Frequently Asked Questions

The following information is compiled in response to questions received in the Law Records/Registrar’s Office. Please feel free to contact our office if you need further help. Click on any question below to go to the answer within this document.

Academic Requirements and Regulations

What is the residence requirement?

In order to earn the Juris Doctor degree, a student must have been in residence for a minimum of six semesters. A student is in residence for a semester during which the student earns (with a passing grade) academic credit eligible to be presented toward their J.D. degree. Credits earned during the summer session are not counted toward meeting the residence requirement. Transfer credits earned at another law school may substitute for a maximum of two semesters of residence. See AR 3-3.3 for more information.

What are the requirements for taking classes abroad or at another law school?

Whether you would like to visit at another U.S. law school or participate in a semester abroad sponsored by a U.S. law school approved by the ABA, you must provide the Law Records office with a detailed description of the program including semester dates and class meeting times, the school sponsoring the program, and descriptions with credit values for the courses you would like to take. This information will be reviewed and you will be notified when your request has been either approved or denied. All transfer credits must be pre-approved.

What is considered part-time? full-time?

Full-time students normally take between 13-16 credit hours per semester and are restricted to no more than 20 hours per week of paid employment. Full-time students pay tuition at a flat rate which is based on 14 credits, regardless of enrolled credits. Students cannot enroll in more than 17 credits in any semester.

Part-time students normally take between 8-12 credit hours per semester and pay tuition on a per-credit basis. There are no employment restrictions on part-time students.

What is the school policy on privacy for students?

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. George Mason University strives to fully comply with this law by protecting the privacy of student records and judiciously evaluating requests for release of information from those records. FERPA authorizes the release of “Directory Information” without the student’s prior consent under certain conditions, which are set forth in the Act. A complete description of the Act, the rights afforded to students by this Act, and a description of categories of “Directory Information” is posted on the bulletin board outside the Law Records Office. Students seeking to limit the disclosure of “Directory Information” should consult with the Law Records Office staff.

Exams

Should I contact my professor if I will miss an exam?

In order to protect your anonymity, you should never contact the professor if you must miss an exam. The Law Records Office will assist you in seeking to reschedule an exam.

How do I request a make-up exam?

Students are required to take all of their exams at the times scheduled. If an emergency situation arises that prevents exam attendance or a student finds that he/she must be elsewhere during a scheduled exam, the student should immediately notify the Law Records Office and must refrain from contacting the instructors so as not to compromise anonymity. In all cases, students must seek approval for the rescheduling of exams and need to submit a petition to the Law Records Office with appropriate documentation. Students who register for courses with exams at the same date/time or with exam start times less than 24 hours apart have the option of moving one of the exams to the exam make-up days at the end of the exam period. One of the conflicting exams will be moved to the exam make-up period. Though students do not have the option of choosing the exam to be rescheduled, an effort will be made to accommodate preferences. Exam conflict petitions should be submitted at least four weeks prior to the start of exams so that the Law Records Office can coordinate the exam make-up schedule and notify students which exam will occur during the exam make-up period.

Do I have to purchase bluebooks?

No. Students will have access to a supply of bluebooks in each exam room.

What does “anonymous grading” mean?

The Law School uses an anonymous grading system for exams and requires students to use individually assigned exam numbers in lieu of names on exam materials. Each semester students are issued a new 6-digit exam number that is to be used on all exam materials. Since this number is confidential, it is issued directly to the student via ExamSoft, the software used for laptop exams. Numbers are not given out over the phone or to a third party.

What is the procedure for picking up/turning in my exam?

Students must check in at the Records Office (Hazel Hall Room 341) for all in-classroom exams. Exam check-in opens one hour before the scheduled exam time. Students must be checked in at the Records Office and seated in the classroom they are assigned to for their exam 15 minutes before the scheduled exam start time. At check-in, students will receive a Room Assignment Card. Students should proceed to their assigned classroom, and choose an available color-coded seat. A proctor will distribute exams in each exam room shortly before the scheduled start of the exam. Students with Room Assignment Cards will be issued an exam at that time. Exams should remain face-down on your desk until told to begin the exam. Examination Cards should be prominently displayed by each student for the duration of the exam. You must also print your 6-digit Exam Number as part of the Account Settings page from ExamSoft, and bring it with you to the exam room.

When you finish the exam, make certain that your exam number is written on the exam booklet, and any other materials you used (i.e. bluebooks, answer sheet, scrap paper). Return all examination materials and your Room Assignment Card to the Law Records Office. Students using laptops to record their exam answers must still return the exam questions. Your exam may not be graded if we do not have an examination booklet with your exam number on it. When you turn in your exam and your Room Assignment Card to the Law Records Office, a proctor will check off your name on the class roster to indicate that you have returned your exam.

Can I use my laptop for exams?

Students have the option of taking their final exam on their personal laptop. Most exams at the law school are administered using an exam software product called ExamSoft Examplify, which is downloaded onto the student’s personal laptop. This software allows students to type their exam answers for closed-computer exams while preventing access to the computer hard drive or outside sources. For open-computer exams, the software allows access to other files and programs outside Examplify but still automatically saves the typed answers in an encrypted format. Also, open exams do not allow the user to copy-and-paste text from another program into Examplify.

At the completion of the examination, students save their exam answer files to their laptop’s hard drive and Examplify will then automatically upload the exam answer file to a secure server using the Internet. Students must have a working network card. Laptop users must return their exam question booklets to the Records Office at the end of each exam.

Specific information is available each semester prior to the start of exams regarding the use of ExamSoft, including the deadlines for downloading the software and exam files. Please read the Exam Software Information and Registration Procedures carefully to determine whether your equipment can be used to take your exams using Examsoft.

In addition, some online and take-home exams will be administered using TWEN or Blackboard. For more information on the use of these platforms, please read through the section on taking online or take-home exams on our Exam Policies and Procedures page.

When exams are over, what is the process for viewing my exams?

Students are given an opportunity to view their exams, but only after the grading process is completed and all grades have been recorded. Exam viewing is handled by the Office of Faculty Services and is usually conducted over a two-week period with scheduled hours in the day and evening. When dates have been set for exam viewing sessions, notices will be prominently posted.

How do I get my Exam Number?

All students, regardless of whether or not they take exams on their laptop are required to log into ExamSoft to obtain their Exam Number. Go to www.examsoft.com/masonlaw. You must register for Exam Soft and print out your My Account Settings page (upper right corner once logged in) and bring this page to any in class exam. You will include your Exam Number on all exam materials. Announcements are made each term when Exam Numbers are available in ExamSoft.

Grades, Honors and Other Student Records

When are the class rankings prepared?

Students are numerically ranked, based upon cumulative GPAs at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters after grades for all classes have been reported and recorded. Once semester ranks have been published, they are not changed due to late submission of coursework, conversion of an incomplete to a letter grade or grade changes. Rankings are done only in combined class groups as follows: 1D/1E; 2D/2E/3E; and 3D/4E. Rank information is posted for each group and includes a listing of numerical ranks, as well as a summary of GPA ranges and rank percentages. Class rank is added to a student’s transcript only if requested and is shown both numerically and by percentile. Rank distributions and summaries are posted outside the Law Records Office and on the Career and Academic Services Intranet.

When can I expect to receive my grades?

Faculty are expected to submit grades within 30 days of the exam date or 30 days from the end of the semester if there was no exam. Upon receipt, grades are reviewed for compliance with the mandatory grade curves (see AR 4-4.8) and processed. Students can view their grades and print an unofficial transcript by accessing their Patriot Web account.

Grade distribution summaries are posted outside the Law Records Office and on the Career and Academic Services Intranet. The highest grade in the class is noted (when provided by the instructor) as are any class participation awards. These notations are made using the student’s exam number.

Can I access my grades and transcript records via the web?

Yes, you can view your transcript and grades via PatriotWeb.

How do I change my name on the school records?

You must provide a copy of the legal document authorizing the name change (i.e. marriage license, court order) to the Law Records Office. When the change is made, it will be effective University-wide.

Do I need to notify the school of an employment change?

Yes. Please complete a new Employment Form and submit it to the Law Records Office whenever you change employment.

How do I obtain a Third Year Practice Certificate?

Students interested in obtaining a Third Year Certificate in Virginia should obtain an application form from the Law Records Office. The certificate requires that the student receive a passing grade in the following courses: Civil or Criminal Procedure; Criminal Law; Evidence; and Professional Responsibility. Additionally, a student must have completed approximately 2/3 of his/her legal education (59 credits for those graduating with 89 credits). Having met all of these requirements, the students may submit an application. It generally takes 1-3 weeks for the Certificate to be issued by the State Bar Association in Richmond.

How do I obtain a verification of my enrollment?

Students should fill out a request form, providing all relevant information and submit it to the Law Records Office. The letter will be prepared and placed in your student mailbox when ready.

Graduation

What are the requirements for graduation?

Academic work presented for the Juris Doctor degree must satisfy Academic Regulation 3-3:

  • a total of 89 credit hours of passing coursework (with a grade of D- or better).
  • fulfillment of the residence requirement (see AR 3-3.3)
  • a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.33 for all work taken for which a grade of A through F was awarded.
  • All required courses, including writing and experiential requirements.

Prior to the start of the final academic year, prospective graduates are provided with a graduation audit sheet showing their advancement toward graduation. This summary should be used to plan course selections for the final year of study.

How do I apply to graduate?

Early in the final semester, prospective graduates will be provided with an application to graduate. This application must be completed in its entirety and submitted by the stated deadline.

Do I have to fill out the graduation employment and university exit surveys?

Yes. This is part of the graduation application and must be completed. Information collected is used in an aggregate form for various reporting requirements.

When can I expect information regarding the graduation ceremony?

The Student Bar Association provides information about graduation events. A flyer regarding graduation procedures will be made available to prospective graduates in the February prior to graduation in May. Caps and gowns are ordered through the Mason Bookstore.

Registration and Class Schedules

Can I register for classes on the web?

Yes, you can register for classes, view your student account and check your financial aid status via PatriotWeb.

Can I take day classes if I am a night student?

Except for first year students who must stay within their division, students may register for classes outside their division when space is available.

When can I register for classes?

Each semester you are assigned a time ticket that will allow you to register using Patriot Web. Priority registration is given to students in their final year of study.

What classes will be offered each semester?

The Schedule of Classes and detailed registration information are posted to the Law School’s website as information becomes available. Changes/updates are made to the online schedule as they occur. Students can also look for specific course offerings on Patriot Web.

When can I add, drop or withdraw from classes?

Schedule adjustments can be made with no penalties during the first week of each term. Beyond the first week, please check the registration materials and the Academic Calendar for add/drop and withdrawal deadlines and penalties. After deadlines set for each semester students must withdraw from courses. All withdrawals will be recorded as a “W”, absent a waiver per Academic Regulation 3-6(b).

Transcripts

How do I order my law school transcript?

Current students and alumni with a graduation date of 1992 or later may use option 1 or 2 below for ordering a transcript. If you graduated before 1992, only option 2 below is available for ordering a transcript.

  1. The fastest way to obtain an electronic or paper copy of your law school transcript is to place your order online through Parchment, Inc. Current students can access Parchment through Patriot Web. Alumni should use the Parchment portal. There is a $10.00 fee for transcripts ordered through Parchment.
    • Note: If you would like your class rank on your transcript, before placing your order on Parchment, you must first email lwrecord@gmu.edu, and request that your rank be added to your transcript for your Parchment order. Once the rank is added, the Records Office will let you know, and then you can proceed with your Parchment order. If you need immediate attention adding the ranking, please call the Records Office at (703) 993-8015.
  2. Paper copies of transcripts can be requested from the Law Records Office by using a Transcript/Enrollment Verification form. Completed forms can be dropped off at the Records Office, emailed (lwrecord@gmu.edu), or faxed to (703) 993-8019. A copy of a photo ID is required for transcript requests by email or fax. Transcript requests submitted to the Records Office are usually processed within 2 business days. There is no fee for this service.
    • Note: The Records Office cannot provide electronic or faxed copies of transcripts. Electronic copies must be ordered through Parchment (see #1 above) and are only available for current students and alumni with a graduation date of 1992 or later.

Tuition

Is there a financial aid office at Mason Square?

George Mason University’s Office of Student Financial Aid is located on the Fairfax Campus and provides many services to assist students in financing their education. These services include financial counseling, referral, and financial assistance through loans. Counselors periodically visit Mason Square to make presentations and are available for walk-in appointments in the Law Records Office at the beginning of each regular semester. You may also call them at 703-993-2353 with questions or write to them at the following address:

Office of Student Financial Aid
George Mason University
MSN 3B5
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

When is tuition due?

Tuition is always due the first day of classes, regardless of payment method. Any payment made or received after a due date is subject to a late fee.

How do I pay my tuition?

Payment can be made via PatriotWeb using Mastercard or electronic check or by U.S. Mail to the Cashier’s Office, MSN 2E1, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. You should indicate your student ID number on any mailed payments. There is a convenience fee assessed for credit card payments. Payments made in person in the Law Records Office will be forwarded to the Cashier via campus mail.

How do I submit loan deferment forms for processing?

If your lender requires paper verification of your enrollment status, please submit the signed form to the Law Records Office for processing.

What are the current tuition rates?

Please check the registration materials available before the start of each semester to determine the current tuition charges.

What happens if I have a “hold” on my account?

Financial good standing and a university record clear of holds are required for students and alumni to receive academic services. Services, including, but not limited to, transcript issuance, diploma release, and class registration (add, drop, withdrawal, and such) will not be provided to students or alumni with a financial balance due or a hold of any kind on their record. Holds are based on outstanding obligations and may be financial. Examples include fines owed for traffic or parking violations, incomplete immunization records, fines owed to the Mason or consortium libraries, and other administrative holds.

Registration for law classes will not be canceled for non-payment. The last day to drop classes with no tuition penalty is the end of the first week of the semester. Check the Academic Calendar for specific dates each term.

Bar Exams/Certifications

What is required for the Virginia Bar application and certification?

The Virginia Bar requires two separate forms, with separate filing fees: the Character & Fitness questionnaire and the Bar Application. The questionnaire is extensive so students should not postpone working on it. A complete questionnaire, must accompany the Bar Application. Filing deadlines for February is December 15 and the filing deadline for the July exam is May 10. Students can access the required forms by visiting the Bar website at: www.vbbe.state.va.us with the exception of the fingerprint card, which can be obtained from the Law Records Office or the Bar directly.

Where can I get my fingerprints taken?

George Mason University Police, located in Room 110 of Van Metre Hall (formerly Founders), will provide fingerprinting for Scalia Law students free of charge.

I plan to take the bar in another state. Where do I get their information?

Each state has its own rules for admission to the bar and certain procedures for making application. Students considering other bars should plan ahead to determine the particular requirements of those states in which they have an interest. The Law Records Office prepares law school bar certifications for all jurisdictions but does not distribute application forms for any bars. Students should contact the appropriate state bar examiners for bar materials and must provide any required law school certification forms to the Law Records Office in sufficient time to meet filing deadlines. The General Bar Exam Information page provides general information on individual state bar requirements, including addresses and phone numbers.

What is the Virginia Bar School Code?

The Scalia Law School code for the Virginia Bar is 166.

Where can I get the MPRE application?

Applications and information on the MPRE can be found on their website: www.ncbex.org. Since the requirements for accepting an MPRE score vary from one jurisdiction to another, check with the board(s) of bar examiners in each jurisdiction to which you intend to apply before completing the application materials. Examination results will be sent to you and to one jurisdiction of your choice and will be kept on file with ACT in Iowa City, Iowa, should you require additional copies to be sent in the future.

Miscellaneous

Will I have a mail box at school?

Yes. Individual student mailboxes are set up in September after classes have begun. Each student enrolled will have a mailbox on the third floor. Please check them regularly for communications from student organizations, faculty and the administration.

How do I rent a locker?

The Student Bar Association rents student lockers for a minimal fee.

How do I know if a class is canceled?

For weather delays or closings, students can check the law school’s website or call the main law school switchboard at 703-993-8000.

When faculty need to cancel an individual class, attempts will be made to notify students via email in a timely manner. Notices will also be posted at the classroom entrance and in the Records Office.

When is Spring break?

Spring break generally occurs during the second full week of March. Please check the current academic calendar for this and other important dates.

Is there a Notary Public at the Law School?

Yes. As a service to law students, faculty and staff, there is a Notary in the Law Records Office. There is no fee for this service. Please send an email to lwrecord@gmu.edu to schedule a time for a notary appointment during our regular business hours. You will be required to bring a current photo ID with you to your appointment.