As graduate students, Pepperdine Caruso Law JD students no longer have an assigned faculty advisor. Instead, each student is responsible for consulting the Academic Policy and Academic Catalog in preparing a course of study to fulfill graduation requirements. Faculty and administrators are available to answer questions and provide guidance. In addition, during Academic Advising Week in the spring semester, an academic advising booklet called "The Orange Book" is distributed to 1L students to assist in the planning process. The Orange Book is simply an aid that serves as an introduction to degree requirements – the Academic Policy is the governing document.
Students in the Certificate, Master of Dispute Resolution and LLM in Dispute Resolution programs are assigned an advisor at the point of admission.
The Caruso School of Law's Academic Mastery Program (AMP) furthers the University's mission of academic excellence and preparing students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The focus of AMP is students' mastery -- specifically, mastery of the substantive knowledge, professional skills, and the professional values and habits which students need to succeed in law school, to pass the bar, and to achieve their professional goals. All students are encouraged to focus on developing mastery throughout law school and to participate in AMP services, including: skills workshops; small-group sessions; courses; and individualized guidance from professors, teaching fellows, and AMP professionals.
Students at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law are encouraged to visit the Dean of Students regarding any concern, whether academic, familial, financial, personal, or spiritual. There is a standing offer to listen to concerns and help in any way possible, including referring students to other University departments when appropriate.
In particular, students needing help with personal, mental, emotional, learning, or behavioral difficulties are encouraged to utilize the Counseling Center at Pepperdine University. All information disclosed in sessions with the Counseling Center is confidential and may not be revealed to any individual without the student's written permission, except where required by law. In addition to the Counseling Center, we're happy to introduce students to www.lawlifeline.org, a new comprehensive website geared specifically to the mental health needs of law students.
The Counseling Center is located in the Tyler Campus Center, TCC 270, and appointments are available from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during the regular academic year and summer sessions. Additional information may be found on the Student Counseling Center Website.
The Office of Student Accessibility exists to provide equal access for students with disabilities to all of the programs and activities at Pepperdine. Academic accommodations are not intended to give anyone an unfair advantage, but rather to "level the playing field" for students with disabilities. If you have received services in the past or think you may be eligible for services now, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility. All disability-related information is handled in a highly confidential manner.
The Dean of Students recognizes that balance is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but that balance is difficult to maintain both in law school and in the legal profession. As a result, he works to ensure that programs are in place to promote the often-neglected aspects of a healthy lifestyle, including physical fitness, healthy social interaction, and spiritual life.
In terms of physical fitness, the Dean of Students maintains a close relationship with Pepperdine University's Campus Recreation department. Campus Recreation offers intramural and club sports, affordable group fitness classes, instructional programming, a fitness center, and outdoor excursions. Further, when sufficient student interest exists, he works with Campus Recreation to provide a group fitness class on site at the Caruso School of Law. Additional information on Campus Recreation offerings may be found on the Campus Recreation Website.
Learn more about the Thrive Student Wellness Program.
