Academic Policies

Academic Policies Guide

This guide describes the procedures and rules that will ordinarily govern academic and student life at the New York University School of Law.

No effort has been made, nor could one be made, to anticipate all issues that might arise in the course of the academic career of all students.

These procedures and rules may be amended from time to time by the Law School Administration, Law School committees, or the faculty of the Law School.

The rules and procedures in the handbook may also be superseded, suspended, or complemented by the Law School or University administrators as they may deem it necessary and proper, in particular extenuating circumstances, in the discharge of their responsibility to protect the Law School’s academic objectives and reputation, including its learning environment and the safety of its students, faculty and staff.

Nothing in this handbook is intended to create, nor shall anything be understood to create, contractual or legally enforceable rights.

Honors and Awards

Honors

New York University School of Law does not rank students and does not maintain records of cumulative averages for its students. For the specific purpose of awarding scholastic honors, however, unofficial cumulative averages are calculated by the Office of Records and Registration. The office is specifically precluded by faculty rule from publishing the averages and no record thereof will appear upon any transcript issued. In addition, the Office of Records and Registration may not verify the results of a student’s endeavor to define their own cumulative average or class rank, including confirmation to prospective employers. Only grades posted by May 31 will be considered when calculating grade point average for Scholars, the Order of Coif, and Latin honors. This deadline may be extended by the Vice Dean only if grades for an entire class have not yet been submitted.

Order of the Coif 

The Order of the Coif is a national society established to honor those law students who have attained high academic distinction in the study of law. The Order of the Coif takes its name and traditions from the ancient English organization of lawyers permitted to appear in the courts.  Under the national constitution of the modern Order, membership is limited to those members of the graduating class whose GPA places them in the top 10% of the senior class. In order to be eligible for membership in the Order of the Coif, a graduating student must have completed at least 75% of their law studies in graded courses at NYU School of Law. 

Scholars

At the end of the first year, as soon as spring grades are available, the ten students with the top cumulative grades from the first year will be designated as Pomeroy Scholars.¹

Following the first four semesters registered in the Law School (equivalent to a minimum of 54 law credits), the following designations will be made. These honors are not available to students who transferred to NYU School of Law in their second year.

• The ten students with the top cumulative grades after four semesters will be designated as Butler Scholars.¹
• The top 10% of students based on their cumulative four semester averages (other than Butler Scholars) will be designated as Florence Allen Scholars.¹
• The top 25% of students based on their cumulative four semester averages (other than Butler and Allen Scholars) will be designated as Robert McKay Scholars.¹
   

¹These designations were introduced beginning with the Class of 1999.

Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude

The following honors are awarded each year to members of the graduating class:

• Cum laude: to graduates whose grade point average places them in the top 25% of their class. 
• Magna cum laude: to graduates whose grade point average places them in the top 10% of their class.
• Summa cum laude: to the very few students (if any in a particular year) who, in the judgment of the Executive Committee, have compiled a truly outstanding academic record.

Prizes

The following prizes and honors will be listed on transcripts:

• Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude Graduation
• Order of the Coif
• Convocation Awards
• Staff and editorial positions of these organizations:
• Annual Survey of American Law
• Environmental Law Journal
• Journal of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law
• Journal of International Law and Politics
• Journal of Law and Business
• Journal of Law and Liberty
• Journal of Legislation and Public Policy
• Law Review
• Moot Court
• Review of Law and Social Change

Residency Requirements

Rules of the American Bar Association, the New York State Court of Appeals, other state high courts, and the Law School itself all require regular classroom attendance. Students are advised that excessive absenteeism can result without warning in:

1. grade lowering or
2. denial of permission to complete course work and/or sit for the exam or receipt of a grade of WD (withdrawn) or FAB (failed for absence).

Missing more than one-fifth of classes is presumptively excessive. Any student who finds himself or herself at risk of missing more than one-fifth of classes for any course should immediately speak with the instructor and/or Dean of Students. Please note that these rules supersede the policy that a student may drop a course up until the last day of the class without receiving a WD on their transcript.

Faculty members may establish a higher standard of regular attendance than that described above, and may also take this higher standard of attendance, class participation, and the quality of class performance into account in determining the student’s grade as long as the faculty member has, during the first week of classes, announced an intention to do so or has included that intention in the syllabus or other class materials distributed in the first week of class.

The student’s obligation to be in regular attendance derives both from faculty rule and the rule of state bar examiners. As a prerequisite to a student’s admission to the bar, the Dean must certify to state boards of law examiners that the student has been in regular attendance. The Law School must be the student’s principal commitment during each semester. Extensive employment is disfavored because of its tendency to interfere with the student’s academic life at the Law School. In no event may a student devote more than 20 hours in any week to such employment during the semester.

JD students must complete six full-time semesters within five years of their initial registration at and through the Law School unless extended or modified by the Vice Dean or vote of the Executive Committee, consistent with ABA and Court rules. This requirement is a prerequisite to receipt of the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Certification of attendance and graduation is a prerequisite for admission to the bar examination.

LLM students must complete their degree requirements within five years of their initial registration at and through the Law School unless extended or modified through the Vice Dean or vote of the Executive Committee. This requirement is a prerequisite to receipt of the Master of Laws (LLM) degree. If the LLM is needed for bar eligibility, certification of attendance and graduation is a prerequisite for admission to the bar examination. Further, note that if the LLM is needed for New York bar eligibility, the rules of the New York Court of Appeals require the degree to be completed within two years.

Students will not be registered for courses with overlapping times. This is against the attendance policies of the ABA and the Court of Appeals.

Graduation

JD

Certification for Bar Examination

It is the student’s responsibility to complete all work and meet all graduation requirements. Unless an extension is granted by the Vice Dean’s office in consultation with the faculty member, students must complete incomplete work from prior semesters no later than May 1st of their final semester. Students must complete all work from their final semester by the last day of the exam period. All grades must be entered by the University Registrar’s Office before a student can be certified to take the Bar Examination.

It is the student’s responsibility until the date of the Bar Examination to update all contact information on Albert (e.g., address, phone number, etc.). We must be able to contact you if questions arise.

A student who, at the time of graduation, is financially obligated to the University for tuition, housing (including summer housing after the final semester), library, or other services, or who are not in compliance with University Health Center immunization requirements, will have a “HOLD” placed on their account, will not be cleared for graduation, be certified for state bar examinations, have official transcripts issued, or have a diploma issued until all arrears have been paid. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all accounts are cleared and all Stops/Holds are removed.

LLM

Graduation Eligibility

Please note that you are not responsible for applying for graduation, but you are responsible for making sure that you fulfill all requirements prior to graduation. Neither the Records Office nor the Office of Graduate Affairs is able to monitor the transcripts or curricular choices of every student. Prior to registration for your final term, it is your responsibility to review these requirements to ensure that you will have satisfied all of them. It is highly advisable to have the requirements in mind as you make your course selections. If you have questions about requirements, please contact the Office of Graduate Affairs.

Certification for Bar Examination

It is the student’s responsibility to complete all work and meet all graduation requirements. Unless an extension is granted by the Vice Dean’s office in consultation with the faculty member, students must complete incomplete work from prior semesters no later than May 1 of their final semester. Students must complete all work from their final semester by the last day of the exam period. All grades must be entered by the University Registrar’s Office before a student can be certified to take the bar examination.

It is the student’s responsibility until the date of the bar examination to update all contact information on Albert (e.g., address, phone number, etc.). We must be able to contact you if questions arise.

A student who, at the time of graduation, is financially obligated to the University for tuition, housing (including summer housing after the final semester), library (fines of $100.00 or more or lost books), or other services, or who is not in compliance with University Health Center immunization requirements, will have a “HOLD” placed on their account, will not be cleared for graduation, will not be certified for state bar examinations, will not have official transcripts issued, nor have a diploma issued until all arrears have been paid. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all accounts are cleared and all Stops/Holds are removed. For specific inquiries on the bar examination, review the information posted online in the Bar Exams section of the Records and Registration website.

Transcripts

Transcript Request

Requests for Student Records may be obtained by completing the Student Record Request form. To request a Transcript please use the "Secure PDF Electronic Transcript" link, listed below, whichoffers a no-fee paper option via the National Student Clearing House.

Requests for official transcripts require the authorization of the student or alumni requesting the transcript.

New York University issues transcripts in two formats:

• Signed and sealed paper transcript (no fee) - Please note this option is currently unavailable; Please use the "Secure PDF Electronic Transcript link, listed directly below, which also offers a no-fee paper option via the National Student Clearing House
• Secure PDF electronic transcript ($3.25 processing fee)

Instructions for Students who Attended After 2001 and Have a Valid NetID

If you attended NYU after 2001 and are able to access NYUHome/Albert, you can request an official paper or electronic transcript from the Albert Student Center. The Request official transcript link can be found under the My Academics section of Albert Student Center.

Link to Request Official Transcripts

Tip: Before you complete your request, check to ensure that all your grades have been posted. If you are a recent graduate, also check to ensure that your degree has been posted. You can view all posted grades and ensure that your degree has been recorded by viewing your unofficial transcript.

Instructions for Students who Attended Before 2001, are Unable to Access NYUHome/Albert or do not Have a NetID

A transcript may be requested in writing by either completing the form available in the Records Office, by faxing a signed letter to (212) 995-4523, or by email to Records and Registration with a pdf attachment including the information below. You may also send a signed letter to:

Office of Records and Registration
245 Sullivan Street, Ste. 400
New York, NY 10012

You must include all of the following information:

1. Social Security or Student ID Number
2. Current Name and any name under which you attended NYU
3. Current Address
4. Date of Birth
5. School of the University attended and for which you are requesting the transcript
6. Dates of Attendance
7. Date of Graduation
8. Full Name and Address of the person or institution to which the transcript is to be sent

Electronic Transcripts

Students and Alumni now have the option of requesting Official Electronic Transcripts. E-transcripts are available for current students on Albert and directly from the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC)

Emergency Transcripts

If you are in need of a transcript immediately, the StudentLink Center, located at 383 Lafayette Street, 1st floor, can process emergency transcripts. Only 3 transcripts will be granted per student.

Unofficial Transcripts

Students who have access to NYUHome/Albert are able to download Unofficial Transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are available at the NYU site by using your netID and password. Generally, a netID is discontinued if not used after a month's time for security purposes which you can reactivate online. You can learn your netID assigned to you by using your University ID (begins with "N") and date of birth through the NYU home page or by submitting a formal signed request to the address above or to Records and Registration. For more information regarding netIDs and passwords, please visit the NYU NetID page.

Holds/Stops

Transcripts cannot be produced for anyone whose record has been put on hold for an outstanding University obligation.

Plan Ahead

Make your transcript requests early and be sure to follow the instructions on this page.

Transfer and Articulation Agreements

At the discretion of the Vice Dean, a candidate for the LLM degree may be allowed to transfer credit for courses taken at another institution if:

1. the courses were taken as graduate courses at a law school accredited by the Section of Legal Education of the American Bar Association or an equivalent non-US school;
2. the courses were taken after the candidate received their  first degree in law;
3. the courses were completed with a grade point average of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale); and
4. the candidate received no credit for these courses toward any other degree.

Grades from courses taken at another institution or other divisions of NYU are not used in computing grade point averages.

University regulations require every candidate to complete 16 credit hours in residence at the NYU School of Law in order to qualify for the LLM degree. In addition, Law School regulations require a student to successfully complete the minimum number of in-field credits required for such student’s degree program.

Subject to the foregoing limitations, transfer credit can be obtained for work done either before or after a student’s initial matriculation at the Law School. If a presently enrolled student plans to take a course at another school for transfer credit, the course must be directly related to the study of law in order for credit to be applied towards the LLM degree. Few courses in other disciplines can meet this standard. The student should consult with the Office of Graduate Affairs about their plans before registering for the course.

Grading

Academic Standing and Progress

JD Division

General Requirements

• Credit requirements
• Class Attendance and Residence Requirements
• Time Allowed for Completing Degree Requirements
• Leave of Absence/Requirement of Continuous Registration

Program Requirements

• Full-time Status
• Required Courses
• Overall Caps (Including Adjunct Credit Cap)
• Regularly Scheduled Class Sessions (at the Law School)
• Non-Classroom Credit Caps

Academic Progress

• Required grades for graduation
• Grades of F-Failure, Re-Registration and Substitution
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Dismissal for Academic Reasons
• Certification for the Bar Examination

Non-Classroom Credits

• Directed Research
• Fellowships
• Journals and Moot Court Board
• Research Assistantships
• Teaching Assistantships

Cross-Registration and Dual Degree Programs

• Columbia Law School/NYU School of Law Exchange
• Dual Degree Programs
• Language Courses in the College of Arts and Science
• Other Divisions at the University
• Stern School of Business Preferential Courses

Letters of Concern and Warning

Each semester, the Office of the Vice Dean reviews the records of students in academic difficulty. At the discretion of the Vice Dean, letters of concern may be sent to those students informing them that the Law School expects improvement in academic performance in the future semesters. Letters of warning may be sent to students whom the Vice Dean deems to be in academic difficulty of a more serious nature indicating the necessity for immediate remedial action. Receipt of a letter of concern or warning does not constitute academic probation.

Dismissal for Academic Reasons

A student may be dismissed for academic reasons only by the faculty members of the Executive Committee. The basic standard used by the Executive Committee in determining the question of academic dismissal is the likelihood of the student’s failing to meet the graduation requirements in the normal number of semesters. A student who has accumulated a sufficient number of F, uncompensated D, or INC grades to indicate that he or she is not reasonably able to meet the graduation requirements in six full-time semesters without exceeding the 15 credit per semester maximum will be dismissed, unless extraordinary reasons are shown for extending the time period.

Further in determining academic dismissal the Executive Committee will also consider the limits set forth in the section above entitled “Re-registration and Substitution."

Required Grades for Graduation

The Law School does not count toward the credits needed for graduation more than 8 hours of uncompensated D grades. In order to be counted, D grades in excess of 8 hours must be compensated for by grades of B or better. One hour of B compensates for one hour of D; one hour of B+ compensates for one-and-a-half hours of D; one hour of A- or A compensates for 2 hours of D.

D grades accumulated during the student’s first semester of Law School are not included in D grades for which there must be compensation, but A, A-, B+, and B grades for the first semester can compensate for D grades earned thereafter.

Grades of F-Failure, Re-Registration and Substitution

• A student cannot graduate without having obtained a grade of D or better in all required courses.
• Students who fail a required course must re-register for the course.
• Students who fail an elective course may re-register for the course, or substitute the lost credits by registering for another elective course.
• A full-time student who registers for a failed or substitute course during a following semester, and who does not exceed the cap on total credits earned while at the Law School (90 credits over six semesters), may pay the flat tuition fee for that semester, provided however, that a student who registers for a failed or substitute course during a seventh or later semester must pay tuition for the course on a per credit basis.
• Once a grade has been entered, it cannot be changed by the instructor unless the instructor certifies in writing that a mechanical error was made in computing the component parts of the examination into the final grade or in transcribing the grade onto the course report sheet. Under University rule grades may not be changed for any reason after the student has graduated.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

All students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. For JD students, satisfactory academic progress is understood to mean:

• Completion of the required first-year curriculum during the first year of enrollment with a grade of D or better in all courses, and no more than eight (8) credit hours of “uncompensated” D grades in the Spring semester.
• Thereafter, completion (with a grade of D or better and no more than eight hours of “uncompensated” D grades) of sufficient credits of course work in each semester to allow for accumulation of a total of at least 83 (or if applicable 82) credits including 30 accumulated in the first year by the end of the third year. A minimum of 12 credits must be completed each semester. (Completion of courses requiring papers is subject to the rules regarding the grade of “INC".)
• Leaves of absence or other exceptions to the rules regarding satisfactory progress may be granted only by a Dean or the Executive Committee. A student who takes an approved leave of absence will be considered to be making satisfactory progress, assuming that student is otherwise doing so. Letters of Concern and Warning Each semester, the Office of the Vice Dean reviews the records of students in academic difficulty. At the discretion of the Vice Dean, letters of concern may be sent to those students informing them that the Law School expects improvement in academic performance in the future semesters. Letters of warning may be sent to students whom the Vice Dean deems to be in academic difficulty of a more serious nature indicating the necessity for immediate remedial action. Receipt of a letter of concern or warning does not constitute academic probation.

LLM

Requirement of Continuous Registration/Leave of Absence

Every candidate for the LLM degree must be in continuous attendance by successfully completing at least one course each semester (excluding the summer session), unless a leave of absence is granted before the start of the semester by the Dean of Students. Leaves of absence are granted only for adequate reason and only to students who are in good academic standing. Students who have not completed their first term at the School of Law are not eligible for a leave of absence. Such students may request withdrawal only, and will be required to reapply to the School of Law in the event they wish to return. A maintenance of matriculation and services fee is charged for each semester a student is on leave of absence.

A leave of absence does not extend the five-year period allotted for obtaining the LLM degree. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs for detailed information.

Change of Status

In rare cases, LLM students may change their status from full-time to part-time or part-time to full-time. Newly accepted students must petition the Office of Graduate Admissions; continuing students must petition the Office of Graduate Affairs. For part-time students, tuition rates will be assessed on a per credit basis, and students should consult the Office of Financial Services for information on the financial implications of a change.

Change of Program

If you wish to change your program, you must submit a petition via e-mail to the Office of Graduate Affairs to initiate this process. You may only transfer from the program to which you have been admitted into another program with the approval of the Director of the program into which you want to transfer. Following the end of the add/drop period for the Spring semester, requests for a change of program by full-time students will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and with the consent of the Faculty Director and the Vice Dean. Requests for change of program by part-time students who have already completed 12 credits will also only be considered in exceptional circumstances and with the consent of the program Director and Vice Dean.

Grading

Please refer to  Grading System and Academic Standards  for detailed information

Credit/Fail Exception for LLM Students

*LLM students are not permitted to elect to take classes on a credit/fail basis.*

Non-Classroom Activities for LLM students (Journals, Moot Courts, Teaching and Research Assistantships)

Credits earned during the relatively short span of the LLM are to focus on classroom work. Graduate students are not eligible to receive academic credit for participation in Journals or moot courts. Students who participate in Journals will receive a notation on their transcripts.

Graduate students are not eligible for teaching assistantships. Faculty members may offer LLM students the opportunity to work as research assistants for monetary compensation or, if the professor deems it appropriate based on the nature of the work, for academic credit. For further details, review the information on serving as a research assistant for faculty.

Academic Progress

Please refer to Graduate Division: Academic Progress for further details. Topics covered include:

• LLM Required Grade Point Average
• LLM Re-Registration and Substitution
• Letters of Concern and Warning
• Dismissal for Academic Reasons

Auditing

With the permission of the instructor and subject to such conditions as the instructor may impose, a student may audit a course.

For any advanced Taxation course with an online component, such as “combined,” “parallel,” or “online-only” courses, students who wish to audit must officially register for the course on an audit basis. Please note: part-time, certificate and Executive LLM in Taxation students who register for any such course on an audit basis will be charged tuition and fees for each course.

Courses that are closed (filled) may not be audited. Auditing courses is considered “unofficial,” and students:

• do not enroll in those courses,
• do not take examinations in those courses, and
• do not write papers for those courses.

Audited courses do not appear on the student’s transcript. Please note that graduate students may not audit JD-only courses.

Tax Law Courses (for Students in Other Specializations)

An LLM student who is not enrolled in the Graduate Tax program may not register for more than a total of eight credits of courses in Taxation. Full-time LLM students may not register for online courses offered as part of the Law School’s Executive LLM in Taxation Program except in exigent circumstances. Part-time students may register for a limited number of credits of online courses; foreign-educated students should be aware that online classes are not considered professional law courses for purposes of qualifying to sit for the New York Bar and that they may cause visa issues.

Graduation Eligibility

Please note that you are not responsible for applying for graduation, but you are responsible for making sure that you fulfill all requirements prior to graduation. Neither the Records Office nor the Office of Graduate Affairs is able to monitor the transcripts or curricular choices of every student. Prior to registration for your final term, it is your responsibility to review these requirements to ensure that you will have satisfied all of them. It is highly advisable to have the requirements in mind as you make your course selections. If you have questions about requirements, please contact the Office of Graduate Affairs.

Certification for Bar Examination

It is the student’s responsibility to complete all work and meet all graduation requirements. Unless an extension is granted by the Vice Dean’s office in consultation with the faculty member, students must complete incomplete work from prior semesters no later than May 1 of their final semester. Students must complete all work from their final semester by the last day of the exam period. All grades must be entered by the University Registrar’s Office before a student can be certified to take the bar examination.

It is the student’s responsibility until the date of the bar examination to update all contact information on Albert (e.g., address, phone number, etc.). We must be able to contact you if questions arise.

A student who, at the time of graduation, is financially obligated to the University for tuition, housing (including summer housing after the final semester), library (fines of $100.00 or more or lost books), or other services, or who is not in compliance with University Health Center immunization requirements, will have a “HOLD” placed on their account, will not be cleared for graduation, will not be certified for state bar examinations, will not have official transcripts issued, nor have a diploma issued until all arrears have been paid. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all accounts are cleared and all Stops/Holds are removed. For specific inquiries on the bar examination, review the information posted online in the Bar Exams section of the Records and Registration website.

JSD Program

Time to Complete Degree

JSD students have a maximum of five years in which to complete their degree. Eligibility for the JSD degree terminates after five years.

Maintenance of Matriculation

All students must maintain full-time equivalency during the entire duration of the JSD degree program. Following the completion of all coursework requirements during the first and second year of the JSD program, the JSD Office registers students for “Maintenance of Matriculation,” a registration code which enables candidates to maintain access to University resources through degree completion. Maintenance of Matriculation and fees are covered by the Tuition Scholarship through the fifth year. After the fifth year, candidates are responsible for all tuition and fees, including Maintenance of Matriculation fees.

Leave of Absence

Typically, no leaves of absence is granted during a student or candidate’s time in the program. In rare occasions, should a personal circumstance arise for such a leave, the student should submit a formal request to the Chair of the JSD Program who will decide on its merits.

The JSD Committee will only consider requests for leave of absence for health related reasons if they are accompanied by formal medical documentation

In case of child birth or adoption, a student\candidate is allowed up to a full year of parental leave of absence. This leave will not be counted towards the 5 years completion limit

Withdrawals

A withdrawal does not extend the five-year period allotted for obtaining the JD, LLM, or MS CRS degree or the four-year period allotted for the Tax Certificate.

If your withdrawal request is approved, you will receive a letter via email and regular mail explaining the necessary next steps after withdrawing (such as contacting Financial Services or Law School Housing if you are a recipient of either).

Standards of Conduct

Disciplinary Measures

Redress of Grievances

Student Complaints Implicating Compliance with ABA Standards

Ombudsperson

Vice Dean Randy Hertz is the ombudsperson of the Law School and entertains queries and complaints in writing dealing with the ABA’s accreditation standards, the University or Law School policy, classes or personnel. The Vice Dean may enlist the assistance of another office of the Law School or University in addressing the particular inquiry. When the Vice Dean is unable to address an issue, he or she may designate a Faculty member. If the Vice Dean has a conflict, the Dean will designate a Faculty member.  Students may submit complaints in writing to the Office of Academic Services in person in Furman Hall, Suite 400 or via email to law.acadservices@nyu.edu. Complaints will be forwarded to the Vice Dean for review and resolution. The Law School maintains a record of student complaints submitted during the most recent accreditation period, which includes the resolution of the complaint. Such records will be maintained by the Office of Academic Services.