USC Law Holds Graduation Fair

3Ls prepare for May 15 ceremony

—By Lori Craig

Commencement may be months away, but third-year students have questions — about the Class Gift, loan repayment, the commencement ceremony itself — that need answering now.

To help, Student Bar Association President Aly Parker created the first annual USC Law Graduation Fair, held Feb. 24 in the East Lobby of the law school.

Representatives from the offices of Financial Aid, Career Services, Student Services, Development and Graduate Relations, Events, Graduate and International Programs, and the Student Bar Association were on hand to answer questions. Students who attended the lunch-time could even get fitted for their commencement ceremony caps and gowns.

“The SBA just wanted to create a one-stop shopping experience for the 3L class,” said Parker, who says the idea for the fair was inspired by UCLA Law’s SBA president. “We thought it would be more efficient to answer students’ questions in one forum. We were hoping to alert the 3L Class to the wealth of resources our school has to offer.

“For example, our Department of Graduate Relations recommended ways young alumni could keep in touch with our school. Also, our Department of Financial Aid offered information related to loan repayment.”

Students who weren’t able to attend the event will receive commencement updates via Student Connections and e-mails. A detailed packet from the Events Office will arrive in mailboxes in the next couple of weeks.

Executive Director of Events Marie Cleaves, Assistant Director of Student Affairs Debra L. Barnett and Director of Student Affairs and Academic Support Linda Bassett organized the event.