The UDC Student Portal: A Comprehensive Guide for Law Students
This guide is designed to help University of the District of Columbia (UDC) law students navigate the various technology resources and systems available to them. The Law Library & IT Services manages the technologies used throughout the law school, and this guide will help you access and utilize those resources effectively.
MyUDC: Your Central Hub
MyUDC is the University's online student information management system. It provides all UDC students, faculty, and staff with access to important information and technology tools, even when off-campus. This portal is your gateway to registration, student accounts, and important announcements.
Accessing MyUDC
To access MyUDC, simply log in using your UDC credentials. The first time you log in, you will be required to enroll in Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a code from your mobile device in addition to your password. The UDC Office of Information Technology provides a Multifactor Enrollment User Guide to help with the setup process. It is essential to have reliable, ongoing access to the mobile device you use for MFA.
Navigating the MyUDC Interface
Once logged in, you will see a menu on the left side of the screen. Hovering over this menu will reveal the "QuickLaunch" tab, which will take you to another page with quick access to various resources. You should also see different tabs in the menu on the left side and quick link icons at the top of the screen.
Student Banner Self Service
All information pertaining to registration and your student account can be found under Student Banner Self Service. This is where you will manage your course registration, view your grades, and access your financial information.
Read also: Comprehensive ETAR Guide
Law School Specific Information
It is important to note that the law school operates on separate academic and financial aid calendars and has its own offices of Admission, Financial Aid, Registrar, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Career Services, and Alumni Affairs. Therefore, if you are unsure whether an announcement you see in myUDC applies to law students, please contact the relevant law school department for clarification.
Course Registration
Registering for courses is a crucial part of your academic journey. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the registration process:
Registration Instructions and CRN List
All law students must read each semester's Registration Instructions before selecting courses in myUDC. These instructions provide important information about registration deadlines, policies, and procedures. You may also use the course numbers on each semester's CRN List to search for courses.
The Registration Process
When registering for courses, the registration status of each course will show ‘Pending’ until you hit the Submit button at the bottom of the screen. If you are a first-year student, UDC Law’s Registrar may correct your registration or move you to a different section of a course before the start of classes.
Priority Registration
It's important to plan your class schedule early each semester and register as soon as you can. Priority registration appointments (date and time) are issued prior to open registration, based on the number of credits completed. Be sure to find your priority registration appointment in your UCDAccess student portal prior to each semester's class registration period. Registration times are randomly assigned in fifteen-minute time slots.
Read also: Accessing the Cal Poly Portal
Academic Advising and Degree Progress
It's always a good idea to meet with your academic advisor to answer any academic questions and to periodically check in on your degree progress. You can also track your own degree progress by running a degree audit in UCDAcccess, by reviewing your major's undergraduate degree map for suggested course pathways, and by consulting the course catalog to learn more about specific classes and programs. Taking the right classes each semester is essential for staying on track.
Understanding Course Formats
Course features often vary by the type of course you are enrolled in. Understanding the features of your course can help you better plan for success in your course environment.
| In-Person | Hybrid | Remote | Online | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Primarily on-campus at pre-scheduled meeting times. | Mix of pre-scheduled, on-campus meetings and flexible-schedule online learning components. May include pre-scheduled virtual meetings. | Virtually on Zoom with pre-scheduled meeting times. Other online learning materials provided. | Online learning materials with a flexible schedule. Class takes place entirely online. |
| On-Campus Component | Yes | Yes, some meetings are on-campus | No | No |
| Meeting Times | Pre-scheduled, on-campus | Mix of pre-scheduled, on-campus and potentially virtual | Pre-scheduled virtual meetings via Zoom | Asynchronous, no set meeting times |
Technology Resources
The Law Library & IT Services provides several technology resources to support your academic work.
Laptop Loans
The library offers both short-term and long-term laptop loans:
- Short-Term Loans: Short-term loans allow you to borrow a library laptop for 48 hours when you need a laptop temporarily.
- Long-Term Loans: Long-term loans allow you to borrow a library laptop for 2 months while your laptop is being repaired and require pre-approval by the IT department.
Class Recordings
Classes are typically recorded to allow students to review the material. Recording starts at the scheduled beginning of the class and stops at the scheduled end of the class. Recordings are available on Blackboard a few minutes after the scheduled end of the class.
Read also: Accessing the MUSD Student Portal
Transfer and International Students
Transfer Students
If you have been admitted to UDC as a transfer student, your transfer credit evaluations will be completed within 21 business days of you completing your enrollment. This includes receipt of all official transcripts for all schools attended.
International Students
As an international student, there are additional steps you must take before an I-20 may be issued. To access the necessary forms, visit the Step-by-Step Guide for International Students [link]. You will likely need to provide a Bank Statement or Bank Letter, dated within the last six months, verifying liquid funds. All submitted documents must be received by June 1 (for fall semester) and November 1 (for spring semester).
Health Insurance and Textbook Program
Health Insurance
Health insurance is required, and university-sponsored health insurance is automatically billed at the time of registration. If you already have insurance and want to opt out of the university-sponsored program, you will need to follow the opt-out procedures.
Follett ACCESS Textbook Program
You will be automatically enrolled in the Follett ACCESS Textbook Program and assessed a nominal fee per credit hour. This program provides you with access to your required textbooks. You can decline and purchase your books elsewhere, but there is a specified deadline to opt out of the program.
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