Current JD Students

International & Civil Law Study

Third-year students have the opportunity to take an approved program of legal studies at an international law school or a civil law school within Canada. The upper-year international requirement can be completed by an international exchange for one academic term if approved by the Associate Dean. The most logical term for exchange is the fall term of third year, when no mandatory courses are scheduled.

Once approved for exchange, you must obtain approval from the Assistant Dean, Student Services on your proposed courses. Submit the course outlines/descriptions for each proposed course, as well as the number of units each course is worth, by email at least five business days prior to the course registration deadline at the intended institution.

• You must register for the equivalent of 12 UCalgary units per term, to a maximum of 18 units.
• You must return to UCalgary to participate in Law 602: Advocacy in January.
• Information for international study can be found with the Study Abroad Office
• Check out opportunities for financial assistance

Non-Law Courses

You may claim up to 9 credit hours towards your JD for courses taken outside the law school during your second and third years, with the approval of the Assistant Dean, Student Services. Courses must be at a 400-level or higher and must significantly add to your understanding of law and the legal system. Courses must not involve a subject that can be taken at UCalgary Law.

Non-law courses from UCalgary count towards GPA calculations; non-law courses from other institutions do not.

Study Outside UCalgary

You may take law courses for credit at another Canadian law school or abroad during the equivalent of spring or summer sessions, with the approval of the Associate Dean.

You may register for directed research during spring or summer sessions, with the approval of the Associate Dean and with the support of an individual instructor.

Third-year students may go on a Letter of Permission for one term or one year to another Canadian common law school and still earn a JD from UCalgary. You will be required to complete the required courses and requirements for the second and third years, and you must attend the block courses at the beginning of the winter terms. Approval from the Assistant Dean, Student Services is required.

Progression through the JD program

• Student must achieve “satisfactory performance” in all first-year courses, which means a minimum grade of C- in a course grade on the 12-band scale, and a grade of CR in a course graded on CR/D/F basis.
• Students may be required to achieve satisfactory performance in specific elements of required courses, in particular Foundations in Law and Justice I and II, and Legislation.
• The exact requirements to progress from the first year of the JD program are set out in the Faculty Regulations.
• Upper-year students must achieve satisfactory performance in each required course and the three required elements.

Kerry Dyte, QC Student Assistance Fund

The Kerry Dyte Q.C. Student Assistance Fund is available for all law students. The purpose behind the Kerry Dyte fund is to provide law students with access to emergency assistance. Students can access up to $5,000 upon demonstration of financial need as a result of an unexpected/unforeseen situation, such as travel expenses for family illness or bereavement, tuition support, or medical and dental expenses.

Applications for funding can be made to Angela Gallo-Dewar (agallode@ucalgary.ca), Assistant Dean, Student Services, and will be granted at the dean's discretion.

Student Conference Funding

The Faculty of Law has some limited funds to support students wishing to attend and/or present at conference that is related to their legal studies.

Applications can be made to Angela Gallo-Dewar, Assistant Dean, Academic & Student Services at agallode@ucalgary.ca.

Application should include:

• Conference name and agenda
• Location and date
• Reason for attendance
• If you're an attendee or a presenter
• Budget to attend

The amount to a pre-determined maximum will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the following:

• Destination
• Cost to attend
• Whether you are presenting or not
• Applicability to your legal studies
• Previous conference support
• Availability of funding

Funds will be deposited after your return, upon submission of sufficient receipts to cover the grant, and proof of attendance, including the agenda.

A short report on the conference and your experience is also required. This need not be more than one page in length.

Shell Experiential Energy Learning (SEEL) Program Activities Fund

The Shell Experiential Energy Learning (SEEL) Program provides funding to University of Calgary undergraduates in all disciplines for field trips, conferences, special projects and other activities focused on sustainable energy, environment and economy.

The SEEL Program enhances the hands-on learning experience for individual undergraduates and undergrad student clubs and organizations. Sponsored by Shell Canada, administered by the University of Calgary and with applications judged by students. The SEEL Program is part of Shell's Campus Ambassador Program (CAP).