American Bar Association Academic Support Standard

Standard 303. ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND ACHIEVEMENT.  

(a) A law school shall have and adhere to sound academic standards, including clearly defined standards for good standing and graduation.  

(b) A law school shall monitor students' academic progress and achievement from the beginning of and periodically throughout their studies.  

(c) A law school shall not continue the enrollment of a student whose inability to do satisfactory work is sufficiently manifest so that the student's continuation in school would inculcate false hopes, constitute economic exploitation, or detrimentally affect the education of other students.  

Interpretation 303-1:
Scholastic achievement of students shall be evaluated by examinations of suitable length and complexity, papers, projects, or by assessment of performances of students in the role of lawyers. (August 2004)  

Interpretation 303-2:
A law school shall provide academic advising to students to communicate effectively to them the school's academic standards and graduation requirements and guidance regarding course selection and sequencing. Academic advising should include assisting each student with planning a program of study consistent with that student's goals. (August 2004)  

Interpretation 303-3:
A law school shall provide the academic support necessary to assure each student a satisfactory opportunity to complete the program, graduate, and become a member of the legal profession. This obligation may require a school to create and maintain a formal academic support program. (August 2004)  

Posted on Friday, December 22, 2006