Ateneo Law kicks off its academic year with Dean’s Hour for all year levels

On 4 August 2025, the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law formally began its regular classes for all year levels today, marking the start of the First Semester of Academic Year 2025–2026. The opening was highlighted by the Dean’s Hour led by Ateneo Law Dean Jose Maria G Hofileña.

During the session, Dean Hofileña welcomed the student body back with the greeting, “Happy New Year,” signaling a fresh start filled with renewed purpose. He reminded students of the school’s mission to form graduates who are academically excellent, socially involved, spiritually grounded, and globally engaged—true Ateneo Lawyers driven by justice and service.

Key themes of the Dean’s Hour included the importance of:

• Knowledge, intelligence, and articulation in the study and practice of law;
• Responsibility and proper decorum both in and out of the classroom;
• Formation and community involvement, including participation in academic and spiritual programs.

Dean Hofileña also issued specific reminders per year level:

• Sophomores were advised to start planning for electives and apprenticeship;
• Juniors were encouraged to focus on thesis writing and other midpoint milestones;
• Seniors were reminded of their final academic requirements and bar exam preparations.

All students were reminded about adherence to the dress code and the cut system, as well as important events such as the Mass of the Holy Spirit and compliance with the Anti-Hazing Law. The session also celebrated academic excellence with an announcement of the Honor Roll or Dean’s List.

Meanwhile, the first-year Juris Doctor students had their Dean’s Hour earlier on 7 July 2025, during the opening of their Introduction to Law class, offering them an early glimpse into the academic life and values of the Ateneo Law community.

With renewed energy and clarity of purpose, the Ateneo Law community moves forward into the new academic year committed to excellence, integrity, and service.