Dear 3L Class,

We hope you are doing well despite the huge challenges we are facing. We want you to know that your school cares about your welfare, education, graduation, and job prospects. We’re doing everything we can to address and anticipate problems. Undoubtedly, we will face obstacles, but we are confident that our community and the goodwill we share will remain strong. Sorry for the length of this email and attachments, but we have much information to convey.

I. INFORMATION ON THE BAR EXAM

Things are happening at a rapid pace. We are transmitting this news with the understanding that some of it may become outdated as events overtake us.

A. Message Today from the Bar Examiners of Indiana:

  1. “We are advising applicants and law schools that, as of now, we still plan on administering the July 2020 Indiana bar exam as scheduled, but that this is a very fluid situation and we are monitoring developments on a daily basis.” The final decision will probably be made in early May, and the Indiana bar is also considering a potential backup fall exam date.   
  2. If the Indiana bar is cancelled, money will be either refunded or credited to the next cycle.
  3. The April 1 application deadline has not been extended.
  4. If applicants are having issues getting driving records from out of state, the Board asks applicants to upload a written statement letting the Board know that the records have been ordered and that applicants will upload them when received. Most states offer online copies of driving records.
  5. Fingerprints are not due until the Wednesday prior to the exam, so students still have plenty of time right now. 

B. Message Today from the New York Bar:

The New York State Bar Examination will not be administered on July 28-29, 2020, as previously scheduled. The NY-BOLE (Board of Law Examiners) will announce the new date for the exam and for the application filing as soon as these are determined.

C. For All Bar-Takers:

  1. Submit your dean certifications to Sheila Gerber at lawosa@indiana.edu and we will hold them until you graduate. This is true even when the forms state that you send these to the Dean.
  2. We currently don't have access to your files to copy your applications or verify character-and- fitness issues. We cannot fill out forms requiring that information until the Governor’s stay-at-home order is lifted and the building is reopened.
  3. In cases where we have all the requisite information, we will email PDFs to the bar examiners. With few exceptions, we cannot snail-mail bar or other materials at this time.
  4. Currently there is no one to notarize documents. Indiana is expediting its shift to a virtual notary process. 

II. THOUGHTS ON GRADUATION

  1. Thanks to SBA, which sent out a survey on graduation. We will not make any decisions until we have heard from our 3L class. Auditions and planning for the ceremony are on hold.
  2. Ignore correspondence from the Cap and Gown folks for now. Once we know what we’re doing for graduation, you can decide on whether you want a refund, have the cap and gown sent to your home with a return envelope, or credit the payment to a substitute graduation.
  3. We will have honor tassels to hand out for Latin honors. Again, we will figure out what to do once we decide on a plan for graduation. 

III. LIFE GOES ON

  1. Classes resume on Monday. They are being graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory, but regular attendance is still required. Instructors will also have the discretion to assign a mark of “I” (Incomplete). If because of time zone or connectivity you cannot attend the live Zoom session, let your professor know and watch the taped class, which should be posted on Canvas, though there may be delays. Obviously, we will make special accommodations if you get sick.
  2. We are still taking nominations for the Order of the Barristers. Please see attached information.
  3. Please note that IU now has hot spots for internet connections. See attached.
  4. The Bursar will not assess late fees on students who end up past due on their April 10 Bursar bill. In addition, they are increasing the past due hold threshold (for official transcripts, etc.) from $200 to $5,000.
  5. For now, don’t worry about returning keys or clickers. We will ask you for them eventually. 

IV. ARE YOU OK?

We care about you. Please let us know if you are sick, short of food, feeling isolated or depressed, or facing any other sort of problem. If there’s any way we can be of help, please contact Dean Orenstein or Director Beck directly.  

  1. If you think you had the virus or are sick now, please let Dean Orenstein know.
  2. If you are in need of additional funds for your current living expenses, your bar exam expenses, or your post-graduation living expenses, or if you are facing financial difficulties, please be sure to reach out to Mr. Leopold for assistance. He is also available to assist you with you loan repayment questions. The best way to reach him is either by email (iulawfa@indiana.edu) or by phone at 812-855-7746.
  3. If you are facing food insecurity or scarcity, please let OSA know. Also, consult the attached list of organizations providing free food to IU students.
  4. If the stress of our current moment or sheltering in place is causing you distress, CAPS (812-855-5711) and JLAP (317-833-0370) are available to help you, as are Dean Orenstein (aorenste@indiana.edu) and Director Beck (katbeck@indiana.edu).
  5. CSO is here to help you with concerns about post-graduation employment in our increasingly precarious economy. Please reach out to your advisor and schedule an appointment on CareerNet to talk by Zoom or phone. On Wednesday, April 1 at noon, CSO will make an important presentation on the Bridge to Practice Program. This is a valuable option for those who have not yet secured post-graduate employment. Log on information is available on the event description in CareerNet. 

V. STAYING IN TOUCH AND SUSTAINING COMMUNITY

  1. Turns out, if the subject line says “Coronavirus,” people actually read their email. Please do continue to read your emails and follow the ILA for important information from our office, Dean Parrish, CSO, and the central IU Administration. The Law School’s coronavirus page contains all information we have shared so far with our community.
  2. Director Beck and I are getting a lot of emails nowadays. Occasionally, one falls through the cracks. If you have emailed one of us and haven’t heard back within four days, please resend the email just in case.
  3. Find ways to connect with other students. Director Beck and various student leaders are working up opportunities for virtual meet-ups and fun events to keep us in good physical and mental health. We would love your ideas, and please participate.
  4. #ExcelinIsolation: You can share your experiences while living and studying remotely. One way to stay connected as a community is to keep each other updated with posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you are you doing to get through these challenging times. Post your updates to and tag the Law School or Dean Parrish so your posts can be reposted or tweeted. More information will come in tomorrow’s ILA.
  5. A number of students have kindly asked what they can do to help others and offered to deliver food.  We may need such assistance, so please let us know if you are in a position to help.

With very best wishes,

Dean Aviva Orenstein
aorenste@indiana.edu
812-855-8736