School Policies & General Law School Information

• Academic Achievement and Bar Success

  The purpose of the Academic Achievement Program at the University of Denver College of Law is to provide assistance to students to enable them to master those legal study skills necessary for success in law school, on the bar exam, and in legal practice. The Academic Achievement Program offers a range of programs for students prior to law school, for students at all levels of law school, and for graduating students preparing to take a bar examination.

  The Sturm College of Law also has a Bar Success Program to help JD students improve academic performance and achieve success on the bar exam.

• Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Network Systems

  All students enrolled at Sturm College of Law are assigned an email account. Wireless access is also governed through those email credentials. Students are expected to use their law school account, especially when enrolled in classes or clinics that involve client confidentiality. Email is used to send official information to students. Students should check their accounts on a daily basis. There are instructions for adding student email to phones and other devices on the Technology webpage. Account passwords or MyDU credentials should not be shared. Students are here to learn to be professionals, and account integrity is important in the legal profession. The University of Denver’s Acceptable Use Policy is here. Guest accounts are available from the library or from the helpdesk should students need access for guests.

• Alcohol Policy

  The University of Denver strives to promote a healthy and safe educational and professional community in which alcohol does not interfere with individual performance, personal success, public safety or the integrity of the learning environment. The University's policies uphold state and federal laws regarding alcohol and other substances, and maintain institutional compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

  In addition to the policies and procedures outlined in the University of Denver’s Use & Consumption of Alcohol Policy, the following procedures apply to the Sturm College of Law.

  
  Section A: Use of University Funds to Purchase Alcohol

  The University advocates limiting the purchase of alcohol with University funds. This includes all funds controlled or administered by the University of Denver, including student fees.

  1. Student activity fees may not be used to purchase alcohol under any circumstances.
  2. University funds allocated to any student-run organization (including journals, student ambassadors, Chancellor Scholars, Student Trial Lawyers Association, etc.) may not be used to purchase alcohol under any circumstances.
  3. University funds may be used to purchase alcohol for legitimate business purposes, typically for an official function involving donors, alumni or guests.
  4. Outside organizations may purchase alcohol pursuant to the alcohol and space use policies. Payment for alcohol must be received up front and coordinated with the Sturm College of Law Director of Events.
  5. Faculty and staff may purchase alcohol at meals involving donors, alumni or friends of the University. Alcohol purchased while dining alone or with only University employees will not be reimbursed.
  6. The purchase and transportation of alcohol shall be coordinated exclusively with the Sturm College of Law Director of Events.

  
  Section B: University-Sponsored On-Campus Events with Alcohol

  1. In order to serve alcohol at any University-sponsored on-campus event with an expected attendance of 50 or more, an online Event Registration Form must be submitted. This form is routed through Campus Safety.
  2. In order to serve alcohol at any University-sponsored on-campus event attended by students, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs must first be petitioned via the Alcohol Approval Form at least 10 business days prior to the event date.
  3. Alcohol service at any University-sponsored on-campus event attended by students must be regulated using drink tickets provided by the Office of Student Affairs, with a strict limit of two alcoholic beverages per student of legal drinking age for the duration of the event. Drink tickets for one event may not be used at other events, and students may not attend more than one event serving alcohol per day.
  4. Alcohol service at University-sponsored on-campus events is restricted to TIP-certified bartenders only. Bartenders must not serve individuals who are obviously intoxicated.
  5. Alcohol service at University-sponsored on-campus events is restricted to third-party vendors only. Vendors must be approved by both the University of Denver and Sturm College of Law Administration. Third-party vendors are officially licensed private caterers or vendors of food and alcoholic beverages. They assume responsibility and liability for controlling the service of alcohol and monitoring excessive consumption of alcohol. The Department of Enterprise Risk Management at the University of Denver maintains a list of approved third-party vendors who may be contacted by student groups.
  6. Third-party vendors must provide proof of liability insurance coverage with University minimum coverage requirements. This proof must be directly sent from the vendor's insurance carrier to the University of Denver Department of Enterprise Risk Management.
  7. Food and non-alcoholic beverage options must be made available when alcohol is served. Alcohol service must stop within 15 minutes after food has run out.
  8. No event may be held for the sole purpose of consuming alcohol. The consumption of alcohol may not be promoted as an event's primary focus.
  9. Events at which alcohol is served must not be open to the public. This means a guest list must be utilized and/or an area must be blocked off to prevent non-invited guests from being served.
  10. Sale of alcohol in the Ricketson Law Building is prohibited.

  
  Section C: Student Organization–Sponsored Events with Alcohol

  1. In addition to the procedures outlined in this section, student organization–sponsored events, whether held on or off campus, must also comply with the procedures outlined in Section B.
  2. In order to serve alcohol at any student organization–sponsored event, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs must first be petitioned via the Alcohol Approval Form at least 10 business days prior to the event date. Proposed events must comply with the University's Use & Consumption of Alcohol Policy.
  3. At any student organization–sponsored event where 50% or more of the attendees are students, alcohol service must be regulated using drink tickets provided by the Office of Student Affairs, with a strict limit of two alcoholic beverages per student of legal drinking age for the duration of the event. Drink tickets for one event may not be used at other events, and students may not attend more than one event serving alcohol per day.

  
  Section D: Advertising

  1. All event promotional materials must comply with the Sturm College of Law's Flyer Policy and should be consistent with the University's philosophy of discouraging excessive alcohol consumption.

• Class Recording Policy

  All classes at the Sturm College of Law are recorded, with the exception of clinic classes (Advancing Social Change Clinic; Civil Litigation Clinic; Civil Rights Clinic; Criminal Defense Clinic; Community Economic Development Clinic; Environmental Law and Policy Clinic; Immigration Law and Policy Clinic).

  To request a recording of the class, students who do not have an approved accommodation through the University’s Disability Services Program must complete this petition with the Office of Student Affairs. Students will be permitted to access recordings for the following reasons: medical emergencies, mental health, family emergencies, religious holidays, military obligations (short-term, temporary), parental leave (up to 2.5 weeks), jury duty, and academic conflict. If a student’s request does not fall within any of those categories, the student will need to receive the faculty member’s permission before submitting the petition and receiving the recording. There is no option for students to Zoom into a class synchronously.

  Please review the Class Recording Policy FAQs below for more information. 

• Class Recording Policy FAQs

  What link do I use to request a class recording?
  You can request class recordings using this link.

  Can I request a class recording for a reason not listed on the form? 
  Yes. One of the options on the form is “other.” Select this option if the reason you are missing is not otherwise listed. In the case of “other” please get permission from your professor to receive the recording before requesting the recording. If you aren’t sure if your reason fits into one of the listed categories and/or you are uncomfortable talking with your professor about the reason for your absence, please reach out to Student Affairs.

  When do I need professor permission for class recording?
  You need professor approval before requesting the class recording if you select “other” as your reason and if the reason for your request is not specifically listed on the form. If the reason you missed is specifically listed on the form, you do not need permission from your professor to receive the recording. But you should let your professor know about why you were absent (or will be absent), plan to attend office hours to review material you missed, etc.

  How quickly will I receive my class recording?
  Student Affairs will get you the link for the recording in 24-48 business hours.

  When do class recordings expire?
  The class recording links expire at the end of the semester.

  If I watch the class recording, does that mean my absence is excused?
  No. Receiving the class recording and/or getting permission from your professor to receive the recording does not mean the absence is excused.  You should review the syllabus and talk with your professor about their attendance policy and how many absences you are allowed. 

• Commencement Adornments Policy

  This policy outlines the guidelines for adornments during the commencement ceremony for graduates of the Sturm College of Law, in accordance with the University of Denver's existing policies.

  Graduates must wear proper and complete academic regalia during the commencement ceremony. This includes the appropriate cap, gown, and hood corresponding with a graduate’s degree.

  Graduates are allowed to wear accessories that have been awarded by an academic program, honors distinction, or recognized student organization. These accessories include cords, pins, sashes, stoles, or tassels. These adornments are intended to recognize achievement, leadership, membership, or service. Graduates are not permitted to carry or display flags during the ceremony.

  Student organization leaders wishing to purchase and wear specific adornments representing their organization must receive prior approval from the Office of Student Affairs. Please contact law-student_affairs@du.edu for advisement and to ensure compliance with this policy.

  All graduates are expected to adhere to this policy to ensure a dignified and respectful commencement ceremony for all participants.

• Communication Policy

  For all faculty, staff, and students; revised July 2016

  All-Student Emails:

  • All-student emails refers to emails sent to the “Law-All Students” distribution group.
  • No SCOL Student Organization or administrative department shall send emails to the “Law-All Students” distribution group, with the following exceptions:
    • Office of the Dean
    • Office of the Registrar for announcements concerning registration, exam information, and commencement.
    • Office of Career Development and Opportunities for a weekly bulletin (job opportunities and 3rd-party programs) and large programs (OCI, PALS, etc.)
    • Externship Office for a periodic newsletter and special externship opportunities.
    • Office of Student Financial Management for crucial financial aid/scholarship information and deadlines.
    • Office of Student Affairs
       

  Events Management System:

  All events and announcements can be uploaded in the Events Management System.

  Events:

  • Create an event submission for anything that has a specific date, time, and location such as Hoffman Cup, Barrister’s Ball, or the PILG Auction.
  • Submit event information via the web here.
  • With an event submission, the system provides an option to create a flyer. You can either use one of the system’s template flyers OR create and upload your own flyer. Uploaded flyers must be uploaded as a PDF or picture file, in landscape format (rather than portrait), and 792 × 612 pixels.
  • All event submissions will enter into an approval queue for the Office of Student Affairs. Immediately after it is approved by a Student Affairs Office staff member it will be visible on the SCOL events calendar and the touch screens and TV monitors throughout the building. The event will be seen in the weekly and daily e-mail only during the week/day of the event.
     

  Announcements:

  • Create an announcement for anything that has an open-ended timeframe or something you want to alert the community about in advance such as Registering for Hoffman Cup, Buying Barrister’s Ball tickets, or how to donate items to the PILG Auction.
  • Submit announcements via the web here
  • With an announcement submission you must create a flyer. Just as with an event submission, you can either use one of the system’s template flyers OR create and upload your own flyer. Uploaded flyers must be uploaded as a PDF or picture file, in landscape format (rather than portrait), and 792 × 612 pixels.
  • Announcements may run for up to two weeks at a time.
  • All announcement submissions enter into an approval queue for the Office of Student Affairs. Immediately after it is approved by a Student Affairs Office staff member it will be visible on the SCOL current students’ page, and the touch screens and TV monitors throughout the building. The announcement will be seen in the weekly and daily e-mail only during the period for which you specify the announcement to run.
     

  Student Organization Communication:

  • Student Organizations must use an opt-in system to send an email to their members or students interested in attending their events.
  • Student Organizations may choose to work with the Educational Technology Department to set up a student organization TWEN page, distribution group, or listserve. Student Organizations may also choose to create a specific email account outside of the University of Denver.
  • Per the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003, Student Organizations must honor a recipient’s opt-out request within 10 business days. Once a recipient has requested to be removed from an email group, the Student Organization cannot sell or transfer email addresses, even in the form of a mailing list.
  • Student Organizations may request that the Office of Student Affairs send out class-specific emails (for example, to all 1L’s or to all 3L’s).

• Confidentiality of Files and Records

  In accordance with federal law, the College of Law maintains policies and procedures designed to preserve the confidentiality of a student’s academic record. Please visit the University of Denver’s Privacy of Educational Records and Access to Information page for additional information.

• Events & Programs Hosted by Outside/External Organizations

  Denver Law appreciates the legal community’s willingness to offer a plethora of programs and pathways that support students’ legal careers. Such engagement often offers meaningful opportunities for students to pursue externships and secure jobs, grow their networks, and develop mentorship relationships with practitioners. They can also help students build confidence and expand their knowledge of the profession and legal practice. To help ensure such opportunities are implemented and disseminated in inclusive and supportive ways, Denver Law shares the following best practices to assist outside/external organizations in their event planning and advertising to the Denver Law student community. We strongly encourage outside/external organizations to adhere to these practices. If you have any questions, please contact Assoc. Dean Alexi Freeman at afreeman@law.du.edu.

  Download Guidance (PDF)

• Freedom of Expression

  The University of Denver’s Statement of Policy and Principles on Freedom of Expression can be found here.

• Honor Codes

  All Sturm College of Law (SCOL) students are bound by the SCOL Honor Code and deemed to have knowledge of its content. SCOL students are also subject to the University of Denver Honor Code (DU Honor Code), as well as other relevant University policies and procedures.

  View Honor Codes

• Parental Leave Policy

  Denver Law recognizes the challenges faced by new parents attending law school and strives to support their academic success. All students who anticipate the need for class recording, out-of-sequence examinations, assignment due date adjustments, or other accommodations due to the birth or adoption of a child should contact the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Jessica Boynton, as early in the term as possible.

  Class recording is available in most classrooms and will be provided for students on parental leave when pre-approved by the instructor. Students seeking to request class recording should meet with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Jessica Boynton, and fill out the request form well in advance of their expected taping needs. The full class recording policy with a link to the request form can be found above.

  Out-of-sequence exams may be available for new parents. For further information, including how to request an out-of-sequence exam, please see this page.

  To find further information and resources for current or expecting parents, please visit our Parent Support page.

• Pet Policy

  Pets are not allowed inside University of Denver buildings to maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone. The only exceptions are service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities and certified therapy dogs during designated sessions. Outside, pets are welcome on University grounds as long as they are leashed and supervised by their caregivers. Thank you for helping our community uphold these standards.

• Posting/Advertising Policy

  Sturm College of Law Advertising Policy

  Planning, advertising, and hosting events at the Sturm College of Law are critical parts of community building and information sharing among our students, groups, administrative departments, individuals, and organizations. Advertising as discussed in this policy includes physical posters and fliers, signage on the digital monitors within the building, notifications in the weekly email newsletter, and postings made to the University’s official social media platforms. The University of Denver and Sturm College of Law administration reserve the right to suggest and/or require revisions to advertising that does not comply with the following on-campus posting and advertising rules and policies:

  • All advertising must comply with University of Denver and Sturm College of Law policies, including but not limited to, Equal Opportunity and Title IX policies, the University of Denver and Sturm College of Law Honor Codes, and the University of Denver Alcohol Policy.
  • Advertising may not be inflammatory or offensive.
  • Advertising may not feature demeaning, sexual, or discriminatory portrayals of individuals or groups, and advertising may not advertise drugs or pornographic material.
  • Advertising should be consistent with the University’s philosophy of discouraging the excessive use of alcohol. Happy hours, drink specials, and other discounted drinking opportunities must not be promoted.
  • All advertising must include:
    • An accurate description of the event or announcement.
    • Location, date, and time of the event, or relevant deadlines.
    • A list of all speakers or guest organizations invited to the event.
    • A list of any DU organization(s) sponsoring the event or announcement.
    • A list of all external sponsors, including national organizations. Sponsors include any external groups whose names will be listed in association with the event and any external groups providing resources or financial support for the event, including publicity.
    • This statement must be included in all advertising: “The use of University of Denver resources or facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by the University or the Sturm College of Law of the views of the organizers or speaker(s).”
  • All advertising must be approved by Student Affairs (Suite 115), and any physical advertising such as posters, notices, or fliers must be stamped prior to being hung. Any physical advertising hung without approval or in a non-designated space will be removed, and the organization or individual on whose behalf the advertising was posted will be prohibited from posting any physical advertisements for the next 30 days or until the next event, whichever is longer.
  • Physical advertisements may be posted in the following designated areas only: on the bulletin boards located inside the classrooms and outside the 1st floor elevators, or on easels on the first or second floors of the building. Two advertisements per designated area are allowed, and no more than 25 total physical advertisements may be posted throughout the building. Physical advertisements should be no larger than 11” x 17” unless placed on an easel on the first or second floors. Physical advertisements should never be taped to any surface including, but not limited to, walls, windows, doors, inside the elevators, bathroom mirrors, bathroom stalls, and cement pillars.
  • No one may scatter or place physical advertisements such as posters, notices, or fliers on tables, floors, in bathrooms, classrooms, seminar or study rooms, or other furniture or rooms in the Ricketson Law Building.
  • Fliers or other advertisements may not be stuffed into Sturm College of Law lockers.
  • Housing/For Sale notices will only be allowed on the designated bulletin board on the 1st floor by the elevator. One notice per student will be approved by the Office of Student Affairs for posting on this board.
  • The Student Affairs Weekly Newsletter is distributed by the Sturm College of Law for informational purposes only. We strive to bring the latest events, deadlines, and announcements, keeping you informed and connected with our vibrant community. To maintain the integrity and relevance of our newsletter, we reserve the right to exclude content that is not directly affiliated with the University of Denver. Thank you for your continued support as we work to deliver a newsletter that best serves the needs of our students, staff, and faculty.

• Restroom Inclusiveness Policy

  Colorado law 3 CCR 708-1-81.9 requires that employers permit their employees to use restrooms appropriate to their gender identity rather than their assigned gender at birth without being harassed or questioned.

  Sturm College of Law community members have the right to determine the most appropriate and safest restroom options for themselves. Both single-occupant all-gender restrooms and multiple-occupant gender-segregated ("Men" and "Women") restrooms are available for use at the Sturm College of Law. Our community members are not required to provide any medical or legal documentation in order to access gender-appropriate facilities. In addition, no community member is required to use a segregated facility apart from other members because of their gender identity or transgender status.

  
  Gender-Neutral Restrooms

  Please click the button below for information on the availability of gender-neutral restrooms in the Ricketson Law Building.

  Learn More

• Smoking Policy

  The University of Denver is a smoke-free campus. Anyone found smoking on University property may be reported to Campus Safety and ticketed for the offense. Please contact Campus Safety or the Student Affairs office with any questions.

• Student Handbook

  Click the button below to view the Sturm College of Law Student Handbook.

  View Handbook

  The Student Handbook inevitably will undergo revision from time to time. We will make every effort to ensure the online Student Handbook is up to date. The Student Handbook does not represent an irrevocable contract between the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and the students who attend. The faculty retain the right at all times to change the policies articulated herein and to implement changes immediately and retroactively.

• Student Organization Advisor Policy

  This policy outlines the role and eligibility requirements for faculty and staff advisors for student organizations at Sturm College of Law. 

  Student organizations funded by the Student Bar Association (SBA) are not required to have a faculty or staff advisor. However, if an organization chooses to have an advisor, that individual must be a full-time employee of the Sturm College of Law. This requirement ensures that advisors are familiar with the law school’s unique resources, policies, and procedures. 

  Advisors can provide valuable support in several areas, including event planning, networking opportunities, and professional development. 

  Similarly, student organizations are welcome to include outside constituents, such as adjunct professors or professionals from the legal field, as community advisors. While these individuals can offer valuable mentorship and insights to an organization, they cannot serve as a faculty or staff advisor within the organization's structure.

• Student Pioneer ID Card

  Your Pioneer ID card is your official identification while at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. The Pioneer card serves as a means of access to the building, use of Flex Debit Account, Coors Fitness Center, sporting events, Law Library, Penrose Library, vending machines and many others.

  The Pioneer ID office is located on the lower level of the Driscoll University Center. In order to obtain your ID card, you must be registered, be within 30 days of the start of your enrolled semester, and provide a picture ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Students are advised to call 303.871.4545 before traveling to that office or visit www.du.edu/pioneercard for an informational video and FAQs.

Building Policies & Information

Use of Ricketson Law Building study rooms and classrooms is reserved for Denver Law students, faculty and staff, as well as those from other programs housed in the building or approved in advance by the Sturm College of Law. After-hours use of the building is restricted to University of Denver students, faculty and staff.

Expand items in the list below to learn more about the Ricketson Law Building.
 

• Building Hours & Access

  The Ricketson Law Building is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. No one may access the building outside its operating hours. Students already in the law building at closing time are permitted to stay, but must have their Pioneer ID Cards ready to display for Campus Safety upon request.

• Food Policy

  Food is only allowed in first-floor classrooms of the Ricketson Law Building. Additionally, food can be served during scheduled events held in spaces 120, 140 and 160 on the first floor; 201, 240 and 299 on the second floor; 301, 313, 340 and 399 on the third floor; and 401 and 440 on the fourth floor. Food can also be served in spaces 412, 413 and 499 in accordance with established policies governing the use of those specific areas. Please see the Ricketson Law Building Room Use Policy for further information.

  • Food is not allowed in room 165 (Moot Court / 120-person classroom) at any time.
  • Beverages cannot be brought into any classroom, seminar room or study room unless they are in covered containers.
  • Hosting organizations are responsible for food clean-up in all spaces, ensuring no waste is left behind. Garbage bags are available from the Student Affairs office in suite 115.

• Gender-Neutral Restrooms

  There are nine single-occupant gender-neutral restrooms in the Ricketson Law Building, all within the Westminster Law Library. Three of these restrooms are located on each of the law library's three floors, against the east end of the building. Two on each floor are specifically designated gender-neutral, while the third is specifically designated for wheelchair accessibility but also considered gender-neutral.

  The Westminster Law Library can only be accessed through its main entrance on the second floor using a Pioneer ID Card. Guests and others without ID cards may knock on the main entrance door to be granted access by library staff. Law library hours can be found here.

  
  Restroom Inclusiveness Policy

  For the official Sturm College of Law Restroom Inclusiveness Policy, please click the button below.

  View Policy

• General Space Policy

  Use of Ricketson Law Building study rooms and classrooms is reserved for Denver Law students, faculty and staff, as well as those from other programs housed in the building or approved in advance by the Sturm College of Law. After-hours use of the building is restricted to University of Denver students, faculty and staff.

• Hydration Stations

  Most of the Ricketson Law Building's 12 hydration stations are located within law school offices, providing filtered cold and hot water options. Publicly available hydration stations can be found on the south side of the first-floor Law Forum and in the third-floor Student Lounge.

• Lactation Room

  The Sturm College of Law provides a lactation room with a refrigerator on the second floor of the Ricketson Law Building in room 247. It is available to students, staff, faculty and alumni. Access to the lactation room requires a key code, which can be obtained from Student Affairs by email or in suite 115. Please visit our Parent Support page to find further information and resources for both current and expecting parents.

• Lost and Found

  The Lost & Found is located in the Office of Student Affairs, Suite 115. If an item is found after hours it may be turned in to the Circulation Desk in the Library.

• Parking (Lots L & 321)

  Lot L is the parking garage attached to the north side of the Ricketson Law Building. Lot 321 is the lot directly beneath the Ricketson Law Building and can only be accessed via westbound Evans Avenue. The law school does not maintain, control or monitor these parking areas. Parking Services is solely responsible for issuing permits and citations, as well as controlling when the lots may be used for outside events.

• Reflection Room

  The Reflection Room is located on the third floor of the Ricketson Law Building, next to the Student Lounge. It is meant for meditation, reflection, prayer, or rest, and can be reserved in 30-minute increments using the Study Room Reservation System. The Reflection Room may not be used for studying or other academic purposes.

• Room Use Policy

  Please click the button below to view the Ricketson Law Building Room Use Policy.

  View Policy

• Study Rooms

  Study Rooms are available on all floors of the Ricketson Law Building. For additional information or to reserve a Study Room, see the Study Room Reservation System.

• Student Lockers

  Lockers are available for rental from the Office of Student Affairs and are obtained by paying a $20.00 fee that is used for student programming. Students are not required to obtain a locker. The Sturm College of Law will provide the locks for each locker. Lockers are the property of the Sturm College of Law.

  All lockers must be cleaned out at the end of the Spring Semester. If you would like to keep your locker until the end of Summer Semester, you must inform the Student Affairs Office. During the Summer, any items left in lockers will be discarded.

  The Office of Student Affairs is allowed access to any locker after giving notification to the student whose locker they will be entering.

  Materials placed in lockers must comply with University of Denver and Sturm College of Law policies.

• Westminster Law Library

  Please click the button below for the Westminster Law Library website.

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