From the Deans' Suite - 7/8/25 - Strong Start with Jump Start
These last two weeks have marked exciting milestones for our incoming students as they began CSU Law’s Jump Start Program. Last night, Dean Brian Ray and I had the pleasure of welcoming more than 100 students for the first evening of the in-person Jump Start Program, and last week our new JD Online students began their own Jump Start sessions.
Jump Start is a cornerstone of the academic support we provide for every incoming student. Jump Start has come a long way since it began back in 2016 as an optional program with just 15–20 students. The student feedback was so positive that we quickly decided to require every student to participate.
What makes Jump Start so special? Throughout July, our team helps students build skills essential for success in law school, including critical reading, briefing cases, synthesizing rules, outlining, legal analysis, and test-taking. Students also focus on time management, growth mindset, and professionalism. Students complete multiple assignments and receive individual feedback on their work. The curriculum and materials are designed in-house so that they can be provided at no cost to the students. As important as the skills developed in Jump Start are the early connections it fosters among students, faculty, and staff. These connections help build a sense of community and belonging that is vital to academic and professional success. Whether attending in person or virtually, each student finishes the program ready to hit the ground running and make the most of all CSU Law has to offer.
Jump Start seeks to give every student the tools, skills, and community they need to succeed.
Jump Start would not be possible without our incredible team members who pour their time, care, and expertise into making the program a success. We’re especially grateful to this year’s Jump Start faculty, Assistant Dean Nick De Santis, Tayler Gill, Dean Williams, Brandilyn Cook, and Bobby Stevenson, along with their dedicated teaching assistants, current students Joe Dempsey, Katie Shultis, and Riley Papa.
Fall classes may be six weeks away, but Jump Start ensures that our newest students are ready to learn law and live justice. Thank you to everyone in our community who helps to make Jump Start possible.
Warmly,
Carolyn