LLS | Commencement | Graduation Checklist

Graduation Checklist

In order to be eligible for the degree of Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, a student MUST complete each of the following requirements.

Please note: This checklist is intended as a summary and is accurate for most students -- but in some cases, exceptions or special circumstances apply. Your definitive source is the Student Handbook, and if you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

— I have completed the Required Courses with a grade of C- or higher.*

* The minimum passing grade is C-, with one exception (pertaining to those who entered as first year students in August 2005). Any student (entering as a first year student in August 2005) who, at the conclusion of the first year Day, or at the conclusion of the first year Evening or second year Evening, has a cumulative grade point average of 2.10 or lower and received a grade of C- in a first year required course (i.e., Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law I, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing, Property, and Torts). Must retake the course in the next semester that is available to that student.

The student must retake the course until he/she receives a grade of at least a C. (Reference should be made to the Student Handbook section on Repeating Courses, 5.8.)

— I have completed the Breadth Requirement (see Breadth Courses).

— I have completed the Upper Division Writing Requirement.

— I have completed at least 87 units.

At least 58 units must be completed at Loyola Law School, keeping within the maximum number of units permitted for pass/fail elections, externships, and directed research (see the JD Handbook, Sections 3.4 and 3.5).

— My GPA is at or above 2.0.

To check your GPA, log in to SWS.

— I have satisfied the Residence Requirement.

Day students must complete six full-time semesters.
Evening students must complete at least eight part-time semesters.
Summer terms do not count toward the residence requirement.
Transfer students should consult their admittance letter and the JD Handbook for their requirements.
Students participating in the 3.5 Program should consult their program acceptance letter and the JD Handbook for their requirements.

— I will complete all my degree requirements before the expiration of the Five-Year Rule.

For example, if I started law school in August of 2004 + 5 = 2009 -- the Five-Year rule expires at the end of Summer 2009.
For transfer students, "started" means the year in which you began your law degree at your prior school.

— I have completed my 40 hours of Pro Bono legal services.

Public Interest Law Department

— I do not have an outstanding balance on my Student Account.

Office of Student Accounts

— I have completed a Financial Aid Exit Interview.

— I have completed an Employment Survey, and (if required) an Exit Interview with the Office of Career Services.

Graduate Employment Surveys are sent to graduating students each term.
Students who have not yet secured some kind of post-graduate employment will be required to schedule an Exit Interview.

— I have completed my Registration for the Commencement Ceremony.

Online Registration for Commencement

— I have been properly admitted to the Law School.

Willful and material misrepresentation or nondisclosure concerning qualifications for admission to the Law School are sufficient grounds for denial or revocation of the Juris Doctor degree.

— I have notified the Office of the Registrar of any arrests, legal proceedings, bankruptcies, or other updates to my administrative files that may reflect on my moral character.

— I have NOT already taken a bar exam (any jurisdiction).

Any student who takes a bar examination before satisfactorily completing all requirements for the Juris Doctor degree will not be permitted to graduate.