Login | December 23, 2024
Akron Law signs second 3+3 agreement with an HBCU
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: December 6, 2024
Administrators at The University of Akron School of Law have signed a 3+3 agreement with Wilberforce University, the oldest HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in the state of Ohio and the first private HBCU in the nation, establishing an accelerated pathway for undergraduates to obtain their bachelor’s and law degrees.
It’s the second time Akron Law has partnered with an HBCU.
In September 2023, educators entered into a 3+3 agreement with Central State University in Ohio.
“This new partnership creates an affordable pathway to law school and a legal career for Wilberforce students,” said Akron Law Dean Emily Janoski-Haehlen. “As a school of opportunity, Akron Law wants to create as many opportunities for students to become lawyers as possible. We think taking away part of the financial barrier is a great place to start.”
Wilberforce University President Vann R. Newkirk said the agreement, which was signed in August 2024, will help to increase diversity in the legal profession and at Akron Law.
“The agreement will open the door for English, social sciences, criminal justice, political science and general communications majors to reduce the financial barriers of going to law school by allowing them to get their undergraduate and JDs in just six years,” said Newkirk.
“We have the second lowest cost of any private college in Ohio,” said Newkirk. “This program fits in well with the philosophy of keeping an education affordable for our students.
“It is so important that we continue to build a pipeline from this university to law school to allow social justice to continue,” he said. “There has been some backlash against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives and these types of agreements help to ensure that the ideology remains at the forefront in America.”
Under the agreement, eligible students will be able to utilize first-year law courses at Akron Law to satisfy a portion of their bachelor’s degree requirements, while receiving credit toward their JDs.
To apply to the Akron Law program, students must have completed at least 90 credits toward their bachelor’s degrees and be in good academic, financial and disciplinary standing at their undergraduate schools.
They also need to have a GPA of at least 3.45, an LSAT score of 151 or the GRE equivalent and satisfy all of Akron Law’s character and fitness standards.
“The admissions team at Akron Law is thrilled to partner with Wilberforce on this exciting new 3+3 program,” Akron Law Associate Dean for Administration and Enrollment Management Barbara DiGiacomo said in the press release. “We can’t wait to meet with students from Wilberforce and mentor them as they prepare to apply to Akron Law and go through the application process.”
In addition to Wilberforce and Central State, Akron Law’s other 3+3 partners include Kent State University, Walsh University, the University of Mount Union, Indiana Tech University, Robert Morris University, Youngstown State University and UA, where students majoring in political science, history, philosophy, business law, economics and health care administration can also take advantage of the 3+3 program.