Records Office
Student Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ
The following information is
compiled in response to questions received in
the Law Records/Registrar's Office. Please feel
free
to contact our office if you need further help. Click
on any question below to go to the answer within
this document.
Question categories:
Academic Requirements and Regulations -- Exams -- Grades,
Honors and Other Student Records -- Graduation -- Registration & Class
Schedules -- Transcripts -- Tuition -- Miscellaneous
Academic Requirements and
Regulations
Exams
Grades, Honors, and Other
Student Records
Graduation
Registration & Class
Schedules
Transcripts
Tuition
Miscellaneous
Answers
Academic Requirements and Regulations
What are residence units?
In order to satisfy American Bar Association
and state bar requirements, all law students must
satisfy a “residence” requirement. “Residence” refers
to the amount of time spent in school engaging
in the study of law. ABA Standard 305 states, “A
full-time student, to satisfy residence study requirements,
shall devote substantially all working hours to
the study of law, and shall not engage in remunerative
employment for more than twenty (20) hours per
week, whether outside or inside the law school.”
Residence credit at GMUSL is measured in terms
of residence units, and all students need a minimum
of 36 residence units to graduate. The units are
awarded based on status (full-time or part-time)
and the number of hours successfully completed
each term. Courses and activities (e.g., independent
study and externships) that do not have a classroom
component do not qualify for residence credit when
taken alone. They do, however, contribute to residence
credit when taken with at least one other class.
Decimals in residence units cannot be rounded.
Full-time students must attend for a minimum of
three years (six regular semesters) in order to
satisfy the residence requirement. Part-time students
can satisfy the residence requirement in three
and one-half years if they attend summer term for
three summers and take enough credits each summer
to earn residence units, which when combined will
be equal to or greater than the 4.5 residence units
they normally earn in a semester.
The tables below provide information on the award
of residence units.
Regular Semester
Full-time status (12-16 hours)–earns 6 residence units per semester.
Part-time status (8-12 hours)–earns 4.5 residence units per semester.
Summer Term
4 or more credits–earn 2.15 residence units per term
3 credits–earn 1.60 residence units per term
2 credits–earn 1.05 residence units per term
Full-time students taking 10 or 11 hours under
the one-time, light-load provision will be awarded
full-time residence units for that term provided
they retain full-time status and pay full-time
tuition. Part-time students do not receive additional
residence units for taking more than 12 hours in
a term. Part-time students who have permission
to take less than eight hours in a regular term
should speak with the Recorder to determine how
residence units will be awarded.
What are the requirements for
taking classes abroad or at another school?
Whether you would like to visit another school
in the United States or travel abroad, you must
provide our office with a description of the course
materials for approval. These will be reviewed
and you will be notified of their approval.
What is considered part-time?
Full-Time?
Full-time students normally take between
12-16 credit hours per semester but can drop as
low as 10 credit hours once and still earn full-time
residence units. Full-time students are restricted
to no more than 20 hours per week of paid employment.
Part-time students normally take between 8-12
credit hours per semester. There are no employment
restrictions on part-time students.
What is the school policy on
privacy for students?
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of
1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that affords students
certain rights with respect to their educational
records. George Mason University strives to fully
comply with this law by protecting the privacy
of student records and judiciously evaluating requests
for release of information from those records.
FERPA authorizes the release of “Directory
Information” without the student’s
prior consent under certain conditions, which are
set forth in the Act. A complete description of
the Act, the rights afforded to students by this
Act, and a description of categories of “Directory
Information” is posted on the bulletin board
outside the Law Records Office. Students seeking
to limit the disclosure of “Directory Information” should
consult with the Law Records office staff.
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Exams
Should I contact my professor if I will miss
a final exam?
In order to protect your anonymity, you should
never contact the professor if you will miss a
final exam. The Law Records Office will assist
you in seeking to reschedule an exam..
How do I request a make-up
exam?
Students are required to take all of their exams
at the times scheduled. If an emergency situation
arises that prevents exam attendance, students
should immediately notify the Law Records Office
and must refrain from contacting their instructors
so as not to compromise anonymity. In all cases,
students must seek approval for the rescheduling
of exams and need to submit a petition to the Records
Office with documentation of the emergency circumstances.
Students enrolled in courses having the same scheduled
exam time will be required to take one of the exams
on a make-up day at the end of the exam period.
A petition must be submitted to the Law Records
Office stating the specific exam conflicts. Though
students do not have the option of choosing the
exam to be rescheduled, an effort will be made
to accommodate preferences. Petitions concerning
exam time conflicts should be turned in at least
three weeks prior to the exam period so that the
Law Records Office can coordinate the make-up exam
schedule and allow students enough preparation
time for their regularly scheduled exams.
Does the school provide students
with typewriters for exams?
Students who wish to type exams should note the
following:
* Students must provide their own equipment which is limited to a manual or electric
typewriter with no memory beyond one line correction memory. Personal computers
and word processors are prohibited unless otherwise instructed.
* One room per exam date is reserved for typing exams and is used on a space
available basis.
* For the start of each exam, typists must report to a designated exam room to
receive verbal instructions.
* Because students share the typing room, they may be working on different exams
and are responsible for keeping track of their own time limits.
* Exam numbers must appear on each typed page. Upon completion, all pages must
be placed in the exam envelope with the exam before it is submitted to the Law
Records Office.
Do I have to purchase blue books?
Students are provided bluebooks, when required,
by the Law Records Office. There will also be a
supply in each exam room.
Do I have to purchase scantrons?
Scantron sheets, when required, are provided
by the Law Records Office with exam distribution.
Students must bring their own No. 2 pencils and
a good quality eraser.
What method of identification
do I use on the scantrons and exams?
A new six-digit number is provided each semester
for use on all exams. You should never use your
student identification number, name or phone number
on exams or scantrons.
What is the procedure for picking
up/turning in my final on the night of the exam?
Exams are typically distributed in secured
envelopes directly from the Law Records Office
approximately 30 minutes before the exam begins.
When exams are picked up, the proctor will check
off the student’s name on a class roster
to indicate that the exam has been distributed.
The student then proceeds to the assigned classroom(s)
and waits for the professor/proctor to instruct
students to open the exam envelopes and begin working.
Please note that all work on exams is restricted
to the classroom(s) designated on the exam schedule
or the assigned typing room.
Each exam will have a specific time
limitation.
You must stop writing immediately when time is
called at the end of an exam. To continue writing
is considered an Honor Code violation.
Upon completion of an exam, the student should
make certain that your exam number is written on
the exam and each bluebook and/or Scantron sheet
used. You should also number your bluebooks, e.g.,
1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc. Unless instructed otherwise,
place your bluebooks and your
exam in the exam envelope and secure it. The exam envelope/materials
are then turned into the Records Office where the
proctor will again check off the student’s
name to indicate receipt of the completed exam.
When the exam is over, what
is the process for viewing my exams?
Students are given an opportunity to view
their exams, but only after the grading process
is completed and all grades have been recorded.
Exam viewing is handled through the Office of Faculty
Services and is usually conducted over a two-week
period with scheduled hours in the day and evening.
When dates have been set for exam viewing sessions,
notices will prominently posted. Students will
need their exam numbers to participate in exam
viewing.
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Grades, Honors
and Other Student Records
When are the class
rankings prepared?
Students are numerically ranked, based upon
cumulative GPA, at the end of the Fall and Spring
semesters after grades for all classes have been
reported and recorded. Once semester ranks have
been published, they are not changed due to a late
submission of coursework, conversion of an incomplete
to a letter grade or grade changes. Rankings are
done only in combined class groups as follows:
1D/1E; 2D/2E/3E; and 3D/4E. Rank information is
posted for each group and includes a listing of
numerical standing based on cumulative GPA and
a summary of GPA ranges and rank percentages. Class
rank is added to a student’s transcript only
if requested, and is shown both numerically and
by percentage. Final class rankings for the graduating
class-which includes December, May, and July graduates
for the academic year- are done after Summer term
grades have been recorded. Each graduate is then
mailed an individual rank statement and summary,
along with a final, unofficial transcript. Final
ranks are not posted at the Law School.
What does "anonymous grading" mean?
The School of Law uses an anonymous grading
system for examinations which requires students
to use individually assigned exam numbers in lieu
of names on exam materials. Each semester students
are issued a new six-digit exam number which is
to be written on all exam materials submitted for
that semester. Since this number is confidential,
it must be picked up in person at the Law Records
Office either in advance or at the time of a student’s
first exam. Keep your exam number to refer to throughout
the exam and grading period. DO
NOT RELY ON MEMORY!
Numbers will not be given out over the phone or
to a third party.
It is extremely important that:
* names are never written on exam materials
* exam numbers are written clearly and accurately
* exam numbers are not revealed to faculty or fellow students until after all
grades for the semester are submitted.
When can I expect to receive
my grades?
Faculty are expected to submit grades within
30 days of the exam date or the end of the semester
if there was no exam. The Records Office has no
way of knowing when grades will actually be submitted.
Grades are generally posted to individual student
records within 48 hours of receipt and review.
Beginning with the Fall 2004 semester, students
will have access to grade information via PatriotWeb.
Beginning late in the Fall 2004 semester, students
will be able to view their grades and print unofficial
transcripts through PatriotWeb.
Grade distribution summaries are posted outside
the Law Records Office. The highest grade in the
class is noted (when provided by the instructor)
as are any class participation awards. These notations
are made using the student’s exam number.
Can I access my grades and transcript
records via the web?
Yes, you can view your transcript and grades
via PatriotWeb.
How do I change my name on the
school records?
We ask that you provide the Law Records Office
with a copy of the marriage certificate, stating
the preferred name along with your student identification.
Do I need to notify the school
of an employment change?
Change of Address and Employment forms are
also available from the Records Office and should
be completed whenever a change occurs.
How do I obtain a Third Year
Practice Certificate?
Students interested in obtaining a Third Year
Practice Certificate from Virginia should obtain
an application form from the Law Records Office.
The Certificate requires that a student receive
a passing grade in the following courses: Civil
or Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, Evidence and
Professional Responsibility. Additionally, a student
must have completed approximately 2/3 of his/her
legal education (56 credit hours). Having met all
these requirements, the students may submit an
application. It generally takes between 1-3 weeks
for the Certificate to be issued by the State Bar
Association in Richmond.
How do I obtain a verification
of my enrollment?
You should fill out a blue request form,
providing all relevant information and submit to
the Law Records Office. The letter will be prepared
and placed in your student mailbox when ready.
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Graduation
What are the requirements
for graduation?
Academic work presented for degree must satisfy:
- A total of 84 credit hours of passing work
(with a grade of D- or better) in courses taken.
- A total of not less than 36 residence units
(see explanation).
- A cumulative grade point average of at least
2.15 for all work taken for which an A through
F grade was awarded.
Prior to the start of the final year, prospective
graduates are provided with a summary sheet showing
their advancement toward graduation. This summary
should be used to plan course selections for
the final year of study.
A flyer regarding graduation procedures will
be placed in graduates’ mail boxes in February
prior to graduation. Caps and gowns are ordered
through the GMUSL bookstore.
Early in the final semester, prospective graduates
will be provided with an application to graduate.
This application must be completed in its entirety
and submitted by its stated deadline.
When can I expect information
regarding graduation?
Information will be placed in student mailboxes
in February for the May graduation ceremony.
Do I have to fill out the graduation
employment survey?
Yes. This is part of the graduation application
and must be completed.
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Registration
and Class Schedules
Can I register for classes on
the web?
Yes, you can view your transcript and grades
via PatriotWeb.
I forgot my PIN. How do I find
out what it is?
If you forget your PIN, contact (in person) the
Law Records Office for assistance.
Can I take day classes if I
am a night student?
There is generally no restriction on when you
take classes with the exception of your first year
when students must remain within their division.
When can I register for classes?
You will be assigned an appointment time for
registration on PatriotWeb.
Schedule of Classes is posted on the Law School
Web page as soon as available. Changes/updates
are made regularly. A hard copy is also available
in our office or in the rack in the hallway.
Schedule adjustments can be made with no penalties
during the first week of each term. Beyond the
first week, please check the registration materials
for add/drop deadlines and penalties.
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Transcripts
What is the procedure
of obtaining a transcript?
A blue request form (located both in our
office and in the rack just outside) or a written
request with student’s signature must be
filled out when requesting a transcript. Requests
are usually processed the same day as received.
If the office is closed, please drop the request
in our “drop box” and it will be processed
as soon as possible the following work day.
A request may also be faxed to our office. Please
provide the following information:
* Name & student identification number with signature
* Years of attendance (or graduation)
* Indicate type of transcript requested (official or unofficial)
*Address where transcript is to be sent (or put in student mailbox).
Is there a fee for a transcript?
There is no fee for this service.
Can you fax a copy of my transcript?
In order to protect your privacy, we cannot fax
transcripts.
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Tuition
Is there a financial
aid office at the Arlington Campus?
George Mason University’s Office of Student
Financial Aid, located on the Fairfax Campus, provides
many services to assist students in financing their
education. These services include financial counseling,
referral, and financial assistance through loans.
Counselors periodically visit the Law School to
make presentations or hold office hours. You may
also call them at 703-993-2353 with questions or
write to the following address:
Office of Student Financial Aid
George Mason University
MSN 3B5
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
How do I pay my tuition?
Payment can be made via PatriotWeb using
Visa or MasterCard.
Another option is to mail your payment to the
Cashier’s Office, MSN 2E1, 4400 University
Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. You should indicate
on your payment that you are a law student and
also note your student identification number. Mailed
payments must be received in the Cashier’s
Office by 4:30pm on the first day of classes. Postmarks
are not considered.
Alternative Payment Methods: Students paying
by student loans, employer arrangements or any
other alternative method are reminded that they
will be subject to late payment penalties and fines
if full payment is not made by the first day of
the term.
PAYMENTS MADE OR RECEIVED AFTER A DUE DATE ARE
SUBJECT TO A LATE FEE OF UP TO $50.
When is tuition due?
Payment is always due on the first day of the
semester.
Where do I submit loan deferment
forms for processing?
After obtaining a deferment form from your lender,
complete your portion, sign it and drop it off
with the Law Records Office. We will then complete
our portion and return it to the lender noted.
An envelope pre-addressed to your lender helps
expedite the process.
What are the current tuition
rates?
Tuition rates for the 2004-2005 Academic
year are as follows:
In-State: $389.50 per credit hour (part-time)
$5,453.00 per semester (full-time)
Out-of-State: $769.00 per credit hour (part-time)
$10,766.00 per semester (full-time)
As always, tuition rates are subject to change
at any time.
When is the cashier at Arlington?
A temporary cashier will be at the Law School
on the first day of each semester to accept payments.
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Miscellaneous
What
is required for the Virginia Bar application and
certification?
For the Virginia bar exam, two separate forms,
with separate filing fees, are required: the character & fitness
questionnaire and the bar application. The Virginia
Board of Bar Examiners encourages early filing
of the character & fitness questionnaire and
offers a fee reduction if the questionnaire is
filed within the first 14 consecutive calendar
months of law school enrollment. The questionnaire
is extensive, and while early submission is optional,
students should not postpone working on it. A completed
questionnaire, if not previously submitted, must
accompany the bar application, which is due closer
to the planned exam date. Filing deadlines are:
December 15 for the February exam and May 10 for
the July exam. Virginia bar forms are available
at the Law Records Office and sample copies are
posted. Forms can also be accessed on the bar website
at: www.vbbe.state.va.us. It is important to note,
however, that the required fingerprint form and
the necessary law school certification must be
obtained through the Law Records Office.
I plan to take the bar in another
state. Where do I get their information and/or
address?
Each state has its own rules for admission to
the bar and certain procedures for making application.
Students considering other bars should plan ahead
to determine the particular requirements of those
states in which they have an interest. The Law
Records Office processes the law school bar certification
for all jurisdictions but does not distribute application
forms for other bars. Students should contact the
appropriate state bar examiners for bar materials
and must provide any required law school certification
forms to the Law Records Office in sufficient time
to meet filing deadlines. The page on Admission
to Bar on our site provides
general information on individual state bar requirements,
including addresses and phone numbers.
What is the Virginia Bar School
Code?
The school code for the Virginia Bar is 166.
What is the Title IV school
code?
The Title IV code is 003749.
Will I have a mail box at school?
Student mail boxes are set up in August after
classes have begun. Each student registered will
have a mail box on the third floor. Please check
them regularly since this is the avenue student
organizations and other offices communicate with
our student population.
How do we know if classes are
canceled due to weather?
The most reliable source is the main phone line
for the Law School (703-993-8000). A notice will
be posted on the Law School's web site as soon
as a decision is made for cancellation or late
arrival.
When is Spring break?
Spring Break for the 2004-2005 school year is
March 14-20, 2005. (see the academic
calendar for
other important dates)
Is there a Notary Public at
the School of Law?
As a service to GMUSL students, staff and faculty,
we have two Notaries in the Law Records Office.
We are generally available during regular business
hours. There is no fee for this service.
How do I find out when a class
is canceled?
Notices are posted on bulletin boards outside
the classroom, and sometimes are sent out via e-mail.
If you still have a question, please contact the
Dean’s suite receptionist at 703-993-8000.
Information about school closing due to inclement
weather will also be posted on the law school's website.
Where can I pick up the MPRE
application?
Applications and information on the MPRE can
be found on their website: www.ncbex.org. Since
the requirements for accepting an MPRE score vary
from one jurisdiction to another, check with the
board(s) of bar examiners in each jurisdiction
to which you intend to apply before completing
the materials. Examination results will be forwarded
to one jurisdiction of your choice and will be
kept on file in Iowa City, Iowa.
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copyright © 2004
last updated:
Jun 15, 2005
