|
II. Administrative Information
III. Major Research Paper (MRP)
IV. Course Materials and Resources
I. Program Information
How many different LLM Specializations are offered by Osgoode Professional Development (OPD)?
We offer more than 15 various Part-time LLM specializations. The programs commencing in 2009/2010 include Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property, Health Law, Securities Law, and Tax Law.
Programs that are currently running include ADR, Administrative Law, Banking and Financial Services, Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Health Law, Intellectual Property, Labour Relations and Employment Law, Real Property, Tax Law and the General LLM.
Programs that have been offered in the past include E-Business Law, Insolvency law, International Trade & Competition Law, and Municipal Law.
How long are the programs?
The program length will vary depending on the number of credits completed each term. For example, by taking six credits per term the LLM can be completed in six terms (2 years). By taking more credits per term, the program duration can be compressed.
Are the LLM specializations offered every year?
LLM specializations are generally not offered on a yearly basis, except for ADR. Programs are usually offered on a 2 - 4 year cycle, depending on the interest in the specialization. Students may enrol in the General LLM at the beginning of any term.
How many credits are required for an LLM specialization?
Since each LLM specialization is unique, however, most programs require completion of 36 credits. Please consult the OPD specialization website, and click on the name of the
specialization that you are interested in to find out how many credits are required and what options are available for completion of your degree.
II. Administrative Information
Who do I contact to assist me in administrative matters?
Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant for your program.
How do I register in my classes?
As an OPD student you do not need to register yourself in your courses. You will complete a registration form and your GPA will enroll you each term in the course required for your program.
When are the registration deadlines?
The registration deadlines are generally as follows:
Fall Term: October 15*
Winter Term: January 15*
Summer Term: May 15*
*Please note that if you are not registered by these deadlines you will be subject to a $200 late fee.
What do I have to do to ensure that I am registered?
To ensure that your GPA registers you for each term, please make sure that you have signed and completed the registration form and returned it to your GPA before the start of each term. *Please note: you must clear previous balances from prior terms before you can be registered in a subsequent term. If your balance is in excess of $1000, your registration abilities will be blocked and you will be subject to the $200 late fee if your balance is not cleared by the registration deadlines outlined above.
What happens if I am not able to attend all the classes?
Students are expected to attend all classes in each course. Attendance is important not only for achieving individual learning objectives but also so that students can benefit from each others contributions. If absence from class is unavoidable, students can miss up to 8 hours of a 6 credit course which requires 36 hours of class time (or 4 hours of a 3 credit course, etc).
A student who misses more than 8 hours of class time in a 6 credit course (or 4 hours in a 3 credit course, etc) will be required to do an assignment relating to the missed material. The details of the assignment are up to each Instructor, but might include watching a videoarchive of the missed class time and writing a comment.
If a student misses more than 50% of class time they are not eligible to pass the course.
What is the difference between a weekly course and an intensive course?
Most programs are structured with a blend of weekly as well as intensive classes.
Weekly classes are held one evening per week, usually from 7-10pm. The course runs for approximately 12 weeks for a 6-credit course and 6 weeks for a 3-credit course.
Weekly classes are held in Toronto, and, where available, videoconferenced to other cities.
An intensive class is usually held over 3 - 4 days. All students are required to come to Toronto for intensive sessions, as they are generally not videoconferenced. This allows for students (those in Toronto as well as those out of town) to come together and benefit from group discussion with their colleagues as well as instructors.
Is food provided?
For weekly evening classes in Toronto a light supper is provided since many students are coming to class directly from work. Refreshments, as well as coffee and tea, will also be available throughout the evening.
For intensive classes, a light breakfast and lunch will be served in Toronto.
* Please note that if you have a religious or medical dietary restriction you may notify your GPA.
How are we assessed academically?
Students are usually required to complete a final paper or a take home exam for their final evaluation. Sometimes instructors evaluate using journals, presentations, class participation, etc.
To whom do I submit my final paper/exam?
Students are required to submit an electronic and hard copy of their final paper to their GPA (NOT to the instructor). The GPA will then forward the final assignments to the instructor.
If I am unable to complete my final assessment by the due date, how do I obtain an extension?
If you require an extension for your final evaluation you must contact your instructor and your GPA immediately. Depending on the length of time stated in your request, a petition for course extension with the Faculty of Graduate Studies may be required. If your request for an extension is granted, your GPA will contact you and notify you of your new due date.
How will I receive my grades?
Instructors are generally given about 4 weeks to complete marking (however, this will vary depending on how many courses the instructor is teaching and how many students are in a class – please note that we attempt to ensure timely return of grades, but sometimes instructors are unavoidably delayed). Once the assessments have been marked the instructor will send the graded assignments to your GPA. Your GPA will then report your grade to the Office of the Registrar and your grade will be posted on your file online.
Grades are available for viewing online via Passport York.
What do I do if I am unable to register in a course for a term?
As an OPD student you must maintain continuous registration to remain in the program. However, we recognize that the part time nature of the program is meant to accommodate students who are unable to take courses full time due to work as well as family commitments. Students can apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for a leave of absence; however, certain requirements must be met and necessary paperwork must be completed. Please contact your GPA, PRIOR to the start of the term, if you would like to apply for a leave of absence.
What are the different types of Leave of absence?
There are various types of leaves that you can take; however there are requirements that you must meet. It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you contact your GPA after the leave of absence, so that you are registered for the next term and maintain continuous registration.
-
Elective Leave of Absence (eLOA):
Each student is allowed to take one eLOA, which is for ONE term only during your 2 year program. The eLOA means that you do not have to petition or provide reason for why you wish to take a leave for the term, appropriate paperwork does need to be completed.
To take an eLOA you must obtain a permission form from your GPA and sign and return it before the registration deadline. In addition, you need to have been enrolled for at least two consecutive terms prior to elective leave and you may not have any incomplete grades and pay the appropriate fee for this status. Please contact your GPA for further details.
-
Petitioned LOA
If you do not meet the requirements to take an eLOA or you have already taken your eLOA and need another term off, you have the option to petition for a Leave of Absence. Students generally request one to three consecutive terms off due to work or family commitments or because of health issues.
Students with outstanding grades or owing funds to York University will not be granted eLOA or petitioned LOA status. Students do not have access to electronic resources or library services while they are on leave.
Please contact your GPA prior to the registration deadline and obtain a petition form. You must fill out the form and provide a letter of circumstance for why you are requesting the leave of absence. Please contact your GPA for further details. There is a fee for maintaining the status (see below).
-
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Maternity/Paternity leaves are similar to the eLOA. Contact your GPA for the petition form and ensure that you return the signed form to them PRIOR to the registration deadline.
-
Withdrawal
Students may be withdrawn from the program both voluntarily and involuntarily. A notation will appear on future transcripts.
If you decide to voluntarily withdraw from the program, you may do so for various reasons. Sometimes work or family commitments will keep you from being able to continue in the program. If you feel you will not be able to register for classes for two terms or more, you have the option to withdraw from the program in good standing. Please note that the withdrawal will be indicated on your academic record.
You must obtain a program withdrawal form from GPA, sign it and return it prior to the registration deadline. When you decide you would like to rejoin the program you may then petition for reinstatement.
Involuntary withdrawal occurs when the university withdraws you for failure to maintain academic standards, failure to maintain continuous registration and failure to complete the degree requirements within the specified time limit.
Students wishing to resume their studies will have to prepare and submit a petition for reinstatement, which will include a statement indicating that the circumstances which led to their withdrawal are no longer an issue in terms of their ability to complete the program. The Faculty of Graduate Studies may set a deadline completion date for some students.
Is there a fee for a Leave of Absence?
Yes, you are required to pay an inactive registration fee of approximately $190 (fee subject to change) in order to maintain your place in the program. Library privileges will be suspended during your absence.
How will I know if/when my Leave of Absence/Petition has been granted?
Once you submit your petition to your GPA (prior to the registration deadline) it will be given to the Associate Director for approval. Once the petition has been approved, your GPA will forward it to the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, for final approval. Once it has been reviewed at York and a decision has been made, the petition will be returned to your GPA and she will inform you of the decision. The petition will then be kept in your student file.
What do I do after my Leave of Absence has expired?
It is your responsibility to contact your GPA once your leave of absence has expired, prior to the start of the term in which you need to register, to ensure that you are registered for the upcoming term.
If you have withdrawn from the program, either voluntarily or involuntarily, you must contact your GPA to arrange for reinstatement.
III. Major Research Paper (MRP)
What is the MRP?
The MRP is an option for all LLM students. An MRP is a Major Research Paper. It is a requirement for students in the ADR specialization.
The MRP is NOT a thesis, and therefore the normal University rules relating to thesis requirements do not apply to the MRP. You may write the Major Research Paper on a topic related to any course in your offering, provided adequate supervisory resources are available.
The MRP should go beyond merely describing legal developments to include independent critical analysis of its subject matter. It should be work of publishable quality.
When should I start working on my MRP?
You can begin thinking about the MRP almost as soon as you start the program. Keep a notebook and jot down ideas as they come up in class (areas of law that are unsettled, that are unjust, or out-of-step with other countries are good starting points).
Do I have to pay if I take extra terms to complete my MRP?
Yes. Your tuition covers up to 6 terms. You are charged the full one-term fee of approximately $930.00 for any additional terms.
Who should I contact to supervise me in writing the MRP?
Students are required to secure a supervisor for their MRP on their own. The supervisor for your MRP will normally be the main instructor in the course most closely related to the topic area of the paper, although it may also be possible to have an outside supervisor. The Director or Assistant Director of your specialization will let you know the process for choosing a topic and arranging a supervisor. Once you have made your final choice, contact your GPA who will arrange for you to complete a Confirmation of MRP Topic/Supervisor form.
I have secured a supervisor and am ready to start working on my MRP. What should I do next?
Once you have secured a supervisor, start working on an outline for your MRP. You will be required to submit an outline and bibliography to your supervisor for approval. If you have any concerns relating to your MRP, please contact the Director of your specialization.
Please ensure that you complete the Confirmation of MRP Topic form and return it to your GPA as soon as you and your supervisor have confirmed the topic for your MRP. The Confirmation of MRP Topic form must be submitted prior to working on your MRP.
What is ethics approval?
York University requires anyone conducting research involving human subjects to complete an ethics review. The requirements of this review vary depending on whether a student is doing a dissertation, thesis, MRP, or course paper. Generally, students in the LLM program who interview or survey others in order to obtain information, will be required to complete a basic ethics review form. Please contact your GPA for further information.
How long should my MRP be and how should I submit it?
The MRP should be approximately 70 pages (double-spaced, 12 point font, 1” margins, excluding bibliographies and footnotes). The deadlines for each semester are approximately Dec. 15, April 15 and August 15 for the Fall, Winter and Summer terms respectively.
The MRP should be submitted by emailing one document and mailing two hardcopies to your GPA. DO NOT SEND the MRP directly to your supervisor. Please include a cover page with your student ID, the title of the paper, the name of your supervisor and your program.
Your GPA will forward the hardcopy of your MRP directly to your supervisor for grading.
How is the MRP graded?
Your supervisor has one month to grade your MRP. Your supervisor must submit your grade to the GPA prior to grade deadlines established by the University.
Except for the ADR program, the MRP is graded on a pass/fail basis, which is the grade that will appear on your academic record. For students in the ADR program, the MRP is graded in the normal fashion.
I have passed the MRP, what happens next?
Once you have passed the MRP your GPA will conduct a degree audit to ensure that you have completed all the course requirements for your program. You will then be contacted by your GPA with convocation information.
I have chosen the coursework only option, what does this mean?
You must complete 36 credits via coursework only. Also, for one of the papers, you must meet the 30 page requirement (as set out in Option II under Degree Options).
IV. Course Materials and Resources
What are the materials required for each course?
Materials are provided to you for each of your courses. The cost of the materials is included in your program fee.
The materials for courses include binders, text books and/or electronic media.
When will the materials for the course be ready?
Materials are usually ready approximately 2 - 3 weeks prior to the first class. Sometimes the binders for weekly classes will only include readings for the first few classes. In that case, please ensure you consult the course outline provided in your binder, the GPA or the program website so you can obtain future readings as soon as they are available in order to prepare for class.
How do I get the materials for each course?
Once the materials are ready for distribution and you are properly registered, the Materials Assistant will either mail them to you or you may pick up your materials from OPD (1 Dundas St. W., Suite 2600). In some cases, supplementary materials will be posted to the program website for downloading.
Is there a website for my program?
Each LLM specialization has a program website maintained by your GPA. It has been designed as a resource tool to facilitate you throughout the program. The website will be used to post readings and lectures, give you updates, inform you of due dates, outline policies and procedures, provide useful links, and more.
Your GPA will provide you with a username and password.
What library resources are available to me?
OPD students have full access to the Osgoode Law Library and the York Library, for each term that you are actively registered. If you have taken a leave of absence or have not registered in a course you will not be granted library access.
Once you have been registered in a class by your GPA, you will be issued a YU card, which is also your Library Card. You may use this at York to access all library facilities and also other libraries at other post-secondary institutions. It is also useful for other items on the York campus.
What is Passport York?
Passport York is York’s primary method of online authentication. All students must create and use a Passport York username and password to log onto York’s online services and tools. Passport York determines which services you are able to access.
* Please note that you can only sign up for a Passport York Account once. If at any time you forget your username or password you cannot sign up for a new account.
What can I access using my Passport York username and password?
You can access all your student records as well as money matters and library information.
Students can use Passport York to:
• View grades
• Look up financial statements online
• Download tax forms
• Change address and contact information
• Verify official name
• Update/Add a Social Insurance Number
• Verify library account
For more information visit the Passport York website.
How do I sign up for a Passport York account?
To sign up for a new Passport York account please visit the Passport York website and follow the steps provided.
How do I view my grades?
Once your grades have been made official by the university, they will be posted on the York University website and can be accessed using your Passport York account.
Students in the General LLM must make their course selection based on schedule availability and selections are subject to review by the Program Director. Please note that not every course is available in any given term and that students in a specialization will have priority for courses in that program. Due to the nature of the ADR program, a limited number of ADR courses are available to General LLM students.
How do I obtain my transcript?
All transcript requests are made online from the Office of the Registrar.
|
