Online Learning at OsgoodePD

We offer a number of options for students to study and attend classes virtually. Depending on your choice of courses or program, it may be possible for you to attend entirely in-person, or entirely online, or a mix of in-person and online. A small number of our offerings are completely self-paced and asynchronous.

More often, you may have the option of participating in OsgoodePD classes via videoconferencing technology. Our two-way interactive video streaming allows students in the classroom and online to interact seamlessly, participating in discussions, asking questions, and giving or viewing presentations in real time whether from the classroom or anywhere across the world. We strive to ensure that distance learning and in-person participants have comparable class experiences.

Program Expectations

The program is an active one; courses are seminar-style and may involve any or all of the following: class discussions, breakout group work, individual presentations, and group presentations.  Participation is frequently a component of the method of evaluation of our courses.   

For this reason, our expectation is that you will join online classes from a location with reliable Internet connectivity and will use equipment which is suitable for the purpose. While mobile devices such as iPads will work, PCs or Macs will offer more flexibility. Joining classes from a mobile phone is not recommended.   

Consider your environment, particularly with regard to sound; being in the room with a barking dog, for example, is not ideal.  Similarly, while it may be appealing to take class from your balcony or patio, wind noise will often make it difficult for you to be heard. 

General System Requirements

The goal is that you are able to actively participate in your courses without your video or audio distracting your fellow students or interrupting the flow of the class.  If you are unsure about the suitability of your setup, feel free to send a note to vcsupport@osgoode.yorku.ca and we will be happy to arrange a test call to assess. 

Computer: It is impossible to provide a comprehensive list of acceptable specifications, however a good rule of thumb is a computer that is “recent and decent”, generally defined as a computer which was purchased within four years and cost at least CDN$750.  Many computers which fall outside this guideline will also be perfectly acceptable.   

Microphone: Many built-in microphones are perfectly adequate. Wired earbuds with inline microphones (such as those which often ship with mobile phones) are often adequate as long as they are functioning normally. Headsets with boom microphones offer a superior experience for you, your instructors, and your fellow students. If you are using wireless/Bluetooth, ensure that the connectivity is consistent (and don’t forget to charge before class!). 

Camera: If you are using a laptop, many built-in cameras are acceptable (generally newer computers have better cameras). If you are using a desktop or an external monitor and your built-in camera is not adequate or not functioning, or if you would like to ensure that you are contributing the best-quality video possible, you can consider the following models: 

Logitech: C920, C920s, C922 (these three models are essentially equivalent and a de facto industry standard, offer good value, and are commercially available)  

Logitech: StreamCam Plus, Brio series (more upscale) 

Poly Studio P5 (new product, slightly less common but very high-quality)

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema, LifeCam Studio (good quality, commercially available) 

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Half-Time Program

Who may benefit from the Half-Time program?

The half-time J.D. program is intended to provide access to legal education to those who meet the ordinary admission requirements of the Faculty but are unable to undertake degree studies in law on a full-time basis.

The program is not intended for those who:

• want to test their interest in law
• prefer a light course load
• wish to pursue other interests while studying law
• wish to overload their JD course enrolment to complete the JD degree faster

Program Length & Course Schedule

Half-time students must complete the J.D. program in no more than six years, rather than the traditional three years full-time. In exceptional circumstances an extension of one year to complete the program may be granted by the Admissions Committee.

Law school courses are taught throughout the day and early evening (typically spanning 8:30am – 8:00pm on weekdays) and students must be prepared to attend courses whenever they are offered. This may result in limited flexibility to schedule other commitments, particularly in first year, in view of course requirements.

Eligibility 

Consideration is given to:

1. J.D. applicants in the Regular, Mature and Aboriginal categories who have applied to, and have been offered admission to, full-time degree studies.
    
2. Applicants must demonstrate that they are not able to attend on a full-time basis because of any of the following:

• health or physical disability
• exceptional family obligations either to young children or dependents requiring their presence at home
• financial hardship
  as financial hardship is common to many students, applicants seeking admission under this criterion must establish unique and compelling reasons

In limited circumstances, consideration may also be given to occupational involvement where an applicant is established in a continuing office or performing duties of a public character or benefit and whose work would be assisted and improved by the study of law.

Application Process

1. Apply to the JD program for full-time studies, subject to the ordinary application procedures and deadlines of the Faculty. Admission decisions will be made as part of the normal admissions process on a rolling basis as files are completed.
    
2. On or before May 1, submit a letter detailing the circumstances that demonstrate the inability to attend on a full-time basis to:

JD Admissions Committee
Faculty of  Law
University of Toronto
78 Queen’s Park
Toronto ON  M5S 2C5

Program Selection & Notification

The half-time circumstances will be used for half-time consideration only, and will not be used to decide whether to admit to the Faculty.

After the full-time admission decision is made, applicants will be notified subsequently, in writing, of a decision on their application to the half-time program.