Update from SBA on Student Concerns about COVID-19
Dear Memphis Law Students:
Thank you to all who took the time to participate in the recent COVID survey. Your responses were integral to our discussions with the administration around this important topic. A copy of the “raw” survey response data may be found here for those interested.
On Friday, October 15, the Student Bar Association made a formal presentation to the law school faulty and members of the administration on student concerns about COVID-19. This formal presentation was based on the survey responses that the Student Bar Association received. A copy of the presentation may be found here.
After the conclusion of the meeting, Dean Schaffzin sent an email summarizing the faculty response to the presentation. A copy of that email has been reproduced below:
Dear Danielle,
Thank you for your hard work and advocacy on behalf of the student body these past few weeks concerning the issues of livestreaming classes and remote exams. Your presentation was very helpful and appreciated by faculty. After your presentation, faculty did engage in robust discussion of the issues and share their experiences in a positive way that may influence faculty use of zoom to livestream classes; nonetheless, faculty took no formal collective action on the issue. While the faculty did appreciate and discuss the student views that you shared, the faculty did make and pass a motion to defer to the law school’s current policy and schedule for exams. As we’ve discussed, there are many factors to consider in addition to popular student preference. We will plan to follow the schedule of in-person exams that has been published since registration last spring.
I commend your effort and advocacy on this and so many issues. Your leadership is an asset to our community.
Best,
Dean Schaffzin
As for next steps, the Student Bar Association intends to continue its discussion with the administration in an effort to obtain more information regarding the exam period and the administration’s plans and procedures for handling students who are exposed during the exam period. The SBA will continue to work with Dean Aden to facilitate a prompt and efficient COVID-19 protocol with Main Campus administration as well.
If students would like to provide feedback on this development, the SBA welcomes all input and feedback on this matter. The SBA strives to advocate for the student body’s concerns and implement positive change in the Memphis law community. Please feel free to reach out to any SBA representative directly or utilize the anonymous feedback form here: https://forms.gle/JVZUvESkBJsQELCB8
Sincerely,
Danielle Fong
SBA President, 2021-2022
