About the University

Mission

To deliver accessible world-class student experiences by providing quality programs and services that ensure student success through meaningful learning.

Vision

Our vision is to be an inclusive and innovative university serving life-long learners who contribute to the positive transformation of society.

Values

Our values are the guiding principles and fundamental beliefs that help us function as one team as we work toward achieving our common mission. 

• Quality - Academic quality is paramount to student success. To best achieve this value, we offer a highly supportive student experience that guides learners on their educational journey to the completion of a degree or certificate program. 
• Innovation - Contribution of new knowledge is central to the purpose of a modern university. Our valued commitment to innovating within higher education advances opportunities for our students, and all students, within higher education. 
• Collaboration - Partnering to meet the needs of students provides the most relevant and valued outcome. Whether with potential employers, community agencies, or partnering across disciplines within our own University, we are committed to working together toward student success. 
• Diversity - We are enriched by the extraordinarily diverse student body, faculty, and staff. Diversity of background, orientation, and thought are necessary and valued elements of a learned society. We proactively seek and support diversity within our entire enterprise. 
• Access - We believe that access to education is a fundamental right. Barriers to access can be finances, preparation, or simple logistics. We aspire to remove barriers to access as a means of creating social justice and a path toward a more productive life for our students. 

Learning at the University

Dedicated to educational access and academic excellence, National University provides challenging and relevant programs that are student-centered, success-oriented, and have a proven balance of theoretical and practical attributes. National University offers in person, hybrid, and online learning modalities. In the distance-learning environment, students and faculty interact via the Learning Management System (LMS). The University uses a personalized teaching model wherein students and faculty interact synchronously and asynchronously during a course to achieve learning outcomes. All degree programs include a set of fundamental courses and a set of related specialization courses allowing the student to select coursework closely associated with their educational and career goals. Students complete a degree program, guided by faculty and supported by traditional texts, technology, and electronic resources and databases. Additionally, National University is committed to a whole-human approach to education, recognizing that academic success is closely tied to personal and professional well-being. Students are encouraged to engage with NU’s comprehensive student services—ranging from academic and career advising to wellness and community resources—designed to support and empower them not only during their studies but throughout their careers.

Facilities

As an online JD program, JFK School of Law at National University does not hold classes on a physical campus, nor does it have equipment other than its state-of-the-art computing and networking resources to meet the needs of students working at a distance. Prospective students are informed of the computer capacity requirements for successful access to all University systems and learning resources. However, the JFK School of Law at National University does have physical buildings that house the Service Center and the Administrative/ Legal Headquarters.

University Building Locations

• California: 9388 Lightwave Avenue; San Diego, CA 92123 (Administrative/Legal Headquarters)

Accreditation & Academic Alignment

• The University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• The JD Program at the JFK School of Law at National University is accredited by The Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.  Accreditation by The Committee of Bar Examiners permits graduates from the JFK School of Law to take the California Bar Examination upon graduation and, when the graduate passes and complies with all other admission requirements, to practice law anywhere in California, in both State and federal Courts.  For more information go see:  https://law.nu.edu/accreditation

Institutional Learning Outcomes

• Apply critical thinking to support decisions or solve problems.
• Demonstrate research literacy skills in support of lifelong learning.
• Utilize context-appropriate communication through various modes of expression.
• Integrate ethical decision making in academic and professional pursuits.
• Cultivate responsible global citizenship for the positive transformation of society.
• Practice inclusion and respect for diverse perspectives in collaborative settings.
• Develop digital fluency with a focus on the wider impacts of technological change.

Academic Sessions

The academic year for the JFK School of Law at National University JD Program is divided into two 16-week semesters and one 10-week summer session:

Note: Part-time students in the JFK School of Law at National University generally complete their JD program in four years. 

Faculty 

The diverse full-time and part-time faculty at National University consists of experienced professionals and scholars who bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and real-world experience to their teaching. These educators come from various academic backgrounds and industries, contributing a rich array of perspectives to the learning environment. Full-time faculty members typically engage in teaching, scholarship, and service to the university, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience. They are deeply involved in curriculum development, mentoring students, and participating in university governance. 

Part-time faculty, often active professionals in their respective fields, bring current industry practices and insights into the classroom. They focus on delivering practical and applied knowledge, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in their careers. 

Both full-time and part-time faculty at National University are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment, promoting academic excellence, and preparing students for the challenges of the global workforce. Their responsibilities also include staying current in their fields, continuously enhancing their teaching methods, and engaging with the university community to support its mission and values. Faculty hold advanced degrees in their areas of expertise and are respected professionals. When hired, they receive an orientation to the University as well as training in the various learning modalities used at National University. 

University Breaks and Holiday Closures

The University offices are closed on the following holidays and students are notified through the University’s messaging system of such closures:

Commencement Calendar

The current commencement calendar and general information about the University’s commencement process and ceremony schedule can be found at https://www.nu.edu/grad-events/.