Ohio University students gathered at Buffalo Wild Wings Tuesday evening to partake in the Center for Student Legal Services (CSLS) website launch party.
CSLS is a non-profit legal assistance program available to OU students. Students can seek legal advice from one of two full-time attorneys for free, as long as they haven't waived the optional $8 quarterly fee included with their tuition and general fees. Once the switch to semesters occurs, the fee will adjust to $12 per semester.
From 5 to 7 p.m., students enjoyed free food and a chance to win gift cards to local businesses.
CSLS student intern Ryan Pfefferle explained the purpose behind the website launch. "We have made it our goal to increase enrollment in the CSLS through various marketing campaigns, including the hosting of this website launch party," he said.
Re-enrollment forms were available at the launch party for students who previously waived the service fee and wanted to re-gain access to CSLS. Noting a slight decline in student enrollment, Pfefferle said he hopes the new website will convince "ideally every student" to keep their quarterly fee for CSLS access.
The CSLS website compares the $8 quarterly fee to insurance: "The students of Ohio University are very fortunate to have access to affordable legal services, since only a few universities in the country offer legal service programs."
Once the quarterly fee is paid, students have access to all services provided by CSLS, and there is no limit on how many times students can use the services.
OU senior Elizabeth King recommends paying the $8 fee, recalling that she found it useful when she needed off-campus housing advice sophomore year.
"It is well worth it because of the situations that can arise in college," she said. "In the instance that a student has a problem and needs a lawyer, it could cost hundreds of dollars. With the offered student legal services, we can bypass the expense of a lawyer while still having the peace of mind that comes with having access to reliable legal assistance… It's a good service for your money."
The newly launched website features a housing issues section and criminal issues section where students can quickly get answers on common student-oriented topics such as off-campus housing and underage drinking. CSLS attorneys can assist students in an array of topics in the criminal and civil law areas, including landlord issues, credit card debt, fraud and DUIs. Furthermore, they provide mediation services.
Pfefferle advised students to check out the CSLS blog on a daily basis; it offers tips to protect students during common mishaps. Recent blog posts can be found on the CSLS website, as well as its Twitter and Facebook accounts.
