*OSSLI will be held in-person in 2023*
Questions?
If you have any questions about the UO Summer Sports Law Institute generally or about the curriculum or other academic matters, please contact Institute Director Ryan Gauthier.
Summer in Eugene
During the summer the Eugene area is an idyllic mix of glorious sunny days and clear balmy evenings. Eugene’s spectacular climate, laid-back college town atmosphere, and easy access to outdoor experiences in the Cascade Mountains and Oregon coast combine with a schedule full of world-class sports, musical performances, and community events to make the city a perfect summertime destination.
Although we are known to many for our rainy weather, our summers are cool and dry. Average temperatures in July and August range from a low of 51 to a high of 83. And our Mediterranean climate means that it rarely rains between July and September.
The “quintessential college town,” Eugene is infused with Duck Spirit. When not in class, explore local hiking, biking, and running trails along the river, or wineries and microbreweries, outstanding restaurants and shops, and unrivaled performing arts.
FAQs
When will the 2023 Summer Sports Law Institute be held?
The 2023 Summer Sports Law Institute will be held July 6-August 4, 2023, at University of Oregon School of Law in Eugene, Oregon. (See: leaving the program early.)
Do I need to be an athlete or have prior sports experience?
No. Just like you don’t need to be a criminal to master criminal law, you don’t need to be an athlete to master sports law. We’ll teach you all you need to know in order to become a first-rate sports lawyer.
Do I need to be a rising 3L?
No. An understanding of the basic 1L curriculum will be sufficient for the material to be covered. If you are a 1L and do not yet have your first-semester grades, simply indicate in your application that you’ll send along the grades when they become available. They should be emailed directly to Interim Institute Director Ryan Gauthier.
Do I need to be a JD student?
No. We are also happy to consider students who have completed one year of an appropriate MBA or other master's degree program. However, the coursework was designed with law students in mind.
What if I have OCI interviews or otherwise need to leave the program early?
Because of the wide diversity of dates on which law schools start their fall-semester classes, a few Institute students leave the program early each summer. Students sometimes also have weddings or other family events that require their attendance at various points during the summer.
We understand these conflicts and are committed to working with all students to meet their scheduling needs. We’ll make every effort to accommodate the requirements of OCI interviews, law school start dates, and any other scheduling challenges, including by administering the final exam remotely.
How is the course graded?
Students will be graded on three elements: a contract drafting assignment, a reflection essay, and a take-home final exam.
Check with your home institution administrators for more information about how they handle grades and course credits.
When and where are classes held?
Classes will be taught at the University of Oregon School of Law (1515 Agate Street) in Eugene, Oregon. Morning sessions will run from 9:30-11:20 am, with afternoon sessions from 1:30-3:20 pm.
Will I receive credits that I can use at my home university?
The Institute comprises 6 total credit hours (consisting of two 3-credit courses).
You will need to consult your home school’s policies on transfer of credits to determine if your UO Law credits will be accepted toward your degree. However, in our experience, most law schools give credit for ABA-qualified courses offered by another accredited law school.
Students who complete the Summer Sports Institute will be eligible to receive an official University of Oregon transcript showing two separate three-credit courses: Amateur Sports Law and Professional Sports Law. Both courses meet the ABA standards for scheduled course times.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is set based on Summer Semester JD credit-hour rates.
Does the Summer Sports Institute offer scholarships?
Unfortunately, no.
Can I borrow the money for tuition? Is financial aid available?
Yes. Students who are eligible to borrow money for their school-year courses will also be able to borrow tuition and living expenses for the UO Summer Sports Institute.
For UO students, the process for borrowing is the same as during the regular school year.
For non-UO students, you will need to contact your home institution’s financial aid office. They will prepare a “consortium agreement” between your home school and the University of Oregon that allows for the transfer of funds.
Consortium agreements can be forwarded to Sarah Keiski, Oregon Law’s Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.
Is housing available?
Once a student has been admitted, we will provide information and helpful resources about on- and off-campus housing options in Eugene.
Learn more about summer housing options
What do I need to bring?
A laptop, clothes, and a pair of sneakers is all you’ll need. Business cards are a plus, given the many networking opportunities that we provide. Also, depending on your housing plans, you may need to bring bed linens and a shower curtain.
Do I need a car to get around Eugene?
No. All you need to live, study and enjoy yourself is located within a few blocks of our recommended housing options.
Biking is also a safe, easy, and convenient way to get around town. Eugene was recently ranked fifth among bike-friendly cities in the United States. It also has a first-rate public transit system that provides easy access to the entire region.
Will I be able to use the gym?
By all means, please do. The newly renovated Student Recreation Center is located one block from the Knight Law Center, along with tennis courts and turf soccer fields. Students will have access to the Rec Center as part of their basic tuition and fees.
What is there to do in Eugene when I’m not in class or participating in an Institute event?
More than you can imagine! From outdoor recreation and the arts to social attractions and shopping, Eugene and its surrounding areas are filled with opportunities for fun, adventure, and relaxation.
Unwind with classmates and share the day’s experiences at any of Eugene’s nearby restaurants, bars, and pubs. Oregon has become famous for its craft-brew scene, and our wine industry is red hot.
Check out the unique crafts, delicious food, and live music at the Eugene Saturday Market. Try your hand at disc golf in the newly opened course in Alton Baker Park, or explore some of Eugene’s 250+ miles of running, biking, and hiking trails.
Or plan a day trip to any of the fantastic Oregon attractions within easy driving distance. The spectacular Oregon coast, with its towering cliffs and sand dunes, is only an hour’s drive to the west.
And the Cascade Mountains, home to endless hiking and camping opportunities, are just an hour's drive to the east. Just outside of Eugene along the picturesque McKenzie River are fishing, hiking and biking trails along with our very own Cougar Hot Springs.