Graduate Program in Law
LLM in International Business Law
2014 - 2015
IBL Student
Handbook
These materials have been produced for the exclusive use
of the students in the LLM in International Business Law.
www.osgoodepd.ca
1 DUNDAS STREET WEST
26th FLOOR, PO BOX 42
TORONTO, ON
CANADA M5G 1Z3
T 416 597 9724
F 416 597 9736
www.osgoodepd.ca
Dear IBL Class of 2014/2015:
Welcome to Osgoode Hall Law School’s LLM in International Business Law. I look
forward to the start of the 2014/15 program and to your arrival.
We’ve prepared this handbook to give you the information you need as you prepare
to begin the program:
• background about Canada, Toronto, York University, Osgoode Hall Law School,
and Osgoode Professional Development;
• details about curriculum, sessional dates, academic regulations, and other
important academic information;
• fee and financial information;
• practical information for international students, including information about
accommodation, immigration, and transportation in Toronto; and
• answers to frequently asked questions.
Please read the handbook as soon as you receive it. You’ll probably find sections 23
(practical information for international students) and 2 (who to contact if you have
questions) to be particularly helpful. Once the program begins, re-read the handbook
thoroughly, especially the sections about program requirements and curriculum,
academic policies and regulations, academic petitions and course changes, and fee
and financial information. As an LLM student, it’s your responsibility to understand
and follow the policies and regulations in this handbook, as well as York University’s
Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Regulations.
We’re excited to have you with us at Osgoode where you’ll forge new friendships
andnetworks,bechallengedacademically,andgetconnectedtotheCanadianlegal
landscape.Ifyouneedanythingbeforeyourarrival,pleasegetintouchwithour
summerstudent,VictoriaZaricatint-llm@osgoode.yorku.ca or with me. We’re here
to help.
Again, welcome to the program. We can’t wait to see you here!
Yours truly,
Meghan Thomas and Kate Wylde
International Programs
Osgoode Professional Development
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Mission Statement
1
Who to Contact
1
Canada, Toronto, York University, Osgoode Hall
Law School and Osgoode Professional Development 1
3.1 Canada and Toronto
1
3.2 York University
1
3.3 Osgoode Hall Law School and
Osgoode Professional Development
1
Program Requirements and Curriculum
2
2014-2015 Sessional Dates
3
Class Locations
3
Registration and Enrollment
3
Course Materials
3
Passport York
3
MyOPD and Osgoode Email
4
Moodle
4
Academic Regulations
4
12.1 Attendance and Participation
5
12.2 Academic Honesty and Integrity
5
12.3 Academic Penalties
5
12.4 Course Evaluation
5
12.5 Grade Reappraisals
6
Academic Petitions and Course Changes
6
13.1 Dropping or Withdrawing from
Course or Program 6
13.2 Course Extensions
7
Academic Culture at Osgoode and in
North America generally
7
14.1 The Classroom Environment
7
14.2 Lecture and Seminar Practices: Participation,
Multiple Perspectives, Teamwork
7
14.3 Roles of Instructors and Students:
Informality, Contacts, Variability
7
Fees and Financial Information
7
15.1 Program Fees 7
15.2 Mandatory Health Insurance 8
15.3 Methods of Payment 8
15.4 Returned/Declined Payments 8
15.5 Refunds8
15.6 Tuition Fee Receipts (Tuition and
Education Credit Certificate) 8
15.7 Tuition and Education Tax Credit 8
Academic Success and Wellness
8
Counselling and Disability Services
9
17.1 York University Support Services
9
18. Library Services
19. Student Clubs and Organizations
20. Services and Programs for International
Students at York University
21. Convocation
22. Viewing Grades and Ordering Transcripts
23. Practical Information for International Students
23.1 Arriving in Toronto
23.2 What to Bring
23.3 Cost of Living in Canada
23.4 Transportation
23.5 Accommodation 23.6 Immigration 23.7 Medical and Dental Services at York
23.8 Newspapers 23.9 Photocopying and Printing Services 23.10 Recreation Facilities 23.11 Student Security 23.12 Telephone and Cable 24. Frequently Asked Questions
24.1 Program Information
24.2 Administrative Details
24.3 Money Matters
24.4 Student Life
Resources
York University Locations
Map - York University Keele Campus
Map - Osgoode Professional Development
Toronto Web Resources
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10
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10
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11
12
12
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13
13
13
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13
15
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16
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18
Graduate Program in Law
LLM in International Business Law
1. Mission Statement
Osgoode Hall Law School’s mission is to contribute to new knowledge about the law and the legal system by being a center for
thoughtful and creative legal scholarship, to provide an outstanding professional and liberal education to our students so that they can
assume positions of leadership in the legal profession, among legal academics and in all aspects of public life, and to serve Canadian
society and the world in ways that further social justice.
Per Jus ad Justitiam: Through Law to Justice
2. Who to Contact
Osgoode Professional Development (OPD) has a team of staff
dedicated to the International Business Law (IBL) program.
Please pay special attention to the responsibilities of each staff
member so you know who to contact with your questions.
1) Before you pay your tuition, direct all questions to our
LLM Admissions Assistant, Sophia Seventikidis. Sophia
can be reached at 416-673-4670 or by email at
admissions-opd@osgoode.yorku.ca
2) Once you have submitted your tuition payment, our
International Student Assistant, Victoria Zaric, will help you
with everything from admission to arrival in Toronto, including
student orientation, events and mentorship. Victoria can be
reached by e-mail at int-llm@osgoode.yorku.ca, or by phone
at 416-597-9724 ext. 256.
3) Once you arrive, administrative matters relating to the
program will be handled by Eriona Tarelli, your Graduate
Program Assistant (GPA). Eriona deals with registration,
enrollment, fees, grades, course drops/adds, etc. If there is any
change to your personal information (e-mail address, phone
numbers, address) or academic status, please keep Eriona up to
date. Eriona’s phone number is 416-597-9171 and her e-mail
address is etarelli@osgoode.yorku.ca
strong ties to the roots of the
founding of the country. Click
here to learn more about the
history of Canada.
With a population of over 4.5
million, Toronto is Canada’s
largest city and the provincial
capital of Ontario. Toronto has
a colourful ethnic mix and
offers visitors and residents
plenty to do. To learn more
about the city of Toronto, see a list of web resources on page
20, or visit the City of Toronto’s website or Toronto.com
3.2 York University
York University, established in 1959, is Canada’s third largest
university, with 50,000 full- and part-time students enrolled in
11 faculties on two campuses. Click here for more facts on York
University or navigate other areas by going directly to York’s
website.
3. Canada, Toronto, York University,
Osgoode Hall Law School and Osgoode
Professional Development
3.1 Canada and Toronto
You may associate Canada with cold weather, ice hockey, and
Niagara Falls, but this great nation has so much more to offer
than a few common stereotypes. The country we now know
as Canada was initially populated by a diverse group of First
Nations who inhabited this land for many centuries before
European contact. In 1867, Canada was formally established as
a federal dominion of four provinces, including Upper Canada
(now Ontario) and Lower Canada (now Quebec). Over the last
150 years, Canada’s borders, population and legal principles
have dramatically evolved. Today, Canada maintains two
official languages – English and French – which reflect the two
nationalities that came together to establish confederation.
Canada also places significant emphasis on the rights of its
original inhabitants, the First Nations, thus demonstrating its
3.3 Osgoode Hall Law School and Osgoode
Professional Development
Osgoode Hall Law School is the largest common law school in
Canada, with the largest graduate law program. The Osgoode
Law Library houses the most extensive legal collection in the
British Commonwealth. Osgoode consistently ranks in the
top three law schools in Canada in the Canadian Lawyer and
MacLean’s rankings.
The current programs offered by Osgoode Hall Law School are
the product of the knowledge and investment of generations
of faculty, staff and students. Founded in 1889 by the Law
Society of Upper Canada, Osgoode became affiliated with York
2014-2015 IBL Student Handbook
1
Graduate Program in Law
University in 1968 and has since established itself as one
of the world’s leading innovators in teaching, research and
global outreach. The school’s motto is “Per Ad Justitiam”
which means “Through Law to Justice” which reflects
Osgoode’s commitment to social justice.
Our Dean’s message provides some history and highlights of
our school. Additionally, learn more about Osgoode’s history
of innovation in law school practice here.
LLM in International Business Law
• International Finance Law (3 credits)
• Taxation of Cross Border Transactions (6 credits)
The required courses offered in the winter semester are as
follows:
• International Trade Law (6 credits)
• International Business Transactions (6 credits)
Course descriptions for the required courses can be found on
our website. Elective JD and Professional LLM course offerings
will be made available to students upon their arrival.
Class schedules will be provided in the coming months.
Elective Courses
Osgoode Professional Development is Osgoode’s downtown
centre for legal professional development. Located in the
heart of downtown Toronto, OPD is committed to providing
lawyers with the best in graduate education through a range
of specialized, reflective and sophisticated offerings leading
to a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, including the LLM in
International Business Law.
Visit OPD’s website for more information.
4. Program Requirements and Curriculum
Students enrolled in the International Business Law LLM
program need 36 credits to graduate. 27 credits are drawn
from required courses. Nine (9) credits are drawn from
elective courses.
Additional courses (beyond the required 36 credits) may
be taken with permission and generally only in the winter
semester.
Required Courses
The required courses offered in the summer and fall
semesters are as follows:
• International Business Law Prepatory Course (0 credits)
(Note that this course is only a requirement for certain
students. If, on your acceptance letter, you have been told
to arrive by mid-July, you are required to take this course.)
• Introduction to Canadian Law or Foundations of
Canadian Law (3 credits)
Students generally take two elective courses per year, one in
the Fall semester and one in the winter semester. Electives
may be chosen from an extensive list of recommended
Professional LLM electives and courses offered throught
the JD program at Osgoode Hall Law School. Students
will also have the option to take other Professional LLM
courses offered by Osgoode Professional Development with
permission of the Program Director. Elective course options
include international and business law and related courses,
as well as core Canadian law courses that are designed
to meet the requirements of the National Committee of
Accreditation (NCA).
Recommended LLM and JD course options may include:
Business Association
Canadian Contract Law
Commercial Law
Conflict of Laws
Corporate Finance
Corporate Governance
Globalization and the Law
International Commercial Arbitration
International Dispute Resolution
International Environmental Law
Public International Law
Regulation of Competition
Securities Regulation
Professional LLM programs include:
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Banking and Financial Services
Business Law
Intellectual Property
Labour Relations and Employment
Securities
Taxation
Generally, the Professional LLM courses are approved only for
students with previous legal work experience.
• Legal Research and Writing (3 credits)
2014-2015 IBL Student Handbook
2
Graduate Program in Law
LLM in International Business Law
NCA course offerings include:
Course course is July 10, 2014.
Business Associations
Canadian Administrative Law
Canadian Constitutional Law
Canadian Contract Law
Canadian Criminal Law
Canadian Tort Law
Foundations of Canadian Law
Professional Responsibility
For all other students, the program will commence on
August 5, 2014. The fall term will end on December 23,
2014. The winter term will begin on January 5, 2015 and
will end on April 30, 2015. The optional unpaid summer
internships are approximately two months in length and may
occur any time between May 1, 2015 and August 31, 2015.
Note that not all courses are offered every year, and the
curriculum and course changes are subject to change without
notice.
The majority of classes are held at Osgoode Professional
Development’s Downtown Toronto Conference Centre located at:
6. Class Locations
Significant Research Paper
Students are also required to complete a thirty (30) page
significant research paper in at least one course. The format
for the paper is 30+ pages, double-spaced, 12 point font, 1”
margins, excluding bibliography and cover page. Students are
expected to start thinking about their topic for the research
paper at the start of the course in which they write their
paper and have their proposed topic approved by the course
instructor.
Summer Internship (optional and not guaranteed)
Students have the option of applying for a two-month unpaid
internship in settings such as law firms, financial institutions
and legal departments of corporations and governments.
The summer internship qualifies as a 0 credit course. The
internships occur any time between May and August, after
classes have finished, and are intended to provide students
with the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in
a legal setting and to apply the knowledge and skills learned
throughout the course of the LLM program. Assistance
is provided in résumé and interview preparation. Host
organizations elect whether to interview or take on students.
No student is guaranteed an internship position and the
process is highly competitive.
Note: Faculty, curriculum, course descriptions and degree
requirements are subject to change without notice. New
courses and course changes are subject to York University
Senate approval.
5. 2014/2015 Sessional Dates
The IBL program commences in mid-July or in mid-August,
depending on
whether a student
is required to
take the course
in International
Business Law
Prepatory Course.
The first day of
class for students
taking the IBL Prep
1Dundas Street West 26th floor, Toronto, ON Canada M5G1Z3
Elective Professional LLM courses are also held at Osgoode
Professional Development’s Downtown Toronto Conference
Centre.
Elective JD courses are held at Osgoode Hall Law School, York
University Keele Campus which is located at:
Ignat Kaneff Building
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON Canada M3J 1P3
The main York campus map can be found here, while
information about OPD can be found here.
Maps showing the location of Osgoode Hall Law School and
OPD can also be found on the last page of this handbook.
7. Registration and Enrollment
Registration and enrollment are different. Think of
registration as the status that you have with the University
vis à vis your program; enrollment refers to your status
within a course.
Your GPA will register and enroll you in your required courses
on your behalf upon your arrival. Elective course offerings
will be made available upon your arrival and Eriona will
subsequently confirm your enrollment in elective courses.
Once registered, you are considered to have accepted the
terms of a contract with the University that requires you to
abide by the Faculty Regulations of the Faculty of Graduate
Studies (FGS). You are required to read the information in
this booklet and in the FGS Faculty Regulations. See the left
hand column for the contents of the FGS Faculty Regulations.
8. Course Materials
Course materials are included in your tuition and will be
provided to you prior to the beginning of each of your courses.
9. Passport York
All students must create and use a Passport York username
and password to log into York’s online services and tools.
2014-2015 IBL Student Handbook
3
Graduate Program in Law
Use Passport York to access your student records as well as
financial matters and library information.
Students can use Passport York to:
• View grades
• Look up financial statements online
• Download tax forms
• Change address and contact information
• Verify official name
• Update/Add a Social Insurance Number
• Verify library account
• Apply to Graduate
LLM in International Business Law
• Receive communications related to the IBL program and
each of your IBL courses
• Post a biography and picture
• Find the schedule for your courses
• Access the syllabus, electronic course materials and
readings, and audio or video archives, if applicable, for
each of your IBL courses
• Access information about other students registered in
your program and courses
• Submit course assignments and papers
• Receive your course grades
• Submit your course registration form each term
For more information, visit the Passport York website.
10. MyOPD and Osgoode Email
Once you are registered in the IBL program, you will have
access to a student portal called MyOPD. This portal allows
you access to relevant information for your program and
courses in one central place, including course micro-sites and
details about upcoming Osgoode events. Not only can you
use the MyOPD student portal, but you can also access your
e-mails via Osgoode webmail.
To sign-in to this portal you will be provided with a username
and password. Your username will be your first and last
name. Your password is your student number. For example
if your name is John Smith your username would be
“JohnSmith”. You can reset your password once you sign-in
for the first time. If you experience any difficulty with
signing in, please e-mail our student services help desk
at int-llm@osgoode.yorku.ca
Once you have been registered, you can access MyOPD
online. Enter your username and password in the left-hand
menu and click “Sign-In”. On the MyOPD main page you will
find a direct link to your LLM course site on the right hand
menu.
As part of your access to MyOPD, an Osgoode e-mail account
will also be created for you. Your e-mail account username
will be your first name and last name followed by
“@osgoode.yorku.ca”. Go to the “Quicklinks” menu on the
MyOPD main page and click on “ITS” under “Service” for
more information about the Osgoode webmail service.
Please note that your Osgoode e-mail account has been set
up so that e-mails sent to it are automatically forwarded
to whatever primary e-mail account you provided on
your application. It is important that you notify us of any
change in your primary e-mail account to ensure continued
forwarding of messages.
11. Moodle
The IBL program uses a Learning Management System called
“Moodle”, where you can access your program page, as well
as a page for each of your courses.
Moodle is where you will:
You can access Moodle in one of two ways:
1. Go to MyOPD MyOPD and select Moodle Course Websites
from the right-hand menu
2. Go to the Osgoode Course Websites webpage
Your sign on information for Moodle is the same as that for
your Osgoode email, ie. your username is your first name
and last name without spaces and your student number is
your password.
Once you have signed on to Moodle, please create a profile
for yourself. From the bottom-left-hand menu select
My Profile Settings >Edit Profile. You can add a picture
and enter a brief biography or create a link to an existing
biography.
Notifications sent by the program regarding the IBL program
are automatically sent to your Osgoode email address and
will then be forwarded to the email address you provided on
your IBL application. To change the way in which you receive
communications (i.e. one email per communication, one
daily digest of all communications, etc.), please go to My
Profile Settings > Edit Profile and change the Email Digest
Type.
12. Academic Regulations
As an IBL student, you will be required to follow the policies
and regulations outlined in this Handbook as well as York
University Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Regulations.
In the event of a conflict between policies outlined in this
Student Handbook and the FGS Faculty Regulations, the FGS
2014-2015 IBL Student Handbook
4
Graduate Program in Law
Faculty Regulations govern.
LLM in International Business Law
12.1 Attendance and Participation
The evaluation method for each course is determined by the
instructor. Please check with your instructor if you have any
questions about the evaluation method or procedure.
Students are expected to attend all classes in each course.
If students miss more than 20% of class time, they will
generally be required to do an assignment relating to the
missed material. The details of the assignment are up to each
instructor, but might include listening to an audio archive of
the missed class time and writing a comment. Students who
miss more than 50% of class time are not eligible to pass the
course.
Deadlines for submission of required written work are set
by the instructor in each course. Students are required to
keep track of deadlines for all of their courses. As discussed
below, extensions may be granted for legitimate reasons,
such as illness or other matters beyond a student’s control.
Applications for extensions must be made in writing to the
International Program Lawyer and the course instructor
before the assignment deadline.
12.2 Academic Honesty and Integrity
North American academic practice strongly enforces
academic integrity and honesty. Words, sentences, and
ideas are considered to be the intellectual property of their
creators. Academic work must explicitly acknowledge the
“borrowing” of the words, sentences, ideas and intellectual
products from others.
Failing to clearly show the sources of words, text, and ideas
in your academic work, known as “plagiarism”, is considered
academically dishonest, and is heavily punished.
Candidates in the International Business Law LLM are
required to maintain high standards of academic integrity
and are subject to the York University Senate Policy on
Academic Honesty. Students must also adhere to the Faculty
of Graduate Studies Faculty Regulations on Academic
Honesty, which incorporates the Senate Policy on Academic
Honesty.
Conduct that violates the ethical or legal standards of the
University community is a serious matter. In particular, any
breach of academic honesty is a most serious offence to both
the University community and the academic enterprise.
As an investigative aid, OPD utilizes a text matching tool
and follows the guidelines of York University. Students are
strongly encouraged to visit York University’s informational
website on academic integrity.
12.3 Academic Penalties
Academic penalties, such as loss of course credit, grade
reduction or assignment of additional work may be imposed
for violations of academic regulations. These include
attendance requirements and course assignment deadlines.
12.4 Course Evaluation
Grading
Evaluation procedures in North American universities may
be different from those you previously studied at. Evaluation
generally consists of papers, smaller tests or assignments,
“take-home exams” (exams that you take home with
you and return several days later) and class participation.
Evaluation for NCA approved courses also typically include an
invigilated exam.
Grading of exams and term papers is the responsibility of the
lead instructor(s) in each course. In some courses, additional
instructors/guest speakers may be used, but normally a
guest instructor who teaches only one or two classes would
not be expected to do any grading. Our office is required
to report grades to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the
Office of the Registrar. Grades are only official once they are
posted on your online record. The following grades may be
awarded in the LLM program:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A+ (Exceptional)
A (Excellent)
A-(High)
B+ (Highly Satisfactory)
B(Satisfactory)
C (Conditional)
I(Incomplete)
F (Fail)
P(Pass)
To successfully complete an LLM, you must maintain at least
a “B” average. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies
Faculty Regulations for more details on allowable grade
combinations.
Please note that a student who receives in total any of the
following combinations of
grades for graduate courses
may not continue to be
registered in the Faculty of
Graduate Studies and in a
graduate program unless this
continuation is recommended
by the graduate program
director concerned and
approved by the Dean:
(a) two C grades for six
credit courses;
(b) one C grade for a three
credit course and one C
grade for a six credit course;
(c) a total of three C grades for three credit courses.
In no cases will grades be averaged.
A student will be required to withdraw from a graduate
program and registration in the Faculty of Graduate Studies
2014-2015 IBL Student Handbook
5
Graduate Program in Law
will be terminated if the student during enrollment at York
University receives in total for graduate courses:
(a) one F grade for a six credit course or two F grades for
three credit courses; or
(b) one F grade for a three credit course and one C grade
for a six credit or three credit course. In no case will
grades be averaged.
Visit the FGS Faculty Regulations webpage on Courses and
Grading for complete details.
Instructor Feedback
An evaluation form is prepared for every LLM course and
the program overall, and we rely on student feedback when
revising our program planning. We have made numerous
changes to courses and programs based on the comments
and suggestions we have received from our students and
encourage students to continue to take the time to share
their course and program evaluations with us.
12.5 Grade Reappraisals
LLM students are subject to the Grade Reappraisals Policy as
set out in the Faculty of Graduate Studies Faculty Regulations.
See.
13. Academic Petitions and Course Changes
Any official change to your academic status is done through
the petition process with the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Your GPA can assist you in completing any petition. All
petitions must be in writing.
You may be required to submit a petition for a number of
reasons, including withdrawing from a required course or
program; or requesting an extension of time to complete
course work.
13.1 Dropping or Withdrawing
from Course or Program
LLM in International Business Law
In exceptional circumstances, a student may be allowed
to withdraw from a course or seminar after the final drop
date. Requests for withdrawal must be brought to the
attention of your GPA. Whether or not a student will be
allowed to withdraw from a course is in the discretion of the
International Program Lawyer at OPD, the Director of OPD and
the Associate Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School. If a student
is allowed to withdraw from an elective course, that student
will receive a “W” on their transcript indicating that they
have withdrawn from the course. If permission to withdraw
is not granted and a student does not complete the required
coursework, a grade of F will be awarded.
b) Optional Professional LLM Elective Courses
A student may drop an elective professional LLM course
before 1/3 of the course has been completed. Requests to
drop elective LLM courses should be made to your GPA.
If the drop deadline has passed, students may elect to
withdraw from an elective course provided not more than
2/3 of the course has been completed. The symbol ‘W’ will
be recorded in place of a grade to indicate that a student
was authorized to withdraw from a course in which he or she
was registered. Requests to withdraw should be made to the
International Program Lawyer. After this time, students must
remain registered and will be assigned grades as appropriate
Withdrawing from the Program/Graduate Studies: Voluntary withdrawal from the program may happen for
various reasons. To withdraw in good standing from the LLM program and the Faculty of Graduate Studies, you must
obtain a program withdrawal form from your GPA, sign it
and return it. The effective date of withdrawal will be the
date your letter is received. This date is used to determine if
you will be eligible for any refund. Please note that simply
dropping courses, or failing to attend classes, is not recognized
as an official withdrawal and as such you would still be
responsible to pay your program and other associated fees.
Therefore, please provide your GPA with official notice of
withdrawal.
Required Course: You may not, at any time, drop or
withdraw from a required course without prior permission
from the International Program Lawyer and/or the Faculty of
Graduate Studies.
Elective Course: To graduate, students must successfully
complete 9 credits drawn from elective courses. Students
will only be allowed to drop or withdraw from elective
courses if the courses they wish to drop or withdraw from are
additional electives. The following policies apply to dropping
or withdrawing from additional electives.
a) Optional JD Elective Courses
The course change period for JD courses takes place during
the first two weeks of the fall and winter semesters.
Requests to drop JD elective courses must be made within
this two week period. Requests should be made to your GPA.
To be eligible to withdraw in good standing, a student’s
academic record may not include any coursework
‘Incompletes’ and may not include any combination of
2014-2015 IBL Student Handbook
6
Graduate Program in Law
‘C’ grades or combination of ‘C’ and ‘F’ grades that would
normally result in withdrawal for failure to maintain
academic standards.
13.2 Course Extensions
It is expected that students will submit assignments by
the deadlines communicated to them by their instructors.
Extensions may be granted in certain circumstances (for
example, in cases of illness, illness or death in the family,
religious reasons or other legitimate reasons) at the
discretion of the International Program Lawyer and the
course instructor. If a student requires an extension, he or she
must make a request in writing setting out the reasons as
to why an extension is being requested to the International
Program Lawyer and the instructor before the assignment
deadline. Students may also be required to submit a petition
for an extension to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
LLM in International Business Law
noticed in North American universities is the interactive
nature of seminars and lectures. Students are expected to
participate actively by asking questions, seeking clarification,
and offering their own perspectives on content being
presented by the instructor. Instructors will often ask students
to share their knowledge and opinions. As well, unlike in
some other cultures, professors and instructors in Canada
expect students to have the required reading(s) completed
prior to class. Your professor and/or instructor will provide
you with a schedule of the requisite readings so you can
manage your readings accordingly.
Another significant characteristic of most North American
classrooms is the recognition of more than one viewpoint or
analysis of an issue or situation. The expression of diverse
views, and of opposing viewpoints, should be accomplished
with an attitude of respect for such diversity, and
acknowledgement of the legitimacy of multiple perspectives.
If a student has not obtained an extension prior to the
deadline and hands in an assignment late, grade penalties
will generally apply. Unless otherwise communicated by the
instructor, the following penalties will apply: for late papers
and other written assignments, a deduction of one grade
level every four days; and for late take-home exams, a
deduction of one grade level every two days.
Finally, students from other academic cultures are sometimes
surprised at the amount of teamwork expected in North
American classrooms, and are shocked at being evaluated
as a group. Collaborative learning is regarded as a valuable
pedagogical strategy in many courses, just as collaboration is
a fact of life in professional contexts outside of university.
For purposes of clarification, a one grade level deduction
means a deduction from an A+ to an A, an A to an A-, an Ato a B+, a B+ to a B, a B to a C and a C to an F.
14.3 Roles of Instructors and Students:
Informality, Contacts, Variability
14. Academic Culture at Osgoode and in
North America generally
14.1 The Classroom Environment
Classrooms are often similar in appearance in different
cultures. Here are some notes about the classroom
environment at Osgoode:
•
At Osgoode, a variety of lecture and seminar
rooms are available, with typical technological
resources such as overhead and computer projectors,
audiovisual equipment, and so on.
•
Beverages are generally permitted in classes. The
consumption of food, however, can be disruptive.
Students are asked to be considerate of others in this
regard.
•
Students are expected to take responsibility for
disposing of any waste materials they bring into
class, including beverage containers, waste paper,
etc. Please note that cans, bottles, and waste paper
should be placed in specially designated bins for
recycling.
14.2 Lecture and Seminar Practices: Participation,
Multiple Perspectives, Teamwork
One key difference that many international students have
International students are often surprised at the extent of
informality that exists in relations between professors and
students in North American classrooms. Students may be
invited to address instructors by their first names, rather than
by Professor “X”.
Also, keep in mind that instructors are quite busy outside of
class, and may not be able to chat with you every time you
would like to do so. Seek clarification within class time as
much as possible.
Of course, all of these points vary from situation to situation,
so you should not assume that all classes and all instructors
will present the same degree of informality or operate with
the same set of expectations. Learn to assess each teaching-learning situation as independent, with its own rules and protocols.
15. Fees and Financial Information
15.1 Program Fees
The fees for the LLM in International Business Law for the
2014/2015 year are listed on our website. The program fee
consists of tuition, catering (where provided) and materials.
The tuition is due in full prior to enrollment in classes.
Note: fees are subject to change without notice.
Tuition and fees are subject to approval by York’s Board of
Governors in accordance with the fee guidelines set by the
Ministry of Colleges, Training and Universities and are subject
to change.
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LLM in International Business Law
Once you are registered in your program, your fees are
posted to your student account. You can view your account at
any time using your Passport York online access. If you think
there is a problem or if you have any questions concerning
your account, please contact your GPA, who will review your
account and liaise with the University departments to clarify
the situation.
15.4 Returned/Declined Payments
Graduate students who have an outstanding financial debt
to the University of $1,000 or greater will be blocked from
registering in a current or future academic term. University
Senate policy stipulates that enrollment, graduation
privileges, academic services, transcript requests, etc., be
withheld from any student until all financial liabilities are
settled. Students are strongly encouraged to keep their
account current. If you are having difficulty with this, please
speak to your GPA.
The following is the refund table for the International
Business Law LLM Program:
15.2 Mandatory Health Insurance
All students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent
residents are required to purchase UHIP (University Health
Insurance Plan) which will cost approximately $700 - $900
CAD per year over and above regular fees. This health
coverage allows you to see a doctor whenever you need
one, and obtain any necessary medical tests. The cost of any
medication you might need is not covered by this insurance.
You will receive further information regarding UHIP from
our International Student Assistant once your registration
has been confirmed. Details can be found on the York
International UHIP site.
Full-time graduate students are also billed for the York
University Graduate Students’ Association (YUGSA) health
plan. The plan is compulsory for all full-time students without
comparable coverage for drugs AND dental and is optional
for those registered part-time. Students also have the ability
to opt-in spouses (including common-law and same sex
partners) and children.
Those students with
equivalent or greater
coverage with another
plan can opt-out.
Please see below for
instructions on how to
either opt-out or opt-in
to the plan. The cost
of the plan is $375 for
a single person, and
an additional $375 to add one dependant. The cost to add 2
or more dependants is $510, on top of the single cost. The
GSA Health Plan Fee is not included in your tuition. In early
October it appears as a separate line item on your student
account. Visit the YUGSA website for further details.
15.3 Methods of Payment
The University accepts a variety of methods of payment and
more details are available here.
Students whose payments are declined for any reason
are subject to a $50 administrative charge which is a nonrefundable, non-petitionable flat fee, payable by certified
cheque only. Other penalties may also apply.
15.5Refunds
Refund of 75%
of tuition
Refund of 50%
of tuition
No Refund
Up to and including
September 30
October 1 to
December 31
January 1 - onward
Please note that:
1.
Registration Fees, Ancillary Fees and UHIP Fees are not
refundable.
2.
Tuition will be refunded to an account in the student’s
country of origin only upon receipt of proof of their visa
being cancelled.
15.6 Tuition Fee Receipts (Tuition and Education
Credit Certificate)
Tuition Fee receipts for income tax purposes are provided
by the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) for the
Academic and Registration Fee portion only. Income tax
receipts will only be accessible by download from the OSFS
website at the end of February, using your Passport York
access.
15.7 Tuition and Education Tax Credit
Students may qualify for a tax credit for tuition fees and
education amounts. The amount of the tax credit depends
on each student’s taxable income. For information, please
consult Canada Revenue Agency’s Information on Students
and Income Tax.
16. Academic Success and Wellness
Osgoode Hall Law School develops programs designed
to promote the academic success of law students. These
programs include sessions and workshops on how to enhance
your academic performance. Legal research and writing,
study skills, time management, and exam preparation are
some of the topics of the program offered. The sessions
are led by Osgoode professors, practicing lawyers, and law
librarians and are intended to help students achieve their full
academic potential.
Programs that promote wellness are also offered. Topics
include exercise, tips on minimizing stress, information on
healthy eating and nutrition and maintaining a balanced life.
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LLM in International Business Law
facilitate the academic accommodation process. The office
assists with required equipment, housing, attendant services,
parking services, peer mentoring and transcription services.
Learning Disability Services (416-736-5383)
Learning Disability Services provides educational support
and career counselling to students with documented
learning disabilities. Services include: advising and
orientation, individual counselling, workshops, mentorship
programs, work shadow programs, success groups and
alumni networking.
Attending these programs will help you perform to the best
of your academic potential, and better integrate with the
Osgoode community.
17. Counselling and Disability Services
York University is committed to assisting those students with
special needs. To be eligible for the services provided, you
must identify yourself as someone who has special needs
and provide the appropriate documentation for inclusion in
your file. Students requiring accommodations should provide
as much notice as possible so arrangements can be made.
Osgoode’s Student Handbook delineates grounds supporting
relief: “medical” and “compassionate”, which are relatively
self-explanatory; “equitable”, which provides relief for
obligations and burdens of an ongoing and ordinary
nature as opposed to circumstances which are isolated
and extraordinary, and which unavoidably compete with a
student’s ability to complete academic work. These could
include disability, care-giving responsibilities, or persons
subject to domestic violence or abuse. If you have any
questions regarding this, please get in touch with the
appropriate person/office (listed below) and identify yourself
as a graduate student at Osgoode Hall Law School. If you are
unsure whom to contact, please contact your GPA.
17.1 York University Support Services
York Counselling and Disability Services (CDS) provides a
professional and supportive environment in which all York
students have equitable access to a range of essential
psychological services that assist in facilitating their academic
success. The primary objective is to assist students in fulfilling
their personal potential in order to maximally benefit from
their university experience. The services that CDS provides
include: Physical, Sensory & Medical Disability Services,
Larning Disability Services, Mental Health Disability Services,
Personal Counselling Services, and Learning Skills Services.
Physical, Sensory & Medical Disability
Services (416-736-5140)
Physical, Sensory & Medical Disability Services (PSMDS)
provides information, support and advocacy to students
with physical, sensory and medical disabilities. If you have
received your admission acceptance to York University, it
is advisable that you contact PSMDS as soon as possible to
Mental Health Disability Services (416-736-5297)
Support is also available for York University students who
have been living with a mental health disability through
Mental Health Disability Services. Services include:
academic support, supportive counseling, weekly support
groups, advocacy and referral to community resources.
Personal Counselling Services (416-736-5297)
Personal Counselling Services assists students in managing
the challenges of university life, which helps to fulfill
personal and academic achievement. The services include:
counselling for individuals and couples, groups and
workshops, crisis response and support, consultative activities
and outreach activities.
Learning Skills Services (416-736-5297)
Learning Skills Services provides resources to help
students to learn how to study more effectively through
workshops, academic success resources and one to one
learning skills.
18. Library Services
The Osgoode Hall Law School Library is one of the largest
in the Commonwealth. International Business Law LLM
students are encouraged to make use of the Law Library’s
extensive collection and its reference and online services.
The University issues a York University (YU) Card to registered
students. This card provides you with library borrowing
privileges. Only registered students who are “active”
will receive a card. Visit the library’s website for more
information.
All York LLM students are entitled to remote user accounts
which allow them to search not only the York Card Catalogue,
but many proprietary databases, including QuickLaw,
E-Carswell, Lexis, Westlaw and indices (including the Index
to Legal Periodicals and some full text services), which are
not available over the Internet. To make these arrangements,
you must contact the Computing and Network Services
department (CNS) at York University. They will provide you
with the information you will need to set up your account.
To access the library information online, you need an account
number, a York e-mail address and password and software.
York University has direct borrowing agreements with
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Graduate Program in Law
members of the Ontario Council of University Libraries
including Brock, Carleton, Guelph, Lakehead, Laurentian,
McMaster, Nipissing, Ontario College of Art and Design,
Ottawa, Queen’s, Royal Military College, Ryerson, Toronto,
Trent, Waterloo, Western, Wilfrid Laurier and Windsor. York
University also has direct borrowing agreements with
members of the Council of Prairie and Pacific University
Libraries including University of Alberta, Athabasca University,
University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, King’s
University College, University of British Columbia, University
of Northern British Columbia, Royal Roads University, Simon
Fraser University, Trinity Western University, University
of Victoria, Brandon University, University of Manitoba,
University of Winnipeg, University of Regina, and University
of Saskatchewan.
19. Student Clubs and Organizations
Student clubs and organizations form an important part of
student life at Osgoode. Joining clubs and activities not
only provides students with an enriched educational
experience, but it is an excellent opportunity to meet
fellow students and to develop leadership and other skills.
For the list of clubs and organizations at Osgoode, please
visit the MyOsgoode website. You may also e-mail the
Osgoode student government at: legalandlit@osgoode.yorku.
ca for more details about clubs and Keele Campus activities.
20. Services and Programs for
International Students at
York University
York International, located at 200 York Lanes at York Keele
Campus, offers programming and services for International
Students - students in Canada on study permits and enrolled
in degree-programs at York. Services include international
student advising, a buddy program for international students,
and information and orientation sessions about immigration,
housing and employment for international students, among
others.
21. Convocation
Convocation is a special event for our students. All graduates
are encouraged to attend.
There are two main convocation ceremonies at York for
Professional LLM students: Fall (usually in October) and
Spring (usually in June). Your GPA will be able to provide you
with details.
Students in the IBL program typically convocate in October.
Students may also convocate in June provided all courses
have been completed and final grades have been submitted
by mid-May.
22. Viewing Grades and Ordering
Transcripts
LLM in International Business Law
Once your grades have been made official by the University,
they will be posted online on the York University website and
can be accessed using your Passport York account.
Transcript requests must be made online from the Office of
the Registrar.
23. Practical Information for
International Students
23.1 Arriving in Toronto
It is important that you know where you are going once
you arrive in Toronto. Plan ahead for the trip to the Osgoode
Professional Development campus, and make sure you have
everything you will need for your first few nights in Canada.
Though public transportation is possible from Pearson
International Airport (Toronto’s main airport), it can take a
long time and involve several transfers. A better option is to
take a taxi or airport limousine from the airport. The cost will
depend on your destination, but should range somewhere
between $40-$75.
If using public transportation, visit the TTC’s website to assist
you in planning your trip.
Public transportation and driving instructions to get to the
Osgoode Professional Development Conference Centre and to
Keele Campus can be found here.
23.2 What to Bring
Documents
Before your departure, make sure that all of your important
documents are in order. Make photocopies of important
original documents and
leave one copy with
your family or friends
at home and keep
the other copy in your
suitcase, separate from
the original documents
that you must carry
with you. These
documents include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Valid passport and/or official government-issued
identification
Letter of Introduction confirming the approval of your
Study Permit from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate,
if applicable (unless you are a US citizen and will be
applying for your Study Permit at your port of entry into
Canada)
Temporary Resident Visa (if required for your country)
York University offer of admission letter
Proof of funds available
Credit card(s)
Identification document with photo
Electrical Equipment
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Graduate Program in Law
Electricity in Canada is 110 volts, 60 Hz. Adaptors can be
purchased locally if necessary.
Computers
Computers are available on campus but most students have a
computer of their own (usually a laptop) and a printer. These
can be purchased after arrival.
Clothing
You will need clothes for all seasons. Summer can be very
hot – above 30°C – and winter can be very cold – occasionally
below -20°C. Students dress quite casually, but formal
clothing is recommended for certain occasions. Those who
plan to take an internship will need business attire to wear
to their placements. Therefore, students should plan their
clothing for all occasions: cold, warm, formal and casual.
Money
It is not advisable to travel with large sums of cash. You may wish to bring up to $500 in cash and the remainder in
a bank draft.
Opening a bank account
To open a bank account in Canada, you will need your
passport, YU Student ID card, proof of registration and
documentation verifying your address in Canada (such as a
phone bill or residence contract). Depending on the bank,
you may need to make an appointment before opening an
account. Some of the large financial institutions in Canada
include the Bank of Montreal (BMO), Canadian Imperial
Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation (HSBC), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Scotiabank,
and TD Canada Trust. Most banks have special rates for
students and offer internet or telephone banking services
that you may use to pay your tuition. You may wish to
research your banking options before arriving in Canada.
LLM in International Business Law
Estimated Living Expenses per Month in Toronto
On-campus accommodation (1)
Food
Clothing
Local public transportation (Pass)
Entertainment/Miscellaneous (2)
TOTAL (3)
750
250
100
128
200
1428
Total estimated living expenses for a 12-month period are
$18,120. Costs are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Notes: (1) Average Single Room/Bachelor cost based on
current on-campus fees. Actual fees will vary depending on
location and off-campus residence rates. (2) Actual expenses
will depend on the student’s lifestyle. (3) All students who
are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents are also
required to purchase UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan)
which will cost approximately $700 - $900 CAD per year.
Complete details can be found on the York International
UHIP site.
23.4 Transportation
Toronto is located one hour by air and approximately
9 hours by car or bus from New York City, Boston, Chicago and
Washington DC. Montreal is approximately 6 hours by car or bus.
The City’s main bus terminal is the Toronto Coach Terminal
located at 610 Bay Street. For information on bus routes call
Greyhound Canada at (416) 393-7911 or visit the Greyhound
website.
Transferring funds to Canada
You can wire transfer money into your Canadian bank
account from your home country. Obtain a bank draft for the
amount you wish to transfer and bring it with you to Canada.
Before making the transaction, you should ask how long the
transfer will take, as Canadian banks can place lengthy holds
on deposits (sometimes up to 20 business days). Remember
to keep copies of all transaction records for future reference.
If you have an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) bank card
for your bank in your home country, you may be able to
withdraw money from your account at ATMs in Canada. Check
with your home bank about this option, but keep in mind
that you may need to pay service charges and that exchange
rates fluctuate.
23.3 Cost of Living in Canada
While Toronto is not an expensive city by international
standards, the cost of living is high relative to other Canadian
cities. The following table sets out estimated living expenses
per month in Toronto:
In Canada, trains are operated by VIA Rail. Information on VIA Rail
can be found online or by calling (416) 366-8411.
Toronto’s international airport is Pearson International Airport.
Information regarding flight arrivals and departures can also
be found on the GTAA website. Flights to destinations such as
Montreal, Ottawa, New York, Halifax and others also depart from
the Toronto Island Airport (generally with Porter Airlines). For
more information on Porter Airlines visit their website.
York University students get a discount on transit passes. A
monthly pass costs just over $100 and must be purchased at the
Keele campus for the student rate to apply. Weekly and daily
passes and fares are also available. Visit the TTC website for more
details.
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23.5 Accommodation
While Osgoode Professional Development does not find
accommodations for students, we are happy to provide
students with some useful websites and other tips about
living in Toronto.
Students will have courses both at Keele campus and at
Osgoode Professional Development in downtown Toronto.
Some students choose to live on campus and others live
off campus, closer to downtown. Many of the classes held
downtown are in the evening, so many students elect to live
downtown as they find that more convenient.
We suggest you check out the following resources:
•
On Campus: York University provides housing on its Keele
(Main) campus, for more information, please visit the
future students website and the student housing site.
•
York’s International Centre also has housing resources
and may be able to provide assistance.
•
Campus Co-operative Residence Inc: This is one
suggested option for our students. Visit their website for
more information on rooms and rates or contact Janice
Bramhill, Membership Coordinator at 416.979.2161 or
via e-mail at jbramhill@campus.coop
•
Other Rental Housing: There are off-campus apartments
for rent all over the Greater Toronto Area. For more
information visit the Centre for Student Community and
Leadership Development (SCLD).
•
These websites are all common places to look for
apartments in Toronto: Places4Students.com, MLS.ca and
Viewit.ca
23.6 Immigration
As an international student, it is important for you to be
aware of immigration regulations governing your stay in
Canada. Students usually have two Canadian immigration
documents:
•
Study Permit – gives the student permission to undertake
academic study in Canada
•
Temporary Resident Visa – gives the student permission
to enter Canada
It is important that you keep all of your required immigration
documents up-to-date and in a secure place. It is also
recommended that you make a duplicate copy of all of your
documentation in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Please ensure that you keep yourself updated on all
immigration rules. Additional information can be found at the
Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. Study Permit
As a general rule, international students are required to obtain
a Study Permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada before
LLM in International Business Law
pursuing their studies (see Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s
website for certain exceptions). A study permit may specify
terms and conditions, which govern your stay. For example, the
duration of study, the name of the institution or the level of study
you are allowed to undertake. The Study Permit must remain
valid during your entire study period.
If you have a valid Study Permit, you can: 1) work part-time
on campus; and 2) apply to renew your Study Permit from
within Canada, if you decide to continue studies in Canada.
You should apply for your Study Permit as soon as you receive
your letter of acceptance. The time needed to process an
application of study to Canada may vary at different visa offices.
Visa
In addition to the Study Permit, some students are required
to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa depending on their
country of origin. A Temporary Resident Visa is an official
document issued by a Visa office abroad. It is placed in your
passport to show that you have met the requirements for
admission to Canada as a temporary resident. Find out if you
are required to have a Temporary Resident Visa by visiting
Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website.
Working in Canada
As of June 1, 2014, CIC has terminated the Off-Campus Work
Permit Program (OCWPP) and qualified international students are
automatically authorized to work off-campus without a Work
Permit. To qualify to work off-campus, an international student
must:
- have a valid Study Permit
- be a full-time student
- be enrolled at a designated learning institution at the post
secondary level or, in Quebec, a vocational program at the
secondary level, and
- be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training
program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is
atleast six months in duration
For more details, visit York International's Working in Canada
webpage. Visit the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration at the
provincial level, or Citizenship and Immigration Canada at the
federal level for more information about working in Canada and
Ontario.
23 .7 Medical and Dental Services at York
York Lanes Health Centre
Located in York Lanes, the Heath Centre offers comprehensive
health care in a general practice setting. The Centre will submit
claims directly to the insurance company for students with UHIP
and payments will be made directly to the doctor. Students are
encouraged to make an appointment for services but walk-in
appointments will be accommodated where possible. Telephone:
(416) 736-5525.
Emergency Medical Services
In the case of an emergency, call 911 for immediate medical
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assistance. If you live on Keele Campus, you may also seek
medical care from the Humber River Regional Hospital
(416) 744-2500. For general health advice and information, you
may phone Telehealth Ontario, free of charge at 1-866-797-0000,
24 hours a day.
Pharmacy
The closest pharmacy to York campus is the York Lanes Pharmacy,
located in York Lanes. Telephone: 416 736-5272.
Dental Services
The York Lanes Health Centre also offers dental services. Students
are encouraged to make an appointment for service but walk-in
appointments will be accommodated where possible. Telephone:
(416) 736-5525.
University of Toronto Dental Clinic
Located close to Osgoode Professional Development at 101 Elm
Street (East of University Avenue and 2 blocks north of Dundas
Street West), the University of Toronto provides inexpensive
dental care performed by students under supervision. Telephone:
(416) 979-4927.
23.8 Newspapers
There are two major newspapers in Toronto: The Globe and Mail,
and The Toronto Star. Newspapers can be obtained from coinoperated boxes located on sidewalks throughout the city, stores or
online. The Toronto Star is available free of charge across campus.
Grid TO and Now are two free newspapers which provide
excellent information about things to do in Toronto. They can be
found throughout the city or online.
LLM in International Business Law
to students. As a York student, you have access to the
swimming pool, gyms and squash courts in the Tait McKenzie
Building. You will be charged a small one time fee for use
of the gym. There are also outdoor tennis courts, and the
Metropolitan Toronto Track and Field Centre. Team sports and
fitness classes are also available. For more information, visit
the Tait McKenzie Building or Recreation York’s website.
23.11 Student Security
The primary role of York Student Security Services is to provide
a safe environment for the York community on campus. GoSafe
is a free, on-campus service that operates daily from September
to April. Student security officers will meet students at campus
bus stops, parking lots, buildings and restaurants; escort them to
campus destinations; wait with them for buses, taxis or until a
vehicle starts. Additionally, blue light telephones are emergency
lines located throughout campus parking lots, residence lobbies,
some building entrances, elevators and laundry rooms. For more
information, call (416) 738-5454 or visit their website.
23.12 Telephone and Cable
There are various telephone/cable companies offering
services in Toronto, including Bell, Rogers, Fido, Koodo, Public
Mobile and Virgin Mobile. For those staying in residence,
information regarding setting up phone and cable on campus
can be found here.
Making Calls
Excalibur is the York student newspaper where students can find
events taking place around the University. Obiter Dicta is the
Osgoode student newspaper. Copies are available in Osgoode Hall
Law School as well as online.
On most plans, local calls are generally free while long
distance calls are billed in addition to the monthly fee. It is
possible to dial direct from Canada to almost anywhere in
the world. Long distance phone cards, which are available at
convenience stores, drugstores and grocery stores are also a
convenient and less expensive method of calling overseas. If
you are calling outside Toronto but within North America, you
need to dial “1” first and if you are calling from outside North
America, you must first dial “001”.
23.9 Photocopying and Print Services
Directory Assistance
Photocopying machines are located in every library. There is
also a copy centre located in York Lanes, and various copy
centres located throughout the city.
Local directory assistance is available by dialing 411. You will
be charged an additional fee for this service. General operator
assistance is available by dialing 0.
Printers are located at all of the York University Libraries. Note
that York University graduate students have a free printing
quota of $300. Students can access their free printing quota
at any of the York University Libraries. When authenticating at
a print release work station, students will have the choice of
printing from their quota or using available YU card funds.
For Emergencies, dial 911.
Please note that the free printing quota does not apply to
photocopying. For questions regarding the free printing quota,
please contact the Information Technology Help Desk at
help@osgoode.yorku.ca
24. Frequently Asked Questions
24.1 Program Information
Q: When do classes start? What is the school year?
23.10 Recreation Facilities
Unless you receive an exemption from the preparatory course,
you will start in July. If you are exempted from attending the
prepatory course, you will start classes in August. Classes end
in the early part of April, and most exams are completed by
end of April or early-May.
York University has a wide range of sports facilities available
Q: Can I practise law in Canada?
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Graduate Program in Law
The LLM in International Business Law, as with all LLMs in
Canada, does not qualify you to practise law in Canada.
However, students enrolled in the program can ake some
NCA accredited courses as part of their degree. Those
interested in practising law in Canada should contact the
National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) for details.
Visit the Federation of Law Societies of Canada website for
more information.
Q: Does the LLM give me a Certificate of Qualification
from the NCA?
No. We have some courses that are recognized by the NCA but
you will not be able to complete all of your NCA requirements
in this program. Note, however, that if you plan to write the
NCA Challenge Examinations, we do offer our NCA Exam
Prep course free of charge to our students and alumni. This
3-week course assists in exam preparation for Foundations of
Canadian Law, Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional
Law and Professional Responsibility. Visit our NCA Exam Prep
Course site for more details.
Q: Can I take JD courses while I am in the LLM?
Those admitted to the LLM in International Business Law
are required to take 9 elective credits to meet the degree
requirements for the LLM. Electives can be chosen from a
list of JD and Professional LLM courses. While some courses
recognized by the NCA may be available as electives, it is
generally not possible to complete NCA requirements through
this program. Those interested in pursuing NCA requirements
only, must apply and be accepted to the Osgoode JD program
as NCA applicants or to the LLM in Canadian Common Law.
Q: When do I make my course selection?
You will be able to select your courses once you arrive.
Instructions will be provided at Orientation.
Q: How can I register in courses?
Once you have selected courses, your GPA will register you.
Q: When is Orientation?
Orientation will be scheduled early after the arrival date of
all students, and more information will be provided in the
weeks to come.
Q: Do I automatically get an internship?
Internship positions are not guaranteed. Osgoode arranges
opportunities for students at a variety of organizations and
provides you help with preparing a résumé and interview
skills. Students must, however, apply and successfully
interview with the organizations in order to be placed.
Factors which lead to a placement are excellent spoken
and written English skills, a good academic record and a
successful interview. Generally about 60% of students who
want internships get a placement.
Q: How much will I be paid?
The internships are unpaid.
LLM in International Business Law
Q: When do internships begin?
Internship start dates can be negotiated between the student
and the firm/organization with whom they are matched.
Usually, most students begin after their exams and papers
are completed (in May), assuming the required work permit
is obtained.
Should you wish to begin later, this may be arranged
provided the employer agrees.
Q: Do I need to obtain a work permit for the internship?
Yes. Students will need to obtain an off-campus work permit
or post-graduate work permit before beginning a placement.
This is the case even though students are not paid. Visit
the federal government’s work permit website for more
information.
Q: What are some past firms and organizations that have
offered internships?
The following are organizations that have taken part in the
internship over the past few years:
Q: Do the internships have to be located in Toronto?
Although most internships are located within the downtown
Toronto area, we have had internships available in Montreal
and Vancouver. If you are interested in interning outside
Toronto, let us know once you’re here and we will see what
can be arranged.
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Jones & Co.
(RBC)
• TD Canada Trust (TD)
• BLG LLP
• Citibank
• Torys LLP
• McCarthy Tetrault LLP
• Davies Ward Phillips &
• ING Direct
Vineberg LLP
• CIBC
• Osler Hoskin &
• Scotiabank
Harcourt LLP
• Legal Aid Ontario
Q: What kind of work will I do?
Given that you will not be qualified to practise law in Canada
and the placement is for two months, firms are limited in
the kinds of work they can give you. In most cases, students
shadow a lawyer, assist with contract or document review, or
do legal research.
Q: What are the chances of an internship turning into a
permanent job?
You should assume that this will not happen. We have had
students who were hired by their internship employer both
permanently and on contract, but, this is very rare, and often
depends on whether the individual has specific language
skills needed by the employer. First, if your internship is with
a law firm, the law firm cannot hire you to practise law, as
you are not qualified to practise law in Canada. Similarly,
they cannot hire you for an articling position unless you
have received a Certificate of Qualification from the National
Committee on Accreditation. The internship is intended
to provide you with exposure to the Canadian legal work
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LLM in International Business Law
environment, not to provide you with a permanent job.
Q: How do I pay my tuition?
Q: What do students who do not receive an internship
do during this time?
Once you accept the Offer of Admission, you will be invoiced
the full amount of your tuition, less the amount of any
entrance scholarship awarded. The tuition must be paid in
full prior to the start of classes.
Once students have completed their classes, and have
completed the degree requirements and are eligible to
graduate, they may apply for a post-graduate work permit
and seek employment. Others return to their home country
to seek employment.
Some students apply for an assessment of their credentials
with the National Committee on Accreditation to determine
what is involved in qualifying to practice law. Other students
return to their home countries and seek employment there.
24.2 Administrative Details
Q: What happens if I do not obtain my visa in time for
the program’s start date?
Depending on the country you are from, study permit
application processing time varies and often takes several
months. If your study permit is not granted in time for the
program start date, please ensure you keep close contact
with our office to discuss any alternate possibilities or
assistance we may be able to provide. Generally, if you do
not have your visa in time, you cannot begin the program.
In such cases, our office will keep the application documents
for the following 2 years for those interested in submitting a
new application for admission consideration.
Q: How can I access my student account?
Q: What job opportunities become available for me once
I graduate with the LLM?
Graduates have pursued different paths based on their
interests. Some have returned to their home countries to
teach law, to continue in their legal practices, or to law or
business positions.
Graduates who remain in Canada have gone on to further
graduate studies in law, have been accepted to JD programs,
and have obtained positions in business or in-house legal
departments. Please note that if you intend to qualify to
practise law in the Province of Ontario, following your LLM,
you will have to gain a Certificate of Qualification from the
National Committee on Accreditation, complete a 10 month
work term with a licensed lawyer referred to as “articling”,
and successfully complete Bar Examinations.
Q: Why do I have extra charges in my account?
The way the LLM in International Business Law is structured,
several late charges can appear in the student account after
registration. These charges will be reversed by the Graduate
Program Assistant once classes begin.
Q: What are all these transactions in my account?
Access to the student account is via Passport York. Details on
how that works will be provided at orientation.
Your GPA can explain all the transactions on an individual
basis as student accounts are confidential and they also vary
between students.
Q: Where can I get official letters if required?
Q: If I live on campus, how do I pay my rent?
Your GPA will advise you how to obtain official letters. Some
official letters are issued by our office here at Osgoode
Professional Development, and others are issued by the
Office of the Registrar at York University.
If you live on campus, your rent will be billed to your
student account. You can pay it at your bank or by cheque.
Instructions will be provided as requested.
24.3 Money Matters
24.4 Student Life
Q: Can I get funding?
Q: Where should I live during my studies?
In Canada, almost all graduate funding is directed toward
research-based programs. This program is not in the research
stream, so there is very little funding available. There are,
however, entrance scholarships ranging between $500 and
$3,500.
While Osgoode Professional Development (OPD) does not
find accommodations for students, we are happy to provide
students with some useful websites and other tips about
living in Toronto.
Q: Can I work in Canada while I am studying?
What about after graduation?
For details on working while studying, visit York
International’s Working in Canada webpage. Please
note that we strongly encourage you not to work
outside your studies, due to the academic workload in
the program. Once you successfully complete the
program, you are eligible to apply for a post-graduate
work permit.
All LLM courses take place at OPD, while elective JD programs
are held on Keele campus. Because IBL students have only
one elective course per term, many elect to live downtown.
It take approximately one hour to travel from Keele Campus
to OPD using public transit.
Q: When do I get my York University student card?
York University student cards are available for pick up upon
registration. Osgoode Professional Development will register
each student once we receive confirmation from the student
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Graduate Program in Law
LLM in International Business Law
that their visa (study permit) has been issued.
Q: What about health insurance?
Osgoode Professional Development will make arrangements
to have the student cards picked up during the university
campus tour. This is scheduled once all the students have
arrived in Toronto.
International Business Law LLM students are automatically
enrolled in York University’s University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Full details of this plan can be found on UHIP’s
website. The cost of this plan is not included in the cost
of your tuition and will be billed to your student account
separately.
Otherwise, student cards may be picked up individually at the Student Services Building at York University’s Keele
campus.
There is no cost for the initial card, however, replacement
cards cost $20.
For those who are Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents, if
you have alternative coverage via another insurance plan, you are welcome to opt out of UHIP by completing a
UHIP withdrawal form (found on UHIP website).
York University locations
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Graduate Program in Law
LLM in International Business Law
*
*
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Graduate Program in Law
LLM in International Business Law
Osgoode Professional Development
1 Dundas Street West, 26th floor
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1Z3
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