Founders Enrollment Program
The Founders Enrollment Program (FEP) is based on our founders' vision that despite low statistical predictors, certain applicants should be given a chance to attend and excel in law school. This program is offered to applicants who have objective risk elements in their application (low LSAT and/or low GPA) while having strong subjective indicators (such as professional experience, letters of recommendation, excellent personal statement). Each year, 20 seats are available in our weekday section for the Founders Enrollment Program students who are selected through the regular admission process. These students are offered outright admission.
FEP assists those selected in three important ways: first, participants will receive special feedback during the Legal Methods course held during Orientation; second, FEP students carry a slightly reduced course load over the first two semesters; and third, an Academic Success Progam (ASP) tutor will assist each program participant in that critical first year.
The first component of FEP is an intensive Legal Methods course, which will meet for approximately 18 hours during Orientation. The class will provide an interactive overview of law school fundamentals, covering everything from note-taking to case synthesis. Although all law students will take part in Legal Methods, FEP students students will benefit from a personalized review of practice exam answers. Participation in Legal Methods is mandatory; failure to attend will result in automatic withdrawl from the law school.
FEP students have a "reduced, full-time" load in their first year, carrying four courses (11 credits) each semester instead of five. The first-year classes for FEP students are: Civil Procedure (both semesters), Contracts (both semesters), Legal Research & Writing (both semesters), Torts I (fall semester), and Property (spring semester). FEP students will pay part-time tuition, which is $22,752 for the 2009-2010 academic year, and the students are subject to outside employment limitations (no more than 20 hours per week). The lighter course load and employment restriction facilitate the ability to manage time effectively and achieve optimal academic benefits. After the first year, the option exists to handle a full-time schedule.
Having a reduced course load also provides more time for weekly work with an experienced ASP tutor during that first year. This one-on-one support is mandatory and can dramatically enhance a student's academic performance.
Please contact the Office of Admissions with any further questions at: lawadm@hamline.edu.