core beliefs and values

Oklahoma City University School of Law is guided by the following core beliefs and values:

academic excellence

We believe that a law school dedicated to excellence will enable each student to acquire the critical and analytical skills, broad base of knowledge, and capacity to communicate effectively required to be a responsible professional. We believe that the foundation for excellence in education is a rigorous curriculum that exposes students to both fundamental legal concepts and the various intellectual disciplines necessary for understanding law and its place in society; develops the skills of critical reading and discussion; requires extensive training in writing and speaking; and provides the opportunity both to study legal doctrines in depth and gain practical experiences in practicum and externship classes. A commitment to academic excellence includes a commitment by the faculty and the school to the faculty’s intellectual development, as manifested in scholarship, the development of innovative teaching materials and techniques, and other scholarly activities. Students must also commit themselves to the development of their intellectual capacities, as manifested in active class participation, research and writing, oral presentations in courtroom and other settings, and other academic activities.

personal & intensive attention

We believe that an excellent education can only be achieved if all members of the law school community take seriously the academic enterprise and are committed to providing a professional environment supporting the students’ educational development. Such a commitment requires the direct personal involvement of each member of the law school community in creating that supportive environment.

professionalism

We believe that a commitment to professionalism is an integral part of legal education. We seek to develop students’ intellectual abilities, to inculcate the values and work habits typically associated with responsible professionals, and to inspire professionally responsible behavior and decision making. We pursue these goals through instruction and training in professional responsibility, externship and practicum classes, participation in the mediation system, and the leadership of faculty, administration, and alumni. We seek to create a law school community in which every member consciously cultivates professional and ethical behavior.

service to the legal community

We believe that the law school provides service to the legal community and fosters justice and public service through scholarship, research, professional activities, and the creation of a rich intellectual environment disseminating knowledge about the law, legal process, and the legal system. We further believe that legal education requires that students sharpen their knowledge, develop their skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of the lawyer in society by participating in externships, mediations, and volunteer legal activities.

diversity of experience & viewpoint

We believe that legal education requires the consideration of a variety of views and the participation of both students and faculty with diverse backgrounds. We therefore seek to provide an opportunity for legal education to those who have the intellectual ability and personal potential for success in the practice of law, through a fair and non-discriminatory selection process. We seek to hire, promote, develop, and retain a diverse faculty and staff, supporting high standards of teaching and scholarship, in accordance with principles of non-discrimination.

student success and welfare

We believe that an important part of legal education is the acquisition of the non-academic knowledge, skills, and experience that provide a foundation for professional success. Our location in a state capital and regional business center provides unique opportunities for our students to participate in a vibrant legal community and develop the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in that community and elsewhere.