Academic Requirements

The program of studies leading to the degree of Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) requires three years of study in the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan.

In order to obtain the degree of Bachelor of Laws, a student must:

• satisfy the requirements for admission
• register annually for the prescribed courses
• pay the required fees
• attend classes
• participate in the first year orientation program
• pass examinations as prescribed
• sucessfully complete the writing requirements
• adhere to the U of S Academic Conduct Policy (Academic Dishonesty)
• adhere to all U of S student Policies and Regulations
• fulfill such other requirements as may from time to time be designated by the faculty

Students are required to attend classes in courses in which they are registered. Persistent failure to attend may lead to exclusion from the examinations. Students may not take additional courses in other faculties without the permission of the Associate Dean.

The costs of attending law school are significant. Students should budget for average direct costs (tuition, compulsory student fees, books, living costs) that may exceed $18,000 per academic year. To achieve the best results while at law school, you should have the financial resources to allow for your full commitment to the academic program requirements. The College recommends that students forgo employment during the 8 months of the school term.

The time and effort required for legal studies is considerable and leaves little room for a full or part-time job.  Both your school work and your job may suffer as a result of potentially competing demands. If some employment is an absolute necessity, students may still wish to arrange for leave during the last two months of each semester in order to prepare for and write exams. The College has a limited amount of bursary money available to assist those with the greatest demonstrated need.

A leave of absence during the school year is not permitted except in unusual circumstances. Students who only complete one term are considered half-time students for promotion or supplemental purposes. A leave of absence of one year or more is permitted upon notification to the Associate Dean, Academic before the commencement of the academic year. Students ordinarily must complete the LL.B. requirements within five years in order to receive their degree. Students wishing to complete the LL.B. requirements beyond the five year period must obtain permission from the Associate Dean, Academic.

Students who withdraw from the College can only return:
1) First year students: by applying for re-admission in competition with other students applying for admission in that year
2) Upper Year students: with permission of the faculty

Standards for Promotion:
To be promoted from first year, students must obtain a 62% average, with no F's, and need to have at least 60% in the Legal Research and Writing Requirement (in which they must have completed all components).

To be promoted within the upper year program, students need a 64% average each year and they need to complete the relevant writing requirements (minor paper in second year, major paper during the degree, seminar course during the degree).

For complete details, students may consult the U of S University Council Regulations on Examinations in conjunction with the College of Law's Assessment Regulations, with the College Regulations taking priority wherever they modify or supplement the U of S Regulations.

Questions relating to Academic Requirements in the College of Law should be directed to
Norman Zlotkin, Associate Dean, Academic
Phone: (306) 966-5908
E-mail: n.zlotkin@usask.ca