Washington, D.C., Summer Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What has changed about the program in 2010?

Professor Peter Swire, the long-time director of the Moritz Washington, D.C., Summer Program, has taken a leave to serve in the White House under President Obama. He has been appointed as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.

In Professor Swire’s absence, the College partnered with George Washington University Law School to administer the program. Courses will be taught by George Washington faculty members and tuition will be paid to George Washington.

How will the program appear on my transcript?

Because they are George Washington courses graded by George Washington professors, the credit for the courses will appear as transfer credit on your Moritz transcript.

Do I need to apply separately to George Washington?

Yes. The 20 students selected for the program will need to complete a George Washington visiting student application, submitted via LSAC.org. There is a $12 LSAC and $80 George Washington fee to submit the application. Students selected for the program will receive instructions as to when they should apply in February.

How many credits will I earn?

Generally, a total of 5 credits will be earned. Most students will participate in two, 2-credit courses and also receive 1 credit for completing an externship. Alternatively, students may also select a co-requisite course of 1 credit, depending on the subject matter, and increase the externship credit portion to 2 credits.

When are the application materials due?

Enrollment materials will be due by 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Items (hard copy only) should be turned in to Donna Vidmar, Drinko Room 104 (Student Services Suite).

Why is a seat deposit necessary?

Seat deposits help the College ensure that the students admitted to the program plan to participate. The $400 deposit will be returned to students once the tuition has been paid to George Washington and summer classes have begun. If a student withdraws, he/she will not receive the deposit.

Are there resources to help me find an externship?

Yes. Designated staff at George Washington and Moritz will be available to provide information, coach students and otherwise help identify externship opportunities. However, students are not placed or given externship assignments. Students are ultimately responsible for applying and securing externship assignments.

May I work for a private corporation for my externship credit?

No. George Washington requires students to work for a government agency, nonprofit, association, or a judge to receive credit.

Where would I live?

Ultimately, students are responsible for their own summer housing. Program students will have the opportunity to rent dorm rooms in George Washington Law residence halls at a reduced rate. In prior years, students have also found housing with friends, family, or through the large summer sublet market in D.C.

How will participation in the Summer Program affect my Ohio residency?

Students may count their time in an approved educational program as time for residency in the state of Ohio.  It is important to maintain your Ohio domicile while attending any approved summer program out-of-state.  Failure to document summer Ohio residency can be grounds for denial of in-state tuition for fall 2010 by the University Registrar’s office.  More information can be found at:  http://www.ureg.ohio-state.edu/ourweb/more//Content/Residency/main.htm

Does the program qualify for financial aid?

Yes.  However, please be aware that Moritz College scholarships are awarded for fall and spring terms only.  Accordingly, the only form of financial aid available for the summer programs are loans.  Students may borrow up to their approved summer budget limit (based on summer tuition, fees, books, and estimated living expenses) set by George Washington Law.

Students will need to have a 2010-2011 FAFSA on file to access any needed Stafford and Grad Plus loans. Please note that the FAFSA deadline is March 1, 2010. 

In addition, the Moritz Financial Aid Office will distribute the Summer Financial Aid Form, Grad Plus Application, and a Consortium Agreement via e-mail to the student participants in March.  It is important to complete these documents in a timely manner.  The Moritz Financial Aid office will work with the GW Financial Aid office to report all the necessary information that ultimately will be processed by the main Financial Aid office at OSU.  (Please be aware that certain loans, such as the Grad Plus loans, will require a credit check). Tuition and accompanying fees will be paid directly to George Washington per their instructions.

Where and when can I learn more?

An informational session will be held at noon Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 in Drinko Room 348. Also, please visit www.law.gwu.edu/opp to see George Washington's guidelines and information.