FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PART-TIME LAW PROGRAM

1. Is the part-time program definitely going to be offered?

The American Bar Association (ABA) and the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) must approve our application to begin a part-time program. We submitted our applications in September 2007 to the ABA and the AALS. In October 2007, the American Bar Association sent a fact-finder to Hawai'i to inspect the school and deliver a report to the Committee on Legal Education. The report was very favorable and our application is set to be acted upon in January. The AALS will meet later in the spring to consider our request. We cannot offer the program without the approval of these two bodies, but we are very optimistic that we will receive favorable decisions this Spring.

2. How many credits will a part-time student take?

In the first two years of your program, we expect you to take approximately 10 credits per semester. If you choose, you may elect to take some courses in the summer, and some electives in your second year.

3. How long will it take to complete the program?

We anticipate that a part-time student making steady effort (about 10 credits per semester) and some summer courses could finish in four to five years.

4. Are there any restrictions on working during the part-time program?

No. Although full time students may not work more than twenty hours per week, if you remain in the part-time program and take 11 credits or less, there is no restriction on your working. If you take 12 credits or more, you must abide by the twenty-hour work rule. The demands of work is not a permissible or valid excuse for failure to meet the program requirements.

5. What is the tuition?

Part-time tuition for JD resident students is $601 per credit this year. The Board of Regents has authorized annual increases through 2010. Fees will be approximately $122.

6. What are the requirements for graduation?

You must complete all of the requirements of graduation that full-time law students must complete. The requirements are the required courses, two credits of clinic or skills courses, 60 hours of pro bono, and 89 credit hours.

7. May I visit or study abroad?

Yes. After you complete two years of study and completion of the first year curriculum, you may visit at other ABA approved schools or study abroad under the same rules as full-time students.

8. May I take courses in the day?

Yes. After you finish the first year curriculum, you may take courses in the day or evening. We will make every effort to offer evening sections of "core" courses every other year. We anticipate that full-time students and part-time students may choose the day or evening sections of these core courses. We anticipate that we will give some registration priority to part-time students in evening sections and some registration priority to full-time students for day sections.

9. May I participate in student activities?

Yes. We want and fully expect you to enjoy the close-knit community of our law school. Clubs, journals, and teams will be developing rules to enable your participation.

10. Will I be eligible for career and student services?

Yes. All services of the law school will be available to you. We will have evening staff available to assist you.

11. What is the last LSAT I can take to complete my application.

The last LSAT you may take for an application for fall 2008 admission is February 2.

12. What is the application deadline?

Your application and residency form must be postmarked by March 1, 2008. All of your supplemental application materials, including letters of recommendation and transcripts must be complete by March 15.