Student Catalog & Handbook Paralegal Program 2012

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’

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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


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


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


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


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.

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EVIDENCE


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


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


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


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


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


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


Course Description: Instruction on all elements of a will, probate, basics of estate taxation, sales,

conservatorships and guardianships.

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INTERNSHIP


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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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


CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 2012


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


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


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


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


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

Student Catalog & Handbook Paralegal Program 2012

Documents

Transcript of Student Catalog & Handbook Paralegal Program 2012