On August 19, we kicked off Colorado Law's new student orientation welcoming a brilliant cohort of 190 JDs, 16 LLMs, 3 exchange students and 9 Master of Studies in Law students. 聽The week was packed with events aimed at making the transition to law school a smooth one, while also providing opportunities for new students to form connections with their classmates.聽
鈥淟aw school orientation is a crucial experience that sets the stage for students' success by fostering connections, building confidence, and introducing the rigorous expectations of legal education,鈥� said Assistant Dean of Student Services Emily Horowitz. 鈥淭hroughout the week, it鈥檚 rewarding to watch students form strong bonds, identify available support resources, and begin navigating the complexities of law school.鈥澛�
After engaging in a storied Colorado Law tradition with Monday鈥檚 kickoff event at Dark Horse, students convened in the Gilbert Goldstein Courtyard for brunch on Tuesday, where Dean Inniss and Chief Justice Monica M谩rquez of the Colorado Supreme Court gave remarks. 聽
鈥淏e bold in following your passions, even when they may seem unlikely or unattainable,鈥� Dean Inniss shared in her remarks. 鈥淵our colleagues here at Colorado Law offer endless possibilities for collaboration, support, and friendship now and in the future... I urge you to go forward into the school year and in your careers with passion, deep engagement with others, and in continuous energy.鈥澛�
The opening sessions began on Wednesday, and students were introduced to the various departments and services available across the law school. 聽Topics covered聽in these sessions included transitioning to the law school community, Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS), and an introduction to law school classes. 聽
Ndume , an artist who was wrongfully convicted and spent 28 years in prison, was Wednesday鈥檚 guest speaker. Olatushani set up an art installation for students to explore after the talk: an exact replica of the cell that confined him for over two decades. The immersive experience invited visitors to step inside and confront the stark reality of life behind bars. 聽
The installation included two interactive elements: the Wall of Commitment and the Wall of Reflection. On the former, aspiring attorneys wrote their professional pledges on index cards, attaching them to one wall, and on the latter, visitors shared their thoughts on the concept of freedom, adding their voices to the installation.聽
Thursday morning began with a mock class taught by Professor Helen Norton. Throughout the day, students moved into rotating sessions covering topics around financial aid, the law library, and CU Boulder鈥檚 Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance. 聽
Students also attended a breakout discussion of their choice over lunch. These brief talks centered around the transition to law school, touched upon specific areas 聽
The day concluded with an introduction to the law school鈥檚 Community and Culture team, followed by a social event hosted by The Council for Racial Justice and Equity (CRJE). 聽
鈥淥rientation was an amazing introduction to Colorado Law,鈥� said Charlotte Pardo 鈥�27. 鈥淚 almost cried when speakers like Dean Chapin told us about all the paths we can follow to seek justice. Not only did I feel prepared for my first day, but I felt so encouraged by the faculty and staff, as well as my peers.鈥澛�
We are so excited for our new students as they embark on this monumental step in their legal careers. Thank you to all the incredible faculty and staff who made this week a huge success! 聽