DSU, Widener Univ. Delaware Law School Sign Agreement

Delaware State University has signed a new articulation agreement with Widener University Delaware Law School that creates a special admission path for DSU graduates who want to continue their studies in pursuit of a law degree.

DSU President Harry L. Williams and Rodney A Smolla, Esq., dean and professor of law at Delaware Law signed the agreement Nov. 2 at DSU, which will allow eligible DSU graduates to be admitted to Delaware Law’s full-time program and receive a minimum $10,000 merit scholarship.

Under the agreement, which creates the Advanced Admission Program, students must have completed their DSU degree requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, achieve a law school admission test, or LSAT, score that meets or exceeds the median score for that exam of the then-current Delaware Law first-year class, and satisfy all law school admission requirements relating to character and fitness.

The merit scholarships will be renewable for students who remain in good academic standing at the law school. The agreement will begin in the 2017-18 academic year. It gives significant motivation for DSU students who are enrolled in the DSU Law Studies Program, which help students develop the skills needed for the legal profession and assist them in preparing for the LSAT exam.

Smolla said he was pleased to see the two schools collaborate.

“This agreement outlines an outstanding academic plan created by two schools that are committed to helping students along the path to engaging careers,” Smolla said. “Those who choose to pursue law as their profession will find enormous possibilities for meaningful lives.”

Dr. Sam Hoff, director of the DSU Law Studies Program said the agreement strengthens a long-term partnership between the institutions, to the advantage of the students enrolled in the Law Studies Program.

"Today, DSU has taken a giant leap forward in ensuring that those interested in a legal career have the benefits and resources to make their goal a reality,” Dr. Hoff said. “The articulation agreement between DSU's Law Studies Program and Widener University Delaware Law School (WU/DLS) will furnish incentives to attend DSU, to apply to WU/DLS, and to complete law school studies with a minimum of financial obligation.”