First-year students at KU Law may begin their studies in either the summer or fall. Approximately one third of the students in each year's entering class begin their studies in the summer.
The Summer Start Program consists of two consecutive five-week sessions beginning the third week of May and concluding at the end of July. Each class offered during the summer session meets 80 minutes a day, five days a week, including Memorial Day.
Summer starters may choose to participate in the Accelerated Program, completing their degree in two full academic years (60 credits) and three summer sessions (30 credits). Participation in the Accelerated Program is optional.
The Summer Start Program is open to all admitted students. Students who are working professionally and students who graduate at least three weeks prior to the start date are encouraged to consider the Summer Start Program.
Greater flexibility - All first year students are required to take 29 hours during the fall and spring semesters. Summer starters acquire 37 credit hours toward graduation by the end of the spring semester. If a summer starter chooses to continue at the traditional pace and attend law school for three academic years (six semesters) he or she only has to complete 53 additional hours. (A minimum of 12 hours per semester is required.) Thus, it is possible to take additional courses prior to graduation or proceed toward graduation at a more leisurely pace after the first year.
Greater comfort level - Many summer starters have a greater comfort level when they undertake fall courses. They have already taken four classes and four final exams. In addition, they have acquired a familiarity with the law school and its faculty.
Concentration on fewer courses - Starting in the summer allows students to concentrate exclusively on two subjects during the initial months of legal education. Given the relative complexity of legal training, some may prefer this concentrated focus at the beginning to a fall semester start during which one must attend five classes and take five final exams.
Smaller class size - The summer class size is smaller, permitting greater interaction among students and between students and faculty members.
Accelerated Program - Summer starters who choose to participate in the Accelerated Program and graduate early benefit from reduced living costs and less income sacrificed during law school. Accelerating can limit course selection and make it more difficult to schedule the appropriate sequencing of courses to meet prerequisites for upper level courses.