As per tradition, the Faculty of Law (UP Law) welcomed first-year students to campus during orientation week held between 13 to 16 February 2023. Beaming with enthusiasm, the students were eager to learn the planned activities for their orientation to UP student life as they embarked on a new journey as legal students. Affectionately referred to as “O-week” orientation provides essential information to first-year students to help them navigate university life with success. Spanning over four days, the program adopted a hybrid approach, blending in-person and online sessions to accommodate all students. The programme introduced students to the campus environment, academic resources, and support networks available at UP.

The first day commenced with a session titled "Know your way around UP!" held at the Thuto Building, Room 3-2, from 8:00 to 9:00. New students met and joined their Faculty House (Law House) to familiarise themselves with the campus layout facilitating their orientation journey. This was followed, by an interactive Law Library tour sharing available information and academic resources at the Law Library relevant to manoeuvre their studies. The day continued with a faculty networking session titled "Better together!" at Rautenbach Hall where senior UP students engaged with first-year students fostering connections among peers. Students were then invited to the Piazza to meet faculty members, day houses, and support staff to explore other opportunities such as sports activities through TuksSport promoting a holistic student life at UP. Werksmans law firm was part of the day's activities, they treated students with welcome lunch packs and distributed year planners to the delight of all students.

The second day was online, presentations offering students a glimpse into UP's support network were streamed. The sessions covered various topics crucial for academic success and personal development. Highlights included a live presentation by UP Law Academic Success Coach Mrs Farhana Hassan, video presentations by the STARS Mentoring Team, and information on mental health and wellness from the Student Counselling Unit and Student Health Services. The sessions on academic integrity, career readiness, and discussions on sexuality, gender, and relationships provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the university's resources and support mechanisms.

The third day of orientation which was on campus began with a welcome address by the Dean, Professor Elsabe Schoeman and Deputy Dean, Professor Charles Maimela.  Prof Maimela showed great enthusiasm as he welcomed the first-year students to the faculty of law for their four-year LLB programme. In his opening remark Prof Maimela said “Welcome to the hub of greatness, we hope you use the privilege to be here for the betterment of yourselves and the communities you are from and those you will one day serve”. The Deputy Dean stressed the faculty of law’s commitment to supporting students in reaching their academic goals and urged them to pursue academic excellence. 

The Dean of UP Law, Professor Elsabe Schoeman, also extended a hearty welcome to the first-year students of the number-one ranked Faculty on the African continent. She emphasised the faculty’s culture of excellence, mentioning the faculty’s being the lead law school “We are number 65 in the world and we are working to improve that”. She further expressed her desire for students to be critical thinkers as they pursue their studies and encouraged them by asserting that with hard work and dedication “the finish line is yours”.

Introductions of the Dean’s office and student administration staff as well as the faculty house, Law House executive committee members followed to familiarise students with staff, they can approach wherever the need arises. The pre-recorded First Year's Oath administered by Emeritus Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke of the South African Constitutional Court, Netiquette for UP Law students and Case Law Anti-plagiarism campaign videos were played for students in the session that followed 

Students received insights into their academic journey with explanations of timetables, rules, and regulations. Programme information sessions and assistance for transferring students were also provided, ensuring that students were well-equipped for their academic pursuits. On this day ENSAfrica law firm visited the faculty to share vacation work and candidate attorney opportunities as well as distribute some stationary to students. 

The final day of orientation featured a competency assessment and opportunities for peer interaction. The day began with the TALL Test held at the Humanities building, followed by engaging sessions with various student societies and organisations within the legal field. These interactions allowed students to explore extracurricular opportunities and connect with like-minded peers. Bowmans law firm engaged with our students to share information about opportunities on offer from them.
 
Webber-Wentzel in collaboration with our faculty house Law House hosted a silent disco for first-year students LLB. This event provided a platform for peer interaction as well as engagement with the firm and its offerings.The programme for orientation week set out to familiarise students with the university environment and equip them with necessary information and resources while building relations to foster a sense of community for UP Law students. 

The faculty extends its best wishes to the class of 2024.