from the Student Services Office

Another year is off to a great start!  Welcome back to all returning students and a hearty welcome to the newest members of our Windsor Law community!

The Student Services Office is the gateway to services and resources available within the Faculty, the University, and the community.  Our goal is to ensure that you get the most out of your academic experience and have access to a broad range of opportunities, both in and outside of the classroom. 

We have some great things in store for you this year!   Be sure to check your “myUWindsor” to get the latest on events and activities in or out of our Faculty. 

On Saturday, October 22, 2011, we hosted our 6th Annual Family Open House for members of our first year class and their families.   It is a fun day highlighted by a mock law school lecture and a BBQ.   What a great way to welcome our students and their families.

We recently hosted an information session to launch our Social Justice Fellowship Program and in the coming weeks, will host an additional information session on Exchange Opportunities.  Of course, we continue to provide academic and indebtedness counselling.  With the course change period open again, feel free to stop in if you need assistance with course selections.

Most of you have now heard about The Windsor Law Alumni Fund for the Enhancement of Student Life which was established by our alumni to support activities that enhance the law student experience outside of the classroom.  The Enhancement Fund supports students' attendance at various legal or law related conferences on substantive law topics, ethics and professionalism and a range of other issues.  The Enhancement Fund also provides financial support to student initiated events within the Faculty including speakers, outreach events and community fundraising initiatives.  Applications are available in the Student Services Office or online at www.uwindsor.ca/law/studentservices.

If you have not yet sat down to figure out just how you are going to fund law school and transition financially well into life after law, I offer the following 10 Tips for Healthy Finances.    Should you need assistance with the details of your plan, please visit the Student Services Office.

1. Put needs before wants. Cover basic needs first—food, shelter, and clothing. You may feel you never have enough money to satisfy your wants, but your basic needs must be met.
2. Always spend less than you earn. This is the key to financial health. Live simply, make do with less.
3. Save money for emergencies. A credit card or personal line of credit is not a good emergency plan.  Money tucked away can be the difference between discomfort and disaster.
4. Develop a plan that has savings goals, manages spending, and builds wealth.
5. Keep your debt under control. Don’t use credit to pay for things that you can’t afford.
6. Keep your financial records organized and close at hand.
7. Insure your family and your belongings.
8. Plan your money decisions carefully. Any financial decision you make should fit with your overall goals and plan.
9. Get a free copy of your credit report once a year. Check for identity theft and to make sure your report is accurate.  Both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada can provide these.
10. Create a spreadsheet to keep track of your spending. If you know where your money is going, it will be easier to make changes if you need to.