San Joaquin College Of Law recently issued the following announcement.
The pandemic did not stop students from enrolling in San Joaquin College of Law for Fall 2020. Many students stated it fueled their desire even more. Our entering class for Fall 2020 opened with 81 new students. At the time of submitting applications it was unknown to applicants if they would be attending classes in person or if classes would run solely online. Thanks to SJCL’s IT department and spearheaded by SJCL’s Chief Information Officer Derron Wilkinson, the law school quickly maneuvered to administering classes all through Zoom beginning in the Spring when the pandemic first hit and incoming students who started in the Fall met their professors and classmates for the first time virtually at the law school’s first ever online orientation in August. Imagine starting law school without stepping foot on campus!
Many first-year students stated the pandemic served not as a deterrent to enter law school but instead fueled their decision with greater determination. President and CEO of Visalia Chamber of Commerce and first year law school student, Gail Zurek states “Shortly after I completed the LSAT, the pandemic hit, and changed life as we knew it. Work became more complicated. Social engagements disappeared overnight. Everything became more challenging. But I never considered not pursuing a Juris Doctor. If anything, it increased my resolve. I knew I needed this degree, for my business to succeed, I needed this education.”
Entering students expressed disappointment when they found out learning would be remote but also focused on the benefit of not having to commute to school and recognized the comfort of learning from home. “I missed a traditional orientation, chatting with classmates in the halls, studying in a library, and natural classroom conversations. But there are silver linings” stated Ms. Zurek. “My commute to my home office is very short. It saves me eight hours of driving a week. I see my kids when our class takes a break. It is a small thing, but it means I get to kiss them goodnight. My husband says they have stood at the office door to listen to me brief a case or answer a professor's questions. They have become a part of my law school experience far different than I imagined. It helps them understand what I face and why my schedule is so busy.”
No one planned to start Law School sitting at home in the middle of a pandemic, but they certainly have chosen to make the most of it. “The thing about life is that you never know what's around the next corner. Did I plan on attending law school in a pandemic? No, but it is just another one of life's corners. There is good around this corner, there is bad, and, as always, life all depends on what you make of it. Tired and stressed a week from my first finals, I discovered I love the law, love learning, and already see the benefits of how I think. This is not easy, but pandemic or not, I did not sign up for easy. I signed up to be challenged, learn, and gain skills that will help me improve my community. I'm happy to report the pandemic hasn't stopped that” reflects Ms. Zurek.
First year law school student, Marcus Marderosian who graduated from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a major in Agricultural Systems Management, and entered law school with dreams to help grow his family’s local citrus business, stated “It is in unprecedented times like these that I feel more motivated to pursue this path. For in times like today, our Legal system is being tested and its decision will determine justice for future generations of our country”
Students quickly discovered the SJCL faculty and administration were equally as dedicated to their success in law school. “The Dean of students Logan Tennerelli, is known for being responsive, caring, and engaged. Frankly, I have found that true of the entire administration. They have plenty to do, but they take time to make sure the individual student is not lost in the mix.” remarked Ms. Zurek.
First year law school student, Ryan Dupras stated “Although learning remotely is difficult, SJCL professors have done their best to bridge the divide. Every single professor that I have encountered has gone above and beyond to make themselves available for questions and for extra help, and I cannot thank them enough.”
Mr. Dupras stated he enrolled in law school right in the middle of the pandemic, and at a time of great political and civil unrest to gain skills and knowledge to become a better leader. He quotes President Adams, "I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy." Dupras stated, “If one thing has been made clear during these past years, it is that the United States needs a new generation of leadership to tackle the biggest questions of the day. I must study law, so that the children of my community may study whatever they please.”
A law degree is a highly valued asset that continues to produce great leaders and thinkers. In the coming years of political and economic change in United States and with decisions impacting the health of our communities, having a law degree and advanced education is more important than ever. During this pandemic and period of isolation, shelter in place, and quarantine, we need the community to know that San Joaquin College of Law is alive and well as we strive to continue to enroll students and impact lives. There is no better time than now to return to school and reinvent yourself for a greater impact.
With in-person meetings impossible and career and graduate school fairs cancelled during the pandemic, San Joaquin College of Law has stepped up visibility and engagements on Social Media platforms and increased internal events. In addition to welcome prospective students to attend Law Forums hosted by Assistant Director of Admissions Francisco Rosas, prospective students are also invited to attend a small mock law school class to get a taste of what law school is like, or join a Zoom meet and greet session with faculty, current students, staff or alumni to increase social capitol. It is this networking and forming these connections which gives a prospective student the confidence to enroll in law school during uncertain times. We have found, our students state the greatest influence for enrolling in San Joaquin College of Law was the relationship they formed with an alumni or current student who helped them to see the tremendous benefit and diverse career opportunities available to them in obtaining a Juris Doctor degree.
What this means to San Joaquin College of Law, if we are to meet our enrollment goals during these difficult times, is that we must work harder than ever to develop strong relationships with prospective students. The student relationship is established through online and offline communications, but it is through encounters with staff, faculty, and alumni that students decide to make the commitment to choose San Joaquin College of Law to obtain their law degree. These relationships are the future to create access to law school, grow enrollments and to build a strong San Joaquin College of Law community.
If you are considering law school, please calendar the upcoming important dates listed below.
Thank you,
Diane Steel
Director of Admissions
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Tuesday, December 1, 12 – 1pm Mini Mock Law School class with Professor Masters
- Tuesday, January 5 LSAT Prep Forum with Professor Kucera
- Wednesday, January 6 Law School 101 Info Forum with Dean Tennerelli
- Monday, January 11 – Mini Mock Law School class with Professor Oleksa and Professor Cary
- Saturday, January 16 LSAT Flex - www.lsac.org
- Saturday, February 20 LSAT Flex - www.lsac.org
- Saturday, April 10 LSAT Flex - www.lsac.org
Source: San Joaquin College Of Law
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