OU Law Hosts Section Release Party for Incoming 1Ls

On June 29, Dean Joe Harroz opened his home to incoming first-year students for the inaugural Section Release Party. Incoming students typically find out their sections right before schools starts, during orientation. Susan Wilson, director of admissions, said that the faculty and staff decided it would be more meaningful to have an event in the summer.

“We typically have to wait until August for them to get here,” Assistant Dean Scott Palk said. “We simply did not want to wait! We wanted to get them here early so they could all meet each other.”

The event was initiated to make the transition into law school more communal and less intimidating. Students embraced the opportunity to meet their new classmates. One traveled from as far as California. Another postponed her wedding rehearsal dinner.

“One of the most attractive things about OU Law is the sense of community and camaraderie among the students,” said Palk. “This is a great way to kick off the year.”

With Big Truck Tacos serving up custom tacos and Eskimo Sno offering freshly shaved snow cones, the party allowed students to mingle with their new classmates and mentors in a festive atmosphere. The four sections were announced at the event by giving the students different colored tank tops. Each color represented a different section.

“I have had an awesome experience so far. The administration here at OU Law has been so welcoming,” said first-year student Nicole Ajeh. “The culture is amazing.”

Many of the students’ concerns were put to ease by faculty and staff.

“The faculty has been wonderful and helpful. They’ve been really understanding of the first-year requirements, the fears, the tribulations and the anxieties, “ said first-year student Chaz Inez.

As summer comes to a close, OU Law faculty and staff continue to prepare for a great fall semester.

“We are really excited about our first-year class,” Palk said. “It’s such an outstanding group.”