I hope you and your families are safe. I wanted to make sure that you all saw Father McShane’s announcement concerning access to our building. I am so sorry that Maloney Library will not be open after today and that access will be prohibited. I know that this is an additional hardship on top of everything else.
I have received many emails concerning academic issues, particularly grading. I can assure you that the faculty is very focused on resolving this issue in a way that addresses the unique nature of these circumstances. Although there is no resolution yet, I can relate that the overwhelming view on the faculty is that our grading policies should be revised for this semester. The focus of the discussion is on what kind of accommodations to make that are most fair under the circumstances. As you may know, law schools have taken a variety of approaches to the issue, although most have not yet come to decisions as their faculties are also considering the matter.
I appreciate the many thoughtful emails I have received on the subject. Many of you write movingly about the difficult circumstances you now face which make study and class participation difficult. Many of you write about your concerns for your family and the responsibilities you bear. I also hear from students who have set academic goals for themselves this semester and worry about losing the ability to improve their records and their employment prospects. Others have mentioned that the class experience as a whole is better when students feel their work can be recognized. In sum all of these points are powerful and are not easily harmonized.
I have heard a rumor that the decision will be made on Tuesday. While we are working expeditiously to resolve the questions, there is no current plan to reach a conclusion on Tuesday. Please bear with us as it may well take longer than that. I believe it is better to make the right call than to rush to a result. I do promise you that we are working to resolve the matter for the benefit of our students and in recognition of the challenges you all face.
Classes are resuming tomorrow and I know your professors have been working hard to improve their online teaching techniques. Thank you for your feedback which has been important.
I am thinking of you and wishing you all the best and will keep in regular touch.