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Monday Morning Message 5.11.20 Above and Beyond
“I have just been amazed at how wonderful Cleveland-Marshall's faculty has been throughout this entire process. It was evident to every student that the faculty was doing their best and were doing everything they could to make this situation better. Our professors were always reachable by email. Some provided their phone numbers and Zoom meetings to help answer questions. I never once thought that I was alone or abandoned… I have actually reflected on this last week and thought to myself, ‘If I had to be in law school during COVID-19, I am glad it is at Cleveland-Marshall.’ "– 1L Student
Monday Morning Message 4.4.2020 A COVID-19 Serenity Prayer for Final Exams
“Well, tests ain’t fair. Those that study have an unfair advantage.” – Allan Dare Pearce, Paris in April
“You can train your mind to not only handle the unease that comes from having to consistently act without having all the answers, but embrace and invite it as a signpost that what you’re doing matters….learn how to dance with the unknown.” - Jonathan Fields, Uncertainty
Final exams begin today and continue until May 15.
This morning’s message contains three separate messages to our students.
First, another special video message from our faculty and staff.
Second, my COVID-19 serenity prayer for final exams.
Monday Morning Message 4.27.2020 A Special Video Message to Our Students from Our Faculty and Staff!
“At a time when so much is uncertain, I'm particularly grateful for the steady flow of information and the many opportunities to provide input. I'm sure balancing the unique needs of students, faculty, and staff has been overwhelming, but your transparency throughout this process has made the situation a little less overwhelming for everyone else.” -2L Student
“It is the personal connection that has been shining through during this trying and transitional time… Everyone at the law school has gone out of their way to extend help in any way they can….That is why I grow happier every day about choosing Cleveland-Marshall.” -1L Student
Monday Morning Message 4.20.2020 Who's the Busiest and Most Important Lawyer in the World? Hint: She Came to CSU Last Week
“Make sure that the statements you are making are things that you can live by and stand behind…..be true to your principles…..in those times where there's just so much information coming at you from all angles….. go back to your core values and your core principles…” – Aparna Bawa, Chief Legal Officer of Zoom
During this public health crisis, one company, in particular, has become an overnight global phenomenon and has become the virtual lifeline for most of us.
Monday Morning Message 4.13.2020 Just You Wait
“There's a million things I haven't done. But just you wait” –Alexander Hamilton, the musical.
“This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled. But there are moments when we can... reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that's what I mean by 'Hallelujah.'”– Leonard Cohen
During this difficult time, I have been struck by the messages of hope and solidarity springing up everywhere. The voices of song and music, in particular, have a special power to lift our spirits and bring us together.
So this morning, I’m sharing some of my favorites that were produced in just the last few weeks. To paraphrase Bob Dylan, they provide “shelter from the storm.”
Monday Morning Message 4.6.2020 Students on the Front Lines
“As I witness faculty, staff, and students rising to overcome the seemingly impossible challenges this pandemic presents, I have never been more proud to be a member of the CM family…..Everyone is working so hard to adapt, and of course my heart especially goes out to the students…..My gift to the Student Emergency Fund won't go nearly as far as I'd like, but my hope is that it makes a difference in someone's life….. Susan Becker, CSU C|M|LAW Professor Emerita, Public Interest Leader-in-Residence, Member, Hall of Fame
Monday Morning Message 3.30.2020 Our North Star
“Professor Garlock….During this unprecedented time, it has been extremely tough for myself and my fellow classmates to navigate remote instruction. We all think you have done a splendid job in easing this transition for us. We recognize that this transition was and is not easy for you either… As you remember, the first year of law school is the most difficult. It has become even more difficult coupled with the unique circumstances we are facing. Despite it all, you have demonstrated an unequivocal passion for teaching and sincere regard for your students.” -1L Student
Monday Morning Message 3.23.2020 Set Apart To Feel Together
"The great paradox, of course, is that we had to be set apart in order to feel together… Solidarity is not a feeling; it’s an active virtue….It’s solidarity that causes a Marine to risk his life dragging the body of his dead comrade from battle to be returned home. It’s out of solidarity that health care workers stay on their feet amid terror and fatigue. Some things you do not for yourself or another but for the common whole.” – David Brooks, New York Times, March 19, 2020
Monday Morning Message 3.16.2020 We Are All In This Together.
“Our CSU Pandemic Response Team continues to work together to aggressively prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19. We continue to remain vigilant, and will continue to communicate with you as events evolve during this difficult and uncertain time…. this new workforce flexibility reinforces our resolve to limit health risk from COVID-19 to the CSU community — and the Cleveland community at large — while maintaining our focus on delivering on our Engaged Learning promise in these challenging times.” – CSU President Harlan Sands
Monday Morning Message 3.9.2020 No Ladders Up.
“We have to take a “no-ladders up approach” ….we have to make sure that even when we have achieved the numbers that women and persons of color believe make a real leadership presence within our profession, we have to make sure we are not leaving behind any colleagues, those with disabilities, or our LGBTQ+ colleagues. Because if they are left behind, our profession is not at its best for the people we serve.” – Judy Perry Martinez, President, American Bar Association