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Paralegal Program for 2012
Citation preview
Student Catalog & Handbook
University of Northern California
Lorenzo Patiño School of Law & Paralegal
PARALEGAL PROGRAM
2012
Daniel Wigon, Executive Dean
Anthony Márquez, Dean of Students
Leonard Padilla, President
‘Excellence and Affordability in Legal Education’
2
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LORENZO PATIÑO SCHOOL OF LAW & PARALEGAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISSION AND PURPOSE ...............................................................................................3
THE PARALEGAL PROFESSION ............................................................................ 3-4
STAFF, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FOUNDERS ............................................................5
FACULTY ..........................................................................................................................6
THE SCHOOL ..................................................................................................... 7-8
COURSE OF STUDY .................................................................................................. 9-12
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................13
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 13-14
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ................................................................................ 14-17
GRADUATION ................................................................................................................17
ACADEMIC REGULATIONS ................................................................................. 18-20
ATTENDANCE POLICY ......................................................................................... 20-21
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES ........................................................ 21-25
2012 PARALEGAL COURSE CALENDARS ..............................................................26
3
MISSION AND PURPOSE The University of Northern California Lorenzo Patiño School of Law (UNC) was founded in
1983 by Leonard Padilla in association with attorneys Heman Smith, Doug Nareau, Danny Brace,
Jr., and the late Judge Lorenzo Patiño to provide a quality and affordable legal education.
In 1985, the paralegal program was established to provide affordable vocational training for those
students seeking entry into the legal field as legal assistants and to meet the growing demand for
qualified legal personnel who can effectively assist in the governmental, corporate and private
legal communities.
UNC provides a one-year, evening paralegal program, which allows students to prepare for a
career as a paralegal while maintaining full-time employment. The one-year curriculum consists
of substantive law courses which are enhanced by general law courses designed to broaden the
student’s understanding of both the paralegal profession and the field of law.
Courses of study concentrate on the practical aspects of the legal system and the law office
beyond clerical or research skills in order to train the student to professionally assist an attorney.
The administrative staff and instructors comprise a supportive unit that is readily available for
counsel and assistance to any student.
Classroom instruction is conducted in an atmosphere of actual, hands-on, day-to-day law office
procedures. The instructors are attorneys and who work in their field of instruction on a daily
basis. UNC encourages student-faculty discussions of law. The ratio of faculty members to
students is approximately one professor for every five students. Average class size is
approximately twenty students.
THE PARALEGAL PROFESSION Not long ago, people who performed paralegal duties were called “Law Clerks” or “Senior Legal
Secretaries” depending on their skill level. Today the work performed by a paralegal goes far
beyond that generally performed by clerical or secretarial positions.
On September 13, 2000, Governor Gray Davis signed AB 1761, a bill which defines the term
paralegal/legal assistant as an individual who works under the supervision of an attorney who
must meet certain educational criteria and must complete continuing education. The intent of
this bill was to differentiate those who work under the supervision of an attorney and those who
provide services directly to the public. For those who work under the supervision of an attorney,
the only intended change to the profession is a higher standard of education and mandatory
continuing legal education to utilize the title of paralegal.
4
As specified in Section 6450(c)(2) of the California Business and Professions Code, a person
shall be considered a paralegal when he/she possesses:
…A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary
institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or
equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or
regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary
Education.
UNC fully satisfies these requirements.
There is no governing body for the paralegal profession, and the paralegal profession is not a
licensed profession. There is not one single test that you must pass (like the Bar Exam for
lawyers) that is required in order to be considered a paralegal. Paralegals must certify their
education with their supervising attorney since he/she is held liable for the paralegal’s actions. In
addition, paralegals should be prepared to certify their qualifications to clients in case the
question ever arises.
UNC is authorized by the California State Department of Education’s Bureau for Private
Postsecondary Education to grant Paralegal Diplomas and is not accredited by the American Bar
Association.
The UNC paralegal curriculum does follow the guidelines of the American Bar Association
which recommend the collegiate training of attorney assistants.
A paralegal may perform tasks including, but not limited to, case planning development and
management; legal research; interviewing clients; fact gathering and retrieving information;
drafting and analyzing legal documents; collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical
information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney.
A paralegal may not provide legal advice; represent a client in court; select, explain, draft, or
recommend the use of any legal document to or for any person other than the attorney who
directs and supervises the paralegal; engage in conduct that constitutes the unlawful practice of
law; contract with, or be employed by, a natural person other than an attorney to perform legal
services; or establish fees to charge a client for the services the paralegal performs, which shall
be established by the attorney who supervises the paralegal’s work.
A person can only advertise as a paralegal to prospective contracting attorneys. Paralegals do not
work directly for members of the public. A person may perform work as a Legal Document
Assistant and such people must meet the criteria of Business and Professions Code Section 6450.
When working directly for the public, the Legal Document Assistant must be registered with the
County Clerk/Recorder’s office and post a $25,000 bond. An individual who does both and,
therefore, has two different professions, must qualify under both statutes and keep these two
professions completely separate.
5
STAFF
Daniel M. Wigon, Executive Dean
Juris Doctorate, University of Northern California, Lorenzo Patiño School of Law; B.A.
California State University Sacramento; Member of the California State Bar Association.
Anthony P. Márquez, Dean of Students
J.D., Harvard Law School; B.A. Columbia University, Dean’s List; Editor, Harvard Civil
Right--Civil Liberties Law Review; Deputy Legislative Counsel; Chief Counsel, Joint
Legislative Ethics Committee; Member of the State Bar Associations of California, New
Mexico, and Texas.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
J. Leonard Padilla, Chairman of the Board
Danny Brace, Jr., Member
Daniel Wigon, Member
Vanessa Navarro, Member
Rafael Bautista, Member
FOUNDERS
J. Leonard Padilla
Heman Smith
Doug Nareau
Danny Brace, Jr.
Judge Lorenzo Patiño (dec.)
6
FACULTY Members of UNC’s faculty are practicing attorneys who combine knowledge of black
letter law with practical experience, giving students a balanced education.
Ehrlich, Isaac Civil Litigation
J.D., McGeorge School of Law; M.A. William Patterson
College; B.S. Trenton State College; Attorney at Law (General
Civil Practice); Member, California State Bar.
Cintean, Alin D. Immigration, Legal Research & Writing
J.D., McGeorge School of Law; Advocacy Certificate,
B.S. California State University; Sacramento, Member
of the California State Bar Association & The
California Federal Eastern District, Former Sacramento
Deputy District Attorney, Partner at Bonilla & Cintean,
LLP Criminal Defense Firm.
Repkow, Karol Criminal Procedure
J.D., University of Northern California, Lorenzo Patiño
School of Law; Member of the California State Bar
Deanna Duncan Family Law & Business Associations
J.D., Seton Hall University Law School; Chancellor's
Scholar, B.A. California State University;Sacramento,
Member of the State Bar of California
Mckinney, Dale Real Estate, Bankruptcy & Wills/Trusts/Probate
J.D., University of Northern California, Lorenzo Patiño
School of Law ; Member of the California State Bar
Tejeda, Martin Evidence
J.D., McGeorge School of Law ; B.A., Las Vegas
University; Member of the California State Bar & the
California Federal Eastern District
Márquez, Anthony P. Workers' Compensation & Ethics
J.D., Harvard Law School; B.A. Columbia University,
Dean’s List; Editor, Harvard Civil Right--Civil
Liberties Law Review; Chief Counsel, Joint
Legislative Ethics Committee; Member, California
State Bar.
7
THE SCHOOL
LOCATION
The University of Northern California, Lorenzo Patiño School of Law and Paralegal
(UNC), is located in the Patiño Building at 1012 J Street in Sacramento, California. UNC
is within walking distance of the Sacramento County Law Library, the Sacramento
County Courthouse, City Hall, the State Capitol, the U. S. District Court, and the Third
District Court of Appeals. The academic building houses the administrative offices of the
Executive Dean, the Dean of Students, and the Registrar, the classrooms, the library, a
computer room and the student lounge.
LIBRARY
There are approximately 5,000 active, shelved, legal volumes in the school library as of
October 1, 2002. Warehoused volumes are not included in this total. The library, open
from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday on all days that classes are being
conducted, offers a quiet place to study. It is located in the lower level of the Patiño
Building. The library contains the collections required by the Committee of Bar
Examiners of the State of California for non-accredited law schools, as well as numerous
other volumes, documents, and materials.
Specifically, we maintain the following volumes:
1. The published reports of the decisions of California courts, with advance
sheets and citatory;
2. A digest or encyclopedia of California law;
3. An annotated set of California codes;
4. A current, standard text or treatise for each course or subject in the
curriculum of the school for which such a text or treatise is available;
5. Complete set of California Judicial Council Forms.
Students may also use the Sacramento County Law Library and the California State
Library, both located within a few blocks of the school.
RECRUITMENT
UNC is fully committed to equality in education and employment. UNC does not
discriminate in any of its activities on the basis of race, sex, age, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, financial status, disability, or religious beliefs.
8
RESERVATION OF POWERS
In addition to other rights expressed within this catalog, UNC also reserves the right to
modify grading and advancement standards, course content, diploma requirements,
regulations, and tuition or fees at any time without prior notice. The information in this
catalog is not an offer to create, and is not to be regarded as creating a binding contract
between UNC and the student.
UNC reserves the right to terminate or restrict, for cause, the attendance of any student at
any time, or to remove from the list of candidates for a degree, the name of any student
should it be in the best interests of the University. Upon written request from the student,
a hearing will be conducted according to procedures established by the University.
JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Federal, State, City, and County agency mailers and faxes of job announcements received
in the office are distributed individually to each student’s student folder. Upon request
and on an individual basis, résumés are reviewed and faxed to potential employers at no
charge. Periodically, the school provides résumé writing workshops for the benefit of the
paralegal students.
STUDENT RECORDS
UNC maintains the records of its students for various purposes. The right to inspect
records is in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,
Public Law 93-380, as amended. Information about specific procedures is available upon
request from the Admissions Office. Student records will be retained indefinitely in a
hard-copy format or in an electronic format, as necessary. Directory information, under
Public Law 93-380, as amended, includes the name of the student, major fields of study,
enrollment status, honors, and awards.
STUDENT GRIEVANCES
Persons seeking to resolve academic issues, problems, or complaints should first contact
the instructor in charge. Requests for further actions may be made to the Executive Dean.
Unresolved complaints may be directed to the Dean of Students pursuant to this handbook
or to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite
400, Sacramento, CA 95833; P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818.
Telephone number; (916) 431-6959.
STUDY GROUPS
Students are encouraged to form small study groups where they meet outside the
classroom to discuss material covered in class and to prepare for examinations.
9
COURSE OF STUDY Academic Year
The paralegal school offers a one-year Paralegal Diploma program. In order to graduate,
a student must complete 360 classroom hours in addition to a 60-hour internship (for a
total of 360 hours, or 24 semester units) with a grade point average of 2.00 or better. An
hour equals one hour of instruction.
All classes meet from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Located at 1012 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Holidays
Classes are not held on the following holidays:
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Materials
Required textbooks are provided. Supplemental readings, etc. will be provided by the
course professor. Students will have access to copy/supply room during school hours.
THE ONE-YEAR PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION
It is the goal of UNC to provide a solid legal and ethical foundation. The UNC curriculum
consists of twelve required courses and an internship. The courses follow the curriculum
recommended by the American Bar Association.
The course schedule is subject to change. Pass/Fail classes are designated with a P/F.
PARALEGAL PROGRAM (courses):
Courses of study concentrate on the practical aspects of the legal system and of the law office.
The curriculum follows the guidelines of the American Bar Association, which recommends the
collegiate training of attorney assistants. The Paralegal Program, approved by the Bureau for
Private Postsecondary Education, is authorized to grant a certificate upon completion of the
courses. The program consists of 12 subjects totaling 300 hours of instruction and a 60-hour
internship. A brief synopsis of each follows:
10
CIVIL LITIGATION
Class Length: 45 hours.
Course Description: An introduction to the California legal system, with a focus on the practical
aspects of litigation, including the causes of action, elements of causes of action, how to prepare
a complaint, summons, response; how to serve; what is legal service; how to recognize and
prepare a complaint; discovery; how to recognize an issue; the parties (who can and cannot be a
party to an action); proper jurisdiction and venue; handling civil litigation cases; recognizing
civil issues.
IMMIGRATION LAW
Class Length: 15 hours.
Course Description: This course surveys the various Constitutional and statutory basis for
regulation of immigrants and non-immigrants. Topics include completion of forms as to
citizenship and naturalization, sources of immigration power, federal agencies and courts,
admissions/procedures, constitutional rights of aliens, deportability and relief from removal and
refugees and political asylum.
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Class Length: 30 hours.
Course Description: Focus on basic California criminal law, including misdemeanor and felony
law, as well as the criminal trial process, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions
to suppress and dismiss, continuances, standard of proof and sentencing, basics of the appeal
process, habeas corpus and bail procedures.
FAMILY LAW
Class Length: 30 hours.
Course Description: Basics of family law, including preparation of forms, necessary pleadings
such as preliminary dissolution, child support and judgment pleadings, as well as division of
property, child and spousal support issues, custody of children concerns, joinder of parties
(including retirement benefits/pension plans), summary dissolutions and non-dissolution
proceedings, establishing paternity, community and separate property, and instruction on the
Domestic Violence Prevention Act, Emancipation of Minors and Domestic Partners Acts, ending
with adoptions.
REAL ESTATE LAW
Class Length: 30 hours.
Course Description: Practical aspects of how real property is acquired, used and transferred,
including instruction on co-tenants, fees, mortgages, marital rights, trust, cooperatives, tenancy,
tenant rights, deeds, land contracts, installment sales and escrow.
11
EVIDENCE
Class Length: 18 hours.
Course Description: An overview for legal assistants of the rules for admission of evidence in
court from the point-of-view of all parties, including the defendant and plaintiff.
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS/CORPORATIONS
Class Length: 15 hours.
Course Description: Instruction about the legal requirements for stock corporations, non-profit
and non-stock, Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and formation requirements, as well as
Partnerships, Limited Legal Partnerships and joint venture agreements.
BANKRUPTCY
Class Length: 21 hours.
Course Description: Basic bankruptcy instruction for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12 and
Chapter 13, including all forms for bankruptcy filings, filing requirements and the practical side
of representing debtors and creditors.
LEGAL RESEARCH & WRITING
Class Length: 30 hours.
Course Description: Instruction on basic legal researching skills, including familiarization with
statutory and case law, with particular emphasis on court decisions and how to “Shepardize”
cases.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Class Length: 15 hours.
Course Description: An overview of California Workers’ Compensation Law, with special
emphasis on the basic concepts of industrial injuries, terms peculiar to this area and
familiarization with all necessary forms required for both prosecution and defending a claim,
including penalties, discrimination, and serious and willful misconduct resulting in injury.
ETHICS
Class Length: 15 hours.
Course Description: Instruction on the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility of the
National Association of Legal Assistants, as well as excerpts from the American Bar Association
Code of Professional Responsibility and the State of California Rules of Professional Conduct.
WILLS/TRUSTS/PROBATE
Class Length: 21 hours.
Course Description: Instruction on all elements of a will, probate, basics of estate taxation, sales,
conservatorships and guardianships.
12
INTERNSHIP
Class Length: 60 hours.
The University of Northern California, Lorenzo Patiño School of Law and Paralegal offers its
students an opportunity to receive real-life experience in the practice of law through UNC’s
student internship program.
Students may seek out and identify attorneys with whom they would like to intern or UNC can
aid in this process, as we have many attorneys who are ready, willing and able to take on interns.
All students are required to put in 60 internship hours under the supervision of a qualified
attorney in order to receive their paralegal certificate.
Proposal for Internship
To ensure that all internships provide appropriate educational benefit, an internship Proposal
must be submitted in order to be evaluated and approved by the Administration.
Approval requires that the activities proposed not include only clerical work, but instead focus on
client contact; office management; administrative, law and motion, and discovery proceedings;
review and creation of legal documents; and research of legal issues.
The Proposal must include the name of the supervising attorney, area of practice, his/her State
Bar number, and years in practice,
Final Supervising Attorney Letter
This letter shall be written by the supervising attorney on his/her letterhead and shall summarize
the student’s work, including an evaluation of said work, as well as certify that the set number of
hours were accomplished.
Time Sheets
Students must submit a weekly progress report that includes an explanation of the internship
activities and the hours worked. Students must also submit a final progress report with the final
letter from the supervising attorney.
The internship is an unpaid position, unless agreed otherwise with the supervising attorney.
13
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
General Admission
Applicants must have graduated from high school or passed the high school equivalency
exam. Applicants must provide proof of High School Diploma or GED. No credit is
given for prior experiential learning.
Foreign Applicants
Applicants from outside the United States are subject to the same admission requirements
and must provide proof of graduation from a secondary school or its equivalent. Each
academic unit will be converted to a comparable U.S. equivalent. Although no proof of
English proficiency is required, instructions and examinations are conducted in English
only. No special accommodations are currently available for non-English speaking
applicants. Our course credit does not apply outside of California; therefore we do not
transfer credit or accommodate for students who wish to apply using student visa.
Auditing Students
Persons wishing to attend a particular class in order to further explore or brush up on a
particular area of the law may audit a class or classes. No credit toward a diploma is
given for an audited course. Tuition is prorated for that course. No fees are charged.
Books must be purchased separately if needed.
Former Students
Students who withdraw in good standing from UNC may be readmitted subject to all
current policies and catalog requirements.
Transfer Credit
UNC may accept credit for paralegal courses from other programs if the program was
approved by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education. The applicant may petition
the Dean of Students for approval at the time of making his or her application and will
receive a determination within fifteen (15) days.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Please ensure your application package is complete by including all of the following:
1. Completed application form;
2. Copy of high school diploma or equivalent;
3. One-page writing sample (typed) focusing on your career goals;
4. $100.00 nonrefundable application fee.
14
General letters of recommendation are helpful but not required.
Please visit our website at www.patinolawschool.com; applications are available to print
out.
Any inquiries regarding the Paralegal Program, please call the Registrar at
(916) 441-4485.
Applications should be addressed as follows:
Paralegal Coordinator
UNC Lorenzo Patiño School of Law and Paralegal
1012 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Application deadlines
The Administration reviews completed applications as they are received. Applicants may
apply to enter the program at the beginning of any of the 12 course modules that make up
the program. The number of seats is limited, so apply as soon as possible.
Registration Procedures
Students may register for classes at UNC by mail or in person. Those who wish to
register on site may do so at the Registrar’s office by appointment only.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following tuition and fees are calculated for a typical semester and are due upon
registration prior to each semester.
Application Fee.......................................................................... 100.00
Registration Fee ......................................................................... 100.00
Administrative Fee .................................................................... 100.00
Tuition .................................................................................... 3,700.00
Graduation Fee .......................................................................... 100.00
Student Activity Fee .................................................................... 50.00
Books (includes tax) .................................................................. 325.00
15
Internet Access ............................................................................ 50.00
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TOTAL PROGRAM FEES (if paid in one payment) ..... $4,525.00
Payment plan fee (see below) .................................................... $50.00
TOTAL PROGRAM FEES WITH PAYMENTS ........... $4,575.00
Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. Payments can be made by check,
credit card or money order.
Deferred Payment Plan
In addition to keeping tuition and fees affordable, UNC offers a deferred payment plan
for a $50 fee, but interest-free, semester charge. Students with approved credit may
arrange monthly, installment payments over the course of the year. Students who become
delinquent in their accounts may be prohibited from attending class, taking examinations,
enrolling in additional classes, receiving transcripts or grades, and/or graduating.
Deferment privileges may be revoked if a student establishes a pattern of late payments or
has more than one returned check. A student will be required to pay by credit card or
money order if a check is dishonored. Deferred payment is a privilege, not a right.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
UNC does not offer financial aid through our institution. Occasionally, scholarships are
available. UNC posts notices of scholarships as we become aware of them.
Loans
If students receives a loan, the student will have to repay the full amount of the loan plus
interest, less the amount of any refund, and that, if the student receives federal student
financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the money not paid from federal
financial aid funds.
Housing
Housing is not provided.
Cancellation
Students who decide to cancel their contract within five business days of their first day of
class must complete the cancellation form provided by UNC. Notice of cancellation must
be properly filed within the cancellation period. The cancellation period extends through
five business days after the first class attended.
16
Refund After Classes Begin
Each student has the right to withdraw from a course at any time. If a student withdraws
from a course after the cancellation period and has completed less than 60% of a course,
the student is entitled to a pro-rata refund of tuition paid, which does not include
application and registration fees.
A student shall be deemed withdrawn from a course when any of the following occurs:
1) The student presents a Notice of Withdrawal to UNC; or
2) The institution terminates the student’s enrollment for reasons outlined in
the registration agreement.
Refunds, if granted, will be provided no later than 45 days following your notice of
withdrawal.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
California law requires that upon registration a special fee must be assessed in relation to
the cost of tuition (California Education Code Section 94343). This fee supports the
Student Tuition Recovery Fund established by the California Legislature to reimburse
students who might otherwise experience a financial loss as a result of an untimely school
closure. Students will be reimbursed only for prepaid but unused tuition money.
It is important that enrollees keep a copy of any agreements, contracts, tuition receipts,
academic records, and cancelled checks pertinent to UNC. In the event of untimely
school closure, students will be required to substantiate any claims made to UNC for
STRF reimbursement within 60 calendar days following the closure.
YOU MUST PAY THE STATE-IMPOSED ASSESSMENT FOR THE STUDENT
TUITION RECOVERY FUND (STRF) IF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO
YOU:
1. You are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are
enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition either by cash,
guaranteed student loans, or personal loans, and
2. Your total charges are not paid by any third-party payer such as an employer,
government program or other payer unless you have a separate agreement to repay the
third party.
YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PROTECTION FROM STRF AND YOU ARE NOT
REQUIRED TO PAY THE STRF ASSESSMENT, IF EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING
APPLIES:
17
1. You are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program, or
2. Your total charges are paid by a third party, such as an employer, government program
or other payer, and you have no separate agreement to repay the third party.
REVIEW OF CALCULATION OF STRF ASSESSMENT
1. Students pay STRF assessments, not institutions. Institutions forward the assessments
to the Bureau on a quarterly basis.
2. The STRF assessment is collected from every student attending class in a California
classroom (including international students) or California residents enrolled in an online
program of study.
3. The amount of the STRF assessment is $2.50 for every $1,000.00 of institutional
charges rounded to the nearest $1,000.00. Institutional charges are those charges that are
paid directly to the institution and should be the amount listed on the enrollment
agreement.
4. Unless 100% of the cost for the educational program is paid by a third party payer or a
combination of third party payers, the student must pay the STRF assessment. (A "third
party payer" is a government program or an employer that requires no repayment from the
student.)
For further instructions contact:
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400
Sacramento California, 95833
(916) 431-6959 Tel. (916) 263-1897 Fax http://www.bppe.ca.gov
GRADUATION
UNC will grant a Paralegal Certificate with the title of PARALEGAL to students who
have satisfactorily completed the following requirements:
1. Received credit for all 12 courses prescribed by the UNC Paralegal curriculum
and completed a 60-hour internship;
2. Obtained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher for the entire
Paralegal Program;
3. Complied with the school’s attendance requirements;
4. Fulfilled all financial obligations to the school.
A small graduation ceremony is held once per year (generally in June) for those students
who have completed the program within the preceding twelve months. Students organize
and plan this ceremony themselves. Certificates are distributed at this ceremony.
18
ACADEMIC REGULATIONS GRADING SYSTEM
Grades are assigned on a traditional 100-point scale. The point to grade conversion is as follows:
Score Letter Grade Grade Points
100+ A+ 4.3
95-100 A 4.0
90-94 A- 3.7
87-89 B+ 3.3
84-86 B 3.0
80-83 B- 2.7
75-79 C+ 2.3
70-74 C 2.0
65-69 C- 1.7
60-64 D+ 1.3
55-59 D 1.0
50-54 D- 0.7
BELOW 50 F 0.0
P = PASS 0.0
CR = CREDIT 0.0
NC = NO CREDIT 0.0
WD = WITHDRAWAL 0.0
DIS = DISMISSAL 0.0
INC = INCOMPLETE 0.0
In order to remain in good standing a student must maintain a 2.0 grade point average. If your
grade point average should drop below a 2.0, you will be placed on academic probation. If you
remain below a 2.0 for the duration of three class sessions, you will be academically disqualified.
Should you become academically disqualified, you may petition the Dean of Students in writing
for reinstatement.
19
Leave of Absence
A student who has met all UNC administrative and academic requirements may request a
leave of absence for not more than one academic year. A petition must be submitted to
the Executive Dean before the year in which the leave is to be effective. If a student
intends to return to UNC, he or she must notify the Registrar not less than 30 days prior to
the leave’s expiration. Petitioners are advised to request counsel of the Dean of Students
if considering a leave of absence.
Reversal of Academic Disqualification
If a student can demonstrate genuine hardship, he or she may petition the Dean of
Students to repeat the courses for which the disqualification occurred. Any courses in
which a student received a failing grade must be repeated. The grades he or she receives
during the repeated year will be considered final.
Grade Designations
For classes with grade designations of P/F or CR/NC, the student will be given credit for
courses successfully completed but his or her grade point average will not be affected. A
“fail” grade or an “F” will be treated as a “no credit” and will not be considered when
calculating the student’s total GPA. A “no credit” grade or “NC” means no credit will be
given for the course and, again, the student’s total GPA will not be affected.
W—Withdrawal, which means that a student withdrew from a course—No credit or grade
points will be granted.
Examinations
All students are required to take their final examinations at the designed times. If a
student fails to show for a test and does not make special arrangements ahead of time, he
or she will receive a “NC” for all previous work completed in that course. In order to
make special arrangement prior to testing, the examinee must demonstrate genuine
hardship in accordance with UNC’s policy regarding make-up examinations. A fee may
be assessed for each make-up examination that the student is permitted to take. A request
for a re-read must comply with the re-read policy (see below).
Recorded grades will not be changed unless it is determined by the Executive Dean or
Registrar that there was a clear case of error.
Policy on Re-reading of Examinations
The University’s policy on the re-reading of Examinations is as follows and shall be binding on both
the student and professor alike.
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1. All requests for re-reads shall be submitted to the Administrative Office accompanied by a Re-
Read Request Form that briefly explains why the student feels that the original grade is not
appropriate. The request shall be made within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of the grade and
examination in question.
2. The professor shall review the bluebook and complete the appropriate portion of the re-read
request form, then return the completed request form along with the exam(s) to the Administrative
office. The professor is encouraged to make comments which will help a student understand his/her
grade and how he/she could improve his/her responses in the future. Please remember: the
professor has the right to either raise or lower a grade.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the professor’s re-read evaluation, the student may request that
the Dean of Students review the matter in question. Such a request shall be made within fifteen (15)
days of receiving the evaluation of the re-read professor. The student shall set forth in detail why
she/he is requesting further evaluation.
4. The Dean of Students may either allow the grade to stand or refer the matter to an independent
reader for evaluation.
5. The decision of the Dean of Students shall be final, in writing, and notify the involved student and
professor as to the decision.
6. Please do not personally consult with professors for a re-read.
7. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the denial of a re-read.
Extra Credit
The faculty at UNC reserves the right to award extra credit points to students who have
most actively participated in classroom discussions. If extra credit is available, the
professor will announce this fact to the class and include the option in the syllabus. Extra
credit can only raise a grade by one-half; for example, from a “C” to a “C+.”
ATTENDANCE POLICY
1. The University of Northern California, Lorenzo Patiño School of Law and
Paralegal requires that paralegal students attend a minimum of 80% of all classes.
That is, a student’s UNEXCUSED absences should not exceed 20% of all classes
for a particular course.
2. If a student exceeds the amount of allowed unexcused absences for a particular
course, then the student must submit a valid medical excuse or a letter explaining
the emergency to the Administration for approval.
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3. The Administration must approve the absence in order for the absence to be
considered “excused.” If an excused absence request is denied, the Administration
will notify the student in writing within five days of receipt of the request stating
why the absence was not approved.
4. If the student is not able to furnish an acceptable excuse for the absence, then the
student may be allowed to make up the hours missed. This will be handled on a
case-by-case basis through the Administration.
5. Absences exceeding the allowable number will be cause for probation for the
duration of the course and may result in dismissal.
6. Any absences during the probationary period may cause the student to be:
a) Barred from taking the final examination in that course;
b) Denied credit for the course resulting in a requirement to repeat the course;
c) Ineligible to graduate or receive his/her certificate.
7. Any student who is dropped from more than one course for not complying with the
attendance policy of the school while on probation may be dismissed from the
school.
8. A roll sheet will be distributed at the end of each class session. It is the student’s
responsibility to personally sign the roll sheets. Attendance credit will only be
given if the student’s signature appears on the roll sheet. Students who leave early
while class is still in session will not receive credit for that day of class. If a
student leaves early due to an illness or an emergency, that student must inform
the instructor before leaving and thereafter follow the above explained steps to
obtain an excused absence for that day.
9. If a student’s absences, whether they be EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED, exceed
40% of all classes for a particular course, under no circumstances will the student
receive credit for the course.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
Students enrolled at UNC are expected to adhere to the highest standards of ethics,
conduct, and scholarship. UNC reserves the right to dismiss any student whose conduct
is, at anytime, below the required standard.
Students should conduct themselves in a responsible manner that reflects positively on
UNC in terms of morality, honor and good citizenship. It is the responsibility of the
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students to maintain academic honesty and integrity and manifest their commitment to the
goals of the University through their conduct and behavior. Any form of academic
dishonesty or inappropriate conduct by the students or applicants may require the
University to impose such penalties as deemed appropriate, ranging from warning to
dismissal. Any such disciplinary action will be taken following the procedures of due
process. Due process provides that students be informed in writing of the nature of the
charges against them, that they be given a fair opportunity to refute the charges, and that
there be provisions for appeal of a decision.
REASONS FOR PROBATION, SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS
Following the procedure consistent with due process, a student may be placed on
probation, suspended or dismissed, or given a lesser sanction for any of the following:
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas or work as one’s own. An obvious
form of plagiarism is intentionally stealing someone else’s words and claiming they are
yours. Using another person’s sentence, phrase, or even a word that another person
coined requires you to acknowledge the source of the sentence, phrase, or coined word.
You can either use quotation marks or paraphrase the author (to avoid unintentional
plagiarism, paraphrasing and quotations should both be properly cited). The sanctions for
students found intentionally plagiarizing are outlined under “Penalties.”
CHEATING OR OTHER ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Any form of academic dishonesty reveals a serious lack of personal academic integrity
and detracts from the quality of a student’s education. As such, it is a violation of
University policy, not only because it diminishes the quality of student scholarship, but
also because it defrauds those who rely on the integrity of the University’s academic
program.
Academic dishonesty is considered to be any form of cheating or plagiarism or attempt to
obtain academic work through fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest means. The following
definitions are not all-inclusive:
1. The intentional use or attempt to use unauthorized materials, information or
study aids in any academic exercise, such as copying from another’s test;
2. Using sources or materials not authorized by the instructor in an examination;
3. Altering graded materials;
4. Sitting for an examination by a surrogate or acting as a surrogate; or
5. Any act which defrauds the results of the academic process.
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PENALTIES
1. Faculty members are responsible for determining the type of academic sanction to
be applied to students involved in individual incidents of cheating or plagiarism.
Faculty may defer, however, to the Executive Dean in cases of extreme violations.
2. When an instructor has adequate evidence of academic dishonesty on the part of
the student, it is the instructor’s responsibility to take action against the student,
notifying the Executive Dean regarding the type of academic dishonesty observed
so that in extreme cases or in the case of repeated infractions the University may
exercise the option of dismissal.
There are many variables affecting the severity of the administered penalties:
whether the dishonesty was premeditated; the extent of the dishonesty; the relative
importance of the dishonesty (one answer or an entire project); the relative
importance of the academic exercise (quiz or final examination); whether the
dishonesty was active or passive (copier vs. copyee).
Specific penalties that might be considered include any of the following:
1. Review, no action;
2. Warning;
3. Academic probation;
4. Requirement that the work be repeated;
5. Reduction of the grade on a specific work in question;
6. A failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course;
7. Dismissal from the University.
ADDITIONAL REASONS FOR STUDENT DISCIPLINE
In addition to the reasons outlined above for probation, suspension, or dismissal, students
may also be disciplined for the following reason:
1. Forgery or altering a University document, or knowingly providing false
information;
2. Disruption of the educational or administrative process of the University by
acts or expression;
3. Physical abuse or destruction of University property;
4. Physical abuse or threat of abuse to students, University employees, or their
families;
5. Theft of University property;
6. Sale or knowing possession of illegal drugs or narcotics;
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7. Obscene, lewd, or indecent behavior on University property;
8. Possession or use of deadly weapons or explosives;
9. Soliciting or assisting another to an act which would subject a student to a
serious University sanction; or
10. Any action which would grossly violate the purpose of the University or the
rights of those who comprise the University.
Students suspected of committing any of the above violations of University policy will be
accorded procedures consistent with due process before disciplinary action is imposed.
Disciplinary action may include probation, suspension, or dismissal.
Any violations of the above policy (including all forms of academic dishonesty) may
result in a student being barred from class, completion of any further courses and
graduation. Disciplinary action is to be determined by the Executive Dean. In the event a
student believes that he/she has been wrongfully charged and/or penalized, the student
may appeal the decision to the Appeals Committee.
APPEAL PROCEDURES
1. The Appeals Committee is to consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of
five members. Members are appointed by the Dean of Students with at least two
members being from the University faculty and at least one from the
Administrative Staff. The Dean of Students shall serve as Chairperson for this
committee and shall conduct the proceedings and report the Committee’s decision.
Members of the Committee are not to have had direct involvement in the case prior
to the hearing.
2. A quorum shall be three members.
3. The accused student shall be notified in writing of the hearing date, time, and
procedures at least seven working days prior to the hearing.
4. Hearing procedures:
a. A record will be maintained of the proceedings.
b. The Chairperson will read the charges to the Committee and call on any
witnesses pertinent to the case.
c. The student will next be asked to present his/her case. The student may be
questioned by any members of the committee. The student will be given an
opportunity to challenge or rebut any testimony or evidence submitted
against him/her. The Chairperson may terminate the student’s right to
address the Committee if the student becomes abusive or persists in
presenting irrelevant or repetitive evidence or information.
d. If the accused student fails to appear, the Committee may find against the
student after hearing the charges.
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e. An attorney or non-legal representative may be present to advise the
students but may not examine witnesses or otherwise take part in the
proceedings.
f. The hearing will be closed and members of the Committee will take
reasonable precautions to ensure that the proceedings remain confidential,
unless disclosure is required by law.
g. The Committee will deliberate in private and reach a decision. The
Committee may acquit the student of the charges, sustain the penalty
imposed by the Executive Dean, or specify new disciplinary action to be
imposed.
NOTIFICATION OF DECISION
The student will be informed in writing of the Committee’s decision and of the student’s
right to appeal the decision. The letter is to be co-signed by the Executive Dean and the
Dean of Students.
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LORENZO PATIÑO SCHOOL OF LAW & PARALEGAL
PARALEGAL SCHEDULE 2012
CIVIL LITIGATION 2012
45 HOURS - 15 CLASSES
IMMIGRATION 2012
15 HOURS - 5 CLASSES
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 2012
30 HOURS - 10 CLASSES
FAMILY LAW 2012
30 HOURS - 10 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 1/3 1/5
1/10 1/12
1/17 1/19
1/24 1/26
1/31 2/2
2/7 2/9
2/14 2/16
2/21
Tuesday Thursday 2/23
2/28 3/1
3/6 3/8
Tuesday Thursday 3/13 3/15
3/20 3/22
3/27 3/29
4/3 4/5
4/10 4/12
Tuesday Thursday 4/17 4/19
4/24 4/26
5/1 5/3
5/8 5/10
5/15 5/17
REAL ESTATE LAW 2012
30 HOURS - 10 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 5/22 5/24
5/29 5/31
6/5 6/7
6/12 6/14
6/19 6/21
EVIDENCE 2012
24 HOURS – 8 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 6/26 6/28
7/3 7/5
7/10 7/12
7/17 7/19
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS 2012
15 HOURS – 5 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 7/24 7/26
7/31 8/2
8/7
BANKRUPTCY 2012
21 HOURS – 7 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 8/9
8/14 8/16
8/21 8/23
8/28 9/2
LEGAL RESEARCH & WRITING 2012
42 HOURS - 14 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 9/4 9/9
9/11 9/16
9/18 9/23
9/25 9/30
10/1 10/4
10/9 10/11
2 SATURDAY CLASSES TBA
WORKERS COMP 2012
15 HOURS – 5 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 10/16 10/18
10/23 10/25
10/30
ETHICS 2012
12 HOURS - 4 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 11/1
11/6 11/8
11/13
WILLS/TRUSTS/PROBATE 2012
21 HOURS - 7 CLASSES Tuesday Thursday 11/15
11/20
11/27 11/29
12/4 12/6
12/11
NO CLASS ON 11/22/12
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