Academic Resource Center FAQ

Questions in this FAQ:

1. What is the Academic Resource Center?
2. What can ARC help with?
3. How can I schedule a meeting with an ARC team member?
4. Where does ARC post information online?
5. Where can I find information about school policies?
6. I have a question about ____________. Who do I contact?
7. What essentials will I need as a 1L?
8. Who are the ARC team members?

 

1. What is the Academic Resource Center?

The Academic Resource Center has been part of the law school community for 30 years, and we are a resource available to all students in the law school. We provide students with training and feedback in a variety of areas, including time management, IRAC writing, study skills, exam preparation and more. Simply put, we are here to help you perform your best in law school. Director Jeff Minneti, Director Isabel Freitas Peres, and Assistant Director Imran Malik are all licensed attorneys, so we've been where you are now. Additionally, ARC runs the Access Admissions Program (which you can read more about here Links to an external site.).  

 

2. What can ARC help with?

ARC is available to help with a wide variety of needs. And even if we aren't the right people to ask, we want to help you figure out who is! Below are some of the tasks that we commonly help students with:

- Reviewing and critiquing practice exam questions

- Reviewing outlines and/or discussing how to create effective outlines and study tools

- Developing plans for better time management

- Academic and extracurricular activity planning

- Improving study skills (note taking, case briefing, more efficient reading, etc.)

- Improving issue spotting, crafting rule statements, performance on multiple choice questions, and other skills necessary for exams

- Providing additional study resources 

- Hosting workshops throughout the semester on various topics

 

3. How can I schedule a meeting with an ARC team member?

We strive to be available to students as often as possible. If you would like to schedule a meeting with one of us, there are several ways to do that:

- Email any of us directly at the email addresses listed below (see question 8).

- Email the general ARC email address: lawarc@seattleu.edu.

- When we're all back on campus, stop by and see us! Prof. Minneti can be found in Room 325, Prof. Freitas Peres is in Room 326,  and Imran is in room 309A (to the right of classroom 309). The ARC Resource Room is Room 310, which is where you can find our available study aids. 

 

4. Where does ARC post information online? 

ARC is growing its online presence. You can find us in several places. 

- We will update information on this Canvas page throughout the semester, so keep checking back.

- Like us on Facebook Links to an external site.! We will also post workshop reminders and another announcements on the class Facebook pages. 

- We have a ConnectSU Links to an external site. page. Subscribe to keep on top of our workshop dates and other information.

 

5. Where can I find information about school policies?

Student handbook Links to an external site.: The handbook is updated every year and contains a comprehensive overview of school policies and other information students need.

 

6. I have a question about ____________. Who do I contact?

Click on the links below for more information about some of the offices you'll likely need to contact during 1L year. 

Center for Professional Development Links to an external site. (jobs, internships)

- also check out CPD's 1L Year at a Glance Download 1L Year at a Glance

Student Life Links to an external site. (student life, student organizations, testing accommodations)

Externship Program Links to an external site. (externships)

Registrar Links to an external site.(class registration, exams, enrollment)

Student Financial Services Links to an external site. (financial aid)

Technology & Media Services Links to an external site. (tech questions)

Law Library Links to an external site. (legal research, database access, printing, and more)

Legal Writing Links to an external site. (one of the country's top legal writing programs)

Access to Justice Institute Links to an external site. (pro bono, public interest, social justice activities)

1L Mentorship Program Links to an external site. (mentoring, getting in touch with alums)

Counseling and Psychological Services - CAPS Links to an external site. (counseling, mental health and wellness) 

Campus map Links to an external site. 

Transportation and Parking  Links to an external site.(ORCA card, parking passes)

 

7. What essentials will I need as a 1L?

Depending on your learning style, your note taking style, and your professors, you may or may not need all of the following. However, it's a good idea to at least think about what you may need to help you stay organized. 

• Paper and/or electronic calendar
  • Create a weekly schedule that includes class schedule, study time, deadlines, workshops/events, and personal obligations
• Small dry erase board and dry erase markers
  • This can be a great study tool for practicing rule statements, creating flow charts, etc.
• Functional laptop with:
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • A couple of updated internet browsers
  • Current anti-virus software
  • Note that you have access to a full suite of Microsoft programs online through Office365 - login with your SU credentials to access these programs 
• The usual office supplies: highlighters, pens/pencils, white out 
  • Some people find it helpful to have several colors of highlighters or pens available to mark out different parts of cases (facts, procedural history, holding, etc.)
• Folders/binders
  • In some classes you will end up with lots of handouts or extra materials
• Notebooks/legal pads
  • Some people choose to take their notes by hand, and some even outline by hand - you may discover that this is a good method for you, especially if you are tempted by internet access on your computer
• Tabs, sticky notes, and index cards
• Black’s Law Dictionary
  • You can get online access to this through Westlaw - it's especially helpful early in 1L when you aren't familiar with legal terminology yet
• Dedicated study area at home
• Rolling bag and/or sturdy backpack... when we come back to campus
• Supplemental resources, if you choose to use them
  • See the Finding and Using Supplemental Materials page for more information
• Exercise routine
• At least 1 business attire outfit/suit
• Orca card or parking pass (if you're commuting)
• Printer

 

8. Who are the ARC team members?

  Director of ARC: Professor Jeff Minneti, minnetij@seattleu.edu

  Director of Bar Studies: Professor Isabel Freitas Peres, freitasi@seattleu.edu

Assistant Director: Imran Malik, maliki@seattleu.edu 

You can find our bios here Links to an external site.. 

 

Below you will find an excerpt from "The Spirited Law Student" by Paula Lustbader, who founded the Academic Resource Center at SU Law. It provides good overview information for 1Ls, along with encouragement as you head into this new experience. Enjoy!

The Spirited Law Student (Excerpt) Download The Spirited Law Student (Excerpt)