The Stanford Law School academic calendar is a comprehensive schedule that outlines the key dates and events for the academic year. The calendar is typically divided into three quarters: autumn, winter, and spring, with a summer session also available. Here is an overview of the Stanford Law School academic calendar:
Autumn Quarter
- Classes begin: Late September
- Classes end: Mid-December
- Final exams: Mid-December to Late December
- Winter break: Late December to Early January
Winter Quarter
- Classes begin: Early January
- Classes end: Mid-March
- Final exams: Mid-March to Late March
- Spring break: Late March to Early April
Spring Quarter
- Classes begin: Early April
- Classes end: Mid-June
- Final exams: Mid-June to Late June
- Graduation: Late June
Summer Session
- Classes begin: Late June
- Classes end: Late August
- Final exams: Late August
It’s worth noting that the exact dates may vary from year to year, so it’s always best to check the Stanford Law School website for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, the law school may also offer various summer programs, workshops, and conferences, which may have different schedules.
Important Dates
- Orientation for first-year students: Late September
- Add/drop deadline: Early October
- Withdrawal deadline: Mid-October
- Final exam schedule available: Late October
- Thanksgiving break: Late November
- Winter holiday break: Late December to Early January
- MLK Jr. holiday: Third Monday in January
- Presidents’ Day holiday: Third Monday in February
- Spring break: Late March to Early April
- Memorial Day holiday: Last Monday in May
Academic Policies
- Stanford Law School follows a quarter-based system, with each quarter lasting approximately 10 weeks.
- Students are expected to attend classes regularly and participate in class discussions.
- The law school offers a variety of courses, including lectures, seminars, and clinical courses.
- Students can also participate in extracurricular activities, such as moot court, law review, and student organizations.
- The law school has a strict honor code, which prohibits academic dishonesty and other forms of misconduct.
Registration and Course Selection
- Students register for courses online through the Stanford University student portal.
- Course selection is typically done on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to students who have not previously taken the course.
- Students can also petition to take courses outside of the law school, with approval from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
- The law school offers a variety of course formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid courses.
Exam Schedule and Policies
- Final exams are typically held at the end of each quarter, with the exact schedule available in late October.
- Students are expected to take exams in person, unless they have a documented disability or other exception.
- The law school has a strict exam policy, which prohibits cheating and other forms of academic misconduct.
- Students can also opt to take exams on a take-home basis, with approval from the instructor.
Grading and Evaluation
- Stanford Law School uses a letter-grade system, with grades ranging from A+ to F.
- Students can also receive credit/no credit or pass/fail grades for certain courses.
- The law school has a strict grading policy, which prohibits grade inflation and other forms of grade manipulation.
- Students can also receive feedback from instructors on their performance, which can help them improve their academic skills.
What is the typical class size for first-year students at Stanford Law School?
+The typical class size for first-year students at Stanford Law School is around 180-200 students, who are divided into smaller sections of 20-25 students for discussion and analysis.
Can students take courses outside of the law school?
+Yes, students can petition to take courses outside of the law school, with approval from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. These courses can be taken in other departments at Stanford University or at other institutions.
What is the honor code at Stanford Law School?
+The honor code at Stanford Law School prohibits academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of misconduct. Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and professionalism.
By following the Stanford Law School academic calendar and staying on top of key dates and events, students can ensure a successful and fulfilling academic experience. Whether you’re a first-year student or a seasoned veteran, it’s essential to stay informed and engaged with the academic community to get the most out of your time at Stanford Law School.
