Information for Students
Whether you are interested in a Loyola paralegal credential, newly enrolled or attending classes for awhile - this page will help you with the most common questions and concerns.
Feel free to contact the Institute Office at 312.915.6820 if your query is not answered below.
Prospective Student: Frequently Asked Questions
Are online classes available?
- The Institute for Paralegal Studies offers a variety of In-Person, Blended, and Online courses.
How long does it take to complete the program?
- Most students complete the certificate in about 18 months. Full-time students can complete the certificate in less than a year. The schedule is flexible and can be adjusted to fit your needs.
Is Loyola’s Institute for Paralegal Studies ABA-approved?
- Yes, the program meets all requirements of the American Bar Association. Learn more about ABA-approval: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
How many days per week do classes meet?
- Typically, classes meet once per week for three hours during an 8-Week Session.
How can I order a transcript?
- Current students and individuals with LOCUS IDs: Request your official transcripts through LOCUS. Others should complete this form.
Historically, 80% of graduates are employed within six months of completing their paralegal credential. Recently, it’s been closer to 90%.
- What percentage of graduates are employed after completing a paralegal certificate?
What types of Financial Aid are available?
- For Certificate students, only federal student loans are available. You must complete a FAFSA to determine eligibility.
When should I complete the FAFSA?
- You should complete the FAFSA during the application process if you plan to apply for financial aid. It may take up two weeks for Loyola to receive and process your financial aid award. The earliest you can complete the FAFSA is October 1 for the following academic year.
What is Loyola’s school code for the FAFSA?
- Loyola’s code is 001710.
How many credits must I take to be eligible for Financial Aid?
- You must be considered at least “part-time” in order to qualify for federal student loans. This requires enrolling in at least 6 credits (3 PLST courses) per semester. The three courses may be split between two sessions within the same semester.
- For Financial Aid purposes, the Post-Baccalaureate certificate is considered a 5th year undergraduate degree.
Is the Post-Baccalaureate certificate considered a graduate degree?
- For Bachelor’s Degree students, there are scholarships available as well as federal student loans and other grants.
New Student: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UVID?
- Loyola’s Universal ID (UVID) is the primary means of authentication and identification throughout the University. Your UVID is required to logon to most applications and resources at Loyola.
What is LOCUS? Why do I need it?
- LOCUS is your personalized student information center. You can login with your UVID and password. In LOCUS, you can enroll in courses as well as pay tuition. You will also find information on:
- Course Details (instructor, location, date/time)
- Academics (grades, total credits earned)
- Tuition balance, Financial Aid, etc.
- Transcript and graduation related information
- University Calendars
How do I access my Loyola email?
- You can access your Loyola email by account through https://outlook.luc.edu Your email address is your unique UVID@luc.edu.
- Your email will be the main medium of communications from faculty, peers, and college administration. Please make arrangements to check it regularly.
How can I obtain an ID card?
- The Rambler Card is Loyola's official identification card. You will need your Rambler ID card to access buildings on campus, as well as the university shuttle bus and campus libraries. The Campus Card Office’s website lists hours of operation. You must visit their office to receive your ID.
Where can I buy books and other school-related supplies?
- The University Bookstore is your one-stop-shop for all books, apparel, and other Loyola merchandise. There is a location at the Water Tower (Baumhart Hall - 2nd floor) and Lakeshore campus (Granada Center). Textbooks for paralegal courses are only available at the Water Tower Campus. Textbooks and other items are also available on the online store, which you can access at your convenience.
Current Student: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find course schedules, descriptions and academic calendars?
- LOCUS has the most up-to-date information on class meeting dates and locations. You can use the schedules here as a guide to help you plan your courses.
- Course descriptions are available on LOCUS. Select the “Guest Access to LOCUS” link found directly below the “Sign In” button and choose “Browse the Course Catalog” link to search for a course and view the description.
Who is my academic advisor? What topics can the advisor help me with?
- Academic advising in SCPS is an integral part of our larger mission of promoting your academic success.
- Your academic advisor will be listed in your Student Center Home Page in LOCUS. Log In with your Loyola ID and Password, and click on the Student Center section.
- Paralegal BA students will be assigned an advisor in SCPS. The Director of the Institute for Paralegal Studies advises all Certificate students. Additionally, the Director is available to both Certificate and BA students for course suggestions and career advising.
- Academic advisors assist you with a variety of academic matters, including:
- Accessing important academic information
- Applying for transfer credits
- Connecting to other university offices
- Course selection and registration
- Planning progress toward graduation
- Resolving problems that affect your academic performance
- Understanding university policies and procedures
Students are encouraged to actively participate in the advising process. If you are a BA student, please schedule an appointment with an advisor by contacting 312.915.6501 or scps@luc.edu. Paralegal certificate students should call 312.915.6820 or paralegal@luc.edu.
Where is the Library? How can I access it?
- The Loyola library is a tremendous resource for students. Libraries are located at both Water Tower and Lake Shore Campuses. This link will take you to the Library Home Page - where you can explore the available resources.
- The Loyola Law Library offers events, workshops, and resources that paralegal students find helpful in their studies. Check their website for more information.
- The Law Library is open to paralegal students during all posted hours, including exam preparation periods when the access to the library is restricted for students not enrolled in the law school or paralegal program. To facilitate access, paralegal students should obtain the Law Library sticker for their ID cards from the Circulation Desk.
- The majority of computers in the law library require a law school ID to log in. There are a few computers near the reference desk that may be used to search the library collection.
Where can I view faculty profiles?
- Profiles for Institute for Paralegal Studies faculty members are available here.
What technology and digital resources are available to Loyola students?
- This link provides you with a comprehensive list of all technology resources for students.
Are computer labs available on campus?
- Yes, there are several computer labs available at both the Lakeshore and Water Tower campuses. A full list of computer locations can be found here.
How do I connect to Loyola Wi-Fi?
- Instructions from the IT Service Desk can be found here.
How do I get free access to Microsoft Suite?
- Information from the IT Services can be found here.
Can I access Loyola systems on my mobile phone?
- There are a number of apps for your phone, including LOCUS, available
I am taking classes online. Can you walk me through the tools and resources for online classes?
- Sakai is the learning management system (LMS) that will be used for your online courses. This website explains how to get started with Sakai and use different course features. Access your Sakai site using your Loyola ID and Password. You can contact the helpdesk with any questions.
- On this link, you will find some more answers to commonly asked questions about online learning.
- At any given point, you can reach out to the Information Technology Service Desk (773.508.4487 or helpdesk@luc.edu) for more information and assistance.
When will I receive my certificate?
- Certificates are ordered three times per year at the end of the spring, summer, and fall semesters. You will receive your certificate about 6 weeks after the completion of your final semester.
When do I apply for graduation?
- The deadline for spring/summer graduation is October 1 and the deadline for fall graduation is March 1. If you miss the deadline and do not see your grad term available in LOCUS, please contact the Institute for Paralegal Studies office immediately.
Is there a cap and gown ceremony?
- All graduates will be invited to the Commencement ceremony in May. You must have the correct grad term listed in LOCUS to receive an invitation to commencement.
How do I order transcripts?
- Alums and former students: Please access this page to request official or unofficial transcripts.
