D. GPA for joint J.D./LL.M. students. However, J.D. students in joint J.D./LL.M.
programs may only receive the grades listed in §6.1.
First-year students in the full-time Day Division will be ranked after the conclusion of the Spring
semester based on cumulative GPA calculations that include all grades received to that point, with the
exception that grades received for Legislation or for an elective taken in places of Legislation will not be
included. Grades for Legislation and for any elective taken in Spring of the first year will be included in
subsequent class rank calculations (after the first year).
§ 6.14 Dean's Honor List
Subject to the provisions described below, students who earn a GPA of at least 3.250 for the semester are
placed on the Dean's Honor List. To be eligible for the Dean's Honor List, full-time Day Division students
must have received credit for at least 12 hours (10 hours for graduating seniors in their last two semesters)
for the semester, and part-time Day Division students and Evening Division students must have received
credit for at least eight hours for the semester. Students taking reduced credits loads with permission of
the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs are also eligible for the Dean's
Honor List. First-year students are eligible for the Dean's Honor List for their first semester. In order to be
eligible for the Dean's Honor List, students in the joint J.D./M.B.A. program or other joint programs
described in §§ 1.23 to 1.26 must meet the minimum credit requirements described above considering
their law courses only.
First-year students who take Criminal Law in the Summer preceding the start of the regular academic year
will have their eligibility for Fall Dean's Honor List determined based on their cumulative GPA including
their Fall courses and Criminal Law.
First-year students in the full-time Day Division will have their eligibility for Spring Dean's Honor List
determined based only on the grades received in Civil Procedure, Property, and Legal Writing 2; grades
received in Legislation or in an elective course will not be included in the calculation.
§ 6.15 Transcripts
Students may request an official transcript of their Law School record be sent to another institution by
submitting a Transcript Request form to the Registrar. A transcript will not be issued if the student's
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financial account with the University is delinquent. Official transcripts will not be issued to students.
Unofficial transcripts are available to students and may be accessed through the Registrar's office home
page.
Section 6-5(b) of the Chicago-Kent Code of Conduct, which appears in Section XIX of this Handbook,
provides that whenever a student is convicted of violating the Code of Conduct, a notation to that effect
shall be made on the student's transcript. However, if the Tribunal unanimously determines that the
interests of justice so require, the Tribunal may suspend the entry of said notation on conditions it seems
appropriate.
§ 6.16 CALI Excellence for the Future Award
The CALI Excellence for the Future Award, sponsored by the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal
Instruction, is given each semester to the student or students who receive the highest grade in each section
of each course. An instructor may elect not to designate a CALI winner. Students who elect to take a
letter-graded class pass/fail (see § 2.4) are eligible for the CALI award, in the discretion of the professor.
38
Section VII: Examinations
§ 7.1 In General
In most courses, the grade is based primarily on one written examination at the conclusion of the course.
An instructor may require a written paper in lieu of, or in addition to, an examination. Some instructors
give midterm examinations or other assignments, which may or may not be counted in the final grade.
Courses designated as practice courses and seminars typically do not have an examination but require
either simulated exercises or written assignments involving extensive legal research.
§ 7.2 Exam Schedule and Conflicts
The examination schedule is published with the class schedule before registration each semester. All
students must take their examinations at the scheduled time, except as provided herein and in §§7.3 and
7.4. If a student registers for two courses with examinations scheduled at the same time, one examination
will be rescheduled. If a final exam is to be rescheduled, a Final Exam Reschedule form must be
completed and submitted to the Registrar. In addition, the student must sign an Affirmation of
Nondisclosure stating that he or she has not and will not communicate with anyone about any aspect of
the examination.
A student will be deemed to have a conflict if he or she has two exams scheduled within 24 hours (e.g.,
exams at 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., or at 6:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. the following afternoon). A conflict does
not exist if two exams are scheduled exactly 24 hours apart (e.g., exams at 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. the
next morning).
§ 7.3 Missing an Examination
Students are expected to take examinations when scheduled, even though ill or inconvenienced. However,
for serious illness or other extraordinary or compelling reason beyond the control of the student, a student
may be excused from taking the exam at its scheduled time. Day Division students will not be excused
from an examination for a job-related reason.
A student must notify the Director of Student Services at the earliest possible time in advance of the
exam, if the reason for missing the exam is known to the student in advance. When prior notice is not
possible, the student must contact the Director of Student Services or the Assistant Dean for Academic
Administration and Student Affairs as soon during or after the examination as possible to explain the
failure to take the examination and, when permitted, to arrange for a makeup examination and/or an
Incomplete. Failure to notify the Director of Student Services or the Assistant Dean before grades are
submitted will result in the student receiving a failing grade.
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§ 7.4 Make-up Examinations
When a student is excused from an exam, the student ordinarily will take the examination the next time
the course is given by the same instructor. However, if more than one academic year is expected to pass
before the instructor offers the same course, the student will take the exam the next time the course is
offered by any instructor. If an exam is to be taken more than one month after the scheduled time, an
Incomplete grade will be recorded until the exam has been taken.
In the discretion of the instructor, an examination may be given within one month after the end of the
final examination period, rather than the next time the exam is regularly given. The time of the
examination will be arranged by the instructor. Students who will have graduated before the next time the
exam is expected to be given by the instructor will take the exam no later than one month after the end of
the exam period, at a time arranged by the instructor. If a student requests an examination schedule
change for religious reasons, the examination will be scheduled on the next day which does not violate the
student's religious beliefs, including Sunday.
§ 7.5 Student Conduct During Examinations
Student conduct during examinations is subject to the Chicago-Kent Code of Conduct, which is set forth
in Section XIX of this Handbook.
§ 7.6 Examination Procedures
Students must sit in alternate seats during examinations. At the beginning of the exam, the proctor will
advise the students of the time at which the exam will end and will write the ending time on the
blackboard. When time has expired, the proctor will announce that the exam is over and students must
stop writing immediately and turn in their examinations. Failure to stop writing constitutes a violation of
the Code of Conduct. Students are not permitted to leave their seats for any reason during the last ten
minutes of an exam. When the proctor announces there are ten minutes left, students must remain seated
until the proctor announces the exam is over. Special rules concerning computer exams will be announced
each semester in the Record or otherwise distributed to students.
A student must not identify himself or herself by name, social security number, or any other designation
or symbol anywhere on the examination questions or answer book or sheet; only the examination number
assigned to the student should be used. A student should not disclose the examination number to the
instructor, either directly or indirectly, until the instructor has submitted the final grades for the course.
Failure to comply with these provisions may be a violation of the Code of Conduct, which appears in
Section XIX of this Handbook (see §2-1(e) of the Code).
§ 7.7 Determination of Grades
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Grades are to be determined solely on the basis of the academic performance of each student according to
criteria determined by the course instructor that are consistent with Law School, University, Association
of American Law Schools, and American Bar Association policies. It is permissible for an instructor to
consider class participation and attendance in determining a student's final grade. During the first week of
class, the instructor will advise the students of the factors that will be considered in determining the final
grade (e.g., examinations, papers, class participation, attendance, and other appropriate factors).
Thereafter, the instructor may inform the students of additions to or changes in the factors with respect to
attendance and participation that will be considered in determining the final grade. Such changes will
have prospective application only. The evaluation and grading of academic performance are subject to the
professional judgment of each instructor. Considerable personal discretion is required in these judgments.
A justifiable margin of difference can exist between the evaluation of the same academic performance
made by two or more professional persons.
§ 7.8 Review of Examinations and Other Assignments
A faculty member must review an examination or other written assignments with a student, regardless of
the grade received, provided the student has complied with reasonable preconditions, such as attending an
examination review session or making an appointment within a specified time. A faculty member is not,
however, expected to debate the grading.
§ 7.9 Appeal of Grade
A student may appeal a grade by submitting a petition to the Dean alleging that the grade received was
the result of capricious grading. Capricious grading constitutes either (1) assignment of a grade on the
basis of factors substantially different from those previously announced, or (2) assignment of a grade to
the petitioning student by resort to more exacting or demanding criteria than were applied to other
students in that course. The judgment of an instructor in assessing the quality of a student's work is not
appealable on other grounds. A student must file a grade appeal no more than 90 days after receiving the
grade.
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Section VIII: Grade Point Average Requirements
§ 8.1 Definitions
(a) The First Academic Semester for students in the full-time Day Division, including transfer students
admitted with fewer than six hours of credit, ends upon completion of the first semester. The First
Academic Semester for students in either the part-time Day Division or the Evening Division ends upon
completion of the second semester. A part-time Day Division student or an Evening Division student who
transfers to the full-time Day Division at the end of the student's first semester will be considered a Day
Division student for purposes of this section. A summer session is not considered a First Academic
Semester
(b) An Advanced Semester is any semester in which a student is enrolled for at least six credit hours after
completion of the First Academic Semester. A Summer session is not considered an Advanced Semester.
(c) For purposes of GPA calculations for the probation and dismissal rules that follow, the calculation of
the cumulative GPA of first-year students in the full-time Day Division at the conclusion of the Spring
semester will include all grades received to that point, with the exception that grades received for
Legislation or for an elective course taken in place of Legislation will not be included. For purposes of
GPA calculations for probation and dismissal, the grades for Legislation or elective will be included in
the cumulative GPA in semesters following the first year, starting with the cumulative GPA calculation
made at the conclusion of the Fall semester of the student's second year.
§ 8.2 (Reserved)
§ 8.3 GPA Requirements
A student must attain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.300 for the First Academic Semester and at the end
of each Advanced Semester to remain in good academic standing. In computing a student's cumulative
GPA, a grade received to replace an Incomplete grade is counted in the cumulative GPA in the semester
in which the Incomplete was given. See §8.1 for calculation of the cumulative GPA for probation and
dismissal purposes for first-year students after the conclusion of the Spring semester.
§ 8.4 Dismissal From the Law School
A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 1.700 at the end of the First Academic Semester will be
dismissed from the Law School for academic reasons. Students who fail the same required course twice
shall not be permitted to reregister for that course and shall be dismissed from the Law School. See § 8.1
for calculation of the cumulative GPA for probation and dismissal purposes for first-year students after
the conclusion of the Spring semester.
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§ 8.5 Academic Probation
(a) A student will be placed on academic probation if his/her GPA is at least 1.700 but below 2.300 at the
end of the First Academic Semester. If the cumulative GPA of a student falls below 2.300 at the end of
any Advanced Semester, the student will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic
probation will be entitled to one or more semesters of academic probation as provided in the following
subsections.
See §8.1 for calculation of the cumulative GPA for purposes of probation and dismissal for first-year
students after the conclusion of the Spring semester.
(b) Except as provided in §8.5(e), a student is permitted only one probationary semester within which to
attain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.300. If the student attains that cumulative GPA, the student regains
good academic standing at the end of the probationary semester. If a student regains good academic
standing and his/her cumulative GPA later falls below 2.300, the student will be permanently dismissed
from the Law School without further probation.
See §8.1 for calculation of the cumulative GPA for purposes of probation and dismissal for first-year
students after the conclusion of the Spring semester.
(c) The probationary semester is the first academic semester after the effective date the student is placed
on probation, which is the last day of the semester in which the GPA fell below the minimum GPA,
regardless of the date of receipt of such grades. A Summer session may not serve as the probationary
semester.
(d) A student may withdraw from the law school prior to the probationary semester. A student may
withdraw during the probationary semester only with the approval of the Assistant Dean for Academic
Administration and Student Affairs. In the event of withdrawal prior to or during the probationary
semester, the student must re-enroll in the law school for the probationary semester the next academic
semester, unless the student receives permission of the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and
Student Affairs to further postpone the probationary semester. Failure to enroll in either the first or second
academic semester after the effective date the student is placed on academic probation, without
permission of the Assistant Dean of Academic Administration and Student Affairs, will result in dismissal
from the law school.
(e) A student who fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.300 at the end of the probationary
semester will be dismissed permanently from the Law School unless the student earned a GPA of 2.600
or higher in the probationary semester. A student who earns a GPA of at least 2.600 in the probationary
semester is entitled to a second probationary semester within which to achieve a cumulative GPA of at
least 2.300. A student who fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.300 at the end of the second
probationary semester will be dismissed permanently from the Law School regardless of the GPA earned
in the second probationary semester.
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See §8.1 for calculation of the cumulative GPA for probation and dismissal purposes for first-year
students after the conclusion of the Spring semester.
§ 8.6 Effect of Summer Session Grades on the Probationary Semester
All students who have not been notified that they have been dismissed may enroll in the Summer session.
The Summer session will not be considered a student's probationary semester.
If a student is notified that her or she has been dismissed as of the previous Spring semester, the student
must immediately withdraw from the Summer session; the tuition for the Summer session will be
refunded. This provision applies regardless of when the student is notified of the dismissal, even if the
such notification is received after the Summer session has concluded. If the student has been dismissed as
of the prior Spring semester, grades received during the Summer session are void and will not count for
any purpose.
If a student will be on academic probation in the Fall semester, the student may enroll in the Summer
session. The Summer session will not be considered the student's probationary semester. The grades
earned during the Summer session will be averaged together with the grades earned during the fall
probationary semester to determine if the student has met the 2.300 requirement of §8.5(b), but will not be
averaged to determine if the student has met the 2.600 requirement of §8.5(e).
§ 8.7 Applications for Readmission
Students dismissed for failing to satisfy the minimum GPA requirements may apply for readmission to
the law school as a new student after three years from the date of dismissal. Students admitted under this
procedure will not receive credit for any course work previously completed and will have to complete all
courses required for new students at the time of readmission. In considering applications for readmission,
the applicant's prior dismissal will be considered as a negative factor. In order to be admitted under this
procedure, the applicant must provide evidence to the Admissions Committee that he/she possesses the
requisite ability and that the applicant's prior dismissal does not indicate a lack of capacity to complete the
course of study.
§ 8.8 Repeated Courses
A student who receives the grade of E or WE in a required course must retake the course at the earliest
opportunity. A student who receives the grade of E or WE in an elective course may, but is not required
to, register for the course in a subsequent semester and receive credit by successfully passing the course
on repeat. If a student repeats a course in which an E or WE was received, full tuition must be paid for the
course the second time and the student's cumulative GPA will include both the E or WE grade and the
44
grade received on repeat. A student may not repeat a course in which the grade of D- or higher was
received.
In addition to the standards of the Law School relating to academic probation, students who fail the same
required course twice shall not be permitted to reregister for that course and shall be dismissed from the
Law School.
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Section IX: Class Attendance
§ 9.1 Class Attendance
Each student is expected to attend all classes regularly and punctually, to be prepared, to participate in the
discussion, and to remain throughout the session. An instructor may notify the class of reasonable
attendance requirements and may deduct credit or award the grade of WP or Incomplete if a student fails
to meet the requirements.
§ 9.2 Failure of an Instructor to Appear in Class
If an instructor does not appear in class within 15 minutes after the class is scheduled to begin and has not
given notice that he or she will be late, the students may presume the class has been canceled.
§ 9.3 Tape Recording Class Sessions
Video and/or sound recording of any classroom activities require the approval of the faculty in charge of
the class and reasonable notice to all those in attendance. The faculty member in charge of the class is
permitted but not required to impose additional reasonable conditions on recording, including, but not
limited to, consent of the entire class and a prohibition on posting the recording on the internet or through
any forms of social media.
§ 9.4 Scheduling of Make-up Classes
No instructor shall schedule a make-up class during the period designated "Read Period," except on the
first day of that period. Optional review sessions are permitted during the remainder of the period. Faculty
should make every effort to schedule make-up classes during the regular semester, considering the
feasibility of scheduling them during the two periods of time each week during which no regular classes
are scheduled.
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Section X: Faculty Meetings and Committees
§ 10.1 Schedule of Faculty Meetings
At the beginning of each semester, the Dean announces the schedule of faculty meetings for the semester.
Meetings are generally held each month classes are in session during the Fall and Spring semesters.
§ 10.2 Student Representation
The Student Bar Association president is invited to attend faculty meetings and may participate in most
matters, except those involving individual students or faculty members. The SBA president may vote on
all matters in which he or she may participate. Faculty meetings are closed to the general student body.
§ 10.3 Publication of Minutes of Faculty Meetings
Minutes of faculty meetings (with deletion of matters relating to individual students) will be made
available to the SBA president, who may make them available to the student body in an appropriate
manner.
§ 10.4 Student Representation on Faculty Committees
The Dean will designate which faculty committees shall have student representation and how the student
representatives shall be selected.
47
Section XI: Curricular Matters
§ 11.1 Required Courses and Course Descriptions
The courses required for the J.D. degree are listed in §1.2. Descriptions of courses are published on the
Chicago-Kent web site.
§ 11.2 Recommended Courses for Upper-Level Students
Courses with an asterisk (*) cover material that is likely to be tested on many states' bar examinations,
including that of Illinois. Other subject areas may also be tested; you should review the Bar Exam
Information section of each semester's Registration Bulletin - or, if you plan to take another state's bar
examination, contact the bar examiners in that state - before deciding which of these and other courses to
take.
I. The faculty believes that every student should take:
A. *Business Organizations (4 hours)
B. *Evidence (3 hours)
C. Personal Income Tax (3 hours)
D. *Remedies (3 hours)
II. The faculty believes that every student should take at least 15 hours from the following list of courses,
with most courses taken from subsection A and at least one course taken from subsection B. Courses not
included in this list should not be thought of as less challenging or unimportant. They may have been left
off because they cover advanced or very specialized material, or because they focus on non-traditional
legal materials. Students may take some of those courses with their remaining electives.
For those students whose grade point average is in the lower third of the class after they complete their
first year of law school (two semesters for full-time Day Division students and three semesters for part-
time Day Division students and for Evening Division students), we recommend in the strongest terms
possible that they take at least 20 hours (rather than 15) from the following list, with a heavy emphasis on
courses that cover subject matter that may be tested on the Bar Exam.
A. Courses in major areas of law:
1. Administrative Law (3 hours).
2. Civil Litigation: one of the following: Appellate Courts and Procedure (3 hours), Civil Procedure
2 (3 hours), Complex Litigation (3 hours), Federal Courts (3 hours), *Illinois Civil Procedure (2
hours).
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3. Commercial Law: one or two of the following: *Secured Transactions (3 hours), *Payment
Systems (3 hours), *Survey (4 hours).
4. *Conflict of Laws (3 hours)
5. *Constitutional Law: First Amendment (3 hours).
6. Criminal Procedure: *The Adjudicative Process (3 hours), or *The Investigative Process (3
hours).
7. *Estates and Trusts (4 hours).
8. *Family Law (3 hours).
9. International Law (3 hours) or Comparative Law (3 hours).
10. *Products Liability (2 hours).
B. Courses focusing on statutory analysis and/or administrative agencies:
1. Antitrust (3 hours).
2. Bankruptcy (3 hours).
3. Copyright Law (3 hours) or Patent Law (3 hours).
4. Employee Benefits Law (2 or 3 hours).
5. Employment Discrimination (3 hours).
6. Environmental Law & Policy (3 hours).
7. Labor Law (4 hours).
8. Legislation (3 hours).
9. Securities Regulation (3 hours).
10. Taxation of Business Enterprises (4 hours).
III. The faculty believes that every student should take at least one skills or one clinical course from the
following list of such courses. The Illinois Bar Examination includes the Multistate Performance Test,
which tests six fundamental lawyering skills: problem solving, legal analysis and reasoning, factual
analysis, communication, organization and management of a legal task, and recognizing and resolving
ethical dilemmas. Each of the courses listed below teaches some of the above-listed skills. You should
review the Bar Exam Information section of each semester's Registration Bulletin - or, if you plan to take
another state's bar examination, contact the bar examiners in that state - before deciding which of these
courses to take.
A. Skills courses:
1. Business Entity Formation (3 hours).
2. Business Entity Transactions (3 hours).
3. Employment Litigation (3 hours) (for students in the Labor and Employment Law Certificate
Program only).
4. Pretrial Litigation (3 hours) (for students in the LADR Program only).
5. Trial Advocacy (3 hours).
B. Clinical courses:
1. In-House Clinic (3 or 4 hours):
49
a. Center for Open Government Clinic (3 or 4 hours).
b. Civil Litigation Clinic(3 or 4 hours).
c. Criminal Defense Clinic (3 or 4 hours).
d. Entrepreneurial Law Clinic (3 or 4 hours).
e. Family Law Clinic (3 or 4 hours).
f. Intellectual Property-Patent Clinic (3 hours).
g. Mediation and Other ADR Procedures (3 or 4 hours).
h. Plaintiffs Employment Clinic (3 or 4 hours).
i. Tax Clinic (3 or 4 hours).
j. Vaccine Injury Litigation Clinic (3 or 4 hours).
k. Intensive Clinic (10 hours)
2. Judicial Externship (4 hours).
3. Legal Externship (4 hours).
4. Labor and Employment Externship (4 hours) (for students in the Labor and Employment Law
Certificate Program only).
§ 11.3 Course Prerequisites
A student must have completed the prerequisite(s) indicated below before taking the courses. Other
prerequisites may be published in the Registration Bulletin. A student who registers for a course without
the necessary prerequisite will be removed from the course regardless of when the noncompliance is
discovered. A student seeking to have a prerequisite waived should complete a Waiver of Prerequisite
form and have it approved by the instructor and the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and
Student Affairs prior to registration.
Courses listed as "recommended" are helpful but not required. Course names following the underlined
course are prerequisites unless otherwise indicated.
Administrative Law - Constitutional Law
Advanced Property: Real Estate Transactions - Property
Advanced Tax Transactions - Personal Income Tax
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Alternative Dispute Resolution - 40 credit hours completed; not available if you have taken either
Mediation or Negotiations
Banking Law - recommended: Estates and Trusts; Business Organizations
Bankruptcy - recommended: Secured Transactions
Business Entity Formation - Business Organizations
Complex Litigation - Civil Procedure
Constitutional Torts/Section 1983 - Constitutional Law
Construction Law - Property
Corporate Finance - Business Organizations; recommended: Accounting for Lawyers and Securities
Regulation
Employment Discrimination - recommended: Constitutional Law
Employment Litigation - either Employment Discrimination or Employment Relationships
Environmental Law and Policy 1 - Property
Environmental Law seminars - Environmental Law & Policy 2
Estate Planning - Estates and Trusts, Personal Income Tax, and Gift & Estate Tax completed or being
taken concurrently
Estates and Trusts - Property
Federal Courts - Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law
First Amendment - Constitutional Law completed or being taken concurrently
First Amendment Theory - Constitutional Law completed or being taken concurrently
Futures Regulation - recommended: Administrative Law and Securities Regulation
Forensic Sciences - Evidence
Gift & Estate Tax - Personal Income Tax completed or being taken concurrently; recommended: Estates
and Trusts
In-House Clinical Tax Program - Personal Income Tax and permission of Law Offices
International Criminal Law - International Law
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International Environmental Law - Environmental Law & Policy 2
Land Use - Property
Legal Rights of Children - recommended: Family Law
Legal Writing 2 - successful completion of Legal Writing 1
Mediation - 40 hours completed; not available if you've had ADR.
Negotiations - 40 hours completed; not available if you've taken Alternative Dispute Resolution
Patent Litigation seminar - Patent Law
Patent Office Practice - Patent Law
Public Sector Employment - recommended preparation: Labor Law
Remedies - Property and Civil Procedure; recommended: Evidence
Securities Regulations - Business Organizations
Tax Procedure - Personal Income Tax
Taxation of Business Entities - Personal Income Tax; recommended: Accounting for Lawyers; Business
Organizations
Tax Planning for International Business - Personal Income Tax
Trial Advocacy 1 - Evidence
Trial Advocacy 2 - Trial Advocacy 1
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Section XII: Tuition and Fees
§ 12.1 Tuition
Tuition information is available by clicking here
.
§ 12.2 U-Pass Fee
Full-time Day Division students are assessed a U-Pass fee each semester. The current amount of the fee is
available by clicking here
. The U-Pass is a discount fare card allowing unlimited rides on all Chicago
Transit Authority buses and trains. Due to restrictions imposed by the CTA, the program is not currently
available to Part-time Day Division students or Evening Division students.
§ 12.3 Student Activities Fee
A student activities fee, as well as a supplemental loan repayment assistance program fee, are charged
each semester. The student activities fee supports activities of the Student Bar Association and official
student organizations. The current amounts of the fees are available by clicking here
.
§ 12.4 Student Insurance
Information about student health insurance is available by clicking here
.
§ 12.5 Change of Program
There is no fee to process program changes. However, tuition is charged for dropped courses according to
the tuition refund policy in §12.10.
§ 12.6 Course Materials
Course materials, including textbooks and photocopied materials, are sold through the Conviser Law
Center Bookstore on the Concourse Level.
§ 12.7 Payment of Charges
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Tuition and fees are payable in the manner and at the time specified in each semester's Registration
Bulletin. Past-due tuition and fees must be paid in full before a student may register.
§ 12.8 Financial Delinquency
Any student who fails to meet the required payments as provided in §12.7 will be charged a late penalty,
as described in each semester's Registration Bulletin.
Students with delinquent accounts are subject to suspension and exclusion from classes after being
notified by the Student Accounting Office. These students may not be permitted to take final
examinations, receive course credits or transcripts, register for a subsequent semester, receive a degree or
be certified to the bar examiners.
§ 12.9 Dishonored Checks
A dishonored check may result in exclusion from classes.
§ 12.10 Tuition Refund Policy
Tuition is charged for all courses for which a student is registered unless the student officially drops the
course in accordance with §3.10(a). There is no tuition penalty if a student drops a course during the first
two weeks of classes in the Fall or Spring semester. There will be no tuition refund, however, if a student
drops a course after the second week of classes in the Fall or Spring semester. For the Summer session,
tuition will be refunded only if a student drops a course during the first week of the term.
§ 12.11 Tuition Refund Policy: Special Situations
No tuition will be charged, and a full refund will be made of any amounts paid, upon application
supported by proof, as necessary, under the following circumstances: (1) a course in which the student is
registered is canceled; (2) death or serious injury causing incapacity occurs to the student before the end
of the twelfth week of class (sixth week of class in a Summer session); or (3) a student is dropped from
courses because he or she has been dismissed from the Law School for failure to meet academic
requirements during the immediately preceding semester of instruction. Under other exceptional
circumstances, such as withdrawal for voluntary military service, serious illness, or action by the
University, consideration may be given to a prorated refund or credit for unused tuition upon written
request to the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs.
54
Section XIII: Financial Aid and Scholarships
Additional information about financial aid is available from the Office of Financial Aid in Suite 230 and
the Office of Financial Aid's home page
. Additional information about scholarship programs is available
from the Office of Admissions in Suite 230.
§ 13.1 Full-time, Half-time Status for Financial Aid and Deferment Purposes
Information about full-time and half-time status for financial aid purposes is available on the
Office of
Financial Aid's website.
§ 13.2 Scholarships
The law school provides a range of scholarships. A summary of the types of available awards is available
online by clicking here
. Questions about scholarship awards should be directed to Gabriela Amador,
Director of Admissions, at g[email protected].
§ 13.3 Scholarship Policies
The law school's policies on the award and retention of scholarships are available by clicking here
.
Questions about scholarship awards should be directed to Gabriela Amador, Director of Admissions, at
gamador@kentlaw.iit.edu.
§ 13.4 Outside Scholarships
Students seeking scholarships offered outside of Chicago-Kent College of Law should consult the Record
for notices of scholarships and writing contests
awarded by outside organizations.
§ 13.5 Student Loans
Both federally-funded and privately-funded loan programs are available for law students. Information on
loan programs, the requirements for applying for loans, and the law school's policies with respect to
financial aid is available by clicking here
.
§ 13.6 Sandra Baez Emergency Loan Fund
55
Students may borrow up to $300 for 60 days without interest from the Sandra Baez Emergency Loan
Fund The fund is administered by the Dean of Administration and Finance in Suite 265.
§ 13.7 Summer Session Loans
Students who plan to take summer courses at Chicago-Kent or at another law school in the United States
or Overseas are eligible to apply for either the federal or private loans. For information on applying for
summer session loans, click here
.
§ 13.8 Visiting Another Law School or Visiting Overseas
Information about financial aid for students who will visit at another law school (including an overseas
program) during the academic year is available by clicking here
.
§ 13.9 Veterans
Information about educational benefits for veterans is available by clicking here
.
§ 13.10 Deferments
To postpone the payments on your outstanding student loans, you must request an in-school deferment
from your loan servicer. To request an in-school deferment you must contact your servicer to obtain an in-
school deferment form. Complete the student section of the form and give the form to the Registrar's
Office. The Registrar's Office will complete a pre-enrollment verification with your servicer(s). Please be
aware that your in-school deferment will not start until classes begin.
56
Section XIV: General Information
§ 14.1 Official Notices: Law School Record
Official notices are printed in the Record, an online newsletter produced each week during the academic
year when classes are in session. The Record is posted on the Chicago-Kent website each Friday
afternoon for the following week. All notices published in the Record are deemed to have been
communicated to all students; the Record serves as "constructive notice."
Faculty, staff, and student organizations may have notices or announcements published in the Record by
e-mailing record@kentlaw.edu by Thursday at noon for inclusion in the following week's edition.
§ 14.2 Bulletin Boards and Posting of Notices
Selected announcements and notices are posted on the Law School bulletin boards located outside the
Registrar's office on the east and west walls of the second floor. Class cancellation notices are posted on
the board to the left of the first-floor stairs opposite the front doors of the building. Students should check
these bulletin boards frequently for announcements such as course assignments, class cancellations, and
make-up classes. Career Services bulletin boards are located in the west corridor of the third floor.
Student organization and general student bulletin boards are located on the Concourse level and in the
third floor of the Cafeteria. Notices and literature are not permitted any place other than these bulletin
boards. Specifically, notices may not be posted on any walls or glass, on doors or lockers, or in restrooms,
elevators, or the Library. Stacked materials must be placed in or near the display racks on the Concourse
level, not stacked along the walls of the Concourse. Commercial solicitation is not permitted in the Law
School building. All unauthorized postings and materials will be removed and discarded.
§ 14.3 Rule 711 Licenses
A student who has successfully completed 44 credit hours (half of the credit hours required for
graduation) may obtain an Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 License to practice law under the terms and
conditions set forth in the Rule. Students may not apply for the license until they have received grades in
courses totaling 44 credit hours; it is not permissible to apply after taking final exams (but before grades
have been received) in courses totaling 44 credit hours.
Application forms are available through the Registrar's office home page. Students should print the
appropriate form out, complete the form, and return it to the Registrar's office with the supervising
attorney's signature and the required photograph of the student. After receipt of the form, the Dean
certifies the status of the student and the application is sent to the Administrative Office of the Illinois
Courts, which issues the license and mails it to the student.
57
§ 14.4 Privacy Rights and Access to Educational Records
Chicago-Kent College of Law respects the rights of privacy of its students and acknowledges the
responsibility to maintain confidentiality of personally identifiable educational records. The law school
will comply with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which affords students
certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the
University received a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar a written request that
identifies the records they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the
student when the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Registrar, the
Registrar will advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
(2) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are
inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the law school to amend a record that they believe is
inaccurate or misleading. They should write the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student
Affairs and identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or
misleading. If the Assistant Dean determines not to amend the record as requested by the student, he or
she will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding
the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to
the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
(3) The law school has adopted a policy of not disclosing personally identifiable information, other than
the directory information described in §14.5, from the educational records of a student without his or her
prior written consent, except in the following instances permitted under FERPA: (1) To school officials,
including teachers, within the educational institution who have a legitimate educational interest. A school
official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or
support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company
with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); or a student
serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another
school official in performing his or her tasks. (2) To officials of another school in which the student seeks
or intends to enroll, provided that a documented attempt will be made to notify the student of intended
disclosure, prior to submission of such information. (3) To certain authorized representatives of the
United States and state agencies who require such information to carry out lawful functions. (4) In
connection with the student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid. (5) To organizations conducting
studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions, if these studies are conducted in a manner
that will not permit the personal identification of students and if the information will be destroyed when
no longer needed for the purpose for which it is conducted. (6) To accrediting organizations in order to
carry out their accrediting functions. (7) To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (8)
To appropriate parties in health or safety emergencies. (9) To parents of dependent Chicago-Kent
students, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
§ 14.5 Directory Information
58
Chicago-Kent reserves the right to release at its own discretion the following directory information about
enrolled students: name of student; date and place of birth; local address, phone number, and e-mail
address; home address and phone number; enrollment status and dates of attendance at Chicago-Kent;
positions held, place of employment, and extension number of students employed by Chicago-Kent;
memberships in officially recognized campus organizations, including offices held in such organizations;
degrees earned and special awards and recognition given; photograph of student; and all information
requested by the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar and bar exam officials of other states for all
students and former students. Such directory information available from educational records kept by
Chicago-Kent may also be released concerning former students for the time during which they were
registered as students at Chicago-Kent.
The following directory information is published in a Student Directory maintained on a secure section of
the Chicago-Kent website available only to members of the Chicago-Kent community: name of student;
local address and phone number; and photograph.
If a student does not wish his or her local address, phone number, and/or photograph published on the
Chicago-Kent web site or otherwise released, the student must submit a Privacy Form, available on the
Web for Students site
. If a student does not wish other types of directory information released, the student
must file a written request with the Registrar specifying the types of information the students wishes to be
withheld. Chicago-Kent reserves the right to release directory information to school officials who have a
legitimate educational interest (see §14.4) despite a student's request to withhold the information.
§ 14.6 Reservation of Rooms and Scheduling of Events
The Office of Administration and Finance (Suite 265) is responsible for scheduling rooms for events held
in the Law School building. Any group or individual, including an instructor, who wishes to use a room
for any purpose other than a regularly scheduled class (e.g., a speaker, make-up class, or committee or
organization meeting) must submit a room request using the online room reservation form linked to the
Office of Administration and Finance Record page
. An e-mail confirmation will be sent to the person
submitting the request within 24 business hours from receipt of the properly completed form.
§ 14.7 Use of Facilities
An organization not associated with the Law School that wishes to use Law School facilities must submit
a letter at least two weeks in advance to the Office of Administration and Finance, Suite 265.
Organizations not associated with the Law School will be charged room rental fees and other applicable
charges.
§ 14.8 Lost and Found
59
Students should not leave personal belongings unattended in classrooms, offices, lounges, washrooms, the
Library, or any other area of the Law School building. Found items should be taken to the front lobby
reception desk, where a lost and found service is maintained.
§ 14.9 Lockers
Lockers assignments are arranged by Dean Sowle's office. Students retain their assigned locker
throughout their years at Chicago-Kent.
§ 14.10 Bookstore
The Conviser Law Center Bookstore is located on the Concourse level (312/906-5605). The bookstore
carries an extensive line of casebooks, study aids, supplies, gifts, greeting cards, and clothing. The
bookstore is open Monday through Friday; hours are posted. For information on ordering course materials
online, go to the Bookstore link on the main Current Students portal page
on the Law School's website.
§ 14.11 ID Cards
Photo ID cards are issued by the Registrar's office. All Chicago-Kent students must obtain an ID card at
the beginning of their first semester.
§ 14.12 Parking
Special parking rates may be available in nearby parking lots. Students should contact the Office of
Administration and Finance for current information.
§ 14.13 IIT Main Campus Facilities
Chicago-Kent students are welcome to use the gym, swimming pool, bowling alley, and other facilities on
IIT's Main Campus. For information regarding the hours and availability of facilities, contact the Student
and Academic Affairs office on the main campus at 567-3305 (extension 73305 from phones within the
law school).
§ 14.14 Shuttle Bus Service to Main Campus
60
IIT provides free bus service between the Law School and the IIT Main Campus. The schedule is
available online through the Office of Administration and Finance Record page
. Print copies are available
at the front lobby reception desk. A valid Chicago-Kent ID card must be presented to the driver on
request.
§ 14.15 Personal Mail
Students may not use the Law School address for personal mail. Such mail will be returned to the Post
Office as undeliverable.
§ 14.16 School Closing Due to Inclement Weather
Announcements concerning closing of the Law School due to inclement weather will be broadcast by
WGN Radio (AM 720), WBBM Radio (AM 780), ZONE Radio (FM 94.7), and on the following Chicago
TV stations: Channel 2 (CBS), Channel 5 (NBC), Channel 7 (ABC), Channel 9 (WGN), and Channel 32
(FOX). You may also call 312/222-SNOW, or go to https://www.emergencyclosings.com
(check under
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law).
§ 14.17 Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages may not be sold on Law School property. Alcoholic beverages may be served on
Law School property provided prior permission is obtained. To secure permission, a Request to Serve
Alcohol form must be submitted to the Office of Administration and Finance (Suite 265) at least two
weeks prior to the event at which alcoholic beverages are to be served.
§ 14.18 Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted in the Law School building.
§ 14.19 Student Complaints
Chicago-Kent College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and is subject to the ABA's
Standards for Approval of Law Schools, available at
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/standards.html
. Listed below are the
procedures that a student should use if the student believes there is a significant problem that directly
implicates the Law School's program of legal education and its compliance with the ABA Standards.
61
1. The student should submit the complaint by email, postal mail, personal delivery, or fax to the Dean or
to the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs.
2. The complaint should describe in detail the grounds for the complaint and how the matter implicates
the Law School's program of legal education and/or its compliance with one or more ABA Standard(s).
3. The complaint should include the name of, and contact information for, the complaining student so that
a response can be made to the student.
4. The administrator to whom the complaint is submitted will acknowledge the complaint within three
business days of receipt. Acknowledgment may be made by e-mail, postal mail, personal delivery, or fax.
5. Within two weeks of acknowledgment of the complaint, the administrator, or the administrator's
designee, shall respond to the substance of the complaint either by meeting with the complaining student
or by written response. If the administrator determines that the complaint warrants corrective action or
further investigation, the complaining student will be informed of the steps being taken to address or
investigate the complaint. If further investigation is needed, the student will be informed of the results
within two weeks after completion of the investigation.
6. Appeals regarding decisions on complaints may be taken to the Dean of the Law School or, if the Dean
has decided the merits of the complaint, the Provost of the University. Any decision made on appeal by
the Dean or the Provost shall be final.
7. A copy of the complaint and a summary of the process and resolution of the complaint shall be kept in
the office of the Assistant Dean for Academic Administration and Student Affairs for a period of ten
years from the date of final resolution of the complaint.
§ 14.20 Escort Service
The security staff will escort students to their cars in the evening; information about this service is
available at the registration desk in the front lobby.
§ 14.21 Disability Accommodations
The university arranges for reasonable accommodations for students with special needs, as required by
federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations require
documentation from the appropriate medical professionals and can be made for a variety of situations.
Because some accommodations required advance planning, it is advisable to begin the process as soon as
possible. For more information see the website for the IIT Center for Disability Resources
, which
provides the university's policies and procedures for assessing requests for reasonable accommodations.
62
Students who wish to request accommodations may contact the IIT Center for Disability Resources
directly (312-567-5744, or disabilities@iit.edu), or may contact the Law School's Director of Academic
Administration and Student Affairs, Jenna Abhijeet, at (312) 906-5005.
63
Section XV: Reserved
64
Section XVI: Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policies
§ 16.1 Law School Policy on Equality of Opportunity
As a member of the Association of American Law Schools and in conformity with its bylaws, Chicago-
Kent abides by the following policy:
Chicago-Kent College of Law of the Illinois Institute of Technology provides equality of opportunity in
legal education for all persons, including faculty and employees, with respect to hiring, continuation,
promotion and tenure, applicants for admission, enrolled students, and alumni, without discrimination on
the ground of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or gender expression. In addition, Chicago-Kent provides its students and graduates with equal
opportunity to obtain employment without discrimination or segregation on the above-stated grounds.
Facilities and services of the Career Service Office of Chicago-Kent College of Law are available only to
employers whose employment practices are consistent with this policy and are similarly non-
discriminatory.
Any students, applicant or employee of Illinois Institute of Technology who believes that he or she has
received inequitable treatment because of discrimination violating this policy should communicate, either
in writing or in person, with the Director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 224 Perlstein
Hall, 312.567.3134.
§ 16.2 IIT Policy on Equality of Opportunity
It is the intention of Illinois Tech to act in accordance with all regulations of the federal, state and local
governments with respect to providing equality of opportunity in employment and in education,
including, but not limited to, all student-related programs and activities, graduate and undergraduate, full-
time and part-time, insofar as those regulations may pertain to Illinois Tech. Illinois Tech prohibits and
will act to eliminate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, age, disability, veteran status or other statutorily protected classes. Pursuant to the foregoing,
it is the policy of the university to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended,
and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Furthermore, reasonable accommodations will be provided to
qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Inquiries regarding reasonable accommodations
should be directed to the Center for Disability Resources: 3424 S. State Street, Suite 1C3-2, Chicago, IL,
Tel: 312.567.5744, TDD: 312.567.5135, Fax: 312.567.3845, d[email protected].
Any student, applicant or employee of Illinois Tech who believes that he or she has received inequitable
treatment because of discrimination violating Illinois Tech's stated policy of equal opportunity in
employment and in education should communicate, either in writing or in person, with the Director of
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, IIT Tower, 10 W. 35th Street, 19th Floor, 312.567.3134. See
Section E above for additional details and information.
In addition, the Title IX Coordinator is responsible for monitoring the university's overall implementation
of and compliance with Title IX, which broadly speaking prohibits discrimination or unequal treatment in
65
educational programs and activities, including, but not limited to employment-related matters, based on
sex or gender. Accordingly, such matters or inquiries regarding the same may also be raised with the Title
IX Coordinator, Virginia Foster. Ms. Foster's contact information is: 312-567-5725, [email protected], Room
2D7-1 of the IIT Tower, 10 West 35th Street in Chicago. Inquiries regarding Title IX may also be
directed to the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, whose website is
www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
.
§ 16.3 IIT Policy on Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
Illinois Institute of Technology is committed to ensuring an environment for all members of the university
community that is fair, humane, and respectful--an environment which supports and rewards student,
faculty and staff performance on the basis of relevant considerations such as ability and effort. Behaviors
that inappropriately assert sexuality as relevant to student, faculty or staff performance damage this
environment. Therefore, IIT will provide for its students, faculty and staff an educational and employment
environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical
conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment as defined and otherwise prohibited by local,
state and federal law.
The entire sexual harassment policy, including procedures for reporting violations, is available by
clicking here
.
66
Section XVII: Conviser Law Center Library
§ 17.1 Library Hours
The Library's hours of operation are available in the Record and by clicking here
.
§ 17.2 General Rules
General library policies are available by clicking here
.
§ 17.3 Circulation Policies
The Library's circulation policies are available by clicking here
.
68
Section XIX: Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct governs the conduct of College of Law students, matriculated or non-matriculated,
whether or not currently enrolled in the Collge, with the exception of conduct involving allegations of
sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. For those allegations, College of Law students are subject to the
university-wide policies, provisions, and procedures available at
https://web.iit.edu/student-
affairs/handbook/fine-print/sexual-harassment (sexual harassment), at https://web.iit.edu/student-
affairs/vawa-save-acts (sexual misconduct), and at https://web.iit.edu/student-affairs/handbook/fine-
print/conduct-discipline (disciplinary procedures), which are incorporated herein by reference. All
allegations concerning sexual harassment or sexual misconduct will be adjudicated in accordance with
these university-wide policies, provisions, and procedures rather than those of this Code of Conduct.
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS
§1-1 Alleged Violator: the student or former student suspected of having violated this Code who is
named in the complaint or named by the Prosecutor pursuant to 5-4(d). Whenever the term appears, it also
shall refer to the Alleged Violator's chosen representative.
§1-2 [reserved]
§1-3 College: Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law.
§1-4 Complainant: the person who filed the complaint that alleges that a violation of this Code has
occurred.
§1-5 Dean: The Dean of the College may designate any full-time voting faculty member or the Associate
Dean for Academic Affairs to perform the duties imposed upon the Dean by this Code, in which case
"Dean" shall mean the designated individual. In any case in which the Dean is either an interested faculty
member, a complainant, or an occurrence witness, the Associate Dean for Scholarship and Faculty
Development shall perform the duties imposed upon the Dean by this Code. If, in such a case, the
Associate Dean for Scholarship and Faculty Development is either an interested faculty member, a
complainant, or an occurrence witness, the faculty members of the Curriculum Committee shall elect a
disinterested full-time voting member of the faculty to perform the duties imposed upon the Dean by this
Code.
§1-6 Inform: When a provision of this Code requires that an individual "inform" another person, the
communication may be made in person, by telephone, by letter, by email, or any other means.
§1-7 Interested faculty member or administrator: An interested faculty member is a faculty member in
whose course the alleged violation of this Code occurred. In legal writing courses, both the section
instructor and the Director of Legal Research are interested faculty members. With respect to alleged
violations involving functions within the jurisdiction of an administrator, that administrator is an
interested faculty member.
69
§1-8 Law School: Chicago-Kent College of Law.
§1-9 Notify: When a provision of this Code requires an individual to "notify" another person, such
notification shall be by letter, by email, or any other means.
§1-10 Presiding Officer: the Presiding Officer of the Tribunal.
§1-11 Publish: When a provision of this Code requires an individual to "publish" a notice or finding,
such publication shall be either in the Record or on the official administration bulletin board or both, but
shall not identify the names of the Alleged Violators.
§1-12 Tribunal: the Law School Discipline Tribunal.
ARTICLE II. PROHIBITED CONDUCT
§2-1 Academic Misconduct
It shall be a violation of this Code for a matriculated or non-matriculated student, whether or not currently
enrolled in the College, to engage in or attempt to engage in any of the following conduct, which, unless
otherwise stated, must be done knowingly, recklessly, or negligently:
(a) representing, expressly or impliedly, the work of another to be one's own;
(b) giving, obtaining, or soliciting unauthorized assistance or using unauthorized material in the
preparation of material to be submitted or presented in a class, law review assignment or competition,
moot court assignment or competition, client counseling competition, essay contest which the student is
able to enter by virtue of being a law student, or similar activity;
(c) knowingly or recklessly hiding or stealing library material, or withdrawing such books or material
from the library without properly charging them out, or defacing such books or material;
(d) violating any rule imposed by the instructor or exam proctor;
(e) identifying himself/herself by name or any other designation or symbol anywhere on the examination
questions or answer booklet or disclosing his/her examination number to an instructor, either directly or
indirectly, prior to the instructor having reported the grades for the course to the Registrar;
(f) copying, or giving, receiving or soliciting, assistance or information from any person during an exam;
or providing any information about an exam to a student who has not yet taken the exam.
(g) using unauthorized material during an exam;
(h) obtaining an exam, assignment, answer sheet or similar material in an unauthorized manner or at an
unauthorized time;
70
(i) writing after the exam time has expired;
(j) making material misrepresentations in any submissions to or through the Admissions Office or the
Career Services Office or to a potential employer; or
(k) otherwise seeking to gain an unfair advantage over another student.
§2-2 Nonacademic Misconduct
It shall be a violation of this Code for a matriculated or non-matriculated student, whether or not currently
enrolled in the College, to engage in or attempt to engage in any of the following conduct if it (a) affects
or threatens to affect another IIT student or a member of the faculty, staff or administration of IIT; or (b)
occurs on IIT premises or at a function sponsored by IIT or by an IIT student organization. Unless
otherwise stated, such conduct must be done knowingly, recklessly or negligently.
(a) Engaging in dishonest conduct, including cheating, plagiarizing, or knowingly furnishing false
information to the university;
(b) Forging, altering, or using university documents, records, or instruments of identification with intent
to defraud;
(c) Harassing and/or hazing in all forms, which includes, but is not limited to, striking, laying hands upon,
threatening with violence, or offering to do bodily harm to another person, or other treatment of a
demeaning, abusive, taunting, or alarming nature;
(d) Intentionally obstructing or disrupting teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or
other university activities and other authorized activities on IIT's premises;
(e) Physically abusing any person or engaging in conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety
of any such person;
(f) Selling, distributing, manufacturing, using, or possessing illegal drugs;
(g) Possessing or using firearms, fireworks, explosives, or weapons of any description, for any purpose;
(h) Stealing from or damaging university premises, or property of a member of the IIT community on the
university premises;
(i) Failing to comply with directions of university officials or engaging in disorderly or abusive conduct
toward university officials acting in performance of their duties;
(j) Violating published university regulations, including regulations relating to the use of firearms
and
alleged copyright infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA);
(k) Violating federal, state, or municipal laws on university premises (or in university residence halls) in a
way that adversely affects the functioning of the university;
71
(l) Making false statements to, presenting false evidence to, or failing to comply with a subpoena issued
by the Tribunal or otherwise obstructing the administration of this Code.
(m) Sexual harassment and misconduct: College of Law students are subject to the university-wide
policies, provisions, and procedures available at
https://web.iit.edu/student-affairs/handbook/fine-
print/sexual-harassment (sexual harassment), at https://web.iit.edu/student-affairs/vawa-save-acts (sexual
misconduct), and at https://web.iit.edu/student-affairs/handbook/fine-print/conduct-discipline
(disciplinary procedures), which are incorporated herein by reference. All allegations concerning sexual
harassment or sexual misconduct will be adjudicated in accordance with these university-wide policies,
provisions, and procedures rather than those of this Code of Conduct.
§2-3 Felony Conviction
Any felony conviction that occurs prior to a student's first admission to the College, if not disclosed on
the student's application, or after the student's first admission to the College and prior to the student's
graduation from the College shall be a per-se violation of this Code. Upon notification of such a
conviction, the Tribunal shall proceed in accordance with §6-4 to determine the appropriate sanction;
provided, however, that in the event of an appeal of the felony conviction, the Tribunal may suspend the
Alleged Violator from the College pending final determination of the appeal.
ARTICLE III. LAW SCHOOL DISCIPLINE TRIBUNAL
§3-1 The Law School Discipline Tribunal shall have jurisdiction over all alleged violations of this Code.
§3-2 The Tribunal shall have jurisdiction whether or not the Alleged Violator is currently enrolled in the
College. The Tribunal may proceed in the absence of the Alleged Violator who, after due notice, fails to
be present or to participate in the proceedings. A finding that the Alleged Violator is guilty of a violation
of this Code shall not be based solely on the absence of the Alleged Violator.
§3-3 There shall be two Tribunals convened each year; the Dean shall have the discretion to assign a case
to either of the Tribunals. Each Law School Discipline Tribunal shall consist of three members: two
faculty and one student. The Dean shall appoint one member of each Tribunal as its Presiding Officer.
§3-4
(a) The faculty members of the Tribunal shall be appointed by the Dean for two-year terms. The terms of
the faculty members of each panel shall be staggered. During the first year of this Code, the Dean shall
appoint one faculty member to each Tribunal with a one-year term and one faculty member with a two-
year term. Once a Charge has been submitted to a Tribunal pursuant to §5-6, the members of that Tribunal
shall have jurisdiction over the Charge until its final disposition, notwithstanding the termination of a
Tribunal member's term of office.
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(b) Only full-time voting members of the faculty may serve on a Tribunal. The Dean, the Associate Dean
for Scholarship and Faculty Development, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs shall not be
eligible to serve on a Tribunal.
(c) If a faculty member of a Tribunal is an interested faculty member, an occurrence witness, or the
complainant in a particular case, or if he/she recuses himself/herself, the Dean shall appoint a replacement
for him or her for purposes of that case only.
(d) If a faculty vacancy occurs on a Tribunal, the Dean shall appoint a replacement to serve out the
unexpired term.
§3-5
(a) The student member of each Tribunal shall be appointed by the Dean from a panel of students selected
by the Student Bar Association.
(b) If the student member of a Tribunal is the complainant, an occurrence witness, or the Alleged Violator
in a particular case, or if he/she recuses himself/herself, the Dean shall appoint a replacement for purposes
of that case only.
(c) If a complaint alleging a violation of this Code is filed against a student member of a Tribunal, he/she
may continue to sit on the Tribunal while the complaint is investigated. Upon a finding of probable cause
by the Prosecutor, the student shall be disqualified from sitting on the Tribunal pending resolution of the
case. Upon conviction, the student member shall be removed from the Tribunal.
(d) If a student vacancy occurs on a Tribunal, the Dean shall appoint a replacement to serve out the
unexpired term.
ARTICLE IV. GUILTY PLEA
§4-1 An Alleged Violator may at any time admit to the Tribunal his/her violation of this Code. The
Tribunal may find the Alleged Violator guilty and proceed in accordance with §6-4. A student may not
plead nolo contendere.
ARTICLE V. PRE-HEARING PROCEDURES
§5-1 Any person (including a faculty member or administrator) who has a reasonable basis for believing
a violation has occurred has an obligation to file a complaint with the Dean. The complaint shall be in
writing, signed by the complainant, and shall contain a statement of facts upon which the complaint is
based. Any proceeding under this Code shall provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process from the initial
investigation to the final result.
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§5-2 There shall be no period of limitation for filing complaints, but prejudice resulting from excessive
delay may be a defense as set forth in §5-9.
§5-2.5
(a) Upon receiving a complaint based on a Code of Conduct violation, the Dean may issue a temporary
suspension from the College when the allegations against the student are sufficiently serious or alarming
so as to reasonably believe, given the academic and/or campus environment, that immediate separation is
required to address a risk to the safety of other students, IIT faculty, IIT property or to stop ongoing
harassment or intimidation of an IIT faculty member, administrator, or student. Pending a hearing, the
Dean may issue a temporary "no contact" order to the student not to have any contact (written, oral,
electronic and/or in-person) with a party who has been the target of the students' conduct. Breach of the
no contact order can result in additional Code of Conduct charges.
(b) Any student suspended pending resolution of the Code of Conduct process may seek expedition of the
prosecutorial investigation and possible hearing to follow. If a request for expedition is made, the
prosecutor should determine within five days whether probable cause exists to convene a Tribunal. If no
probable cause exists, the no contact order will be dissolved. If probable cause is determined, the Tribunal
shall convene a hearing, if possible, within the succeeding two weeks. The suspended student, upon
request, shall be granted access to audiotapes from all classes missed and, if required, other reasonable
accommodations shall be made to permit the student to keep up with course work pending resolution of
the Honor Code process.
(c) Any amendment to the Code of Conduct, other than redefining conduct giving rise to discipline, shall
be effective immediately, notwithstanding §10-5 of the Code.
§5-3
(a) Upon receiving a complaint, the Dean shall appoint a Prosecutor as expeditiously as possible, who
shall represent the interest of the law school in the matter. If, during the course of an investigation, the
Prosecutor is unable to act, the Dean shall appoint a replacement.
(b) The Prosecutor shall be a full-time member of the faculty. The Dean, the Associate Dean for
Scholarship and Faculty Development, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs shall not be eligible
to serve as the Prosecutor.
(c) A faculty member shall not be eligible to serve as the Prosecutor in a case in which he/she is the
complainant, an occurrence witness, or an interested faculty member, or if he/she is a member of the
Tribunal.
§5-4 Within 10 days after being appointed, the Prosecutor shall:
(a) Inform any interested faculty member or administrator and notify the Alleged Violator of the fact that
a complaint has been filed and of the nature of the alleged violation. The written notification to the
Alleged Violator shall advise him/her of the following: (1) the right to select any person, subject to the
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requirements of §5-8, to represent him/her at his/her cost; and (2) the fact that he/she has no obligation to
speak to the Prosecutor nor to testify at any hearing before the Tribunal (§6-3(b)).
(b) Publish a notice informing the student body that a violation has been alleged and stating the course or
context in which the violation allegedly occurred, the nature of the alleged violation, and the name of the
Prosecutor. This notice shall remain posted until the Prosecutor publishes the probable cause finding.
(c) Begin an investigation which shall be completed within 30 days of its commencement, if practicable.
(d) The Prosecutor is not limited to the allegation(s) or the Alleged Violator(s) specified in the complaint.
As soon as the investigation focuses on an individual not named in the complaint as one who may have
violated this Code in the same transaction as the Alleged Violator, the Prosecutor shall comply with the
notice provisions of §5-4(a) and (b). If the Prosecutor discovers a reason to believe that an individual not
named in the complaint may have violated this Code in a transaction not related to the one complained of,
the Prosecutor shall file a complaint with the Dean pursuant to §5-1.
§5-5
(a) If, after completing the investigation of the complaint, the Prosecutor determines that there exists no
probable cause to believe that the conduct alleged to be a violation of this Code has occurred, he/she shall
not proceed with the prosecution and shall comply with the notification procedures in §5-5(d). No appeal
shall be allowed from this determination.
(b) If, after completing the investigation of the complaint, the Prosecutor determines that the conduct
alleged does not, as a matter of law, violate this Code, he/she shall not proceed with the prosecution and
shall comply with the notification procedures in §5-5(d). Such a determination may be appealed to the
faculty by the complainant or any interested faculty member or administrator. The appeal shall follow the
procedures set forth in §5-9(c) and (d).
(c) If at any time prior to a formal finding of probable cause, the Prosecutor determines that any violation
that may have occurred is de minimis, or that the prosecution of any violation that may have occurred
would not be in the best interests of the law school, the Prosecutor shall have discretion not to proceed
with the prosecution. If the Prosecutor decides not to proceed with the prosecution, he/she shall comply
with the notification procedures set forth in §5-5(d). The Prosecutor shall have discretion to condition the
decision not to prosecute on the student's acceptance of a private or public reprimand. The Prosecutor's
decisions may be appealed to the Dean by the complainant or any interested faculty member or
administrator by filing a notice of appeal with the Dean within one week of being notified of the
Prosecutor's decision.
(d) If the Prosecutor determines that he/she shall not proceed with the prosecution pursuant to §5-5 (a),
(b) or (c), no notation shall appear on the student's transcript. The Prosecutor shall, as soon as practicable,
notify the Alleged Violator and inform the complainant and any interested faculty member or
administrator of this determination, including the reasons for the determination. The Prosecutor shall
publish a notice stating that the complaint has been investigated and that the Prosecutor has determined
that further proceedings in the matter are not warranted. The published notice shall be dated and shall
remain posted for one week while regular classes are in session.
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(e) In an instance where the faculty or the Dean has reversed a Prosecutor's decision not to prosecute
under this section, the Dean shall appoint a new Prosecutor.
§5-6 If, after completing the investigation of the complaint, the Prosecutor finds that there exists probable
cause to believe that a violation of this Code has occurred, or if a new Prosecutor has been appointed
pursuant to §5-5(e), the Prosecutor shall:
(a) prepare a Charge for each Alleged Violator setting forth the alleged violations of this Code;
(b) publish a notice informing the student body that the Prosecutor has found probable cause that a
violation of this Code has occurred and describing the violation(s) set forth in the Charge. The published
notice shall be dated and shall remain posted for one week while regular classes are in session;
(c) notify each Alleged Violator of the finding of probable cause and provide a copy of the Charge against
him/her;
(d) inform the complainant and any interested faculty member or administrator of this finding and provide
them with a copy of the Charge;
(e) submit the Charge to the Presiding Officer of the Tribunal designated by the Dean; and
(f) prosecute the case before the Tribunal.
§5-7 Upon receiving the Charge, the Presiding Officer shall set a violation hearing on the Charge to
begin no earlier than 10 days and no later than 30 days from the receipt of the Charge. The Presiding
Officer shall notify the Alleged Violator and inform the Prosecutor, the complainant, and any interested
faculty member or administrator of the date of the hearing and the identity of the members of the
Tribunal. The hearing shall be concluded as expeditiously as practicable.
§5-8 The Alleged Violator may select any person to represent him/her, except that the Alleged Violator
may not select a member of the Tribunal, a prosecutor, or an interested faculty member or administrator
to represent him/her. A person, including a faculty member, selected by the Alleged Violator to serve as
his/her representative may decline to serve as representative. The Alleged Violator shall bear the costs of
his/her representation.
§5-9
(a) The Alleged Violator may file a motion to dismiss the Prosecutor's Charge on the ground that it fails
to state a violation of this Code or on the ground that excessive delay in filing the complaint has
prejudiced the defense. Such motion shall be filled with the Presiding Officer within one week prior to the
date scheduled for the violation hearing.
(b) The Tribunal shall rule on the motion no later than 24 hours before the date scheduled for the violation
hearing. If the motion is denied, the hearing shall proceed as scheduled.
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(c) If the motion is granted, the Tribunal shall notify the Alleged Violator, publish its decision and inform
the Prosecutor, complainant, and any interested faculty member or administrator. The Prosecutor,
complainant, interested faculty member or administrator may appeal the decision to the faculty by filing a
notice of appeal with the Dean within one week of the notification of the Tribunal's decision. The Dean
shall place the appeal on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled faculty meeting. If the notice of
appeal is filed with the Dean after the last regularly scheduled faculty meeting of the academic year, the
Dean may call a special meeting of the faculty for the purpose of hearing the appeal. The appellant may
file a brief no later than one week before the faculty meeting. The appellee may file a brief no later than
three days before the faculty meeting. If the date of the next regularly scheduled faculty meeting is within
7 days after the notice of appeal is filed, upon the request of either party, the appeal shall be postponed to
the meeting following the next regularly scheduled faculty meeting.
(d) The appeal shall be considered by all full-time voting faculty members in attendance at the faculty
meeting, except the Prosecutor, interested faculty member, and complainant (if a faculty member). There
shall be no oral argument. The Dean shall publish the faculty's ruling and notify the Alleged Violator and
inform the Prosecutor, complainant, and any interested faculty member or administrator of the ruling.
§5-10
(a) The members of the Tribunal shall be subject to challenge for cause by either the Alleged Violator or
the Prosecutor.
(b) A motion challenging a member for cause shall be filed with the Dean no later than one week prior to
the date scheduled for the hearing on the complaint.
(c) If the Dean concludes that the challenged member of the Tribunal is disqualified for cause, or if a
member of the Tribunal recuses himself/herself, the Dean shall appoint a replacement for the purpose of
that case only.
§5-11
(a) The Prosecutor shall provide the Alleged Violator and the Presiding Officer with a list of witnesses
and copies of all relevant documents. An initial list of witnesses and copies of documents shall be
provided at the time the Prosecutor notifies the Alleged Violator of the probable cause finding. The list
shall be updated and copies of additional documents shall be provided as soon as additional witnesses or
documents become known to the Prosecutor.
(b) The Alleged Violator shall provide the Prosecutor and the Presiding Officer with a list and copies of
documents, and a statement of the defense no later than one week prior to the scheduled hearing date. The
list shall be updated and copies of additional documents shall be provided as soon as additional witnesses
or documents become known to the Alleged Violator.
(c) The above subsections shall not apply to witnesses called in rebuttal or surrebuttal.
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ARTICLE VI. HEARING PROCEDURES
§6-1 The proceedings and deliberations of the Tribunal shall not be open to the public, the student body,
or the faculty at large. Any alleged victim has the same right to have others present during Tribunal
hearings as the Alleged Violator has, including the opportunity to be accompanied by an advisor of
his/her choice. This includes alleged victims in proceedings brought under §2-2(c) (harassing and/or
hazing), §2-2(e) (physically abusing another or engaging in conduct that threatens or endangers another),
and §2-2(m) (sexual misconduct). The Tribunal shall conduct itself consistently with applicable policies,
and in a manner that is transparent to all parties. The Tribunal shall be composed of members who do not
have a conflict of interest or bias for or against the accuser or the accused.
§6-2 A court reporter shall be in attendance at all hearings of the Tribunal.
§6-3 The violation hearing before the Tribunal shall be governed by the following rules of procedure:
(a) Both the Prosecutor and the Alleged Violator shall be given the opportunity to make a brief opening
statement; the Alleged Violator may reserve the opening statement until the conclusion of the Prosecutor's
case-in-chief.
(b) Witnesses, including the Alleged Violator, may be called and evidentiary matter offered by the
Prosecutor, the Alleged Violator, and the Tribunal. However the Alleged Violator has no obligation to
testify.
(c) The Tribunal shall have the right to call and to question any witnesses.
(d) The Presiding Officer shall issue a subpoena to appear and/or to produce documents upon the request
of the Prosecutor, the Alleged Violator, or upon the motion of any member of the Tribunal. Subpoenaed
witnesses may move to quash the subpoena for cause.
(e) Upon request of either the Prosecutor or the Alleged Violator, or upon its own motion, the Tribunal
may provide for exclusion of witnesses.
(f) The Prosecutor and the Alleged Violator may challenge the admissibility of evidence for any reason.
Evidentiary rulings shall be made by the Presiding Officer and his/her rulings shall govern unless
overruled by a majority of the Tribunal. The Tribunal shall exercise discretion in admitting evidence and
need not be bound by the formal rules of evidence.
(g) The Prosecutor and the Alleged Violator each shall have the right to cross-examine witnesses called
by the other.
(h) The Prosecutor and the Alleged Violator each shall have the right to make closing arguments.
(i) Except for cases brought under §2-2(m), the burden of proof shall be on the Prosecutor to prove by
clear and convincing evidence that the Alleged Violator committed a violation of this Code. For cases
brought under §2-2(m), the burden of proof shall be on the Prosecutor to prove by a preponderance of the
evidence that the Alleged Violator committed a violation of this Code.
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(j) Whenever reasonably possible, the Tribunal shall begin deliberations immediately following the close
of the hearing. The decision shall be made solely upon the evidence presented. A finding of "guilty" must
be concurred in by at least two members of the Tribunal. The Tribunal shall issue written findings of fact
and conclusions of "guilty" or "not guilty" as soon as practicable. Concurring and dissenting opinions
may also be issued. The Presiding Officer shall notify the Alleged Violator and inform the Prosecutor, the
complainant and any interested faculty member or administrator of the findings and opinions. If the
Tribunal finds the Alleged Violator "not guilty," the Tribunal shall publish its finding. The published
notice shall be dated and shall remain posted for one week while regular classes are in session.
(k) In cases involving an alleged victim, the Tribunal shall provide the accuser, the accused, and
appropriate officials timely and equal access to any information that will be used during informal and
formal disciplinary meetings and hearings.
§6-4 If the Tribunal finds the Alleged Violator "guilty," the Presiding Officer shall set a penalty hearing
to occur no later than one week after the issuance of the written findings. The Presiding Officer shall
notify the Alleged Violator, the Prosecutor, the complainant and any interested faculty member or
administrator of the date of the hearing. At the hearing, the Prosecutor may present evidence in
aggravation and the Convicted Violator may present evidence in mitigation. The complainant, the
prosecutor, any interested faculty member or administrator and the Convicted Violator shall be given the
opportunity to address the Tribunal.
§6-5
(a) The Tribunal, by a majority vote, may impose any one or more of the following sanctions:
(1) expulsion from the College;
(2) suspension from the College for a specified period of time;
(3) a grade "E" in the course in which the violation occurred;
(4) loss of credit for the course in which the violation occurred;
(5) a grade of Incomplete in the course in which the violation occurred;
(6) cancellation of the work done; or
(7) any other sanction, or any variation of the above sanctions, deemed appropriate by the Tribunal.
(b) Whenever a student is convicted of violating this Code, a notation to that effect shall be made on the
individual's transcript. However, if the Tribunal unanimously determines that the interests of justice so
require, the Tribunal may suspend the entry of said notation on conditions it deems appropriate. Whether
or not the violation is noted on the transcript, it will be reported to appropriate licensing authorities.
§6-6 Following imposition of sanctions, the Tribunal shall notify the Convicted Violator, inform the
Prosecutor and publish findings of fact and conclusions of law and the sanctions imposed, provided
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however that if the full opinion in the case exceeds five pages in length, the Tribunal shall publish only a
summary thereof, not to exceed five pages, which will include a statement that the full opinion is on file
with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The published notice shall be dated and shall remain
posted for one week while regular classes are in session.
§6-7 In cases involving an alleged victim, the Tribunal shall notify, at the same time and in writing, the
Alleged Violator or Convicted Violator and the alleged victim of (a) any Tribunal finding or action, (b)
the procedures applicable to any appeal of such finding or action, (c) any change to the results of the
proceeding due to any appeal, and (d) when the results have become final. This includes alleged victims
in proceedings brought under §2-2(c) (harassing and/or hazing), §2-2(e) (physically abusing another or
engaging in conduct that threatens or endangers another), and §2-2(m) (sexual misconduct).ARTICLE
VII. APPEAL
ARTICLE VII. APPEAL
§7-1
(a) The Convicted Violator shall have the right to appeal the conviction to the faculty. All matters are
appealable by the Convicted Violator except findings of fact. Notice of such appeal must be filed with the
Dean not later than ten days after the notification of sanctions has been mailed.
(b) The Prosecutor may appeal the sanctions imposed on the Convicted Violator by filing a notice of
appeal with the Dean not later than ten days after notification of sanctions has been mailed.
§7-2
(a) Upon filing a notice of appeal under §7-1, the appellant shall have 21 days within which to file a
written brief with the Dean. The appellee shall have 14 days to file a response.
(b) Upon receipt of timely filed briefs, the Dean shall place the appeal on the agenda for the next regularly
scheduled faculty meeting. If the briefs are received after the last regular faculty meeting of the academic
year, the Dean may call a special meeting of the faculty for the purpose of hearing the appeal.
§7-3
(a) When an appeal is being considered, only full-time members of the faculty shall be present.
(b) Upon written request to the Dean no later than one week before the faculty meeting, the parties shall
be afforded an opportunity for oral argument to the faculty. If the date of the faculty meeting makes the
one week time period impossible to comply with, the request for oral argument shall be made as soon as
possible.
(c) The members of the Tribunal, the Prosecutor, and all other faculty members otherwise involved in the
proceeding before the Tribunal except those whose involvement was limited to being a character witness,
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shall be disqualified from sitting on the appeal. Such faculty members may be present during oral
argument but shall absent themselves immediately thereafter.
§7-4 When the faculty has decided an appeal, the Dean shall notify the convicted student and inform the
interested faculty member or administrator of the faculty's decision, and shall publish the result of the
appeal.
ARTICLE VIII. MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
§8-1 The Dean shall preserve and retain the records, including the complaint, the Charge and the record
of proceedings before the Tribunal, in all cases. They shall be kept in a separate and confidential file. The
records of any Alleged Violator not convicted of a violation shall not be released without the consent of
the Alleged Violator.
ARTICLE IX. EXCLUSIVITY OF THIS CODE
§9-1 A faculty member shall not decrease a student's grade because of an alleged violation of this Code if
the student has been found not guilty by the Tribunal, or if the Charge against the student has been
dismissed for failure to state an offense, and either that dismissal has been affirmed on appeal by the
faculty or the time for filing an appeal has expired and no appeal has been filed.
§9-2 If the alleged violation occurred in a course, the instructor may not report a grade to the Registrar
until the Code of Conduct proceedings are concluded. If the grade has already been reported to the
Registrar, the Registrar shall not record the grade until the proceedings are concluded. If the Tribunal
lowers a violator's grade as one of the sanctions, the Registrar must record the grade determined by the
Tribunal.
§9-3
(a) There shall be no plea bargaining between an interested faculty member or administrator and a student
or a former student whom the faculty member or administrator believes violated this Code.
(b) There may be plea bargaining between an Alleged Violator and the Prosecutor, in consultation with
the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. A plea bargaining agreement will be sent to the complainant
and any interested faculty member or administrator. The complainant or any interested faculty member or
administrator may appeal the agreement to the Dean by filing a notice of appeal with the Dean within one
week of being notified of the plea bargaining agreement.
ARTICLE X. EFFECTIVE DATE; REPEAL; SAVINGS; AMENDMENTS
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§10-1 This Code became effective on May 30, 1989, and applies to all conduct occurring on or after that
date.
§10-2 The Ethics Code previously in effect was on May 30, 1989.
§10-3 Notwithstanding the repeal provided for in §10-2:
(a) any violation of the provisions of the Ethics Code committed before May 30, 1989, was prosecuted
and punished in accordance with the provisions of the Ethics Code previously in effect.
(b) any proceedings under the former Ethics Code pending on the effective date of this Code of Conduct
was conducted in accordance with the provisions of that Ethics Code.
§10-4 Upon approval by the faculty, copies of this Code shall be distributed to the student body in the
same manner as the Record is distributed. This Code shall be published in the next edition of the Student
Handbook and in each subsequent edition.
§10-5
(a) This Code may be amended upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the faculty. The amendment
shall apply to all conduct occurring after the date of the amendment.
(b) Prior to a vote by the faculty to amend this Code, the proposed amendment shall be distributed to the
student body in the same manner as the Record is distributed, with adequate time for student comment.
(c) Upon faculty approval of an amendment, copies of the amendment shall be distributed to the student
body in the same manner as the Record is distributed. The Code, as amended, shall be published in the
next edition of the Student Handbook and in each subsequent edition.
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Section XX: Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
Illinois Institute of Technology is committed to the principle of preventing the use of illicit drugs and
abuse of alcohol by members of the university community. In accordance with this commitment and in
compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Campus Act of 1989, this policy affirms the university's goal
to maintain an environment that is free of illegal usage of drugs and alcohol. All students and employees
are expected to comply with the policy. The drug and alcohol abuse prevention policy is available from
Jamie Lake, the Director of Student Services (Room 310F; 312/906-5247; jlake@kentlaw.edu).
Counseling
Illinois Tech has a comprehensive drug free awareness program to inform employees and students about
the dangers of drug and alcohol use and assist them in obtaining counseling and treatment which includes
full availability of the Counseling Center to all students for counseling and/or referral for treatment. In
addition, the Lawyers Assistance Program ("LAP") can provide confidential counseling regarding
substance abuse problems. LAP is a non-for-profit organization which offers aid and assistance to Illinois
lawyers, judges, and law students with emotional and chemical dependency problems. LAP's primary
services include information and referral, peer assistance, intervention, in the case of chemical
dependency, and education. For counseling information or referral, see Jamie Lake, the Director of
Student Services (Room 310F; 312/906-5247; jlake@kentlaw.edu).
