Sunday, September 23, 2007

Gas Leak

I write concerning the recent gas leak on campus. I encourage everyone to sign up for the new Wayne State University broadcast messaging system to ensure receipt of emergency alerts. (See http://computing.wayne.edu/messaging/broadcast.php). The gas leak affected a number of buildings on campus, but it posed no risk to the Law School or our students. The broadcast messaging system was used to send notices via email and IM, but the cell phone aspect of the system is not yet fully functional. We take seriously the need to advise students of issues that may affect their safety.

The public safety, physical plant, and other relevant services of Wayne State University that address issues of this nature are coordinated through the central administration. Likewise, the broadcast messaging system is maintained by the central administration. The Law School, as part of the Wayne State University, relies on the broadcast messaging system.


Students

As Dean, I have many responsibilities to the Law School. Most importantly, I have responsibilities to students. After all, it is students who are our most important stakeholders.

I am always pleased to meet with students, whether organized groups or individuals, to discuss their concerns regarding matters of general interest. I hold an annual Town Hall to offer students an opportunity to discuss our accomplishments and our ambitions. I also meet regularly with the Student Board of Governors and host events for various organizations.

I believe in student participation in the academic tradition of shared governance. To ensure students are able to address the many policy issues that arise here, I appoint student representatives to the faculty committees. The SBG President nominates individuals and I typically rely heavily on his/her suggestions. The SBG also participates in faculty meetings.

Students with questions about specific matters should contact the Dean of Students Office initially. Our Assistant Dean of Students, Ms. Michele Miller, and her staff are experts in resolving the issues that affect individual students. You may contact Assistant Dean Miller at 313-577-3993 or michele.r.miller@wayne.edu. They can provide advice and counsel as to academic as well as non-academic concerns. If for some reason they are unable to do so, they will do their best to direct you to an appropriate office.

Thank you very much.