BY: | DATE: Apr 07, 2020

This post is an archive of COVID-19 Updates and Announcements from Spring 2020.

Last updated on April 10, 2020 at 2PM

4/10/20 @ 2PM     Apply for iPad Loaners & Wellness Feedback

I am struck that this is a moment when each of us are struggling to internalize the promise of rebirth that comes with spring at the same time that the individual losses, illnesses, and hardships are compounding for each of us.

The fact that the pandemic is most devastating to the communities our society and our country has repeatedly oppressed is not a surprise but rather a grotesque reminder of the wrongs we have failed to right (let alone recognize) and the enormous challenge facing each of us and all of us who have committed to be part of the solution.

It is a moment when as an institution we have a special obligation to those of you who are students because of who you are and who you will serve.  As our faculty and staff valiantly struggle through their own challenges, they continue to show up with your needs first on their minds.  I am grateful that at this almost unbearable moment I am surrounded by people determined to make good on our mission – to support our students on their path to use the law in the service of human needs.

Please continue to let us know how we can help.

STUDENT COMPUTER HARDWARE

Needs for personal computing devices are now being filled with iPad loaners through equipment provided by CUNY’s Central Office. You must submit your request by Wednesday, April 15.

TO REQUEST AN IPAD:

You must be registered for this spring.

You must send an email from your Law School account to Tech-support@law.cuny.edu that says:

1.    you do not currently have computer hardware that allows you to fully access our online instruction this semester;

2.    you understand that this is a loaner and you are responsible to return it or to pay for its replacement;

3.    your full name, CUNYfirst EmplID (you’ll see your EmplID when they sign on to CUNYFirst). telephone number, and mailing address.

Note that you must be present to accept the delivery; also, devices can’t be sent to PO boxes. Initial setup assistance can be provided by the helpdesk via telephone or e-mail. Note also that we have a limited supply of these iPads and we can’t guarantee that all requests will be fulfilled.

 STUDENT WELLNESS

In response to student needs and requests, Student Affairs and the Communications team are redoubling their efforts to centralize and organize information and resources about and for your health and wellbeing. The Keep Learning guide contains info and links that will continue to expand, and the Weekly Student Digest email sent to you on Sundays will continue to feature mental health and wellness resources and updates.


4/7/20 @ 11AM     Commencement 2020 Postponed, Summer 2020 Courses to Follow Distance Learning Format, Bar Exam Set for September 9th and 10th, Student iPad Loaners Available, and Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Info Update

As I prepare for a virtual coffee hour with admitted students trying to decide where to go to law school (next year’s 1Ls), it strikes me how hard it is to put into the words the power of the energy and spirit that radiates throughout the building on any given cloudy Tuesday when we are all at 2 Court Square.

I have my own moments of reconnecting with it – when I work with student leaders on bar admission for this year’s graduating class, when I hear about the remote advocacy our clinics are doing, when a staff member sends a clip about a relief fund that might be of use to our students, when our alums check in to tell us about their work and their need for our graduates.  I hope you have found a way with each other to reconnect to what brought you here and to continue moving forward powered by the conviction that you overcome this obstacle, as you have so many others, on your path to use the law in the service of human needs.

COMMENCEMENT 2020

The University has announced that it has postponed the spring commencement for all its campuses.  We knew that we would likely have had to postpone anyway, given the uncertainty of whether we could all gather physically in May.  Amanda Beltran and our student Graduation Committee are working on polling the class and considering alternatives.  Two things we know for sure: (1) this year’s graduating class will (as always) receive their diplomas in the mail at the regular time, and (2) this year’s graduating class (unless they choose not to) will walk across a stage at their own graduation, clad in cap and gown, surrounded by an applauding crowd that includes their loved ones.  I will keep you posted as the Graduation Committee continues its work.

SUMMER 2020 COURSES

All course offerings during our Summer 2020 term will be conducted exclusively through our distance education format. Additionally, all summer classes will be subject to the mandatory Pass/Fail Grading system adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 30, 2020.

BAR EXAM INFO

The latest information from The New York State Board of Law Examiners is an announcement that the NY Bar Exam Date has been set for Sept. 9 and 10, 2020.

HARDWARE FOR LEARNING

CUNY has procured and allocated iPads to be loaned to Law School students who don’t have the hardware necessary for fully participating in remote learning.  The first few have already been designated and are being mailed to the students.  Look for an email telling you how to submit an application if you missed the first call.

FAMILY FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT (FFCRA)

In partnership with the University’s Office of Human Resources Management, our HR team has posted and circulated to all staff and faculty information on FFCRA, which can be found in detail on their landing page located here. You can send an email to HRpayroll@law.cuny.edu, or call 718.340.4223 with any questions.


4/3/20 @ 6PM     Grading System Passes, University Procures Computing Devices for Students

It’s hard to be remote.  I miss the energy you all bring into the building, the small groups huddled over lunch in what we used to call Coffeed, the hello’s in the pantries, the heated meetings in the classrooms, the inspiring art in our windows.  I guess it’s a little “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” but mostly I think that we have a very special “place” made so because it is filled with mission-driven people energized by each other to push the dial of equity forward and to make sure that we each and our justice system are accountable to those whom our laws do not serve or recognize.  I am grateful to hold your collective spirits at this moment and am looking forward to the time when we can be together in the same place again.  Please let us know if there are ways we can support you.

A big shout out to our students who organized with students across the state to write a compelling, evidence-based letter signed by 1,200 law students to the Court of Appeals urging them to consider the diploma privilege (instead of an impossible to schedule bar exam) for this year’s graduates!

OUR UPDATESStarting next week, we’ll send our updates on weekday mornings between 9AM-10AM.  We will not clutter your boxes with an email if there isn’t something new to share with you.

As always, the Student Weekly Digest will arrive in your boxes on Sunday.

 

WEBINAR ON FINANCES DURING COVID-19Financial Aid is making an AccessLex session available to students (the info can be relevant to anyone interested) at three different times next week. Topics include organizing financial accounts and debt, bridging unemployment and income uncertainty, prioritizing outflows, and constructing credible support systems. The CARES Act and what to do with your stimulus check is a topic of discussion.

Tuesday, April 7 at 2pm ET
Tuesday, April 7 at 7pm ET
Thursday, April 9 at 4pm ET

 

FREE MEALS FOR ALL NEW YORKERS

Starting today, 3 free meals will be available for ALL New Yorkers in more than 400 Meal Hubs, Mon-Fri: http://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals.

 

OUR COMMUNITY IN THE NEWS

(Our Communications Department wanted to do something more fancy (and they still might) but I thought you might want to kick off the weekend with inspiration of all the good work that continues throughout the Law School that has caught the attention of the press.)Susannah Maltz is being featured for her work as a 2017 Michael Weiner Scholarship for Labor Studies Scholar.

Professor Sofia Yakren spoke to Vogue about the complex struggle of working/zooming at home with children.

Prof Joe Rosenberg called on the Governor to suspend the Two-Witness Rule for key legal documents to make it easier for New Yorkers to ensure their legal affairs are in order.

Prof Carmen Huertas Noble appeared on Everything Co-op, a weekly exploration of the impact and potential of the cooperative business model, on Thursday, April 2 (episode to be posted).

Prof Steve Zeidman appeared in The New Yorker and spoke with the Huffington Post about pushing for the release of incarcerated people who have served long sentences and demonstrated change in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof Alan White shared an incisive update (and advice) on Public Service Loan Forgiveness under the #CARESAct.

Prof John Whitlow published a new take on the right to counsel in eviction proceedings as part of a strategy to address the affordable housing crisis.


4/1/20 @ 6PM     Grading System Passes, University Procures Computing Devices for Students

I hope you are all focused on taking care of yourselves and those you love.

I know you are also concerned for your community and communities in need.  A positive step we each can take from the distance of our own homes is to be counted in the Census and to urge those we know to be counted.  See our message at the end of this update — And consider sharing this new Mayah’s Lot comic from our Center for Urban Environmental Reform! It explains the importance of the census while clearing up a few facts. It will be on social media tonight for you to share, too.

UPDATE ON SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

In recent days, the Law School has been in contact with several legal employers about their summer internship programs in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, and they have reiterated their commitment to programs that provide rich and meaningful opportunities for learning and professional growth. In fact, some employers have recently gained experience with remote internships. Employers are thinking about how to creatively structure internships to comply with social distancing requirements and promote good community health practices while also striving to serve their clients, meet organizational goals, and give interns meaningful, substantive work experiences. We will be closely monitoring the situation leading up to and throughout the summer. We also hope you will share with the Career Planning Office what you hear from your supervisors or prospective employers.

STUDENT COVID-19 NEEDS AND EMERGENCY GRANT FUNDS

We want to clarify how the Student Affairs Office is providing support, resources, and oversight of the Emergency Grants Fund.

We are funneling all information and requests for emergency support around COVID-19 through the Emergency Grant Fund Application though the committee and student affairs may get back to you with alternate or additional options to meet your needs; with a limited amount of funds, we are trying our very best to explore all other options before making awards out of the best interest of the entire community.

With that in mind, it is important that everyone is aware of the following: First and foremost, it is important that everyone be aware of the moratorium on evictions in New York City; you cannot be forced to leave your home within the 90-day period that currently runs through June 20, 2020; Second, anyone who is dealing with the loss of employment should file for unemployment benefits. Finally, everyone can consider whether they want to try to negotiate rates of interest or minimum payments on bills such as credit cards, cable and utilities, etc.; it may involve long wait times on the phone, but many people are having success with this.

Please note that the new iPads available for loan have been provided by CUNY Central; no Emergency Funds were used to procure them.

NEW UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

New and additional unemployment benefits called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is available to those who are not typically eligible for unemployment insurance including self-employed/1099 workers, part-time workers, and those who were not working for an extended period of time. Impacted students can apply by phone or online. More info athttps://labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.pdf and https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm

NEW GOOD VIBES PAGE

Our communications team has built this new space for our community to share song dedications, pet photos, recipes, fun things to try, encouragement, and more. You can check it out and submit your own by sending them an email. On Fridays they’ll share them on social media.

NEW NYC SUPPORT HOTLINE

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, lonely, or overwhelmed, all New Yorkers can contact NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.

  • Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
  • Text “WELL” to 65173
  • Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell

THE CENSUS

You have the right to be visible.
The 2020 Census is a way to help many people the system often renders invisible be seen and counted. It’s for everyone, regardless of immigration or citizenship status (there is no citizenship question)! We know some questions, especially about gender or ethnicity, might not accommodate how you define yourself, but we can’t let that discourage us from participating. We’ll keep pushing for change!

You have the right to have a voice in your local community.

$675 Billion gets distributed each year to schools, community centers, parks, and other shared infrastructure, so it shapes the future and functionality of the communities we represent, lead, and of which we are members. New York has two U.S. House of Representatives seats on the line this year, too.

You have the right to have your data secure and only used for its intended purpose
It is illegal for any information or data to be sold or shared with third parties (including ICE).

Complete the 2020 Census online or by phone and eliminate the need for a census worker to visit your home, which is safer for everyone.


3/30/20 @ 6PM     Grading System Passes, University Procures Computing Devices for Students

Welcome back to all as we continue as a community in our virtual learning spaces.

Grading System

Minutes ago, at an audio-streaming meeting, the University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the mandatory P/F grading system for the Law School for the spring and the summer that the Academic Affairs Committee recommended and the faculty unanimously adopted at our faculty meeting last Thursday.  The Office of Academic Affairs will circulate the full rule and the implementation policy.

Computing Devices (IPads)

I am pleased to report that the University has allocated 50 IPads to the Law School to loan to students in need of a personal computing device to complete coursework this spring.  You can request a device through the Emergency Grant Fund Application.Once the Emergency Grant Fund Committee reviews your application, you will be contacted about next steps, including how to make an appointment to pick up your iPad from the Law School. The University requires all students sign a loaner agreement form when picking up the equipment.We anticipate that students will begin receiving iPads in the first half of April.If you have any questions about the emergency grant program, please e-mail the Emergency Grant Committee.  If you have technical questions, please e-mail the IT helpdesk.

************P.S. I hope you are feeling ok – and that if you are not, you are doing what you’re supposed to do and what you would do if you were not learning remotely.  Give yourself a sick day.  Tell those who count on you.  Tell your professors and Student Affairs.  Drink fluids.  Get lots of rest.  Eat right.  Think good thoughts.  Give your body the best conditions to fight whatever’s got you down. I know some of you are not feeling 100%.  I don’t know all of you – FERPA rightly keeps this all confidential.  Please let me know if I can help.
In solidarity,
Dean Mary Lu Bilek


3/26/2020 @ 7:00 PM     Update on Spring 2020 Grading: Unanimous Faculty Vote Passes to Recommendation to Board of Trustees

On this sunny Friday that ends what our calendar called Spring Break, I write at the conclusion of a long and thoughtful faculty meeting.

At today’s meeting, the faculty (including our student representatives) considered a proposal from the Academic Standing Committee with regard to grades for the Spring semester and summer session at the Law School. The faculty also discussed a petition from students proposing Universal Pass, as well as the opinion of some students that we should adopt an optional P/F system, which would permit students to choose grades or P/F after seeing their grades. Our vote came at the conclusion of 90 minutes of full discussion, including consideration of accreditation and University rules, the disparate conditions under which our students are trying to learn, the absence of “choice” in those conditions that lead to unequal opportunity for learning, and the effects of the proposal on students on probation and on students’ efforts to seek employment.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the faculty voted unanimously to approve the following: The faculty at CUNY School of Law adopts a Mandatory Pass/Fail system without a letter grade opt-in for the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 terms. Faculty must state explicit criteria for passing the course.

This recommendation needs to be approved by the CUNY Board of Trustees.
T The faculty also adopted operating principles which explicitly state among other things that P/F is not Cr/NC; P represents letter grades A through D; P represents good academic standing; faculty at CUNY School of Law are committed to assisting every student in completing the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters satisfactorily; the Office of Academic Affairs will work with students to fashion individual strategies; the policy should be implemented in a way that recognizes that our current circumstances should not result in the academic dismissal of any student; faculty must consult with the Academic Standing Committee before failing a student or giving an INC; and any student unable to complete the semester would be accommodated a way that does not incur any additional costs to their legal education.

Mary Lu Bilek

Dean and Professor of Law

CUNY School of Law


 

3/24/2020 @ 6:00 PM    CUNY Law COVID- 19 Update, CUNY Student Email Blast and Law School Exceptions, Emergency Student Grants Information, Feedback & Info Sessions Zoom Links, and What to Do if You’ve Been In Contact with Someone with the Virus or You Feel Ill

We know that some of you are not feeling well.  We are working with those we have heard from and urge you – even during Spring Break when you might not need our immediate assistance — to let us know if you are ill.

We now know that two of our students have received positive diagnoses for COVID-19. They were last in the building on March 9th – March 12th, and we are in the process of notifying students they may have had contact with. Both are in good spirits, but still quite sick. On behalf of the CUNY Law community, we wish them both a heartfelt and speedy recovery. The force of CUNITY is with them!

We know that you are hearing from family, friends, and fellow students that they have some or all of the symptoms of Covid-19.  Please see our notes at the end of this email about our advice on how to manage your own health in these cases.

CUNY STUDENT EMAIL BLAST AND LAW SCHOOL EXCEPTIONS

You will be receiving an e-blast from CUNY that is going to all CUNY students related to CUNY-wide spring recess and grading. If you read it closely, you will see that we have received an exception to both university-wide policies. Our Spring Recess is right now, with classes resuming on Monday. Our grading policy is still under consideration.

EMERGENCY STUDENT GRANTS INFORMATION (We’re Republishing In Case You Missed It)

We have established an emergency grant program funded by generous donors to assist students who are currently experiencing an unexpected financial, personal, or medical situation. Grant funds are limited and considered on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. Students may apply for an emergency grant amount up to $1500.

For more information, go to: https://www.law.cuny.edu/coronavirus/keep-teaching-learning-working/student-emergency-grant-funds/

To apply for an emergency grant, go to: https://form.jotform.com/200765557658063

FEEDBACK & INFO SESSIONS ZOOM LINKS

Our town hall- style information and feedback sessions for students are on Wednesday!  Faculty and Staff Zoom links have been sent separately.

Student Session I
Wednesday, March 25 @ 4:00pm – 5:15pm

Student Session II
Wednesday, March 25 @ 6:30pm – 8:30pm

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WITH THE VIRUS OR YOU FEEL ILL

First, we again urge you to monitor yourself for symptoms. The information here https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html is very helpful and contains access to a guided symptom checker. Additionally, the CUNY Coronavirus page (here) provides helpful information.

Second, we ask that any of you who are feeling ill and experiencing these symptoms to contact a medical provider or call 311.

Third, contact us so that we can assess whether there is a risk to others in the community and point you in the direction of additional help.

Please notify us at coronavirus.coordinator@law.cuny.edu  if you have received a positive diagnosis or are concerned that you have the virus. We will maintain your privacy.

Mary Lu Bilek

Dean and Professor of Law

CUNY School of Law


 

3/23/2020 @ 6:00 PM    Feedback and Info Sessions, Mutual Aid Society, Pantry Appointments, Mail Reduction, Reprographics Office Changes, and IT Info Resource

I know many of you, like me, find music healing and inspiring.  Sharing one of mine that you probably don’t know since it was recorded before most of you were born and wasn’t a chart burner – I’d love to hear what yours are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80htvGmow3Q

FEEDBACK & INFO SESSIONS

Below are the days and times of our town hall- style information and feedback sessions. Please stay tuned to your inboxes for Zoom links and login information.

Staff Session

Wednesday, March 25 @ 11:00am – 12:30pm

Full – Time Student Session

Wednesday, March 25 @ 4:00pm – 5:15pm

Part – Time Student Session

Wednesday, March 25 @ 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Faculty Session

Thursday, March 26th @ 2:30pm – 4:00pm

MUTUAL AID SOCIETY

Recognizing that CUNY School of Law students, staff, faculty and alumni are in need of immediate community support, a group of students have organized a CUNY School of Law Mutual Aid Society to help meet those needs as best we are able and to give people with resources and a desire to help a direct opportunity to do so.

CONNECT WITH THEM HERE —

  1. If you have needs:
    List your needs:http://bit.ly/CUNYLawMutualAidREQUEST
    Directly respond to listed donations:http://bit.ly/CUNYLawMutualAid (password: cunity)
  2. If you can support:
    List donations: http://bit.ly/CUNYLawMutualAidOFFER
    Directly respond to requests for support: http://bit.ly/CUNYLawMutualAid (password: cunity)

PANTRY APPOINTMENTS

CUNY Law’s Pantry will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am – 4pm. CUNY Law community members can book appointments at this link:

https://cunyschooloflawfoodpantry.setmore.com/

MAIL REDUCTION

To comply with the recent Executive Order, to reduce risks to our staff, and consistent with the practice of other businesses and law firms, mail will be sorted and available for pick-up once a week on Thursday, from 12pm-3pm, by appointment only.

REPROGRAPHICS OFFICE CHANGES

Due to the recent Executive Order signed by Governor Cuomo further reducing the individuals who may report to work, we are cutting the mail services to one day per week. Each Thursday, from 12pm – 3pm, the mail for the Law School will be sorted and available for pick-up at the front desk, and by appointment only. Pick ups should be limited to essential mail only. Please email rana@law.cuny.edu to schedule a time.

IT INFO RESOURCE

Central IT has consolidated all tech support here:

https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/cis/it-resources-for-remote-work-teaching/

Mary Lu Bilek

Dean and Professor of Law

CUNY School of Law


 

3/21/2020 @ 6:00 PM    Preparing for Executive Order, Planning for Feedback & Info sessions

I’m calling this an almost daily update because I hope that we can all take a break from daily updates during Spring Break.Let’s start by seeing if we can have a pause without an update tomorrow.  Rest assured I will be in touch if there is news you  need to know and that I continue to be grateful to those of you who have written to me with questions and concerns and invite you to continue to do so.Please continue to monitor yourself for symptoms and let us know if you are ill.

Building Closure

This is a reminder that if you are well and have necessary items to pick up from the Law School, you must do so before 8PM Sunday when the Executive Order to Pause goes into place. If you need to visit the building, you can email Steve Katz at katz@law.cuny.edu to confirm your arrival window.

Food Pantry

On Monday, we’ll be sharing hours and appointments for our Food Pantry, which will remain accessible as the rest of the building is closed. You can also access food pantries across all CUNY campuses at this link here to find those nearest you.

Student Info & Feedback Sessions

Wednesday, March 25   4:00-5:15PM and 6:30-7:45PMWe’ll also be sharing information on how to attend our town hall-style information and feedback sessions to hear from you regarding distance learning so far and the other things that are on all of our minds – grading, graduation, the bar exam, jobs (summer and post-graduation), and how to survive these times physically, emotionally, and financially. We hope you can join us!Book update for students: West Academic is offering free access to all of its casebooks for the remainder of the semester. The Law Library’s new Lib Guide will have information posted for you.

Mary Lu BilekDean and Professor of LawCUNY School of Law


3/20/2020 @ 8:00PM    Update from Dean Bilek on Reporting Illness, Building Closure

We know that you are hearing from family, friends, and fellow students that they have some or all of the symptoms of Covid-19.First, we again urge you to monitor yourself for symptoms. The information here https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html is very helpful and contains access to a guided symptom checker. Additionally, the CUNY Coronavirus page (here) provides helpful information.Second, we ask that any of you who are feeling ill and experiencing these symptoms to contact a medical provider or call 311.Third, contact us so that we can assess whether there is a risk to others in the community and point you in the direction of additional help.

The Governor Today Issued A New Executive Order That Means That Starting Monday We Can No Longer Be Open For Students Except To Visit Our Food Pantry.

If you need to pick up things and you are well, you need to pick them up between now and Sunday night at 10:00 p.m.  When you come, you will be asked to sign in.  If this creates special problems for you, if you let us know now, we can work with you. Do not expect that we can let you in the building again until the Governor lifts the Executive Order except to visit the food pantry.Our staff working in the building is being cut to the very bare minimum. But, we are all here for you remotely. Please let us know what you need, especially those of you who were counting on being in the building to study. We can’t promise to solve the problem, but we do promise to try.We are planning for an opportunity to meet with you remotely to share information and hear concerns mid-week. Stay tuned for more information.In the meantime, we wish you all the peace you can find over spring break.


3/19/2020 @ 6:00 PM    A Note From Dean Bilek: Gratitude. Plus Grading, Info Sessions, Resources and More

The biggest note today is one of gratitude for all the effort, flexibility, time, and generosity that it took on all sides to launch remote instruction today.  It’s a big lift for teachers and learners and for the workers who made it float.

Grading For This Semester

There has been much discussion across higher education and legal education, within our University, among our faculty, and among our students about grades for this semester.  Everyone is thinking about the possibility and contours of P/F grading.  Our Academic Affairs Committee began this discussion today as part of our governance process and will continue at its next meeting on Monday.  We have been told that there will be guidance coming from the University imminently, and we are hopeful that that will help move the process forward.

Feedback & Info Session

We’re setting up some zoom meetings for next week – one for students, one for faculty, and one for students – where you’ll have a time to hear information firsthand, ask questions, and give feedback.  Look in these emails for time and place.

Resources For Distance Learning

Help Desk hours are now appointment-based; please contact them to set up either virtual support or additional solutions. You can find info about their hours of operation on their page on the website here.Students can get the latest info on online textbooks here, within the new Lib Guide.And our Video Conferencing and Virtual Meeting guide has been updated to include info about accessing free Webex virtual meeting rooms with no time limit and a 100 person capacity – perfect for study groups.

Finally, we’d love to hear how today went.  Send your comments, questions, and feedback to academicdeanoffice@law.cuny.edu


3/18/2020 @ 6:00 PM     Classes Resume Tomorrow, Zoom Resources, WiFi Access, Update on Mailroom

Tomorrow, we start our on-line instruction with classes at regularly scheduled time.  After tomorrow and Friday, we will all have a much-needed Spring Break pause and a chance to think through problems that have arisen and work through issues.  Please be in touch with feedback, concerns, and suggestions.Zoom

A REMINDER THAT WE’VE CREATED A PLACE TO CENTRALIZE HOW-TOS, TIPS, AND HOW TO GET SUPPORT. VISIT OUR VIDEO CONFERENCING & VIRTUAL MEETINGS PAGE.

Student WiFi Access

We’ve heard from many of you that you have concerns around WiFi access and reliability. We have been working to confirm offers that apply to graduate/law students and have an update:Charter (Spectrum) Is offering free high-speed Spectrum Internet service and Wi-Fi for 60 days; regular pricing takes effect after the 60-day initial period. Call (844) 488-8395 to enroll. Installation fees will be waived for new student householdsAltice Advantage (Optimum) Is offering 30 mbps broadband service for free to college students without Internet service for 60 days. Call 866-200-9522 for next steps on how to enroll.Both our IT team and CUNY’s IT office are working to gather more information and resources, but this is what we know is available now. We will post this information, as well as additional resources in the coming days and weeks, on our new Wireless & Networking resource page. Please refer to this space and check-in for updates.

Building Access

You are welcome to come to the building to visit the Food Pantry (in a new location on the first floor) and to pick up your things.  You should not come to the building to study unless it is your only option – and then of course you are welcome as long as we are permitted to maintain this kind of access.

Mailroom & Reprographics

Mail pick-up and drop-off throughout the building are suspended until further notice, including the mailboxes on floors 4, 5, and 6.  Beginning tomorrow, March 19, 2020, and until further notice, the mailroom and reprographics will be open from 12PM – 3PM  Monday – Thursday. During this time, you may come to the mailroom to pick up any mail; please call  (718) 340-4298 in advance to schedule an appointment.


3/17/2020 @ 4:55 PM    Report Concerns and Updates on COVID-19 Contraction or Exposure, Updates on Instructional Program

A REMINDER TO PLEASE NOTIFY US AT CORONAVIRUS.COORDINATOR@LAW.CUNY.EDU IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A POSITIVE DIAGNOSIS OR ARE CONCERNED THAT YOU HAVE THE VIRUS.

We will maintain your privacy.  We can help accommodate you for your exams and your studies; we can help direct you to care.  We want to support you in getting better, and we want to support the community by providing appropriate notification.  See the CDC’s guidelines on when to seek care here.

Instructional Program Notes & Updates

Midterms are nearly complete via remote test-taking. As always, contact Pat Kennedy (kennedy@law.cuny.edu) if you need accommodations.Distance learning starts this Thursday, March 19. Classes will meet at regularly scheduled times on regularly scheduled days, unless faculty has notified you otherwise.  Continue to let us know if you do not have access to a device with which you are able to complete your spring coursework. The Student Affairs team is prepared to help you with options (email Amanda Beltran directly).Spring Break will remain a break as scheduled, with classes resuming online on March 30.  If we determine we need make-up classes, they will take place during reading week.We’ll be back in touch in the first days of April with more details on collecting feedback and meeting community needs; know that we welcome hearing feedback.The Library is coordinating efforts with faculty as we work to make coursebooks accessible as e-books.  (Dean Cammett will be in touch with faculty about this.)Everyone here is doing their best to make the instructional program work for all of you.  Staff members who are not in the building are working from home.  The best way to reach faculty and staff this week is via email.See our collected coronavirus updates and information here:  https://www.law.cuny.edu/coronavirus/


3/16/2020 @ 5:00PM    Update from Dean Bilek:  New Centralized Resources, Midterm Updates, Staff Work Schedules and Pay, and Building Remains Open

For the next two days, the University is operating to comply with social distancing measures per the Governor, Mayor, and the CDC. We are ramping up to be ready to move to distance learning on Thursday, March 19.
For centralized information and resources on how to Keep Teaching, Learning, and Working:
 We will continue to update and add more information leading up to Thursday, March 19.

STUDENT UPDATES

Students who need to be in the building to take midterms due to lack of computing devices or internet access or accommodations will be permitted to take their midterms here if they have made arrangements by emailing Dean CammettWe need to limit this to students who truly need to be here in order to comply with social distancing protocols, and we need advance notice to arrange the testing across the required number of rooms.
We are working to ensure remote work for all students currently scheduled to do work-study for the semester.
When necessary, limited clinic work needing to be done on-site will go forward.

STAFF UPDATES

For the next two days, some staff may be asked to come in on flexible schedules and with accommodations to observe social distancing measures within the building if their presence is required to get us ready to function remotely. Staff will hear from supervisors if this is necessary. Special circumstances will be accommodated.
Staff will be paid even if they are telecommuting and even if their work is not conducive to telecommuting where we cannot make other arrangements consistent with their health and safety. All staff will receive a separate email concerning email submission and approval of timesheets.

3/15/2020 @ 9:15 PM     Only Essential Personnel Should Report to Work Monday, 3/16

FOR FACULTY And STAFF

You should all by now have received the CUNY Alert that only essential personnel should report to work tomorrow. At the Law School, this is about a dozen people – all other staff and faculty will be working remotely. Staff should contact their supervisors if they have questions. All staff should expect to receive an email early in the day with further instructions.FOR STUDENTS

Remaining midterms will still be administered remotely via TWEN as planned. If you are a student and you were planning to come into the building to sit for the remote exam that is no longer possible. Please contact Student Affairs if this impacts any accommodations related to your presence on campus.
This is a difficult time.  We are grateful for the extraordinary efforts of faculty and staff to help us maintain academic continuity and all the business operations that support us.  We are grateful for the understanding of our students as we work beyond our old boundaries and limits to keep their instruction moving forward.


3/13/2020 @ 4:55 PM    Remaining Midterm Exams Go Remote, New FAQ Page, Computing Device Access, Emergency Grants, and More

We hope you are all finding ways to navigate our current times physically and emotionally.  If not, please know that you can call on us.  If you become ill, please let us know immediately.
We’re trying to regularize our communications with you. We will email you around 4:00 pm on any day we have new information to share. (Of course, if there is something urgent, we will email you right away.) Everything we email you and new information will be collected on law.cuny.edu/coronavirus so you can always check that page if you feel you’ve missed something.
We want to hear from you if you do not have access to a device with which you are able to complete your spring coursework. The Student Affairs team is prepared to help you with options. Please email Amanda Beltran diretly.

MIDTERM EXAMS

Thanks to the hard work of the Office of Academic Affairs and our faculty, all remaining midterms will be taken remotely, via take-home and TWEN exams. As always, students are welcome to take the exam in the building if desired. You will hear directly from your professors how each remaining midterm will proceed. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

FAQs

Today we launched an FAQ page in response to questions from students.  We’ve started with several questions relayed to us by Student Government. You can submit a question on this page and access up-to-date replies. The FAQs deal midterms, access to computing devices, spring break travel, graduation and credits, emergency grants, library access, and more here.
We have also updated information and resources for staff, faculty, and students around anxiety, mental health, and counseling. It can be found under “Wellness” at law.cuny.edu/coronavirus
Next week we plan to launch new webpages centralizing information to keep us teaching, learning, and working remotely, including office phone instructions for forwarding and voicemail, information from IT, tips on using Zoom, and more.

3/11/2020 at 5:08PM     CUNY Cancellation of Classes and Switch to Distance Learning

Consistent with CUNY guidance, starting tomorrow March 12:

  1. The Law School building remains open with all services.
  2. All classes are canceled until March 19.
  3. All midterm exams will be administered here as previously scheduled.
  4. On March 19, classes will resume exclusively via distance learning.
  5. Staff is still working onsite regular hours with accommodations when needed from a supervisor.
  6. The period between tomorrow and March 18 will include faculty training on distance learning.


3/11/2020 at 12:14PM     Update from Dean Bilek on Academic Continuity, Travel, Gatherings & Events, and more

Our building is open and operations are proceeding as we prepare in the event that we need to run our program or business operations remotely.  Things are unfolding rapidly; I will continue to email you if things change, even if it means frequent emails.We ask that all students, faculty, and staff refer to law.cuny.edu/coronavirus for the latest updates and information. You will be notified of updates to this page via email, Facebook, and Twitter. Please check these spaces regularly.Please continue to report health or work concerns to coronavirus.coordinator@law.cuny.edu.Academic Continuity

Midterms will proceed as in-class exams unless already designated as take-home exercises. Students requesting accommodations should contact Student Affairs to make arrangements.In connection with planning for the event that we need to move to fully distance learning delivery of our program, we are well along in our preparations.  Please note that a decision to move to fully distance learning delivery rests with the University and that individual faculty members at the Law School must have the permission of the Associate Dean to move fully online delivery of their courses. You will receive notifications from the Academic Dean about some classes between now and Spring Break that we will be offering remotely in order to test our protocols.  LFR will be offered by Zoom on Friday as part of this testing.  Students are still welcome to attend in person.  Additionally, in furtherance of our preparations, many of your professors will be using Zoom between now and Spring Break as they and you get accustomed to distance learning. Clinic Work will proceed, and clinic students are expected to continue with their client, case, and project responsibilities in consultation with their supervising faculty members.
Travel

CUNY has suspended all program-related international travel for students, faculty, and staff through the end of the spring semester. CUNY has indicated there may be a few very limited exceptions to this travel ban.  Please notify the Deans Office if you would like to seek an exception.All CUNY students, faculty, and staff are required to register any other travel plans – vacation, business trips, sabbaticals, etc. – with CUNY-GO. This includes travel for Spring Break.  Please contact Amanda Beltran (Amanda.beltran@law.cuny.edu) if you need help navigating CUNY-GO.
Gatherings & Events

Consistent with the World Health Organization’s guidelines for gatherings during the COVID-19 outbreak and in accordance with CUNY’s advisement, we are limiting the number of events and people gathering on campus.Building Rentals – As of Thursday, March 12, the Law School will no longer be making its spaces or facilities available for rent. All previously scheduled events after March 12 have been canceled.Community Events – As of Thursday, March 12, all events hosted by the Law School, its centers and clinics, student groups, and departments are accessible in-person for the internal community (students, faculty, staff) and only accessible via remote connection for guests and visitors (alumni, supporters, visitors, speakers, etc.). Please plan to arrange for a livestream or Zoom link if you’d like to share your event with the public or community members who are not on campus. This link must be shared with Communications & Marketing in advance of your event in order to be added to the event listing in the online calendar.
Staff Concerns

Staff members should work with their supervisors and HR to address accommodations needed for flexible work hours, alternate commute times, and remote work. Every department and team is working towards maintaining core functions and business continuity if we need to have all or the majority of staff work remotely or the event of a closure. Ensuring you can access email, voicemail, and Community2 remotely before March 12 is advisable. Contact IT via the Help Desk for support.