Orientation 2009 Begins with Class of 2012 Service Projects

East Lansing, MI – Michigan State University College of Law's Class of 2012 arrived in East Lansing from across the country and took on their first law school challenge: service projects that kicked off Orientation 2009.

"What better way to have law students begin their legal careers than through public service?" Associate Dean for Student Affairs Connell Alsup asks. "We encourage the Class of 2012 to continue in public service activities at MSU Law through involvement in our Clinics, externships or student organizations. Pro bono activities such as these are integral to the shaping of a career in law."

The service projects gave first-year students, along with many faculty and staff who also volunteered their time, the opportunity to learn early-on in their legal careers that the legal profession embodies an obligation to help local communities. By including a service project component in Orientation, the Law College instilled in law students the drive to continue to participate in community service as part of their legal studies and in one of the many service-oriented opportunities at MSU Law.

More than 300 volunteers from the Law College provided much-needed community service to 10 area nonprofits - such as the Potter Park Zoo where volunteers performed grounds work and assisted in building an exhibit, the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing was the setting of clean-up before its fall activities, students organized the store of Habitat for Humanity, and staffed an information table to inform residents of American Red Cross services. Students did these projects and more while learning how the legal community helps local agencies make a difference in their important services.

Other highlights of Orientation 2009 include a welcome session by Dean Joan Howarth, a presentation by Associate Dean and Professor Chuck Ten Brink on the Introduction to the Legal System, as well as a presentation by Professor Lou Mulligan on the Law Classroom Experience - all sessions that will help prepare entering students for their MSU Law careers.

The Law College welcomes its new students and wishes them the best on their academic endeavors.

Michigan State University College of Law is a leading institution of legal education with a long history of creating practice-ready attorneys. As one of a few private law schools affiliated with a major research university, MSU Law offers comprehensive interdisciplinary opportunities combined with a personalized legal education. After a hundred years as a private and independent Law College, the affiliation with MSU has put the Law College on an upward trajectory of national and international reputation and reach. MSU Law professors are gifted teachers and distinguished scholars. Law College curriculum is rigorous and challenging and the facility is equipped with the latest resources-all affirming MSU Law's commitment to educating 21st century lawyers.

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