Dictum 2024-02-05 (EN) | Faculty of Law

Word from the Dean

February is Black History Month. Equity, diversity and inclusion are priorities of the Common Law Section, and this month offers an important opportunity to recognize the contributions of the Black community to the legal profession and to share the resources and opportunities that foster an environment where every student can thrive.

I want to highlight the incredible work of Professor Julie Ada, The Allan Rock Visiting Professor for the Common Law Section. The Allan Rock Fund, dedicated to supporting Black law students, has been instrumental in fostering internships, fellowships, and mentorship programs. Professor Ada works to create an inclusive environment that supports the aspirations of every student within our Faculty. Last fall, she taught a new course on policy-based research projects relevant to racialized communities.

I also would like to thank Gladys Osien (LLB ‘19) for her ongoing leadership as Black Legal Mentor-in-Residence. Working with the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) to support their activities, she has provided support, connected with students, and brought more understanding of the ‘Black experience’ to administrators at the Faculty. Gladys also serves as Special Advisor to the Dean on EDI and has been an active and valued participant at the leadership table.

Looking ahead:

We will have panels throughout February on the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and business-owners; a celebration of Ottawa-Gatineau Hip Hop artists; the complexities of interconnected layers of identity within the Black community and, what should happen before and after Black History Month, particularly for the education system. See A deeper understanding for more info.
Celebrating Black student voices is a compilation of some lesser-known movers and shakers – and ones to watch for - who also demonstrate the diversity and creativity of our community.
Black Entrepreneurship and Justice Ecosystem Conference
We have other Resources and Opportunities for Black law students in the Common Law Section, on the webpage for Black Applicants.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 5 | 11:30 am - 12:50 pm | Virtual - Administrative Law & Governance Colloquium: “Executive Power"ernal link .. Registration required
Feb. 7 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | FTX 147 - JurisMentor Info Session. Registration required via The Source.
Feb. 7| 8 :30 am - 10 :00 am | FTX 133 - White North! Career Opportunities in Northern Canada | Target: All
Feb. 8 | 1:30 am - 12:50 pm | FTX 302 - The Shirley E. Greenberg Chair for Women and the Legal Profession Speaker Series. More details to come
Feb. 8 | 10:00 am - 12:50 pm | FTX 416 - Community Beading Circle: Red Dress Pin Workshop
Feb. 9 | 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm | FTX 302 - Information Session, The Ottawa Law Review (OLR) is currently recruiting Associate Editors for the 2024-2025 academic year
Feb. 11 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Coyote Rock Gym, 1737B St. Laurent Blvd - Climbing trip for uOttawa Law students, organized by the uOttawa Climbing Club
Feb. 12 | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Virtual - OLR Panel and Networking Session
Feb. 12 | 11:30 am - 12:50 pm | FTX 351 - Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics Seminar Series "Capacity to Consent & Advance Research Planning". More details to come
Feb. 14 | 11:30 am - 12:50 pm | FTX 351 - Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics Seminar Series "Psychedelics, PTSD, and Racial Trauma"
Feb. 14 | 11:30 am - 12:50 pm | FTX 351 - Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics Seminar Series. More details to come
Feb. 14 | 11:30 am- 1:00 pm| FTX 147 | Fellowship Information Session | Target :1L/2L/2of4/3of4
Feb. 14|11:30 am – 12:50 pm |Virtual, Zoom - ONCA & SCC Interview Preparation Session | Target: 2L/3L
Feb. 15 | 7:30 am - 8:30 am| Virtual, Zoom - London Job Offer Call Day Support | Target: 1L/2L
Feb. 15 | 10:00 am – 12:50 pm | FTX 416 - Community Beading Circle.
Feb. 21 | 11:30 am – 12:50 pm | FTX 351 | Virtual - Conway Professionalism Speaker Series: AI Hype and the Justice Gap. Learn more and register via the link.
Feb. 21 | 11:30 am – 12:50 pm | FTX 302 - The Shirley E. Greenberg Chair for Women and the Legal Profession Speaker Series. More details to come.
Feb. 21 | 11:30 am – 12:50 pm | Hybrid - Law Practice Program Open House. Target: 3rd | Registration required.

Please visit the website for a complete list of upcoming events.

Important dates

Jan. 29 to April 10, 2024: Winter term courses.

Feb. 6, 2024: January term final grades will be approved and posted online (by 4:00 pm).
Feb. 13, 2024: Last day to withdraw from a course or an activity and receive financial credit (less administrative fees).
Feb. 19, 2024: Family Day.

Feb. 21, 2024: Last day to submit a registration form for the Major Paper Requirement for the Winter term.
Feb. 22, 2024: Last day to submit a grade review for a final exam for the January session. For information about reviewing grades and appeals, consult academic regulations.
March 5 to 8, 2024: Deferred exam period for Fall courses.
March 5 to 8, 2024: Deferred exam period for January courses.

March 5 to 10, 2024: Reading week.

March 15 2024 : Career Connections 2024: Adapt & Rise

Please visit the website for a complete list of important dates and deadlines.

Opportunities

Academic

Foot Patrol

Students are reminded that the University of Ottawa Student Union operates a volunteer Foot Patrol service to accompany students who walk or use transit Monday to Thursday from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm and Friday from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am. For further information or to book with Foot Patrol, please visit the Foot Patrol web pageexternal link.

Mental Health & Wellness Counsellor

The Common Law Section has a dedicated Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor who is a member of the Counselling Services staff and is available to provide counselling services to Common Law students at Fauteux Hall.

When you contact Counselling Services, you will be initially scheduled for a brief mental health intake appointment (virtually or in-person at the SHWC in Minto) with an intake officer to discuss your mental health concerns and needs. The initial intake appointment is a first step to accessing counselling. From there, you will be directed to our dedicated counsellor and/or referred to other appropriate services on or off-campus that are best suited to your needs.

To schedule a mental health intake appointment with an intake officer, please telephone 613-562-5498, visit the Student Health and Wellness Centre in person (801 King Edward Ave., Room N203 on the 2nd floor) or follow the online booking instructions available on the UpPatientexternal link app.

Common Law Student Centre

The Common Law Student Centre is your first stop for all student inquiries regarding program requirements, policies and procedures, registration, courses, exams, accommodations, equity and academic success, financial aid and career and professional development.

You can contact the Common Law Student Centre by email, by phone 613-562-5800 ext. 7158, or in person at Fauteux Hall (room 237). You can also access their virtual line system (QLess)external link and choose the option that best suits your needs. Please consult the Student Centre webpage for their office hours.

Regular academic advisement appointments are also available on The Sourceexternal link.