Valpo Law SBA

Spring Blood Drive

2006-03-28T13:05:00.000-06:00

It is that time of year again. You may be asking yourself what time of year? Time for miserable weather, snow in April or what? The answer is none of the above, rather it is time for SBA's Spring Blood Drive. The Blood Drive will take place:

*Wednesday April 5 *2-6* Student Lounge.

If you would like to donate blood there are sign-up sheets postedoutside of the SBA office. We ask that you please sign-up in advance so that you do not have to wait and that the process goes as quicklyand efficiently as possible.

Also, if you do not want to donate blood or cannot donate blood, do not worry we have spots for you to help as well. You can volunteer to help with setting up for the blood drive, checking in donors, sitting in the canteen (chatting with people after they donate blood and handing out cookies) or helping to break down the set up at the conclusion of the drive. Please join in the celebration and U-N-I-T-Yof donating blood.

If you have any questions please contact Joe Zielinski at Joseph.Zielinski@valpo.edu. Best Wishes and Happy Donating.

Joe Zielinski
SBA Philanthropy Chair

P.S. There may even be yellow cake, just don't drop it.

Wal-Mart Movie

2006-01-22T12:34:00.000-06:00

Just Democracy will host a showing of the Wal-Mart Movie on Wednesday, February 8, at 6PM in Tabor.

Agenda 11-13-05

2005-11-12T15:53:00.000-06:00

Agenda for SBA Administrative Board Meeting Nov. 13, 2005

The SBA administrative Board meets in Chicago-Hessler on Sundays at 6 p.m. Meetings are open and students are encouraged to attend.

I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Executive Board Reports
IV. Committee Reports - A. Law & Grad mixer
V. Unfinished Business - A. Grade Normalization Process
VI. New Business - A. Thanksgiving Dinner Cider; B. Funding Request - Conversations Project; C. Brandeis Bowl Prize
VII. Discussion - A. Fostering Upstairs-Downstairs Dialogue
VIII. Student Concerns - A. Coffee Cart in Lieu of Machine B. Lexis/Westlaw point updating
IX. Adjournment

Agenda 11-6-05

2005-11-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

Agenda for SBA Administrative Board Meeting Nov. 6, 2005
The SBA administrative Board meets in Chicago-Hessler on Sundays at 6 p.m. Meetings are open and students are encouraged to attend. If a large number of students attend, meeting will move to a larger classroom, TBA (look for signs).

I. Call to Order

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Executive Board Reports

IV. Committee Reports
A. ATM update
B. Movie Night (student concern)
C. Blood Drive Wrap-Up
D. Law & Grad mixer

V. Unfinished Business
A. Vote on Constitutional Amendments for attendance policy
B. Honors Luncheon - Monday of Law Week
C. Tsunami Relief Donation Request
D. Grade Normalization Process
1. Town Hall Recap/Student Response
2. Talk With Dean Geisinger
3. Article in the Paper
4. Suggestions for Motion at Faculty Meeting

VI. New Business
A. Valpo Pool League
B. Thanksgiving Dinner Cider
C. Funding Request - Conversations Project

VII. Discussion
A. Fostering Upstairs-Downstairs Dialogue - defer to Unfinished Business

VIII. Student Concerns
A. Coffee Cart in Lieu of Machine
B. Lexis/Westlaw point updating

IX. Adjournment

GNP Town Hall Forum - Friday at 4 p.m.

2005-11-03T04:34:00.000-06:00

SBA will be having a Town Hall Forum to discuss the GNP this Friday at 4 p.m. in Tabor. Get informed and get answers. The 1.5-hour forum is in the following format:

15 minutes – Deans Berner and Geisinger will explain the GNP and why it is being done
15 minutes – Professor Potts will explain why some professors are against the GNP
45 minutes – Moderated Q&A session with pre-determined questions from students
15 minutes – Brainstorming session to formulate alternative solutions

After reading the information about the GNP on the SBA website, please send any questions you want answered to valposba@gmail.com and they will be added to the list. If the list is exhausted during the forum, we will begin taking questions from the audience.

All students; staff; administrators; adjunct, tenured and untenured faculty are invited to attend.

Grade Normalization Forum

2005-10-27T17:24:00.000-05:00

SBA wants your informed opinion on why you support or oppose the Grade Normalization Process. View the information about the process and how it affects students here, and then post your comments and suggestions about the Grade Normalization process below.

*all "Sent to SBA" comments were submitted via the SBA suggestion box or emailed directly to SBA, and can be verified.

Event Pics

2005-10-27T16:43:00.000-05:00

Chung Chih, our unofficial SBA photographer, has pictures from several different student group events, including PDP Putt-Putt night, PAD Boat Cruise, and the Cardozo Cup. You can view his site at http://spaces.msn.com/members/mustbewild/.

Democrats For Life

2005-10-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

Come join Jus Vitae (and VOX) next Tues., November 1 at 4pm in Pelzer when Carol Crossed, Vice-President of Democrats for Life of America comes to address such a vital issue - the sanctity of life. Jay Ware, a member of LEARN (an African-American pro-life group) and also a member of DFLA will also be speaking. Carol's topic will be "Pro-Life Democrats: Will The Party Let Us In?" As we all know, this is a vital national issue facing the Democrats since the 2004 elections. Democrats, Republicans and Independents are all invited-whether pro-life or pro-choice!

Carol was the 2003-2004 President of DFLA. She co-founded and was Executive Director (1992-1998) of Consistent Life, Inc., a network of over 200 organizations that oppose violence. Carol has been a lobbyist on hunger and anti-war issues. As a Native American, she has been a supporter of the human rights of indigenous populations particularly in South America. She is
recipient of the Susan B Anthony Award, Peaceful Solutions in Non-violence Award, Women's Wall of Fame, and the 2000 Gaudete Medal.

For further information please contact Lia Gucciardi (lia.gucciardi@valpo.edu), President, Jus Vitae.

PMBR Table Monday

2005-10-27T16:16:00.000-05:00

Do you have questions about the Multistate Bar Exam? You should, unless you are taking the Louisiana or Washington state bar exams, because every other jurisdiction uses the Multistate Bar Exam. The Multistate Bar Exam is a 6-hour, 200 multiple choice questionexam, and will take up one of your bar exam days.

PMBR is your resource for preparing for the Multistate Bar Exam. PMBR offers 3 different study options to help you prepare. The first option is a 6-day topic-specific course. The second is a 3-day simulated test course. The third option is to do both, at a discounted rate.

Stop by the PMBR table in the Atrium on Monday during Chapel Break to sign up and lock in 2005 rates with a deposit. If you have questions, Steve Palmer, a multistate guru will be here to answer them.

And as always, you can contact PMBR representatives Emily Durham (ebcdurham@yahoo.com) or Cortney Schaffer (cortney.schaffer@valpo.edu) at any time.

SBA Blood Drive - Don't Forget!

2005-10-26T20:27:00.000-05:00

SBA will be having the Fall Blood Drive in the Student Lounge on November 1 from 3-8. As always, students are needed to donate blood. As such sign up sheets for a specific time will be posted on the SBA board starting Monday October 17.

While walkins will be taken, there will be 3 Pre-Registered donors taken for every one walkin. This policy is in place: (1) to facilitate smooth operation of the drive, (2) to help with properly
staffing the drive and (3) to ensure the shortest possible wait time.

If you have any problems with this policy please see the below contact information so that any issues with this policy can be clarified and/or answered.

If you cannot donate blood for some reason, there are other ways to help besides donating blood. These opportunities are related to the of the blood drive itself. As such there are still a couple of these administrative positions available. If you have any questions about either donating blood or helping in the administration of the blood drive please contact Joe Zielinski at Joseph.Zielinski@valpo.edu.

EJA Bake Sale

2005-10-25T16:08:00.000-05:00

Equal Justice Alliance will be holding the EJA Bake Sale this Thursday and Friday, Oct. 27th and Oct. 28th. The EJA Bake Sale will be held in order to assist in raising funds for students who take summer positions in public interest. You can help by either making items to sell or by buying items. If you plan on making something, please make sure that the items are individually bagged. Plus, please make sure that all items are given to EJA by 10:30am on Thursday, Oct. 27th. Please remember to make or buy something!!!

WLSA Social Dinner

2005-10-25T16:06:00.000-05:00

When: Wednesday October 26th
Where: Cafe Paradiso- On Lincolnway
Time: 6pm
Don't forget WLSA social dinner is tomorrow. Everyone is invited to come. Hope to see you there.

ILSA Meeting Wednesday

2005-10-25T16:05:00.000-05:00

Come get involved with the International Law Student Association
(ILSA). At this meeting we will be planning future events and
requesting volunteers for upcoming events. Bring your calendar
and ideas during Chapel Break in Pelzer on Wednesday.

Proposed Constitutional Amendments

2005-10-24T12:10:00.000-05:00

The SBA Administrative Board is considering two amendments to our Constitution and one to the By-Laws. The amendments will clarify the Administrative Board attendance policy and voting procedures for part-time students. A vote on these amendments is scheduled for the SBA meeting on Sunday, November 6. View and comment on these amendments here.

Halloween Party

2005-10-20T22:34:00.000-05:00

This year’s Halloween Party will be held at 69 East’s newly renovated upstairs bar on Friday, October 28 from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. The private, open-bar party is open only to VUSL students (and faculty) and their significant others. will feature Texas deejay The Sultan spinning your favorite dance music. Dress up to compete in our annual costume contest and bid on your favorite professors in the Environmental Law Society auction. Cost is $5 as you enter the upstairs bar.

Grade Normalization

2005-10-20T22:17:00.000-05:00

We’re doing it. You’ve heard about it. But what IS it? Last month, the faculty unanimously voted to try normalizing grades for the 05-06 school year. This year is a probationary period, with a planned Spring vote on whether to make the system permanent.

The basics of the procedure are as follows: courses will be required to have a mean gpa that falls between two set points, and a set B range. In 1L classes, for example, all first-year classes except Legal Writing must have a mean between 2.4 and 2.9, with a B range between 35% and 55% of all grades.

Several courses are exempt: 1L Legal Research, Seminar, Honors Sections, ASP Sections, Clinic, Externships, Independent Reading and Research, and Current Representation. There is also a process by which professors may petition the curriculum committee to relax the requirements or have their class reclassified as exempt. For more information, download Dean Berner’s full explanation of the procedure on the SBA website.

SALDF

2005-10-20T13:26:00.000-05:00

The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund will be meeting soon!

Date: Friday, October 21st
Time: Chapel Break
Place: Chicago Room

We will be discussing our "Raise the Woof" fundraiser along with future projects. Food will be provided. If you have any questions, please e-mail Christine at valposaldf@yahoo.com.

2L Faculty Rep Election

2005-10-18T21:13:00.000-05:00

SBA will hold an election to fill the 2L Faculty Rep vacancy on Monday, October 24 from 8:40 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. To be added to the ballot, please email SBA at valposba@gmail.com by 5 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 20.

2L Faculty Rep Responsibilities: attendance at 1.5- to 2-hour weekly meetings Sunday evenings at 6 p.m.; planning and execution of SBA events; attendance at monthly faculty meetings on the last Thursday afternoon of each month, 3:30 p.m. These times cannot be changed – if you have a conflict with the meeting schedule, please do not run.

For more information, see our Constitution and By-Laws on the “Laws” section of the SBA website (see the sidebar to return to the SBA website).

Attention, 3Ls - Composite Photos

2005-10-18T20:16:00.000-05:00

Composite pictures will be taken on Wednesday November 30th from 7 to 10 pm in the St. Louis Conference Room and Thursday December 1st from 11am-5pm in the Law Clinic lobby. Please send Mandy Shell (mandy.shell@valpo.edu) any conflicts, including class schedules, etc., with any of the above times.

BarBri Table

2005-10-18T20:08:00.000-05:00

1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls -

There will be a barbri table Wednesday, Oct. 19, in the atrium from 10:45 a.m. until noon. Please know that this week and next are the final two weeks to lock in prices before they are likely to go up on October 31st. So, stop by for more information on bar review courses in all 50 states and to learn about the law school study materials barbri has specially tailored for the 1L core courses and other upper level courses. If you have any questions, please e-mail Lindy at melinda.martin@valpo.edu or contact a barbri rep.

3L Reps - Joe Kessinger and Kelsie Moore
2L Reps - Andrew Asma, Jillian Keating, and Kim Stevens
1L Reps - Julie Arnold and Sebastian Smelko

2005-10-18T20:06:00.000-05:00

The Equal Justice Alliance annual jacket sales are going on now! Sales are being held this week, Oct. 17th to Oct. 21st, from 10:50am to 1:30pm in the Atrium. There are two Valpo Law Jackets to choose from that are priced at $40 or $50. However, XXL's are $1.50 extra
and XXXL's are $2.50 extra.

We will accept cash, check or charge for the jackets. Checks should be made out to Valparaiso University and Visa or Mastercard will be accepted. Please do not forget to purchase your jacket!

American Constitution Society Meeting

2005-10-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

The American Constitutional Society for Law and Policy (ACS), a progressive legal organization will be having their first meeting of the year on Thursday October 20 at 11 in Stride. We will be
discussing chapter goals, the Constitution in the 21st Century Project and future speakers. If you have any questions or cannot make the meeting, please contact Joe Zielinski at Joseph.Zielinski@valpo.edu.

Tax Law Society Meeting

2005-10-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

The new Richard Blennerhasset Tax Law Society will be having an informational meeting on Thursday October 20 during Chapel Break in the Pelzer Classroom.

RBTLS is the student organization that runs the Volunteer Return Preparation Program (formerly known as VITA). We prepare income tax returns for elderly and underprivileged members of the community who cannot afford professional tax preparation.

Everyone (students, faculty, and staff) is welcome to join and volunteer. The IRS will conduct a training session later this year to get all of our volunteers trained on how to prepare simple tax returns. If you have ever done your own taxes with TurboTax or other software, you will find this very easy to do. Even if you have no tax experience, learning with the IRS program is very easy and it’s a great skill to have for the future.

Time spent preparing taxes with RBTLS also qualifies as Pro Bono hours for your graduation requirement.

Come find out about our Volunteer Tax Preparation Program and the other activities RBTLS does to help the community. Join us Thursday during Chapel Break in Pelzer.

For more information or if you want to participate but cannot attend, email Jay Perez at: juan.perez@valpo.edu.

Raise the Woof!

2005-10-18T20:02:00.000-05:00

Make some noise! It's time to "Raise the Woof" and help our local animal shelters! The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) is collecting donations to help support the Lake and Porter County Animal Shelters. Here are just some of the items that the local shelters would like:

Non-flavored treats
Bowls
Leashes
Collars (all sizes)
Kitty litter
Blankets
Cat food (dry and wet)
Dog food (dry and wet)
Old cell phones
Bleach
Dish washing soap
Non-scented laundry detergent
Pet shampoo

"Raise the Woof" will run for two weeks. Please put all donations in and around the two doghouses that are in the main hallway. If you have any questions, please e-mail Christine at valposaldf@yahoo.com.

Fall Blood Drive

2005-10-18T19:59:00.000-05:00

SBA will be having the Fall Blood Drive in the Student Lounge on November 1 from 3-8. As always, students are needed to donate blood. As such sign up sheets for a specific time will be posted on the SBA board starting Monday October 17.

While walkins will be taken, there will be 3 Pre-Registered donors taken for every one walkin. This policy is in place: (1) to facilitate smooth operation of the drive, (2) to help with properly
staffing the drive and (3) to ensure the shortest possible wait time. If you have any problems with this policy please see the below contact information so that any issues with this policy can be clarified and/or answered.

If you cannot donate blood for some reason, there are other ways to help besides donating blood. These opportunities are related to the of the blood drive itself. As such there are still a couple of these administrative positions available.

If you have any questions about either donating blood or helping in the administration of the blood drive please contact Joe Zielinski at Joseph.Zielinski@valpo.edu.

Message from VU Book Center

2005-10-09T13:59:00.000-05:00

Reminder: The Book Center will begin the return process for Fall textbooks
the first week in October. If you still need a textbook for the Fall term
please come to the bookstore and purchase it as soon as you are able. If
you are unable to purchase a book at this time but still need one please
contact the textbook counter and we will be happy to put one on hold for you
so that it does not get returned. Returns begin only for the textbook
section, NOT the law study aid section. If you have any questions please
contact the Book Center at 464-5421. Thanks
Law Graduates: For those law students that are graduating during the
2005-06 school year we will be mailing out graduation announcement
information to your local address early in October. Please keep an eye for
it. If you don't get one by the end of October stop into the bookstore and
pick up an order form and information sheet.

Client Counseling Team

2005-10-09T13:57:00.000-05:00

The 2005-2006 Valparaiso University Client Counseling Team is having an informational meeting October 11 at 11 am in the Chicago room.

The Client Counseling Competition is an ABA-sponsored event, with competitions held at the regional, national, and international levels. The competition focuses on a team's ability to learn the problem the client faces, gather and identify pertinent legal and personal information, and craft a preliminary legal strategy.

The Team is open to all law students (yes, including 1L's!) Try-outs will be held on October 17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Please join us for the information meeting on October 11 to learn more!

Questions -- please contact either John Shanahan (762.0494) or Michelle Bazin-Johnson (michelle.bazinjohnson@valpo.edu) or Cindy Harmon (cynthia.harmon@valpo.edu).

So You Wanna Be a DJ?

2005-10-09T13:20:00.000-05:00

Calling all student MCs - looking for a chance to show your stuff? SBA is seeking a talented DJ to mix it up at this year's Halloween Party. Past Halloween DJ's have included DJ Raj Malviya (Class of '05) and DJ Ron (friend of Class of '06). Amateurs welcome.

To be considered, send SBA a mix CD with 10 songs representative of what you would play the entire night, along with your contact info. CDs can be placed in Kristin Nesbitt's mailbox in the SBA office. Deadline is this Friday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m.

Brandeis Bowl Updates

2005-10-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

Bowling standings for the Brandeis Bowl can be viewed here each week. Congrats to the Lo-Bawls for their second straight win! This week's top bowler: Doug Shaw, with a score of 231.

"Sending Our Best" donation link is live

2005-09-19T18:49:00.000-05:00

The link to donate for the “Sending Our Best” campaign is now up on the SBA website’s main page. Click on “Make a Donation” and you’ll be directed to a secure PayPal server to donate for the cause.

JLSA Meeting

2005-09-14T16:31:00.000-05:00

The Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) will hold a meeting Tuesday, September 20 during Chapel Break. We will discuss our upcoming BBQ, holiday plans, community events, and more! All are welcome to attend. If you have any questions or comments for JLSA, please contact Mara Ruff at Mara.Ruff@valpo.edu.

BUDGETS INFO IS UP

2005-09-14T10:06:00.000-05:00

Student Organizations: Budget Allocations have been posted here. Look for detailed information on the budget breakdown in your mailboxes this week. Questions regarding your budgets can be directed to the SBA Treasurer, Brandon Sanchez, at adolfo.sanchez@valpo.edu.

PDP Beach Party at the Dunes

2005-09-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

Who: All law students and friends
When: This Friday, Sept. 16 at 3pm-????
Where: The Indiana National Lakeshore at View Point off Kemil Road
Why: To enjoy our only state lake shore and have fun!

Activities: Eating (aka, lots of food provided!), beach volleyball, frisbeeing, card games, swimming (optional), laughing, dune climbing, watching a beautiful sunset, just plain having a good time! Feel free to bring footballs, frisbees, and other fun beach items.

Important: If you plan on attending, please sign-up on PDP's board by 8pm on Thursday Sept. 15 so that we can plan for the appropriate amount of food.

A carpool will leave the school at 2:30pm, so you can either hitch a ride or follow the caravan. Directions will also be provided on the PDP board.

JOIN US FOR A GREAT AFTERNOON AND EVENING!!
If you have any questions, please e-mail Genevieve Boarman at g_boarman@yahoo.com.

SELA Event - This Thursday

2005-09-13T16:31:00.000-05:00

It may not be Wrigleyville but it’s the rooftop! SELA will be hosting a get together Thursday the 15th at BW3's.

7-10pm
3.75 Blue Moon
2.75 Miller Lite
2.00 Select Shots

Go to the back of BW's and take the elevator up to the roof. Please come and join in the fun!

Class Sponsor and Hooders

2005-09-13T15:33:00.000-05:00

Attention 3Ls!

The time has come to elect your 3L Class Faculty Sponsor and Hooders. Each year the graduating class selects one (1) faculty representative to serve as their sponsor and sit with them in their composite. This is a position of honor that involves giving a speech at the commencement ceremony in May. PLEASE NOTE: ALL faculty are eligible to be Class Sponsor.

Also there are three (3) Hooders chosen from the faculty. Hooding at Commencement is a tradition at Valparaiso and most law schools. When law students graduate they receive a law hood that they carry into the ceremony on their arm. The hood itself is simply a draped piece of apparel made up of school colors (brown & gold) and the law color (purple) and black velveteen that is placed over the head and around the neck. During the ceremony students receive their diplomas from Dean Conison and then go to a member of the faculty who is waiting to take the hood from the student, place it over their head and shake hands. PLEASE NOTE: Dean Berner is not able to serve as a Class Hooder due to his announcement obligations during commencement.

Students should select faculty members for these positions that have meant the most to them during their time here at Valparaiso University School of Law.

Please send your vote for Class Sponsor and three (3) Hooders along with your name to: vusl2006@gmail.com.

The voting will remain open until September 23, 2005 at 5:00 PM. If you have any questions please direct them to vusl2006@gmail.com or any representative of the Steering Committee.

ACLU Call-Out Meeting

2005-09-13T01:02:00.000-05:00

The VUSL student chapter of the America Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) will be having its first meeting of the '05-'06 academic year this Thursday (Sept. 15) at chapel break in the Benson classroom. This meeting will be partially informative and partially administrative. So, please feel free to come if you're just looking to find out more about just what the ACLU does to defend our individual rights and freedoms, or if you're already aware of the ACLU's mission and want to get involved. I hope to see many of you there.

—Mark W. Manske
mark.manske@valpo.edu

Barrister's Ball - Save The Date

2005-09-12T15:20:00.000-05:00

This year’s Barrister’s Ball will be held on February 11, 2006. Look for more information on Barrister’s and Law Week in late November.

Bowling League Update

2005-09-12T15:19:00.000-05:00

The Valpo Law Bowling League has been put on hold temporarily until details can be worked out with Inman’s. Due to the popularity of “Bar” review, the tentative new night of the week for bowling will be Mondays. More information will be posted as soon as plans are confirmed. If you’re interested in bowling, please still send your name to valposba@gmail.com in the meantime.

"Bar" Review

2005-09-12T13:47:00.000-05:00

"Bar" Review is moving to Duffy's this week.  The first drink and cover
charge for 3L grads is on us.  Also the hours have been adjusted from
9:30-12:00 (for all of you who want to study a little more before going
out).  The drink tickets for 3L's are good for any import or domestic beer.

After that, the drink special at Duffy's on Thursday nights is $2.25
Imports, and Duffy's will have a live band going on at 10 PM.

We also want to invite the 1L and 2L classes to join us at this and all
"Bar" Review events to help us celebrate our 3L year.

Those of you starting your night with the SELA party this Thursday at BW3's
please join us afterwards for "Bar" Review at Duffy's from 9:30-12:00.

See you there!!

3L Steering Committee
vusl2006@gmail.com

CLS Mini-Golf Event

2005-09-12T13:38:00.000-05:00

The Christian Legal Society will be hosting its Second Annual Mini-Golf Event at Zao's Island on Tuesday, September 13th (Tomorrow).

We will be tee-ing off at 6:30 p.m. The group rate is $4 per person. Feel free to bring family and friends.

If it rains, the event will be canceled.

If you have any questions, please e-mail:

Christian Miller
kentuckychristian@gmail.com

SALDF Meeting

2005-09-12T13:36:00.000-05:00

The first meeting of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund is in 5 days!

Date: Friday, September 16th
Time: Chapel Break from 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Place: The Chicago Room

Come find out what SALDF is all about and for the FREE food!

If you have any questions, please e-mail Christine at valposaldf@yahoo.com.

PAD Boat Cruise - Get Your Tickets Now!

2005-09-12T13:32:00.000-05:00

Phi Alpha Delta presents the Fourth Annual Boat Cruise! Tickets will be on sale every day this week at Chapel Break. THIS IS THE ONLY WEEK TO BUY TICKETS!! Everyone who purchases their tickets prior to Thursday, September 15, will be entered into a drawing to receive two free tickets. Cost is $30. This includes transportation to and from Navy Pier, two hours of dancing, appetizers, and a premium open bar. Email questions to valpopad@yahoo.com.

AGENDA 9-11-05

2005-09-11T17:13:00.000-05:00

SBA AGENDA
September 11, 2005
6 p.m. – Stride Courtroom

1. Call to Order

Executive Board Reports

President

Information Flow

Listserves

Communications with SBA’s name on them

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

ABA Representative

2. Committee Reports

Katrina Relief

Blood Drives

3. Unfinished Business

Year’s Beginning: Wrap-Up

Kickoff at Kirchoff

Kickback at Duffy’s

SBA Retreat

4. New Business

Cardozo Cup – Oct. 14, 2006

Barrister’s Ball – Feb. 11, 2006

Bowling League

Student Group Budgets

5. Discussion

6. Student Concerns

7. Adjournment

"Bar" Review is back!

2005-09-07T08:30:00.000-05:00

"Bar" Review is back at "69 East" this week. Due to popular demand, the Review session has been extended for an additional hour from 8-11 PM. This week will include the same great drink specials and as always the first drink for graduating 3L students is on us (or your ticket is a $2.00 credit for a drink of your choice). Wings and appetizers will be provided, and the bar is open until 3 AM (for those who start the popcorn festival a little early).

"Bar" Review will be a traveling event at the behest of the 3L class, or it may stay at "69 East" if everyone enjoys having it there. Please let us know where you want it to be by emailing at vusl2006@gmail.com.

Hope to see you all there!!

Steering Committee

Valpo Law Bowling League

2005-09-06T00:54:00.000-05:00

Like to bowl? Join the Valpo Law Bowling League! We’ll be heading to Inman’s on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. Each team will be composed of six (6) bowlers. Skill is absolutely unnecessary – points will be based on the average of each team’s top three scores from each game. Solo bowlers and teams of less than six people, don’t worry – we will pair you up. Interested? Get more information here, and email SBA by 3 p.m. Friday.

Hurricane Relief

2005-09-06T00:15:00.000-05:00

Over the past week, many of you have expressed a desire to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It is necessary that all VUSL Hurricane Relief efforts be organized centrally in a unified, multi-branch effort from Valparaiso University School of Law. This will ensure that any donations we make will have the strongest possible impact, as well as avoid the confusion of a dozen or more individually-administered fundraising or collection events.

The Law School’s point person in this undertaking is Jessica Hunter (2L). If you have ideas on how to collect donations, or would like to donate manpower, please go to her before making any plans. If any individual students or groups have already begun working on projects, please contact Jessica immediately.

CARDOZO CUPDATE!

2005-09-03T17:41:00.000-05:00

The Cardozo Cup, SBA's annual all-school softball tournament, will be October 14 at 4:30 p.m. Join us on the Kirchoff baseball field for the usual fun and games, followed by a showdown between the winner of the student-faculty game and a ragtag bunch of alumni. Beer, pizza and soft drinks will be provided.

HLSA Meeting

2005-09-03T17:39:00.000-05:00

On Sept. 6 during Chapel Break we will be having a full member HSLA (Hispanic Law Student Association) meeting during Chapel Break in Benson. All students are welcome!

Equal Justice Alliance Meeting

2005-09-03T17:37:00.000-05:00

Attention everyone! Are you interested in public interest? If so, you're in luck! The Equal Justice Alliance is an organization that is devoted to public interest. Come and see what we are all about at our first meeting of the year on September 9, 2005 during chapel break in Benson. Food will be provided! Please come if you are interested or may be interested in participating. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Aimbrell Holmes (President) via email at Aimbrell.Holmes@valpo.edu.

Business Law Society

2005-09-03T17:33:00.000-05:00

The Business Law Society will be holding its first meeting next Tuesday (9/6) at chapel break. We will be meeting in Chicago/Hessler. The agenda includes: speaker event planning,
social event planning, fundraiser planning, and other business. Please be sure to attend this meeting as it will set the tone for the upcoming year.

- Mike Zaradich, BLS President

VELS Call-Out Meeting

2005-08-31T08:56:00.000-05:00

New school year, new name. The Valparaiso Environmental Law Society, formerly known as MELC, will be holding an informational meeting Thursday, September 8 during Chapel Break (11am) in Pelzer. Everyone with an interest in environmental law is welcome. If you cannot make it to the meeting, or have any other questions, please e-mail Beau.Liegeois@valpo.edu.

PAD Call-Out Meeting

2005-08-31T08:54:00.000-05:00

Phi Alpha Delta Members:
This Friday we will have our annual Rush Info Meeting for the interested 1L's. Please come and support your chapter. Food and drink will be provided. The meeting will be during Chapel Break in the Ulbricht Classroom. Thanks.

-Chuck Waller
President, Phi Alpha Delta

Let VOX Buy You Lunch On Tuesday!

2005-08-31T08:51:00.000-05:00

VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood will be having an informational meeting on TUESDAY, SEPT. 6th during CHAPEL BREAK (11:00-11:40)in ULBRICHT (room 158). We will be serving JIMMY JOHN'S while we introduce our officers, discuss what VOX is all about and plan our events for this year. Hope to see you there!

SELA Info Meeting

2005-08-30T14:27:00.000-05:00

SELA, the Sports and Entertainment Law Association, will be holding an informational meeting this Friday (September 2, 2005) at Chapel Break (11am) in Benson. If you're interested in
Sports, Entertainment, or both, please come find out everything that SELA has to offer. If you were unable to attend the Organizational Fair that was today, please email Paradi Javandel
at Paradi.Javandel@valpo.edu in order to sign up for SELA updates.

WLSA Social

2005-08-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

Women’s Law Student Association will have a social dinner Thursday September 1st at 6pm at Maria Elena's. If you were unable to attend the Organizational Fair, please email Kate Snodgrass at Kathryn.Snodgrass@valpo.edu or valpo_wlsa@yahoo.com in order to sign up for WLSA updates or to rsvp for the social dinner.

BUDGETS DUE 5 P.M. TOMORROW!!!

2005-08-30T14:23:00.000-05:00

Reminder: Student organization budgets are due to Brandon Sanchez (in person or in the Treasurer’s mailbox in the SBA office) TOMORROW at 5 p.m. Budgets should be in HARD COPY – do not send via email. Groups that do not submit a budget by the deadline will not receive funding for the 05-06 year.

3L "Bar" Review

2005-08-29T11:38:00.000-05:00

Only 263 Days until Graduation...

The 3L Steering Committee is proud to bring you "Bar" Review.  Every Thursday evening between now and the end of November, the 3L Steering Committee will be holding a weekly gathering at various bars in Valparaiso.

The first drink every Thursday for each 3L graduating student is on us.  Check the Steering Committee bulletin board each Monday to see where that week's "Bar" Review session will be held.

The first "Bar" Review session will be held this Thursday September 1 at "69 East" (the old Court Restaurant).  "Bar" Review will last from 8-10.  After we buy your first drink, specials for the night are $2 well drinks, $2 domestic bottles, $3 Import bottles, $2 - 20 oz. domestic drafts and other specials TBA.  There will also be a live band and NO cover.  69 East is open until 3 AM (for those who have classes a little later on Friday).

Any questions please email tyler.starkey@valpo.edu.  Hope to see you all there!

Tyler Starkey

Write for the FORUM

2005-08-29T11:36:00.000-05:00

The VUSL newspaper, The FORUM, will be having its first meeting on Thursday, September 1 at 8:00 pm in Ulbricht. Pizza will be provided.

If you are interested in writing, reporting, editing, photographing, or graphical design then this is the activity for you.

Join the group that will help you make a difference and leave a lasting mark on your law school career.

If you have any questions or if you cannot attend the meeting but are still interested in The FORUM, please contact marina.ricci@valpo.edu.

Sincerely,
FORUM Editors

PDP Call-Out Meeting

2005-08-26T10:26:00.000-05:00

Attention one and all! Phi Delta Phi (PDP) wants you to be part of the team! As a fraternity committed to scholastic achievement and community service, we want to be at the top of your list of organization to join. So, we are inviting all students to our meeting on:

Date: Wednesday, September 7th
Time: During Chapel Break
Place: Tabor Hall

We will be discussing what PDP has to offer to law students and we'll have food! Bring a friend and run, don't walk, to the first PDP meeting of the semester.

Any questions about PDP can be directed to our Team Captain (President) Genevieve Boarman at genevieve.boarman@valpo.edu.

Interested in International Law?

2005-08-25T17:04:00.000-05:00

The Jessup Moot Court Competition competes in February and is the most established international law competition in the world.

Student transfers have opened up two positions on the six person team.  Applicants should be currently enrolled in or have taken an international law class or have significant international experience.  Applicants must be available for mandatory weekly meetings from 6 to 9 on Thursday evenings beginning in September.

Please submit a resume and a five page (maximum) writing sample to locker No. 1 by Noon on Tuesday, August 30.  Interviews will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, September 1.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Julie Landsdown at 312-933-6087 or at jlandsdo@valpo.edu.  For more information about the Jessup Competition, please see the International Law Students Association at www.ilsa.org.

Student Organizational Fair

2005-08-23T17:12:00.000-05:00

The Student Organizational Fair and SBA Open House will be Monday, August 29 from 10:30 - 12:30 in the main hallway. Get information for over 30 different groups at VUSL and visit with the SBA Administrative Board. Student groups can choose their locations and begin setting up their displays at 10 a.m. Each group receives half a table’s worth of space for set-up.

Reminder Info for Student Orgs: a hard copy of your budget is due to Treasurer Brandon Sanchez by Wednesday, August 31. Any group that does not submit a budget will not receive funding for the 05-06 year. See the Budgets Post for more information.

Broken Petition Link Fixed

2005-08-23T16:40:00.000-05:00

The error with the 1L Petition download link is fixed; the server should update the site within the hour.

MOCK TRIAL TEAM TRYOUTS SEPTEMBER 3rd

2005-08-23T12:46:00.000-05:00

About the team: The team is composed of VUSL students who are interested in careers in litigation.  The size of the team can be no more than 20 students.  The team competes nationally at trial advocacy events each year.   Last year, the team competed nationally in both the fall and spring semesters.  This year's team will likely do the same.  Team members who did not compete nationally in the fall were able to hone their skills through an intra-school competition which took place based on the national competition fact pattern.  Everyone competes (or is an alternate) in a national competition in the spring semester.  You earn class credit for each semester of participation, although if the team does not compete nationally or run the intra-school competition in the fall, you will not likely receive fall credit.
Tryouts for the 2005-2006 school year will take place on Saturday, September 3.  In order to try out, you need to obtain a fact pattern from me.  Persons trying out are being asked to prepare a cross-examination of a witness of your choice- Carey Wrigley excluded- AND either an opening statement OR a closing argument (from either the Plaintiff' side of the case or the Defense's side of the case).  Current members of the mock trial team will act as your witness for cross examination purposes. We are asking that the cross-examinations and openings or closings be limited to 5-10 minutes. If, after obtaining the materials, you in fact decide to try out, you should sign up on the list posted on the Mock Trial team bulletin board and I will assign you a time slot for September 3rd a few days ahead of time.
We are looking for people who have good courtroom presence- who are confident, conversational, well-prepared, etc.  Any member of the mock trial board (myself included) would be happy to meet with you to help you with your materials or answer any questions that you may have about the team or try-outs.
Please let me know if you are interested in obtaining the tryout materials so that I can get them to you as quickly as possible. Again, thanks for your interest and do not hesitate to contact me with any additional questions. meghan.bass@gmail.com
Meghan Bass2005-2006 Membership ChairMock Trial Team

Special Elections Results

2005-08-23T11:44:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to SBA’s newest officers:

Treasurer – Brandon Sanchez

2L Representatives – Lindsay Huusko & Aaron Beck

Space Chase

2005-08-22T06:02:00.000-05:00

Administration is considering three major renovation ideas for Wesemann Hall and would like student input. Over the next week, we’ll be presenting these ideas one by one for discussion here.

The first issue: Locker Rooms. Students have mentioned that they would like space to work on group projects. The classrooms are often occupied, and working in the Atrium presents distractions. There are also students who don’t use their lockers.

THE SOLUTION:
1) Remove the lockers in the Large locker room and renovate the space into a high-tech multi-purpose area for student use. 2) Replace the lockers in the Small locker room with smaller, public-style lockers (like the kind found at bus stations or roller rinks, for example) and install hooks for students to hang their coats. 3) Discontinue assigning lockers to students; students who need to use a locker will use one when they need to and students who don’t need a locker won’t use one.

QUESTIONS:
1) Do you use your locker? If so, how often?
2) Without thinking of how the space will be used, what is your opinion on removing the lockers from the Large locker room?
3) If the lockers are removed, do you think that a multi-purpose area for students to study or do group work would be a good use of that space? If not, what would be a better use for that space?
4) Would you use the public-style lockers if they were installed in the Small locker room? If so, how often?
5) Would you feel comfortable leaving your coat on a hook in the Small locker room while you were in classes (do you think theft would or would not be a problem)?

Flyer Posting

2005-08-22T05:27:00.000-05:00

Advertising or personal flyers may be posted on the bulletin boards inside the entrances to the classrooms. Flyers may not be posted on the bulletin board outside the SBA office or on the student organization bulletin boards in the main hallway. Any flyers found on these boards after 5 p.m. today will be removed and discarded.

Sell that stuff!!!

2005-08-22T04:10:00.000-05:00

The Atrium Online’s Exchange Area is now open for posting. Sell your textbooks, form study groups, search for outlines, and more.

Student Organization Budgets and Funding 2005-2006

2005-08-22T03:06:00.000-05:00

Student organization officers can view detailed information about this year’s budgeting process here. Before a group can go through the budgeting process, SBA must have a list of your officers’ names (send to Lisa.Todd@valpo.edu by FRIDAY, August 26) and a hard copy of your constitution on file in the SBA office (leave in Secretary Ashley Ulbricht’s mailbox).

Budget proposals must be submitted to the SBA Treasurer by 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, August 31. Budget defense presentations will be Thursday and Friday, September 1 and 2. Groups will be able to sign up outside the SBA office for one 15-minute time slot to defend their budgets; watch the bulletin board for the sign-up sheet. Any student organization that fails to submit a budget proposal to SBA by the deadline will not receive funding for the 2005-2006 school year.

Additionally, the SBA Treasurer will select several students to serve on the budget committee. Committee members will work with the Treasurer to determine the allocation of funding for this year. Interested students should have the afternoon and/or evenings of Sept. 1 and 2 free; to apply, email valposba@gmail.com with a short statement describing why you would like to be on the committee. First-year students may apply; officers of student organizations are not permitted to serve on the committee.

1L Rep Positions Open - Deadline this Friday

2005-08-22T01:55:00.000-05:00

First-year students (full- or part-time) who are interested in serving as a class or faculty representative can get more information about the positions and download the petition for candidacy here.

MEETING CANCELLATION

2005-08-17T23:52:00.000-05:00

The SBA meeting scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25 has been cancelled. SBA's first regular session meeting will be Sunday, Sept. 10.

Important Dates for Fall

2005-08-17T23:48:00.000-05:00

New Student Orientation - Thur. and Fri., Aug. 18 & 19
Kickoff at Kirchoff - Sat, Aug. 20, 4:30 p.m.
First Day of Classes - Mon, Aug. 22
Special Elections for Treasurer and 2L Reps - Tue, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1L Rep Petitions Due - Fri, Aug. 26
Kickback at Duffy's - Fri, Aug. 26, 9 p.m. - midnight
Student Organizational Fair/SBA Open House - Mon, Aug. 29, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Campaigning for 1L Rep Positions - Fri, Aug. 26 (after Chapel) - Thur, Sep. 1
1L Rep Elections - Fri, Sep. 2 on Chapel Break

SPECIAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION

2005-08-16T03:37:00.000-05:00

*edited 8/17/2005*

Special Elections will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. to fill the Treasurer and two 2L Rep positions in SBA. The nominations period is open until 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 22. Anyone can nominate or be nominated, via sign-up on the SBA bulletin board or by emailing valposba@gmail.com. All nominees will be asked via email to confirm their candidacy.

The election will be by secret ballot and the counts will be totaled immediately. 1Ls cannot run or vote in these elections.

General Requirements:
1) SBA meetings are Sundays at 6:00 p.m. and generally last 1.5 hours. Candidates must be able to attend at this time.
2) All candidates must be in good academic standing with the School of Law. Confirmation of your candidacy authorizes SBA to verify your academic standing with Registrar Debbie Gleason.
3) SBA members are required to maintain a minimum of 2 office hours per week.

Additional Responsibilities: Treasurer should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; will be required to create spreadsheets and reconcile the SBA and student org budgets monthly.

Website is live

2005-08-02T00:45:00.000-05:00

The new Valpo SBA website is live. Continue checking the site at http://wwwstage.valpo.edu/student/sba to see the final touches as they are added to the few remaining unfinished pages.