SBA Programs

The University of Oregon Law Barrister's Ball represents one of our most cherished annual traditions, offering law students a sophisticated evening to step away from caselaw and coursework for an unforgettable celebration. This elegant formal event transforms our academic community into a vibrant social gathering where students enrobe in their finest attire, capture memorable photographs, and connect with classmates in an atmosphere of sophistication and laughter. The evening provides a perfect balance to the rigorous demands of law school, creating space for students to unwind, celebrate their shared journey, and strengthen the bonds that will carry them through their careers and beyond.

Organized entirely by a dedicated committee of student volunteers, the Barrister's Ball showcases the remarkable leadership and collaborative spirit that defines our law school community. These enthusiastic students coordinate every detail from securing the perfect venue and arranging professional entertainment to managing ticket sales and ensuring seamless event execution. Their commitment to creating an exceptional experience for their peers exemplifies the teamwork and organizational skills that will serve them well in their future legal practice. The student-led nature of this event makes it uniquely meaningful, as it represents not just a celebration, but a demonstration of our students' ability to come together and create something truly special for their law school community.

Barrister's Ball will be on Friday, April 3rd, 2026 from 7-11 p.m. at The Graduate.

1Hell stands as one of our most beloved annual traditions, combining Halloween festivities with meaningful community building at the University of Oregon School of Law. This spirited event, organized and hosted by our dedicated SBA board members, serves a dual purpose that perfectly embodies our school's values. While students embrace the playful excitement of Halloween through creative costumes and celebration, the event simultaneously functions as a fundraiser for the incoming 1L class's future class gift, creating a clever play on words that captures both the fun and purpose of the evening. The transformation from the professional attire of orientation day to the creativity of Halloween costumes creates an unforgettable bonding experience that helps forge lasting friendships within each cohort.

The class gift tradition represents something far more significant than a simple fundraiser, it embodies our commitment to leaving the University of Oregon School of Law better than we found it. Each graduating class has the opportunity to contribute a lasting legacy that serves as both a memento and an inspiration for future students, demonstrating that hard work pays off and that our community bonds extend far beyond graduation. This tradition highlights the supportive and enduring nature of our law school family, where alumni remain connected to current students through these tangible reminders of shared experiences and mutual support. 1Hell thus serves as both a joyful celebration and a meaningful investment in our school's future, allowing students to channel their creativity while contributing to a tradition that will benefit Oregon Law students for years to come.

1Hell was October 31st.

The Student Bar Association at the University of Oregon School of Law recognizes that the demands of legal education can be overwhelming, which is why we are committed to supporting our students' well-being through our biannual Wellness Week in the fall and Kindness Week in the spring. These events provide an essential breather from the intensity of coursework, offering students opportunities to step away from legal studies and focus on their mental health and community connections. Each week features a variety of daily activities designed to bring joy and relaxation, from therapy dog visits and movie nights to creative outlets like bracelet making and even memorable encounters with a llama. Beginning in 2024, we proudly partnered with the American Red Cross to incorporate a blood drive during both weeks, demonstrating our community's commitment to helping others even while prioritizing our own wellness.

Kindness Week, launched in spring 2025 by a dedicated SBA board member, was specifically created to celebrate the supportive spirit that defines our law school community. Strategically held in February, this initiative harnesses the energy of Valentine's Day to spread love and compassion throughout our academic environment. As elected representatives of our student body, the SBA understands that pursuing a legal education creates significant stress, and we are dedicated to ensuring every student feels supported and valued. Our wellness initiatives reflect our core belief that mental health awareness is fundamental to academic and professional success. These weeks offer students permission to pause, clear their minds of legal jargon, and simply breathe, fostering a healthier and more sustainable approach to legal education.

Fall Wellness Week: September 22nd to September 26th

Spring Kindness Week: February 9th to February 13th

The Student Mentorship Program represents one of our most impactful initiatives at the University of Oregon School of Law, thoughtfully designed to ease the transition for incoming 1L students while providing meaningful leadership opportunities for upperclassmen. Recognizing that beginning law school can feel overwhelming in such a unique academic environment, this program pairs each participating 1L with an experienced 2L or 3L mentor who serves as both a knowledgeable guide and a friendly face during those crucial first months. The program creates an invaluable support system where new students have a trusted person to turn to for questions about everything from academic strategies to navigating life in Eugene.

For our upperclassmen mentors, this program offers a deeply rewarding opportunity to reflect on their own growth throughout their Oregon Law journey while sharing the wisdom, tips, and insights they have gained along the way. There is something profoundly meaningful about being viewed as a trusted source of guidance and having the chance to pay forward the support they received as new students themselves. The mentorship experience reinforces the collaborative and supportive culture that defines our law school community, demonstrating that success in legal education is not just about individual achievement but about lifting each other up. Through this program, we strengthen the bonds that make Oregon Law feel like more than just a school. It becomes a lasting community where students genuinely care about each other's success and well-being throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Applications for this year's program are closed.

Take What You Need Thursday, commonly known as TWYNT, represents the heart of our Student Bar Association's commitment to supporting students in both big and small ways throughout their law school journey. Every Thursday during the lunch period, a dedicated SBA board member sets up a welcoming table filled with essential study supplies and thoughtful treats, from colorful highlighters and sticky notes to energizing snacks that help fuel long study sessions. Students are invited to stop by and take whatever they need, whether it's replacing that yellow highlighter that just ran out at the worst possible moment or grabbing a quick snack to power through the afternoon. The program operates on a simple but powerful principle: sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference in a student's day.

While everyone looks forward to our major SBA events and celebrations, TWYNT exemplifies how the little things truly matter in creating the supportive environment that defines Oregon Law. It is a special comfort knowing that when your favorite pen runs dry or you need that just right color of sticky notes for your outline, help is readily available from your fellow students. The program recognizes that law school can be overwhelming, and sometimes it is the unexpected discovery of exactly what you need, whether it is a specific study supply or simply a moment of connection with a caring SBA representative, that can turn around a difficult day. TWYNT embodies our belief that fostering a supportive community means paying attention to the everyday needs that help students succeed, one Thursday at a time.

TWYNT will run from September 11th to November 20th during the fall term. 

In the spring term, the program will run from January 22nd to April 23rd.

Law school committees assist the Dean in addressing policy concerns, student needs, and long term growth of the law school. All positions are volunteer-based. Unless otherwise indicated, the Dean selects and appoints faculty, staff, and student members of all law school committees. Below are the standing committees staffed this upcoming year by the Dean. In addition to the tasks included in the descriptions below, all committees may be charged by the Dean with special projects or new tasks. Below you will find a description of each committee that will be active in the 2025-2026 school year.

Academic Success Committee

The Academic Success Committee addresses all policy questions related to student academic standing. The committee also provides input on various aspects of academic support for students. The Academic Success Committee consists of at least three faculty members and a Student Affairs staff member. There will be two students on the committee: one 2L student and one 3L student. The chair is Professor Rebekah Hanley.

The Academic Standing Committee is an ad hoc committee of faculty appointed by the Law Dean as needed to review and make decisions on petitions for readmission. This committee is convened only when a petition is received. The Academic Requirements Committee (ARC) comprises the Academic Affairs and Student Affairs teams. The ARC votes on all student petitions outside of readmission and helps create and implement student policies. These committees do not have student members.

Community and Inclusion Committee

The Community and Inclusion Committee addresses issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the Law School. Of particular significance is the committee's work in updating, assessing, and following through n the various tactics outlined in the Law School's "Diversity Action Plan." The Community and Inclusion Committee consists of faculty and staff members, along with three student positions held by one 2L, one 3L, and one LL.M. student. Dr. Jen Heusel and Professor Laurie Hauber are co-chairs.

Curriculum Committee

The Curriculum Committee is responsible for reviewing curriculum proposals and for studying the curriculum and curricular policies from time to time. The Curriculum Committee consists of faculty, staff, and the Registrar and Academic Affairs Manager participating ex officio. Up to two 2L or 3L students may be on the committee. The chair is Professor Nancy Shurtz.

Scholarships Committee

Some of the gifts received by the law school are designated as scholarships, and the law school is responsible for administering those scholarships. The Scholarships Committee meets in the Spring semester to review student applications for scholarships and select awardees. The Scholarship Committee consists of at least three faculty or staff members. Up to two 3L students may be on the committee. Dean Sarah Keiski is the chair.

Dean's Student Advisory Committee (DSAC)

The Dean’s Student Advisory Committee (DSAC) meets with the Dean and other invited faculty and staff members to discuss various matters related to the student experience at Oregon Law, share information, and receive feedback and ideas. Student participants may offer ideas for agenda topics through the Dean of Students, who assists the Dean with building the agendas. Student participants include all members of the Student Bar Association Leadership Team as well as additional appointed representatives from each J.D. class, CRES, and the LL.M. program. 

Agenda items proposed by the SBA Leadership Team and other student representatives will be chosen based on feedback through the SBA website Contact Us form and information gathered at Town Halls. If a student or organization has an issue or feedback that seems best to be delivered by that student/organization, then they will be invited to attend the DSAC meeting with the Leadership Team. All agendas and minutes will be posted on the SBA website.

Applications are closed for 2025-2026.