Associate Dean Sowle’s Announcements, April 15 - April 19, 2024

Academic Calendar Reminder. Please note the following dates for the closing period of the semester:

Teaching Evaluations. Teaching evaluations are now available for Spring 2024 courses by clicking here. (We are using Google forms this semester rather than Web for Students.) They will remain online through Wednesday, April 24.

Teaching evaluations are anonymous and will not be available to professors until grades are turned in. Instructors will review the responses to improve the quality of their instruction and courses. The evaluations are also considered as one important factor in tenure, promotion, and compensation decisions for full-time faculty and are used as a factor in determining the effectiveness of part-time instructors.

Fire Safety Reminders. In the event of a fire, it is vital that we clear the building as quickly as possible. Please keep the following in mind:

•Please use the nearest staircase to exit the building, unless the staircase is overcrowded. In that case, please seek out an alternate staircase (there are at least two on each floor). There are maps in the elevator bays on each floor identifying the locations of the staircases. Do not use the elevators.

•Once in the staircase, please proceed all the way to the first floor -- do not exit at the third floor in order to use the atrium staircase.

•Please do not take time to gather up and pack your belongings -- your safety is more important than your possessions. If you have valuables you do not wish to leave behind, please "grab and go" when you hear the alarm -- do not waste precious seconds or minutes powering down your laptop computer or packing up your belongings.

•Once you exit the building, please move either eastward or westward down the sidewalk so that you will be out of harm's way if any windows shatter. For your safety, please do not step into traffic or cross against a traffic light.

•Failure to follow the directions of Law School personnel during an evacuation may result in a disciplinary charge.

International Moot Court Honors Society Tryouts. The International Moot Court Honors Society (IMCHS) cordially invites any interested J.D. students to tryout for Chicago-Kent's international advocacy competitions. The tryouts will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 3:30-5:30 pm and are open to any continuing J.D. student. These premier international competitions provide students with an exceptional opportunity to further their courtroom advocacy skills, including those necessary for future trial or appellate advocacy, either in the U.S. or abroad.  Students with an interest in international law and world events are highly encouraged to apply.  Selection to the IMCHS advocacy teams will be competitive. Students will be expected to enroll in appropriate courses and may receive academic credit for their participation. For more information or if you have question, please contact either Associate Dean Adam Weber (aweber@kentlaw.iit.edu) or Wirdani Peters, Office of International Law & Policy (wmohdyusoff@kentlaw.iit.edu).

Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 Terms. The schedule of classes for Summer 2024 will be issued the week of April 15 along with information about registration for Summer classes. The schedule of classes for Fall 2024 will be issued early next month, with registration taking place after the end of Spring exam. Information for first-year students on upper-level requirements and course planning is available below.

Information for 1L Students on Upper-Level Course Selection and Requirements. In preparation for Summer and Fall registration, we are providing a guide we publish annually that provides detailed information on graduation requirements, upper-level course selection, and related subjects. The guide, entitled "Where Do We Go From Here? Information for Students Entering Their Second Year," is available by clicking here.

Counseling Services. This is a reminder that the university provides counseling services free of charge for students. Click here for details on the available resources, including individual counseling through Skylight Counseling Services. In addition to resources available through the university, the Lawyers Assistance Program also provides assistance to law students. LAP provides free and confidential assistance to members of the Illinois legal community, and can help you with issues of addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, focusing, worries about the character and fitness process, and having a successful first-year transition. Click here for more information about LAP and its services.

Joke of the Week. "A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing." (Emo Philips)