It's almost time for the bar exam!
As I’ve walked through the law library and the Robert and Judy Rawson Learning Commons in recent days, all signs point to the bar exam, which is now just one week away. Study rooms have become bar study command centers—dry-erase boards and windows are covered in outlines; tables are piled with books, snacks, and coffee; and graduates are giving their all in this final stretch.
Every CSU Law bar taker had the opportunity to reserve a private study room from graduation through the weekend before the exam, and they’ve made the most of their spaces. Some rooms are used for quiet solo study; others are alive with collaboration and shared learning.
I had the pleasure of joining Assistant Dean of Student Success, Nick DeSantis, as he walked the library one day last week. I watched him schedule follow-up meetings, offer encouragement, and even quiz one student on requirements for transferring real property. Our Student Success Team has been here all summer, providing structure, accountability, and unwavering support for our graduates. We are profoundly grateful to them and to every member of the CSU Law community who has shown up to support our students in ways large and small.
A new exam location: CSU Law.
Another special set of preparations is underway this week because the Ohio Bar Exam will be administered right here at CSU Law. This year, the Supreme Court of Ohio made the thoughtful decision to offer the exam in three locations: Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. We are honored that CSU Law was selected to serve as the Cleveland site.
By making that shift, the Court has significantly eased the logistical and financial burdens for bar takers across the state. Holding the exam in multiple cities means bar takers can test closer to home. Instead of traveling to Wilmington (the location of the Ohio exam in recent years), all bar takers can now take the exam closer to home. This means they can sleep in their own beds, focus more fully on the exam, and avoid the considerable cost of several nights of food and lodging. CSU Law will welcome bar takers from all three Northeast Ohio law schools, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting their success. A very special thank you to Director of Bar Preparation, Jenna Hosier, who has taken a leadership role in preparations for the bar exam administration at CSU.
Building closed during the Bar Exam.
To ensure a secure, distraction-free environment, the Law Building and Law Library will be closed starting Sunday, July 27, at 3 p.m. until the exam concludes on Wednesday, July 30. During this period, only registered bar candidates and approved Court personnel may enter the law building. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors will not have access during this period.
To Our Bar Takers
To each of you preparing for the exam: Know that your CSU Law community is behind you every step of the way. We’re proud of you, we believe in you, and we can’t wait to see your names on the pass list this fall.
For other members of the CSU Law community: If you’d like to send a message of encouragement to our bar takers, please just reply to this email. We will compile your messages and share them with our graduates as they head into their final preparations for the exam.
Thank you, as always, for your commitment to our students’ success.
Warmly,
Carolyn