Dear Friends,
The past few weeks have brought about unimaginable changes for all of us here in Bloomington, and I suspect the same has been true for you, in both your professional and personal lives. The COVID–19 pandemic has required us to move quickly to protect the health and well-being of the Indiana Law community while trying to complete the academic year on schedule.
As you may have read, Indiana University has extended spring break and suspended all on-campus activities for the remainder of the spring semester. Here at the Law School, we are taking advantage of the extra week of break time to convert our entire curriculum—more than 100 courses—to remote teaching, an eventuality we had started preparing for several weeks ago. When students return—virtually—on March 30, classes will resume remotely and in real time.
Converting from a close-knit, in-person learning community to a remote institution has not been easy, but there have been remarkably few missteps. This smooth transition has been due to the heroic efforts of our faculty, staff, and students, all of whom have pulled together to achieve this transition quickly. As alumni and friends of the school, you should be proud of the people who represent us.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has forced us to cancel some of our most popular and rewarding events, including numerous visiting lecturers, several alumni receptions throughout the country, Alumni Board and Board of Visitors meetings, and the induction of our 2020 Academy of Law Alumni Fellows. The university has made no decisions yet about commencement, but we will notify you as soon as we know more. We have launched a website that will keep you informed on developments at the Law School.
Our community has come together during these uncertain times, and alumni have been no exception. Many of you have asked how you can help. Although day-to-day life has changed, our students are still seeking employment, and the pandemic is making it more difficult to network and find jobs. If you would be willing to assist our students with their job search as a virtual resource, please contact me directly, and I will connect you with our Career Services Office.
Most of all, our wish for you and your family is to stay well. Because of your tremendous support, we are in a much better position to handle these current unforeseen circumstances, and we are so grateful for it. I look forward to the day when we can meet again in person.
Best,
Austen Parrish