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Student Affairs

Office of Student Affairs

Mission

The Office of Student Affairs addresses and responds to issues important to our current students by providing services and programs that enrich student life, enhance the academic experience, and encourage individual and collective professional growth.

Location

The Office of Student Affairs is located in Building 2, within the Student Services suite. Student Affairs is open the following hours:

Monday/Wednesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday/Thursday: 9:00am– 6:30pm
Friday: 9:00am–5:00pm

Staff

Bill Carnahan
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Phone: 714-444-4141, ext. 283
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Shannon Phillips
Student Services Coordinator
Phone: 714-444-4141, ext. 278
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Please contact Ms. Phillips in order to schedule an appointment with Dean Carnahan.

Services

Student Affairs offers students personalized service and support so that the unique needs of law students are recognized and addressed in the most timely and effective manner. We pride ourselves on the Whittier tradition of providing as much individualized service as possible. We hope that we can be of assistance to you during your time at Whittier Law School.

Law school is a remarkable experience and adventure, unique to each individual. At times, students will likely encounter academic or personal issues that may exacerbate the stress level of law school. The Office of Student Affairs offers a variety of services to assist students adjust to unforeseen or extraordinary circumstances. The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs counsels students on academic and personal matters and, if necessary, assists in obtaining outside support services for students. Even if you do not think you need assistance, we would still like to meet with you, as we provide the following non-exclusive list of services:

  • Academic counseling.
  • Personal/non-academic counseling.
  • Facilitate student communication with other administrators and/or staff in order to assist students resolve their questions in a timely and correct manner, minimizing uncertainty and delay.
  • Provide information regarding Whittier Law School’s policies and procedures, including the process for redress of problems and/or concerns.
  • Assist with issues regarding academic performance, stress reduction, law school acclimation, and other personal matters.
  • Work to procure appropriate accommodations for students with learning and/or physical disabilities including, but not limited to, those falling under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Provide information regarding student health insurance, housing, and roommate information.
  • Respond to student petitions to the Office of Student Affairs. Guide students in the process of petitioning the Academic Standards Committee.
  • Serve as the administrative advisor to the SBA.
  • Serve as an advisor to all other student organizations, helping them coordinate activities and plan events within the parameters of the Law School’s policies.
  • Correspond with students and their professors regarding class absences.
  • Assist students with leaves of absences or, if advisable, withdrawals.
  • Counsel students regarding policies for visiting at other ABA law schools.
  • Inform continuing students of their scholarship awards.
  • Coordinate and assist in overseeing Commencement, Orientation and other student programming.

For more information about these and other services, please stop by or contact us as indicated above.