Dear 2L 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 but we have much information to convey.
I. LIFE GOES ON
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 We are transmitting this news with the understanding that some of it may become outdated as events overtake us.
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Classes resumed today. As you know, they are being graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Please be aware that regular attendance is still required. To clarify, under the satisfactory/unsatisfactory system, everything above a C-minus is satisfactory. We anticipate that everyone who puts in a good effort and learns the substantive material in their courses will pass. We know some students will face extenuating circumstances, but assume all our students will make a strong effort in each of their classes, resulting in passing grades. In the event that a student is unable to finish because of connectivity, illness, etc., instructors are encouraged to assign an “I” (incomplete) and the student will have time allotted to finish later. 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.
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Please note that IU now has hot spots for internet connections.
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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.
II. REGISTRATION
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2Ls will submit their registration requests in the LORS on Tuesday, April 7.
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Be on the lookout early next week for an email from Alexis Lanham with details about how registration works.
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One way to prepare for registration is to attend Zoom meetings on various practice areas:
Wednesday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Criminal Law and Bradley Fellows
Thursday, April 2 at 4:30 p.m.
Litigation Curriculum
Friday, April 3 at noon
Business and Transactional Law
III. 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.
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If you think you had the virus, have been exposed to the virus, or are sick now, please let Dean Orenstein know.
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If you are facing financial difficulties, or if you want to explore your summer financial aid options, please be sure to reach out to Mr. Leopold for assistance. The best way to reach him is either by email (iulawfa@indiana.edu) or by phone at 812-855-7746.
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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.
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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).
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JLAP has retooled to provide remote services for individuals and groups. Please see the attached flyer.
IV. A WORD FROM CSO
CSO is here to talk with you about your concerns about summer employment in our increasingly precarious economy. We know that many of you have concerns about whether your employer will continue its summer program as planned. CSO is tracking what is happening at legal employers across the country. If you hear anything from your summer employer, please let us know. If you have not, we urge you at this point to be patient – employers are trying to ensure that their workforces are safe and that they can continue their important work serving their clients. Please know that you are important to them, but summer programs may need to be adjusted.
Dean Parrish will be sending out a message to all confirmed legal employers for this summer, letting them know that we are here to work with and support their missions and urging them to be flexible as to start dates and remote work so as to maximize your summer experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your advisor and schedule an appointment on CareerNet to talk by Zoom or phone.
V. STAYING IN TOUCH AND SUSTAINING COMMUNITY
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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.
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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.
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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.
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#ExcelinIsolation: You can share your experiences while living and studying remotely via social media. Let us know what you are you doing to get through these challenging times. Pictures with pets are most appreciated! Post your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram updates and tag the Law School or Dean Parrish so your posts can be reposted or tweeted. More information appeared in this week’s ILA.
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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 |