Resolutions

Note: Responses and/or resolutions to reports received anonymously will be posted here.

On January 23, 2023 the law school received a complaint about the lack of elevator service in the building. The University will be doing repair and replacement work of the law school elevators beginning summer 23. Because the work is disruptive it is not feasible to begin work until then when fewer people are in the building and there are no classes during the day.

On September 14, 2022 we received a complaint about the mask mandate in some classes. These mandates exist due to a disability accommodation in those classes. The administration apologizes for any frustration that students feel because they are required to wear masks in some classes. The situation has been reviewed and discussed by a committee that includes law school professors, administration and the disability support professionals. These classes will continue to have a mask mandate.

On September 2, 2022 we received a report that Room 373 smells like mildew. On 09/07/22 the air filters were changed and the temperature was adjusted.

On August 30, 2022 a complaint was received stating that students in Criminal Procedure were not following the mask mandate in place for that class. A reminder to the class was given. The student that was mentioned in the complaint by name was contacted by the Associate Dean.

A complaint was received on August 23, 2022 regarding mask mandates in certain classes. In the class mentioned in the complaint and a few other courses, the mandate is in place due to a necessary accommodation, approved by the Office of Disability Support Services. We ask for your support in carrying out these accommodations. Additionally, we would like to remind students that faculty may require masks in their classes, and they should comply with these faculty requirements as well.

On August 23, 2022 a report was made that it was "too hot in the building. Specifically classrooms 373 & 270 & study rooms on the 3rd floor in the library". We have addressed the HVAC issues, especially in Rooms 373 & 270, with the facility manager.

On June 3, 2022 a report was made that a Criminal Law professor had drafted an improper or unfair exam. The matter was investigated. The professor posted sample answers to old exam questions on BlackBoard. The answers were available to everyone in the class. The professor was transparent and open about this and encouraged students to use those questions to study. One of these questions was used on the final exam. No student or group of students ever discussed this question with the professor nor did the professor answer any questions about this sample question/answer. There is no prohibition against re-using exam questions. There is no prohibition against re-using an exam question to which sample answers were available.

On April 25, 2022 we received three complaints of students using a model answer for Professor Franzese’s Property course for exam prep. We investigated the matter and did not see that this was possible. We discussed the complaints with Professor Franzese. Professor Franzese does not ever distribute model answers. Additionally It would be impossible for a student to print out an answer from a prior exam done in Exam Soft or Examplify. Professor Carmella does provide students with sample “good” answers and it is possible students had been given these answers and were using them to study. This would not be a violation of any kind. Barring additional information or students appearing in person to discuss this matter, nothing further can be done.

An anonymous report of possible plagiarism on the Lawyering assignment due March 5, 2022 was made on March 2, 2022. The allegation was investigated and there was no evidence of wrongdoing.