MSU-DCL, MSU and Grand Valley State University Bring Law Classes to Western Michigan BY CHRISTINE HAMMOND MSU-DCL, Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University (Grand Rapids, Michigan) have entered into a unique collaboration that will bring the law college’s courses to western Michigan. MSU President Peter McPherson Classes from the college’s curriculum, which are accredited by the American Bar Association, will be offered at Grand Valley’s downtown Grand Rapids location. They are designed to attract JD students, practicing lawyers, dual degree students, and corporate executives looking for law-related education. Previous agreements created a JD-MBA dual degree option for Grand Valley’s business students entering law school. The three schools and the Grand Rapids Bar Association are creating the Legal Education Institute of West Michigan, a consortium devoted to bringing legal education to the west side of Michigan. “We are excited about the law classes… and about the Bar Association’s collaboration in a program that will enhance the legal profession and provide services to our members,” said the Honorable Patrick Bowler, president of the association. MSU President Peter McPherson said that collaborative efforts such as this one are essential in this time of economic constraints. “Leaders in higher education have an MSU-DCL President Clifton E. Haley obligation to meet the needs of our students by providing quality programs that maximize our resources and foster an integrated approach to learning,” he said. “The successful affiliation between Michigan State and MSU-DCL College of Law demonstrates the potential such initiatives have in expanding education opportunities in our state.” “Students enrolled in courses in Grand Rapids will receive the same high-quality instruction as provided by the law college [on the MSU campus] in East Lansing,” said MSU-DCL President Clifton E. Haley, ’61. “We will continually consult with members of the practicing bar and the judiciary to ensure that these courses reflect the best training for aspiring lawyers.” Career Conference 2003: Strategizing for Professional Success Students wait to talk with employer representatives at the college’s career conference and recruitment fair in February. Donna Budnick of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights advises students on working in government. Student Brian Sims introduces panelists.