2024-2025 WCL Catalog

Washington College of Law Catalog

This is the official catalog of the Washington College of Law (WCL), a professional school of American University (AU). The information it contains is subject to the rules and regulations of the law school and American University. Student conduct is governed by the Washington College of Law Honor Code and the AU Code of Conduct found at https://www.american.edu/policies/students/student-conduct-code.cfm.

Limitations on Catalog Provisions

American University, established by a special act of the United States Congress to maintain within the District of Columbia a university for the promotion of education, operates in compliance with the provisions of the District of Columbia Human Rights Act. The statements and provisions in this catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between an applicant for admission to the law school or a law student and American University, because the educational process necessitates change. American University and the law school reserve the right to change at any time, when warranted, any of the provisions, degree requirements, academic programs, schedules, rules, regulations, or tuition and fees, as might be required. Such changes or modifications shall be effective upon their promulgation by the duly constituted authority. For assistance with understanding university policies and procedures, please contact the Law School Office of the Registrar at registrationservices@wcl.american.edu.

In the event of an emergency or other disruption of normal campus operations, American University will implement a plan for meeting the needs of all members of the university community.  Should the university be required to close for a period of time, we are committed to implementing actions to deliver our educational programs to our students.  These actions may include for example altering and extending the duration of the traditional term schedule to complete essential instruction in the traditional format and/or use of distance instructional methods.  Specific strategies will vary from class to class, depending on the format of the course and the timing of the emergency or other disruption of normal campus operations.  Faculty will communicate class-specific information to students via AU e-mail and Blackboard, while students must inform their faculty immediately of any absence.  Students are responsible for checking their AU e-mail regularly and keeping themselves informed of emergencies or other disruptions of normal campus operations. In the event of an emergency or other disruption of normal campus operations, students should refer to the AU Student Portal, the AU Web site (www.prepared.american.edu) and the AU information line at (202) 885-1100 for general university-wide information, and contact their faculty and/or respective dean’s office for course and school/college-specific information.

Nondiscrimination

American University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, source of income, place of residence or business, veteran status, or any other bases under federal or local laws in its programs and activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and stalking. For information, contact the assistant vice president and Title IX coordinator (equityoffice@american.edu, 202-885-8080) at American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016. 

Responsibility for Personal Property

Faculty, students, staff, and guests (“AU Community Members”) are responsible for their personal property. The university does not insure the personal property of any AU Community Member. The university has no responsibility for any theft, damage, destruction, loss, etc., of any personal  property, including but not limited to money, valuables, equipment, or any personal property whatsoever belonging to or in the custody of the AU Community Member, whether caused by intentional or negligent act or failure to act or natural causes, fire, or other casualty. The university is not liable for the failure or interruption of utilities or from conditions resulting from failure or interruption of the same. AU Community Members are advised to carry an insurance policy for their personal property.