OsgoodePD Student Services

Our program orientation, tailored for the busy schedules of working professionals, has been revamped to offer a hybrid experience. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the engagement of in-person sessions, our orientation accommodates your needs. Designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of program expectations, our orientation ensures you enter your first class with confidence, even if you’ve been away from the classroom for some time.

Our orientation for full-time students is designed to provide the academic tools you’ll need to be successful in your studies regardless of your country of origin or the jurisdiction in which you studied. But orientation isn’t all work: it’s also an opportunity to get to know future colleagues, familiarize yourself with all Toronto has to offer, and have a little fun! 

As our students come from a wide range of academic, professional, and geographic backgrounds, we don’t believe that a one-size-fits-all approach is an effective way to set students up for success. Instead, the diversity of our student body is reflected in the diversity of our introductory course offerings. Our introductory courses allow students to do a deep dive into the Canadian legal system, legal research, and writing, without rehashing material already covered in previous studies.  

Recognizing that everyone’s academic background is different, we run regular workshops to help students polish the academic skills they’ll need to be successful in the program. From how to tackle a take–home examination to refining your research topic, our workshops are taught by subject matter experts. If you miss a workshop, you’ll have access to a video recording so you can watch or re-watch it whenever you want.  

As an OsgoodePD student, you have access to a curated selection of academic resources on specialization-specific topics, as well as the Canadian legal system, legal research, and writing more broadly. Osgoode is home to the largest law library in Canada, so if you are ever unable to find what you’re looking for, our expert law librarians can help.

Need to take a break? It’s as simple as letting us know. We can put your studies on hold for one term or up to one year. If you need more time away, we have a simplified process for re-admission and are always happy to welcome students back.  

Each course has a course website that contains all the required readings, syllabus, etc. You won’t have to spend time searching for articles – everything you need is on the website for you to read, download, or print. You can begin your preparation at your own pace, because websites are available 4-6 weeks before the beginning of class.  

Some courses may require textbooks, but don’t worry – information about required texts is available well in advance. While textbooks can be purchased through the York University bookstore for convenience, you’re not obligated to do so and are welcome to explore other sources such as your firm’s library, used books or e-books. We also encourage you to check the publishers’ websites for electronic versions of titles, offering you even more flexibility and convenience.

Our Program Administrators, the hallmark of OsgoodePD student services, are here to support your journey by doing much of the administrative heavy lifting for you. Whether it’s navigating enrollment each term, staying informed about important updates, or addressing any questions or concerns, our team is here to guide and support you, so you can focus on what matters most – your education and professional growth. Experience the ease and reassurance of knowing that OsgoodePD students services are always at your disposal.