How We Transitioned Amid a Global Pandemic

Forging Ahead with Creativity and Resolve

How We Transitioned Amid a Global Pandemic

The University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law faced an unprecedented challenge in March 2020 when students, faculty and staff moved out of the law building to learn, teach and work remotely. This was especially difficult because law instruction is heavily focused on in-person dialogue with students, and the newly renovated and expanded law building had facilitated much collaboration and energy between faculty and students. “I am witnessing the greatest display of professionalism by our students, faculty and staff as we make all of the necessary adjustments,” said Dean Mary J. Davis in March 2020, who was then serving as interim dean of the college. “Law school training is ultimately about helping people through their most difficult times and emphasizing the central role the law plays in maintaining our social structures. We have to count on those structures to work when they are most stressed. “As dean, I am confident that we are going to be fine. As a faculty member, I miss the students a lot, but I know they are going to be fine,” Davis said. “We’ll see to that.” UK Rosenberg Law persevered. Faculty learned and embraced new teaching tools and technology. An Academic Continuity Plan was developed and implemented as well as a Remote Staffing Action Plan that allowed us to be efficient in managing law school operations while prioritizing health and safety. Meetings and classes met on Zoom and other online platforms. We celebrated the Class of 2020 with a video tribute. We raised thousands of dollars for the Law Student Emergency Fund. We made calls to check on every law student. We recruited an eager new class. Over the summer following the abrupt but thoughtful transition, UK Rosenberg Law made plans to start a very different academic year with guidance from the university. Staff installed signs about the mask policy, hand washing and physical distancing. Rooms were reorganized. This edition of Law Notes reflects the fall 2020 and spring 2021 when we continued to embrace technology in teaching, working, and engaging with the community. For example, we held events and symposia online for participants throughout the country. However, we were also able to safely gather for some in-person events found throughout these pages. Events and other meetings were often held with virtual and inperson components. Many classes also adopted a hybrid model. In May 2021, we celebrated an in-person commencement for the classes of 2020 and 2021 at Memorial Coliseum. “Throughout the challenges of this past year, you, graduates, have persevered, driven by the goal that we celebrate today,” Davis said during the ceremony. The obstacles presented by the global pandemic are ongoing. As we prepared to send this edition of Law Notes to print, we welcomed faculty, staff and students back to the law building for the fall 2021—masked, but together and determined.