Legally Speaking

As most law students could report the world of legal proceedings is a separate reality even more arcane and potentially confusing than the basic alternate reality we know as Planet College. While law students are working diligently to absorb and conquer the language, customs and procedures of The Legal World most average students could find this world intimidating to say the least.

Fortunately most Planet College regulars have little or nothing to do with The Legal World. Well, almost nothing. A careful look at much of your higher education will reveal that it is defined by legal obligations. These are spelled out in your annual registration packet, residence hall license and financial aid award letter. These documents provide protection for both you and your university.

But your legal involvement may not end there. Occasionally students become involved in legal proceedings not quite outside of, but, on the edge of the college environment. You may be all too familiar with some of these occasions. The most common student involved legal proceedings outside of parking tickets are substance use related or landlord/tenant matters, (as they are referred to in the legal world).

In either case or in any case if you are involved in any type of legal proceedings whatsoever it is wise, very, very wise to get help.

Legal assistance is not often available on campus but there may be some form of help in your town. One resource, The Legal Aid Society, provides legal services to individuals. Usually there are some basic requirements such as income and a phone call to this organization can establish your eligibility.

Some law schools also operate clinics, usually staffed by students who are supervised by professionals. The clinics often charge little or no fee for a consultation.

What ever the legal matter there is somewhere close some type of help for you. The Law takes itself very seriously and expects you to do the same. For this you will probably need help.

A Planet College word of caution. Students are acclimated to getting practically every type of help, information or assistance electronically. Legally, this type of assistance may qualify as 'opinion.' This type of opinion may be useful for discounts on movie tickets but it is not reliable 'legal aid'. The most reliable aid you may need legally is always gained in person, face-to-face, one-on-one, with a qualified professional.

Rock The Vote.

Progress on Planet College usually includes a growing awareness of the larger world around us. Larger in fact than typical day-to-day student life encompasses.An increasing awareness of life probably by now includes an increasing awareness of the political factors influencing your life. In the USA, the country where this site is maintained, elections occur regularly, particularly around this time of year. Their varying character include local, state and national elections which encompass every position from animal control officer to president. Your opportunity to influence these factors is characterized by an organization called Rock The Vote. Information about them is available at www.rockthevote.com . Look into them. One important thing they may help you determine is where you are eligible to vote. If you are residing somewhere other than your permanent mailing address, and many, many students are, you will need to determine where you are eligible to vote. Find out when and where you can vote and what you have to do to effectively do so. It is your future.

Stuck on The Road to Graduation?

With three flat tires and no jack?
Students on Planet College can go from flyin’ to cryin’ fast. Dumped? Duped? Flunked? F**ked?
It all happens and quite often it all happens at once.
What to do when you don't know what to do?
Ask for help. That is the secret ingredient to this week's crisis. Ask for help. Just that. When you fell stressed, find someone to talk to. Find someone you can talk to about what is going on.
You may be surprised at what kind of help can come your way.
Just ask.