Peer Support Services

Orientation and Service Day & First Year Information Program

Orientation and Service Day are coordinated through Assistant Dean David Baum's office. A variety of orientation programs introduce new students to the Law School each summer and fall. Upper-class law students serve as orientation leaders to first-year, transfer, and graduate students, working closely with groups of new students during the orientation program. Being an orientation leader gives students an opportunity to practice leadership and interpersonal skills. During Service Day, upper-class student leaders form collegial bonds with the incoming students as they work together on projects for local communities. Leaders also assist with many of the LSSS-sponsored events which occur over Labor Day Weekend.

The First Year Information (FYI) program, coordinated through Dean Gregory's office, helps first-year students (1Ls) adjust to life as law students. Upper-class Fellows lead small group discussions on exam preparation, study skills, and class review sessions throughout the term. In addition, FYI Leaders conduct other activities such as panel discussions and other programs of interest for first-year students. FYI is meant to provide an informative and enjoyable transition into the first year of law school, and serve as an academic support system for new students. For further information, please refer to the Student Handbook.

Orientation and fyi Leader Applications

Applications for Orientation and FYI Leaders are solicited during the winter semester. Orientation leaders attend training sessions during the winter semester in preparation for summer orientation in May and fall orientation in August. Summer semester FYI Leaders attend a training session in May for preparation for the summer semester. Students who volunteer to serve as FYI Leaders during the fall/winter academic year attend a training session at the beginning of the fall semester.

Michigan Access Program

The Michigan Access Program (MAP) seeks to promote students' participation and meaningful connection to the Law School. The chief objectives of MAP are to build community among all students across racial, ethnic, and cultural lines, create mentoring relationships between upper class students and participating 1Ls, and provide a smooth transition into Law School by helping to demystify the first year experience.  Every student is invited to participate regardless of background, with special emphasis on encouraging the participation of non-traditional students. Several members of the Law School faculty actively participate in this program, as instructors during pre-orientation and as advisors throughout the academic year.