Friday, March 30, 2007
US News
I write regarding the US News & World Report magazine. In its latest survey of law schools, Wayne State University Law School is listed in the “fourth tier,” which is lower than it has always been regarded by academics, lawyers, judges, and the general public. This development demands action: we are a far better law school than this survey suggests and we can prove it. As an institution, Wayne State University Law School is committed to its students and alumni, along with the community it has long served with distinction. As Dean, I am equally dedicated to the work that must be done. I ask that all of our supporters join us in this effort.
Although many educators as well as observers have been highly critical of US News for its methodology and influence, I recognize its importance in the marketplace. Our students no less than our alumni – indeed, everyone associated with our Law School– expect us to do our best to improve the institution in a manner that will be reflected by this indicator. As Dean since 2004, I have sought to do just that, working with the faculty to develop a strategic plan that has emphasized changes that are intrinsically worthwhile while also likely to have a positive effect on our US News ranking. These changes include: an increase in scholarships to make us more competitive for the most highly-credentialed students and those with financial need; hiring new professors and instructors; and starting the design phase for construction of the Damon J. Keith Classroom Building and Center for Civil Rights.
In every respect with one exception, we have been highly successful. According to objective data on reputation, LSAT, UGPA, and so on, we are better in almost all other institutions in the “fourth tier” and better than most other institutions in the “third tier.” We are comparable to schools within the top 100; moreover, we have improved meaningfully on factors such as student-faculty ratio.
It is virtually certain that the recent outcome is the result of our employment statistics and nothing else. Under the US News formula, the percentage of graduates employed is a factor in determining ranking and the percentage of graduates who fail to respond to the survey about employment also is a factor. Thus, it is crucial both to ensure a high proportion of graduates are employed and a high proportion of graduates respond to the survey. (It is important to note all the issues relevant here, including the survey about employment, arose prior to the exemplary service of our current Assistant Dean for Career Services.)
Before release of the US News survey, I had realized there are challenges facing our graduates in the regional marketplace. We had already committed additional financial resources to the Career Services Office, which is in the process of hiring another full-time counselor. I am personally involved in student placement, including outreach within the state to potential employers and expanding our geographic domain. I also have begun working with the Assistant Dean for Career Services to ensure we bring about significant improvements in our reporting of employment statistics. In this regard, the active cooperation of our most recent graduates and current students is crucial and in their own self-interest. Every single person counts. I believe that our employment rates have improved significantly and that the reporting in the past has been adversely affected by practices that are being corrected through aggressive administrative action. The Career Services Office has developed an action plan. I expect its implementation to continue our success.
On Monday, April 2 (venue to be determined), we will hold a Town Hall to discuss these matters. Please join us in this conversation and all that lies ahead. Together, we can and will do better.
