UND Law Class of 2029

UND School of Law - Welcome (Week #1)

Welcome UND Law Class of 2029 Students!

We are so excited for our incoming class that will be starting with us this August. This will be the first of many emails you will receive from the Office of Student Life as we get closer to your first day of orientation and law school in August.  These emails will touch on various items to help with preparation for the fall semester.  Topics such as financial aid and tuition, class schedule and registration, Student U card, technology requirements, parking, and textbooks will all be covered.  Please expect weekly emails from our office each Tuesday and keep us informed if your email address changes.  We will continue to send these emails to the email address you gave us on your application and will not transition to using your UND email until orientation begins. If there is a topic that you would like more information on, let us know! 

To help get you started, please view our Admitted Law Students Checklist for items to complete and/or consider before the start of classes, which you also received in your Welcome Package.  As we proceed through the summer months, information about these items will be emailed out to allow you to complete different tasks.  Feel free to use this checklist to ensure tasks are completed. If you have not already started looking into housing options, I would recommend reviewing the "Apply for Housing" section for on-campus and off-campus options. Law students are responsible for finding and making their own housing arrangements.

It is essential that if you have not done so already that you Claim your NDUS Account.  If you are a new student to the North Dakota University System, you will need to “claim your account” to receive your NDUS. Identifier and create a password (you can watch a short video about this process here). Once you claim your account, you do not have to do this again, so if you already have a NDUS. Identifier username and password, you can skip this step! Remember to keep your NDUS. Identifier and password as you will use it daily to access Campus Connection, UND email, BlackBoard and more!

• To claim your account, you will need your Student ID (also referred to as your EMPLID) that was provided on your Welcome Checklist in your Welcome Package. If you do not know your Student ID/EMPLID, click HERE. If you are unable to retrieve your ID, please let our office know.
• Claim Account - https://campus.und.edu/campus-services/uit/ndus.html - Under Quick Links, find “Claim Your Account”. (Note - This page also has step-by-step instructions too!!)
• Watch the short video clip from Chancellor Brent Sanford (approximately 30 seconds) and proceed by clicking "Claim your NDUS Account". The page will refresh to a new screen to enter your EMPLID and birthdate.
• Complete the rest of the steps to receive NDUS. Identifier and create password.
• The NDUS Help Desk is an awesome resource if you need any help (1-866-457-6387 or NDUS.HelpDesk@NDUS.edu)

Campus Connection Website https://studentadmin.connectnd.us/psp/NDCSPRD/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/?cmd=login - This page will be used to register for classes (information will be sent in mid-June), view financial information and pay your bill, view academic records, etc.

The admissions team is available to assist this summer as you prepare to start law school in August:

• Pam Shea, Director of Admissions & Records
• Sheri Evans, Admissions Application Specialist
• John MacLeod, Admissions Counselor

Additional staff in the Office of Student Life who you will meet in the coming months are: 

• Brad Parrish, Assistant Dean for Student Services
• Lauren Shimek, Administrative Assistant
• Mary Feller, Director of Career Development
• Bailey Oswald, Student Life Coordinator

We are excited to have you all here this fall – please let us know if you need anything from us to make your transition easier!

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Have a great week!

Kindly,
Dr. Shea

___________________________________________

Pam Shea, Ed.D.
she/her/hers
Director of Admissions & Records
University of North Dakota School of Law 

UND School of Law - Let's Get Connected (Week #2)

Hello UND School of Law Class of 2029 Students,
Welcome to your week #2 email. In case you didn’t receive email #1, or missed it, I’ve attached it to this email. As I mentioned last week, we will send weekly emails to share information that will help get you ready to join us in August – and we are looking forward to seeing you then!

Let’s Connect!

• Class of 2029 Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GGf1oFYE4/
  Please consider joining if you’re interested in connecting with your future classmates. You can share whatever information you’re comfortable sharing about yourself, find potential roommates/carpool buddies, ask local students for restaurant/shopping suggestions, or share whatever else is on your mind! At this time, this group is only for incoming 1Ls, and me as the moderator to help post some ice breakers and answer any questions you may have. Right before orientation, some of the orientation leaders who are 2L and 3L students will be added to also answer questions and provide information on some of the orientation activities. Once the academic year begins, 2L and 3L students may also join to share information about student organization/law school events, etc. We’ll continue to send information on a weekly basis throughout the summer, and you’re welcome (and encouraged) to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
• UND Parents & Families Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/779354133423417

I highly also recommend the UND Parents & Families page. This forum exists to help you learn what makes UND such a special place, to answer your questions about Grand Forks, and to help you connect with other Fighting Hawks. Frequently students post about looking for a roommate or selling items on there.

• University of North Dakota (UND) Off Campus Housing & Roommate Search - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HJ4e3J7kC/

A great Facebook page to search for housing options and roommates in Grand Forks!

1L Fall Curriculum - First year law classes are required of all incoming students. The Fall 2026 class schedule and book list will be sent to you in June with additional information on how and when to register for your classes.
This fall you will be taking:
Torts – 4 credits
Contracts – 4 credits
Civil Procedure – 4 credits
Lawyering Skills I – 3 credits

Veteran & Military Services – if you are an active-duty military member, veteran, or the dependent of a veteran, I highly encourage you to reach out to UND Veteran & Military Services. They are here to assist service members and their familiar maximize tuition and Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. There are steps you will need to take to apply for your education benefits. Veteran & Military Services has staff working on-campus and remotely. Virtual or in-person appointments can be scheduled via Hawk Central, by calling 701.777.3363 or emailing vets@UND.edu.

Please reach out with any questions you may have – we are here to help!

Have a great week,
Dr. Shea

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026, as many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats and more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

UND School of Law - Resources and Tours (Week #3)

Good morning, UND School of Law Class of 2029 Students:
Welcome to your UND Law week #3 email!  I hope this email finds you well. I am out of the office this week for the LSAC Annual Meeting and Conference, so if you need anything from me, please know that I may be a little delayed in responding.

A few items for this week:

Tour – If you have not already had a chance, please let us know if you are interested in touring the Law School this summer! You can use this link to schedule a tour directly with a member of the Admissions team Book time to meet with Admissions 

If unable to tour before attending, we are also more than happy to set up a Virtual Tour on Zoom with you. 

Financial Aid - U.S. Law students are eligible for unsubsidized loans and private loans by completing the FAFSA. After submitting this application, UND’s Student Finance department will send you an offer email indicating the funds that are available for you to apply towards tuition and fees. Completing the FAFSA early ensures you can accept aid, complete your master promissory note, and finish your entrance loan counseling before payment of tuition and fees is needed. Keep in mind, you do not have to accept any aid that you do not need. If you have questions about financial aid, contact One Stop Student Services (701-777-1234 or onestop@und.edu). A sample offer email has been included below to help you locate financial aid information on Campus Connection.

• If you’ve completed your FAFSA and have not received a financial aid offer, please follow the “Claim your account” steps from the Week #1 email to receive your NDUS. Identifier, create a password, and access your student Campus Connection portal. If you already have a NDUS. Identifier, you may access your financial aid offer through Campus Connection.
• UND Student Finance has created a helpful website that outlines changes to federal financial aid under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Student Finance is continuing to seek clarification from the Department of Education, and the page will be updated as new information becomes available.  https://und.edu/one-stop/financial-aid/financial-aid-changes-26-27.html 

International Students - I-20's and Visas

U.S. Immigration Requirements by Citizenship:
Canadian Citizens:
You are not required to apply for a U.S. visa. However, you must still obtain a Form I-20 from UND and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. At the U.S. border, present your I-20, Canadian passport, and proof of SEVIS fee payment to enter the United States as a student.

International Applicants Residing in Canada (Non-Canadian Citizens):

You must apply for a U.S. F-1 student visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (typically in Canada). Residency in Canada does not waive the visa requirement unless you are a Canadian citizen.

International Applicants Residing Outside the U.S. and Canada:

You must apply for a U.S. F-1 student visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

All international students have received a separate email regarding the required documentation. All required documentation for the I-20 must be submitted to Sheri Evans by July 15 to allow at least one month for processing by the UND International Center. For questions about documentation, visa eligibility, or the I-20 process, please contact the UND International Center. 

Official Transcripts
I have had several emails regarding the official undergraduate transcript that is listed on the “Student Checklist”.  If your degree was conferred prior to when you applied to law school and was listed on your official transcript that was submitted to LSAC through CAS, there is no need to submit an additional transcript to us.  However, if your degree was conferred after you applied, you will need to submit an official transcript to the School of Law.  If you are unsure if we have your official transcript with degree conferred, please reach out to Sheri Evans and she will be able to assist you.

Those students in our 3+3 Accelerated Program here at UND do need to send a transcript with their most recent semester of grades and will then also send another transcript after your bachelor’s degree is conferred in May 2027.

Connect With Your Classmates

• Class of 2029 Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GGf1oFYE4/
  Please consider joining if you’re interested in connecting with your classmates. You can share whatever information you’re comfortable sharing about yourself, find potential roommates/carpool buddies, ask local students for restaurant/shopping suggestions, or share whatever else is on your mind! At this time, this group is only for incoming 1Ls, and me as the moderator to help post some ice breakers and answer any questions you may have. Right before orientation, some of the orientation leaders who are 2L and 3L students will be added to also answer questions and provide information on some of the orientation activities. Once the academic year begins, 2L and 3L students may also join to share information about student organization/law school events, etc. We’ll continue to send information on a weekly basis throughout the summer, and you’re welcome (and encouraged) to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
• GroupMe

I received the request for a Class of 2029 GroupMe to be created as another way to communicate about housing, classes, books, Grand Forks, etc.

If you're interested in joining, you can join by clicking here: https://groupme.com/join_group/115039164/178fK1Ow

I do have it set as hidden so that just members of UND Law Class of 2029 will be able to join.

Please reach out with any questions you may have – we are here to help!

Cheers,
Dr. Shea

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

UND School of Law - Reminders and JDEdge (Week #4)

Good morning, UND School of Law Class of 2029 –
 
Happy June! I hope wherever you are at right now it is sunny, and maybe you have something fun planned in the coming months before you begin law school.
 
If you missed any of the previous emails, you can view them on our Class of 2029 webpage, where we will post all the previous emails and other important information. I recommend bookmarking this page to use for future access. We will be adding important documents from my weekly emails to this page so you can have one place to find everything.
 
Gentle reminders – Take advantage of this time to complete FAFSA, Claim your NDUS account, look for housing options, come to Grand Forks for a tour, complete necessary paperwork if you are an international student, etc. if you haven’t done so. Once you have claimed your UND email, if you would prefer these weekly emails to go to that, please send me an email from your UND email and I can update our records.
 
JDEdge by AccessLex®
As you prepare to begin law school, we’re excited to share a resource designed to help you get started with confidence.

Our law school has partnered with AccessLex Institute®, the largest nonprofit organization focusing on access, affordability, and the value of legal education, to bring you JDEdge by AccessLex®— a fully online, asynchronous program designed specifically for rising 1Ls, like you!

Available at no cost to you or our law school, the lessons in JDEdge will provide you with a solid foundation for the critical skills you will need to succeed as a law student.
To ensure that you’re ready to hit the ground running on day one, you are encouraged to complete the lessons in JDEdge prior to orientation.

With approximately 20 hours of content, JDEdge takes a multi-format approach — including interactive online lessons, videos, webinars, and live workshops — delivered in concise and easy to understand modules.

What You'll Learn 

Module One: Introduction to Law School and Law School Learning — Engage in lessons on where to go for help within your law school community, an overview of the judicial system, and some important legal terminology.

Module Two: Preparing for Class — Learn how to prepare for and get the most out of the class experience, as well as how to make sure the learning sticks. Lessons include case reading and briefing, the Socratic method, notetaking, rule synthesis, and creating study materials.

Module Three: Preparing for Exams — Explore strategies on writing for law school exams, effective study and memorization techniques, and the importance of taking
practice exams. You will also prepare for – and take – a practice exam.

Module Four: Preparing for Law Practice — lessons cover time management, stress management, landing your first legal job, and creating your own professional
development plan.

Module Five: Preparing for Licensure — This final module focuses on getting your law license, the character and fitness process, financial planning, and the bar exam.
We’re excited for you to join us in the fall and are committed to helping you start strong.

That’s why we’re proudly partnering with JDEdge by AccessLex® to help you sharpen the skills you’ll need to succeed in law school.

Register at AskEDNA.org to get started. Your name, email address, school, and class year are all you need to log in to the program, personalize your experience,
and track your progress. No other personal information is required, and all information remains confidential
 
Please let us know if you have any questions!

Kindly,
Dr. Shea

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

UND School of Law - Career Development Intro (Week #5)

Good morning, UND School of Law Class of 2029 –

As a reminder, if you missed any of the previous emails, you can view them on our Class of 2029 webpage, where we will post all the previous emails and other important information. I recommend bookmarking this page to remain connect to use for future access: https://law.und.edu/future-students/class-2029.html  We will be adding important documents from my weekly emails to this page so you can have one place to find everything.

This week, I am sharing some information from our Director of Career Development, Mary Feller, who will be someone you all get to know over the next three years:

Greetings Class of 2029 incoming UND School of Law students,

To introduce myself, I am the Director of Career Development at UND School of Law and am here to help you navigate your career path over the next few years.   My office is located in the Office of Student Life.  Our most successful students visit with me often to help build their experiences and get the job they want-and not just a job!

Over the next few years, you will have many opportunities to gain experiences in a variety of areas to grow your skillset which may include:

• UND School of Law Clinics:  Family Law, Business Law, Immigration Law
• UND School of Law Innocence Project
• Research or Teaching Assistant positions for faculty
• Private Law Firms
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Public Defender or Prosecutor opportunities
• Legal Aid Services
• Corporate
• Judicial Chambers
• Tribal opportunities
• Legislative Externship (3L year)
• Moot Court, Trial teams, Law Review, and more!

This 2026 summer we have 135+ 1L and 2L students who have reported they will be working in a legal field in places such as ND, MN, Canada, CO, MT, ID, IA, MI, TX, CA, and NE amongst other areas.  Many of these students started the preparation for their first or second summer experience well in advance.  I am happy to review any of your resumes and cover letters and work with you over the summer months so that you can get those ready to go, as many employers interview in the fall and post positions throughout the academic year for the summer months.  You can email your documents to mary.feller@UND.edu as a word attachment for review.  You are welcome to contact me over the summer months if you have any questions at 701.777.1486 or via email.

Additionally, many of our recent graduates have already secured positions in ND, MN, CO, MT, ID, Canada, TX, IN, IA, and other locations.   Point being said- our students get JOBS!  We were even ranked #26 in the nation for federal judicial clerkships in 2025 (a very big deal!).

Once you begin classes you will receive a weekly Work Wednesday email from me letting you know about all the opportunities we have for you to apply to as well as information on the many employers that visit our school to present Lunch & Learn information sessions, for meet & greets, and for interviews.   Sitting in on the noon Lunch and Learn employer information sessions will help you gain insight about the many areas of law you could consider and is a great opportunity to network with these employers.  Many of our students after attending a session found they grew a keen interest in a legal field they hadn’t considered before.

To conclude, please know that I am here for you to help build your own path to your career success in the legal field and location that you want, and will do my best to connect you with the opportunities that you are looking for and beyond.

Enjoy your summer and see you in the fall!

Mary Feller
Director of Career Development

I hope you all have a great week! As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out.

Kindly,

Dr. Shea

 If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

Hello Class of 2029 UND Law Students,

Summer is flying by. We will be gearing up for course registration this month. This week there are no action items you need to immediately take. This is an informational email.

First Year Courses

For Fall 2026 you will enroll in 15 credits – Contracts (4 credits), Torts (4 credits), Lawyering Skills I (3 credits) and Civil Procedure (4 credits). Attached is the Fall 2026 course schedule for all School of Law courses.

• The classes that are highlighted in yellow are first year courses that you will be taking.
• With 100 students, we will be sectioning Torts, Contracts, and Civil Procedure into two sections each, and Lawyering Skills I into six sections. We will be assigning those sections for course registration (students cannot request to be in a specific section).
• “1L Make Up Slot” on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – We ask students to protect this time in your schedule in the event a class is cancelled for any reason.  These time slots allow for a faculty member to schedule a make-up session to hold class to make up the time lost in the event of cancellation.  Though you will not have class every week during those times, please protect them in your weekly schedule.

Fall 2026 Book List

Although we won’t be launching registration until next week, this email contains very important information – your fall book list (updated 6/23/26)!
As first year law students (commonly referred to as 1L’s), you will all be required to take the same four courses which are highlighted in yellow on the course schedule (in bold online). 

For fall 2026 you take:

• Law 111 - Torts
• Law 121 - Contracts
• Law 160 - Lawyering Skills I
• Law 182 - Civil Procedure

The 1L book list for Fall 2026 courses is attached. If you want you can begin purchasing your books for Contracts and Torts, as both sections of each of those courses are taught by the same professor. The professors have listed the ISBN numbers for your assistance in ordering the correct version. Once you have been assigned your section for Lawyering Skills I and Civil Procedure next week you will be able to order those books. For questions regarding the book list, please contact Carolina Ballin, Faculty & Deans Administrative Assistant, at carolina.ballin@und.edu. If you choose to order books from the UND Bookstore, their webpage link is HERE. You are able to request an email when books are made available for purchase.  The last two years, our Rural Practice Association has also created a student bookstore as a way to purchase used books from our current law students!  They are still putting together the information on what books they have available, and the list of books they have will be available hopefully in mid-July for me to share by email.

Claim Your Account

If you have not done so already and are a new student to the North Dakota University System, you will need to “claim your account” to receive your NDUS. Identifier. Please reference the steps in the week 1 and 2 emails on how to claim your NDUS account. This will be needed for course registration.

Week 1 – 5 Emails

If you missed any of the previous emails, you can view them on our Class of 2029 webpage, where we will post all the previous emails and other important information. I recommend bookmarking this page to remain connect to use for future access: https://law.und.edu/future-students/class-2029.html 

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Have a great rest of your week,

Dr. Shea

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

Good morning, Class of 2029 Students:

Today you will be receiving two emails from me - This email (our weekly to-do email), and also an email specific to registration for your fall courses.

Registration Information

Registration for Fall 2026 is now OPEN!  To register you will need to have first claimed your NDUS.Identifer account HERE if you haven’t done so.  If you already have your login and password, you can follow the directions in the registration email you will receive today and complete registration.

To register for classes, you can easily search for each of your assigned section using the class number that will be provided in you registration email to add them to your cart within Campus Connection. For instructions on how to navigate Campus Connection you can access the How-to Guides HERE!  Please follow all the instructions so that you complete the process.  Many students forget to “check-out” and do not finalize the registration process!

Students have been specifically assigned to sections for each of your courses during your 1L year. Your second email you are receiving today will outline the specific sections you have been assigned to for each of your 1L courses: Law 111 – Torts, Law 121 – Contracts, Law 182 – Civil Procedure, and Law 160 – Lawyering Skills I. You will only be able to register for the section you have been assigned to.

If Campus Connection is not allowing you to register due to a hold on your account, it likely is because you need to sign your Fall 2026 Financial Obligation Agreement within CampusConnection. To do that, you just need to go to the Financial Account tile

And then click “Sign Fin Obligation Agreement” on the left navigation.

That is likely what is holding up your registration.

UND Tuition and Fees

Once you have registered, Student Finance will create your bill through Campus Connection. You can find additional information on billing, deadlines, and payments, including interest-free payment plans, on the One-Stop Student Services Billing & Payments website. If you received a scholarship as part of your admission package, please make sure to accept your scholarship through One-Stop Student Services by September 1, 2026. Emails are sent out regarding the scholarship questionnaire directly from One-Stop Student Services.

For Law and Med School, UND only has Resident (ND) and Non-Resident tuition rates. Our tuition rates can be found on our website at: https://law.und.edu/future-students/fees.html  (make sure to click 2026/2027 for the correct rates).

Please note that unlike many undergraduate programs where tuition costs are capped at 12 credits, for law school you pay per credit.; however, fees are capped at 12 credits. 1L students enroll and pay for 15 credits for the fall 2025 semester, and for the spring 2026 semester you will enroll and pay for 15 credits. Please let me know if you have any questions on the tuition costs. Any scholarships and waivers you receive from the School of Law will be split in half between the two semesters.

Residency

If you are a US citizen and from a state other than North Dakota, you may be interested in establishing residency in North Dakota for tuition purposes. You may be eligible to change your tuition rate to the in-state Resident rate for your 2L and 3L years if you complete the required steps below. This is optional and not required of any student.

To establish residency in ND, you need to physically reside in ND and obtain a ND driver’s license for 10 consecutive months and complete a Tuition Application before tuition rates can be changed for any consecutive year. Information required for residency is listed below along as well as a link to the ND Century Code and UND’s residency webpage (https://und.edu/one-stop/tuition-fees/residency.html#nd-1)

• To provide proof of ND residency, students must submit both:
  • A valid ND Driver’s License issued 10-months or more prior to your tuition application date. IDs must be issued on or before the dates listed below for the corresponding semester in which you are applying.
  • Fall = November 1 (of the previous year)
  • Spring = April 1 (of the previous year)
  • Summer = July 1 (of the previous year)
  • Proof of residency that verifies your (at least) 12 months of residence in ND (i.e. utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement). If the student’s name is not printed on the document, it cannot be used for proof of residency for tuition purposes.
• If you graduated from a North Dakota high school, you qualify for in-state tuition. If any other tuition rate is listed on Campus Connection, please let us know. 
• If you are a veteran, or a spouse or dependent of a veteran, you may qualify for in-state tuition. You would need to complete paperwork with the Veteran & Military Services to receive this tuition waiver.

The DMV requires an appointment to obtain a driver’s license. Appointments can be scheduled up to 75 days before. To schedule an appointment please visit https://www.dot.nd.gov/

For additional details, please visit: https://und.edu/one-stop/tuition-fees/residency.html#d62e581--1

Additionally, the following groups qualify to receive the North Dakota tuition rate, regardless of actual state of legal residency:

• Active-duty military for more than 30 days (must be active duty for other than training purposes).
• Member of National Guard or Reserves.
• Military veteran.
• Dependents (child or spouse) of a service member as listed above.
• Contracted ROTC cadets at the University of North Dakota.

Complete the Resident Student Status Form, located in Campus Connection: 

1. Log in Campus Connection
2. Select the UND eForms tile
3. Click the Student Finance dropdown
4. Select Resident Student Status Form

Orientation

Orientation for all incoming students will kick off on Sunday, August 16^th in the evening with our School of Law Convocation. This is a formal ceremony and your introduction to law school. More details to come on dress attire, time, and location. Family and friends are invited to this ceremony, and there is a small reception to follow.

We then will have our required sessions Monday, August 17^th thru Friday, August 21^st. We are working on the final touches to the schedule, but will be sending that out in the coming weeks. Orientation week does include sessions where you meet for Lawyering Skills I, so you will want to ensure that you have your books for your Lawyering Skills I section prior to orientation.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Dr. Shea

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

Updates, International Student Info, & Intro to Academic Success (week #8)

 Good morning UND Law Class of 2029!

June has flown by. Happy Canada Day (tomorrow) to our neighbors to the north, and Happy Independence Day (Saturday) to our US students. I hope you have a safe and fun week (and stay hydrated, as it looks like it is going to be a hot one out there this week).

First-year photo
The School of Law creates a photobook of our incoming class to help faculty and staff connect names with faces. We are asking you to submit a photo to as soon as possible, but no later than August 1, 2026 to allow our PR/events team the time for the photos to be assembled. You may use the same photo for your U Card. Please adhere to the U Card photo instructions.   Submit your photo!

Technology Requirements
The School of Law requires that all students own a laptop computer that meets certain minimum requirements for instruction and exams. For specifics on our School of Law technology requirements, please click here!
Please make sure your computer meets these requirements, as this is essential for the smooth administration of our exams. Here at the law school, for all anonymous testing, we use a system called ExamSoft/Examplify. It is a computer software that locks you out of all other functions of your computer, including the internet, eBooks, and other documents, which allows for a secure testing environment. ExamSoft/Examplify is compatible with Windows and macOS products. All minimum system requirements can be found here   *Note: Chromebooks, iPads, touchscreen devices, and tablets are NOT compatible with the software UND School of Law uses for exams and, therefore, do not meet the laptop requirements.

Books

I have been asked the question by several students if you should get the physical books or eBooks. Due to the above mentioned computer software, it is highly recommended that students get the physical copy of your books. eBooks are not compatible with our exam software.

Canadian International Students – I-20’s
If you reside in Canada, U.S. Immigration regulations require you to have an I-20 Form in order to be a student in the United States. You do not need a visa to study in the United States.

Upon your admission to UND School of Law and receipt of the Certification of Finance Form, a copy of your passport, and a certified bank statement, the UND International Center will mail you an I-20.   This should be completed by July 15, 2026. A separate email has been sent with the requirement details.

You will be required to present the I-20 to the U.S. Border Patrol officer before crossing the border. The U.S. Border Patrol officer will stamp it and issue you an I-94 Arrival/Departure Card.

The materials can be sent to Sheri Evans; 215 Centennial Drive; Stop 9003; Grand Forks, ND  58202 or by email at sheri.evans@und.edu (copied on this email)

International Student Presentation (Save The Date)

The amazing team from the International Center does a yearly presentation for our International students right before orientation to go through the requirements for international students coming to the United States for law school. We have scheduled the session to be held on Zoom on Tuesday, August 11^th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Zoom information will be sent out closer to the date to our International students.

Seat Deposited at More Than One Law School

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. Although we cannot tell who is deposited at multiple schools, we do get a report from LSAC of schools we share "overlap deposits" with. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

 

Information from our Director of Bar Passage & Academic Success  (copied on this email)

Good morning,

In a few months you will be starting law school, how exciting! I want to introduce myself and share some advice on steps you can take over the summer to prepare for law school. I am Director Behrens, and I am the Director of Bar Passage & Academic Success. I look forward to meeting you all during orientation in August. If you find yourself on campus over the summer, my office is 300A, right across from the VandeWalle Courtroom on the third floor, so don’t hesitate to come say hello! During the school year, I will have regular office hours and can meet with you to help you develop skills to get the most out of your courses. 

I want to encourage you to take time this summer to celebrate all of your hard work and effort you put forth to get to this point. The next three years will fly by, so it’s important to take time when you can to celebrate all you have achieved (and continue this practice with every personal “win” you have in law school). As you know, life is filled with hard days and good days. Law school is no different. You will have moments in law school that reinforce your devotion for learning, your passion for helping others, and your commitment to push yourself to be the best version of you, but law school will also have its challenges. You will be tasked with absorbing a lot of new material; you will be learning many new skills; for some, you may be academically challenged for the first time. I want to emphasize that you will have resources to utilize during this first year, and I encourage you to seek these resources out as soon as you get to campus. 

Some of you may feel anxious as the school year approaches. This feeling is very normal. The I have no idea what I’m doing panic is very real but take comfort that you are not alone. You will be immersed in a fast-pace, challenging curriculum right away, but if you set a schedule early on, are disciplined with your readings, and utilize your resources, you will be on the path to success. 

I know some of you are wondering what you can do now to prepare for law school. Well, I have some advice:

First, I encourage you to create a budget. Walking into the school year with a financial plan will relieve stress. You don’t want to run low on funds during the stress of preparing for finals. 

Second, if possible, schedule your regular health visits and other appointments before courses start. If you’re not from Grand Forks, finding new physicians can be difficult, so getting your yearly exams done before school can alleviate some stress. On that note, make sure any prescriptions are updated and can be mailed to you or transferred to a Grand Forks pharmacy for the school year if applicable. 

Third, make sure you have access to a reliable laptop. You will use your laptop to take notes, access course materials, study for exams, take final exams, and, eventually, take your bar exam. The NextGen Uniform Bar Exam is a computer-based exam. Don’t spend too much time panicking about the bar exam yet, but I do want to flag that the transition to a computer-based exam for the bar may influence the type of laptop you want to purchase for law school. I would encourage you to purchase a laptop with a bigger screen to help you read, navigate, and answer problem sets with lengthy fact patterns. 

Finally, familiarize yourself with the basics of the American legal system and start thinking about what to expect once you start school. To help with this, I have compiled a list of recommended reading for the summer:   

• Stephanie Desiato & Danielle Kocal, The Fast Track to 1L Success (2026).
• https://titles.cognella.com/the-fast-track-to-1l-success-9798823349918?srsltid=AfmBOopQQYa0bT0hymUWa3SI8WhisbzuvpxcYvw6nC84NQhlRc6ejP_O  
• Alex Schimel, Law School Exams A Guide to Better Grades (3d ed. 2022).
• ISBN-13: 978-1531023768
• Lisa M. Blasser, Nine Steps to Law School Success (2021).
• isbn-13: 978-1531000370

These titles will introduce you to concepts that will make your first semester easier to manage in numerous ways. Other than that, I highly encourage each of you to spend time over the next few months with your family, friends, and participating in your favorite hobbies. Read a great book, spend a week away, do what you love to do. I hope to see everyone refreshed and excited for a wonderful year. See you soon!

Respectfully, 

Director Behrens 

 

Week 1 – 7 Emails

If you missed any of the previous emails, you can view them on our Class of 2029 webpage, where we will post all the previous emails and other important information. I recommend bookmarking this page to remain connect to use for future access: https://law.und.edu/future-students/class-2029.html 

Again, have a wonderful week, and please reach out if you have any questions.

Kindly,
Dr. Shea

Hello Class of 2029!

A few reminders for this week, as well as a welcome from our new Dean, Dean Crandall.

Registration for Fall 2026 Courses

Registration information was sent out two weeks ago on June 23. Please check your email for important information on how to register, as well as the specific section information for each of the 1L courses you are required to take for Fall 2026. We ask that you register for classes as soon as possible. 

JDEdge by AccessLex®

JDEdge by AccessLex® is available now. This fully online, interactive program will equip you with the essential skills you need to succeed in law school — all at no cost to you!

With approximately 20 hours of comprehensive content, JDEdge demystifies the law school learning process and covers critical topics such as reading and briefing cases, engaging in class, taking effective notes, strategic studying, exam expectations, and more.

You'll also have access to additional videos and lessons that explore topics like the stages of litigation, separation of powers, and how to read statutes. You can attend live sessions or watch recordings—whatever fits your schedule Register at AskEDNA.org to get started. Your name, email address, school, and class year are all you need to log in to the program, personalize your experience, and track your progress. No other personal information is required, and all information remains confidential. I highly recommend all incoming students complete Module One (Introduction to Law School and Law School Learning) and Module Two (Preparing for Class). 

There are two upcoming Mock Law School Classes where you can participate in a simulated law school Torts class focusing on the tort of battery. Come prepared to ask and answer questions and get some practice taking notes in a Socratic learning environment! (If you’d rather hang back and observe, that’s ok, too. This isn’t a real class. You can pass on speaking.

> Wednesday July 22nd at 3 pm ET
> Thursday August 13th at 6 pm ET

Orientation

Orientation for all incoming students will kick off on Sunday, August 16^th in the evening with our School of Law Convocation. This is a formal ceremony and your introduction to law school. More details to come on dress attire, time, and location. Family and friends are invited to this ceremony, and there is a small reception to follow.

We then will have our required sessions Monday, August 17^th thru Friday, August 21^st. We are working on the final touches to the schedule but will be sending that out in the coming weeks. Orientation week does include sessions for your Lawyering Skills I course, so you will want to ensure that you have your books for your Lawyering Skills I section prior to orientation.

Message from Dean Crandall

To the University of North Dakota School of Law Community — Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Thank you for welcoming my wife, Barbara, and me to Grand Forks.   

I am honored to be your dean and look forward to working with you over the coming years.  Together, we will ensure that the School of Law remains a special place that delivers the finest legal education.

I approach my new position with curiosity, humility, and energy.  I will look to each of you on the team to help me learn about UND, understand the challenges facing legal education today, and make the best decisions for the School of Law.  I know it won't be easy, but with all of us pulling in the same direction, we will move forward on a positive trajectory.

I'd like to share my initial focus for this first year.  When I think of the UND School of Law, and what makes this collegial place special, I believe it is important to emphasize three key points summarized by the acronym: ACE.   

“A” stands for access, and the foundation of access is affordability.  The value provided by an affordable legal education cannot be overstated.  We need to remain committed to preserving it.  What do I mean by access?  Access means the opportunity for a legal education, often for those who never imagined they could attain an advanced professional degree.  Ensuring access to the legal system for all the citizens of North Dakota, regardless of where they live in the state.  Access to one another – among our students, faculty, and staff and yes, that includes access to the Dean.  Access to opportunities for scholarship and professional growth.  Access to our alumni, whose mentorship and support enrich the experiences of our students. 

“C” is for community, and service to the various communities to which we belong.   Community takes many forms.  The School of Law community.  The UND community.  The Greater Grand Forks community.  The alumni who care deeply about the continued success of this School and its students.  And the legal community across North Dakota, including the State Bar Association as well as the state and federal judiciary.  As lawyers, we pledge to seek justice for those who need it.  It is a profession built upon our integrity and ethical values.  Service is one of the defining characteristics of the legal profession.  Let us take pride in serving one another within the School of Law and the people of North Dakota with honor and humility.

“E” signifies excellence.  We must pursue excellence in every aspect of our lives.  In teaching. In scholarship, for both faculty and students.  In how each staff and faculty member serves our students and achieves the mission.  And, how we all care for one another.  Our goal at the School of Law should be to pursue excellence every day.   When each of us does our part, our students succeed, our colleagues thrive, and the School of Law reaches new heights.

Together, by focusing on Access, Community, and Excellence, we will deliver one of the finest legal educations in the country — one for which we can all be proud.  Let us enjoy working as one team, knowing that every day we are positively changing lives and strengthening our communities. 

I'd also like to share some initial priorities.  

First, I am delighted to welcome our incoming 1L class to the School of Law, along with our returning 2L and 3L students.  As we begin a new academic year, one of our highest priorities is ensuring that every student is received into a community committed to their success.  We will be ready to put our best foot forward when 1L Orientation begins on 17 August and the first day of classes on 24 August.

Second, we seek to hire three outstanding faculty members and one key staff member to fill our current vacancies.  We are fortunate to be part of a healthy and growing School of Law, but continued success depends on attracting exceptional people.  To ensure we continue to grow and provide the best legal education possible, we must recruit talented teacher-scholars to join our faculty and an outstanding Research and Reference Librarian to support our academic mission. 

Third, I will appoint an Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for this academic year and begin the search process for a permanent Associate Dean.  Let me take this moment to also publicly express my sincere gratitude to our former Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Brad Myers for graciously serving a second "term" as Interim Dean and for his many years of dedicated service as a cherished faculty member.  His leadership, commitment, and steady guidance have been instrumental to the continued success of the School of Law. 

I look forward to meeting with staff and faculty members in person now that I am on campus, and with students once you arrive in August.  I intend to start with individual staff members in July and early August and will meet individually with faculty members when you return on 16 August.  If any faculty members happen to be on campus before then, please know that I would welcome the opportunity to meet. 

I am fortunate to be part of the phenomenal UND School of Law team, and to get to know you and serve alongside you in the months and years ahead.  Thank you for the warm welcome. 

Best,

Dean Crandall

 

Seat Deposited at More Than One Law School

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. Although we cannot tell who is deposited at multiple schools, we do get a report from LSAC of schools we share "overlap deposits" with. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

Have a wonderful week, and please reach out if you have any questions.

Kindly,

Dr. Shea

UND School of Law - Survey, Parking, Accommodations (Week #10)

Good morning, Class of 2029!

In just over a month, we will be kicking off orientation week. As a reminder, orientation will kick off on Sunday, August 16^th in the evening with our School of Law Convocation. We then will have our required sessions Monday, August 17th thru Friday, August 21st. Please plan for full days each day. We are working on the final touches to the schedule but will be sending that out in the coming weeks. Orientation week does include class sessions for Lawyering Skills I.

Information Survey – PLEASE COMPLETE!

Please complete the following Class of 2029 Information Survey (link below) for the Office of Student Life. It’s helpful for us to have this information before we see you at Orientation and is used by several of the staff in our office.

Before you start the survey, please note that as part of the survey you will be asked to upload one audio file of you clearly speaking your first and last name slowly three times. This will help us with the pronunciation of your name.

Instructions for recording a voice recording:

• Apple devices:
• Open the Voice Memos app
• Click the red circle to begin recording
• To save the recording, click the red square
• Android devices:
• Open the "Recorder" or "Voice Recorder" app
• Tap the red button (may look like a microphone) to begin
• Tap the square stop button to end the recording
• The file should save to C:\Users\%username%\Documents\Sound recordings

Save the audio file labeled with your first and last name.  

If you have any questions about the survey, feel free to reach out to Assistant Dean Parrish (copied on this email) or myself.
https://und.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06Y5kgRKMtiXJX0

Parking Permits

Permit sales for the 2026-27 academic year go on sale for students on Wednesday, July 22, 2025. Thanks to the hard work of our law school student body senator last academic year, law students will have a 48-priority window to purchase parking permits for the 2026-27 academic year beginning Monday, July 20 at 9 a.m. through the UND Parking Portal.   

Permit Options 

During this priority window, eligible law students may purchase the following parking permits before sales open to all remaining students: 

• Student Reserved Permit 
• Student Ramp Permit 
• Student Permit 

Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority access gives law students the opportunity to purchase before general student sales begin, but availability is not guaranteed once sales open to all remaining students on July 22 at 9 a.m.  

Before Permit Sales Open 

• Confirm that you are registered for 2026-27 classes. 
• Verify that your address is listed in Campus Connection. 
• Check that you can successfully access the UND Parking Portal. 
• Review your vehicle information and ensure it is accurate and email Parking if old vehicles need to be removed. 
• Review student permit options, rates, parking locations and regulations on the UND Parking Services website. 

Permit Validity 

• Your license plate serves as your virtual parking permit. 
• Permits will be valid from Aug. 16, 2026, through Aug. 15, 2027. 

If you are unable to access the parking portal, do not see the permit options you expected, or have any questions, please contact UND Parking Services for assistance.  

What parking zones are closest to the School of Law?

There are two parking permit types students can get with parking lots near the law school. I have attached a map to show proximity to the law school for reference.

Student Reserved Permit – The student reserved permit allows parking access for students in the Harvard Lot (north of Christus Rex) and the Student Reserved zone of the Columbia Lot. It also includes access to all surface lots that allow student parking on campus (marked with 'S').

Parking Ramp – The parking ramp permit allows access to all levels of the Parking Ramp, except for the west side of the 1st floor, located off of Red Jarret Way (formerly 2nd Ave N.) and Columbia Rd.The permit also includes access to all surface lots on the UND Campus that allow student parking (marked 'S').

Rural Practice Association (RPA) Student Bookstore

The RPA student bookstore will be launching next week, in my week #11 email. I will be including a link to the Student Bookstore google sheet with the available Fall 2025 books and directions on how to purchase from the store.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The School of Law is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities to qualified students with physical or mental disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Accordingly, the School of Law provides reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of individual students with documented disabilities to ensure access to its services, programs, and activities. In providing reasonable accommodations, the School of Law reserves the right not to waive any requirement essential to the curriculum or educational mission.   

You may have received accommodations as an Undergraduate/Graduate student previously or have a new disability that would warrant you receiving an accommodation.  Students with disabilities warranting reasonable accommodations must initiate contact with the UND’s Student Disability Resources.  To provide the accommodations in a timely manner, newly admitted students should register with UND’s Student Disability Resources about their need for accommodations after registering for classes.  To read the School of Law’s full policy/process for Accommodations, click here.

Have a wonderful week, and please reach out if you have any questions.

Kindly,

Dr. Shea

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. Although we cannot tell who is deposited at multiple schools, we do get a report from LSAC of schools we share "overlap deposits" with. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.

UND School of Law - Reminders, Transcripts, RPA Bookstore, Intensive Academic Skills Workshop (Week #11)

Hello Class of 2029!

A few reminders for this week:

1. Official Transcripts

I have had several emails regarding the official undergraduate transcript that is listed on the “Admitted Student Checklist”.  If your degree was conferred prior to when you applied to law school and was listed on your official transcript that was submitted to LSAC through CAS, there is no need to submit an additional transcript to us.  However, if your degree was conferred after you applied, you will need to submit an official transcript to the School of Law.  If you are unsure if we have your official transcript with degree conferred, please reach out to Sheri Evans and she will be able to assist you.

Those students in our 3+3 Accelerated Program here at UND do need to send a transcript with their most recent semester of grades, and will then also send another transcript after your bachelor’s degree is conferred in May 2027.

1. Registration for Fall Classes

We still have several students who have not registered for their Fall 1L Courses. Please make sure to take care of this ASAP. Registration emails were sent on June 23^rd with specific instructions on how to register and assigned sections for each of the 4 Fall 1L Courses. 

1. Information Survey - Please Complete

If you have not completed the Class of 2029 Information Survey (link below), please do so as soon as possible. Before you start the survey, please note that as part of the survey you will be asked to upload one audio file of you clearly speaking your first and last name slowly three times. See my week 10 email for specifics. 

If you have any questions about the survey, feel free to reach out to Assistant Dean Parrish (copied on this email) or myself.
https://und.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06Y5kgRKMtiXJX0

1. First-year photo
   The School of Law creates a photobook of our incoming class to help faculty and staff connect names with faces. We are asking you to submit a photo to as soon as possible, but no later than August 1, 2026 to allow our PR/events team the time for the photos to be assembled. You may use the same photo for your U Card. Please adhere to the U Card photo instructions.   Submit your photo!
2. Class of 2029 Webpage (for past emails)

If you missed any of the previous emails, or just want to make sure you've taken care of all the necessary steps for August, you can view them on our Class of 2029 webpage, where we will post all the previous emails and other important information - https://law.und.edu/future-students/class-2029.html  

New Information for this week!

U-Card

One Stop Student Services is asking for law students to get a jump start on their U Card orders. If you have registered for the Fall courses, you are able to submit the online order form.

• One Stop Student Services asks that you complete the “Current Students, Faculty & Staff Order Form” and upload an individual photo and image of a government issued ID here - https://und.edu/one-stop/ucard/obtaining.html
  You will be required to log in with your NDUS IDM.
• When completing the address portion, see below image to indicate for your card to be sent to the law school versus being sent to your home address listed on Campus Connection. The law school will distribute the U Cards during Orientation Week.
• If you were a UND undergraduate student and have a U Card, you do not need to complete this task. 

Rural Practice Association Student Bookstore

the Rural Practice Association runs a Student Bookstore every semester, where we accept used law books and re-sell them on behalf of students, keeping a percentage of the proceeds as commission to raise funds for our student organization. Upon intake, we assess each book’s condition and list it for sale according to the seller’s asking price. Because the sellers’ identities remain anonymous, the prices you see are non-negotiable. What you see is what you get. If you’d like to browse and/or shop our Student Bookstore, the list of used 1L coursebooks and supplements is now available. You can find the link to Fall 2026 semester books we have available below.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Eppeisf8nhP8Ad7DauNHFm9pqSNDZG1BefpcBflkAbo/edit?usp=sharing  

Here are the steps for how to purchase from our bookstore:

1. Send an email to madelyn.m.schmidt@und.edu indicating the number, subject, and price of the book(s) you are interested in. Our team updates the availability of books on the spreadsheet in real-time as best we can, but we will double check that the status is accurate for you.

2.    Payfor your book(s). Once we confirm that the book you want is available, we will mark it as pendinguntil payment is received. Payment can either be made prior to picking up your book or at the time of pickup. Once payment is received, your book will be marked as sold. Please DO NOT send payment unless you have received an email from us that your book is in fact still available. Payment can be made via:

1. Venmo: @Jnolz02 (either prior to pickup or at time of pickup)
2. Check: Made out to the UND Law Rural Practice Association (ONLY at time of pickup)
3. Cash (ONLY at time of pickup)

3.    Pick upyour books. We will have all the books available for pickup at the law school prior to the start of classes. RPA will be tabling at the law school during Orientation Week in the Law School Commons area on:

•  Tuesday, Aug. 18th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (during lunch break)
•  Thursday, Aug. 20th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (during lunch break)

We will also be tabling the Sunday before school starts in case neither of the Orientation Days work for you: 

• Sunday, Aug. 23^rd from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM 

The Rural Practice Association can add additional times if necessary. Just reach out to Madelyn Schmidt (contact info below) if you have any conflicts and we would be happy to accommodate you.

Madelyn Schmidt 

University of North Dakota School of Law 

J.D. Candidate | May 2028

Agricultural Law Association | Student Representative

Rural Practice Association | Student Representative

madelyn.m.schmidt@und.edu | (701) 269-3654

Orientation will be here before we know it. If you have any questions in the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are looking forward to welcoming you all as part of the Class of 2029 at the Convocation Ceremony on Sunday, August 16th. 

Kindly,

Dr. Shea

If your plans no longer include UND School of Law, please let me know as soon as possible and I will withdraw your application. Although we cannot tell who is deposited at multiple schools, we do get a report from LSAC of schools we share "overlap deposits" with. If you are currently seat deposited at more than one school, we respectfully request that you make a decision on which school you are planning to attend for Fall 2026. Many law schools have waitlists to fill those seats, and this helps to more accurately plan for fall enrollment.