Bruce Ryder, Assistant Dean (First Year)

Law school is particularly demanding for first year students. In addition to the  Academic Success and Wellness programming and resources available to all students, Osgoode has developed a comprehensive program of academic support for our first year students, with the objective of maximizing each person's ability to achieve his or her academic potential in the study of law.

At Osgoode, first-year students will find a wealth of resources in our faculty, staff and upper-years students to make the transition to legal studies a more manageable one. Through programs such as skills and information sessions, the Dean’s Fellow Program, and personal counseling, the First Year Academic Success Program is designed to assist students to perform with excellence while integrating themselves into the law school.

We also invite you to visit the Academic Support Program web site. (MyOsgoode login required)

Skills and Information Sessions 

The Office of the Assistant Dean (First Year) sponsors a number of skills and information sessions early in the fall and winter terms on such pertinent topics as exam preparation, the role of public policy in law, and tips for writing a legal research paper.

By attending these sessions, students gain access to valuable information not only about academic skills but also about the culture of our law school community. Participating in these events is one way to build support groups that can assist students in establishing solid skills for achieving success at law school.

Dean’s Fellow Program

In each of the first-year core courses (except for Legal Process), there will be a Dean's Fellow assigned to assist students in developing the necessary skills to do well in that particular course, and by addressing any related concerns or questions they might have.

The Dean's Fellow is an upper-year student who has usually done extremely well in that course with that professor and who has been selected for the ability to facilitate the learning of his/her peers through an understanding of various learning styles. The Dean's Fellows also receive specialized training in assisting students who may be feeling overwhelmed by the challenges posed by first year. This program has been extremely successful in the past and has been recognized by first-year students to be one of the best support features of first year.

Dean's Fellows hold regular optional sessions outside of the class to review material, predict test items, and generally enhance the skills necessary to perform well in that course. As well, fellows have traditionally made themselves available to students outside of this formal arrangement by e-mail.

Individual Advice

Bruce Ryder, Assistant Dean (First Year) is available to meet with students on an individual basis to provide academic counseling, or to refer students to other resources on campus better designed to meet their specific needs, academic or otherwise.