Admitted S.J.D. Students

Welcome to our community of innovative thinkers, dedicated professors, and distinguished scholars. The overarching mission of Penn State Dickinson Law is to develop graduates equipped with the legal knowledge, practical skills and professional outlook necessary to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. For more than 185 years, Dickinson Law graduates have included distinguished attorneys, judges, government and corporate leaders, and legal educators. You are now part of this long and proud history of distinction.

Upon admission, there are many important next steps. Consider the following carefully.

Seat Deposit

To confirm attendance, it is essential that one submit a one-time, non-refundable seat deposit in the amount of $500, which will be credited toward the cost of tuition upon matriculation. Pay seat deposit here.

Penn State Account

Upon receipt of the seat deposit, Penn State will provide instructions on how to set up a Penn State Account. This allows admitted students to log into Penn State’s student information system, learning management system, and any secure pages on the Dickinson Law website. LionPATH is Penn State’s student information system where students view transcripts, access financial aid information, pay tuition bills, schedule courses, etc. Canvas is Penn State’s learning management system where students organize their courses, manage assignments, communicate with professors and classmates, view grades, etc.

International Immigration

Once enrolled, international students will receive notice from iStart, Penn State’s immigration management system for international student and scholar advising. Each student will receive a message from Pre-Arrival Admissions that will explain what is needed regarding immigration compliance. Once the student has submitted the necessary documentation into iStart, an I-20 (assuming an F-visa type) will be sent within two to four weeks. The I-20 is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” that allows a student to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Students on other visa types, including J-1 visas, will require different paperwork but the visa process itself is generally the same.

International students are supported by the Office of International Students and Scholars at Penn State Global for all immigration matters.

Orientation

During the week prior to the start of classes each semester, Dickinson Law holds a required, in-person student orientation. For S.J.D. students, there is often a pre-arrival orientation session to discuss key topics such as course offerings, how to register for classes, academic expectations, financial considerations, student life, bar exam considerations, etc. 

Important Information

Please review the following documents for additional information:

• S.J.D. Student Orientation Schedule, Fall 2024
• S.J.D. Student Pre-Arrival Orientation Guide, Fall 2024
• International and Graduate Student Welcome Orientation Guide, Fall 2024

Student Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Each international student will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State. To waive out of this requirement, one must submit a waiver request at the start of the semester documenting proof of insurance coverage that meets Penn State’s insurance requirements. SHIP does not cover visual or dental insurance. Visit our Student Health Insurance page for more information, and contact the University Student Health Insurance Office (814-865-4847, Option 6 or uhs-insurance@psu.edu) with additional questions.

Cost of Attendance

For a breakdown of costs, including tuition, fees, books, and living allowances, visit Cost of Attendance. To reduce living expenses, most students establish a personal budget, opt to live with a roommate, shop at discount food stores, walk or bike to campus, bring their meals to campus, and more. Penn State offers student discounts on software, computers, clothes, and much more.

Housing

Dickinson Law does not provide on-campus housing. Fortunately, there is reasonably priced housing within walking distance of campus. Students are responsible for securing their own housing. View database of available housing and apartments. Please also see the Housing Guide, Fall 2024.

IT Essentials

Penn State offers many Information Technology (IT) resources to help students get the most out of their time at Dickinson Law. Get started here.

Within Penn State Dickinson Law, the Office of Informational Technology is available to assist with technology questions. Questions may be directed to DickinsonLawIT@psu.edu.