Widener University - Commonwealth Law School

Some two hours away from the nearest major urban center, Widener may feel far removed from the region’s major centers of education, but you’d never know it from the curriculum. Course work can be challenging but rewarding, such as the “aggressive legal methods curriculum,” which is “designed to work in tandem with the core classes to help set the theory in a practical context.” When it comes to grading, “the curve at Widener is unusually strict and is a major cause for concern among new students,” even if “the material itself is entirely fair.” However, if the “numerous tools and resources” provided to students and the “extremely knowledgeable and very accessible” professors don’t help them overcome these obstacles, mentoring programs with upper level students and “practicing attorneys who have graduated from this school” will.
In addition, the faculty here “seems to genuinely care about the welfare of the students,” led by professors who “truly make sure that students have every opportunity to excel. “ Indeed, the “passionate” professors at Widener are “the school's greatest asset,” a group who “strive to ensure that the students succeed both academically and professionally.” This is helped out by the tools provided to students. Technology is embraced on campus. “Every classroom is equipped with smart boards, dry erase boards, and chalkboards, as well as overhead flat screen televisions to enable easier viewing for those sitting in the rear of the room.” The “exceptional” resources that are at your fingertips are a sign that “every avenue is used as a learning tool at Widener.”
Students feel they have a voice in their education because the “very accessible and helpful” administration “welcomes new ideas” and “works hard to ensure that the ideas are heard,” making it “eminently clear how much the administration cares about the academic and professional success of their students.” If there is a gripe, it is that the administration “seems to be oblivious to the state of the job market.” While educators do a good job of preparing students for job opportunities, “career services is not very helpful or good with informing students of opportunities for internships or for on campus groups.” “With such huge emphasis placed on trying to find internships and legal experience,” one student complains, “I feel as though the Career Development Office could use some work.” That said, “a lot of the frustration stems from a practicality beyond the CDO's control; there are many law students and not very many openings for them.”

The “small feel” of Widener makes it a place “where everyone knows each other.” Students can display “high competition,” but because it’s not cutthroat competition it “raises everyone's drive to achieve.” A few feel there is too much closeness among students, with “people knowing too much of each other's business” and suggesting that perhaps “there's not much that can be done about this at such a small school.” Still, though the small campus results in an intimacy not found in larger schools, “you can stay out of other people's business fairly easily.”
Harrisburg is a short hop from plenty of diversions from course work, including multiple state parks and the popular Hershey amusement park. It is also less than two hours from Philadelphia, making the city’s lively culture, thriving nightlife and historic interest a popular day or weekend trip. For those seeking good times in town, however, the nature of social interaction can be one-dimensional. There are minor league baseball and hockey teams, but “if you don't like bars, don't count on having a social life, because all people like to do is drink.” In addition, those juggling school with full-time work and family may find that their road is an uphill one, since students in the extended division complain it is run “just like the day division,” which shows “no regard to the fact that all extended division students work and most have families.”