A UCSD work group is currently analyzing a tentative
proposal that could eventually result in the formation of a law program
partnership with downtown’s California Western School of Law.
CWSL Dean Steven R. Smith confirmed that the law school is
seeking ways to expand its academic links to UCSD, which he said date back more
than 25 years.
“The question is always, ‘What should we be looking at
next?’” Smith said. “This process is exactly that.”
Associate Vice Chancellor of University Communications
Stacie A. Spector said the proposal, sent to UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox and
Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Paul Drake, is one of many that the
campus regularly receives.
Drake assembled an informal work group composed of
administrators and Academic Senate members, who are currently considering
whether the suggestion merits more in-depth consideration, Spector said.
“Chancellor Fox likes to have inclusive discussions where
her management team can have a lively discussion and a variety of perspectives
are presented,” Spector said in an e-mail. “There has been no overall decision
or voice of support for or against this proposal at this point.”
Smith also declined to comment on the proposal’s specifics,
but acknowledged that the formation of a law program is among the options to
unite the two institutions.
“It’s the one that comes to my mind as a viable option,” he
said. “The ultimate goals for me, and I think for UCSD, [are] finding ways to
cooperate and improve both programs.”
Currently, CWSL and UCSD collaborate on two degree programs:
a joint juris doctorate/Ph.D. in political science or history and a new health
law master’s degree, designed to assist lawyers and medical professionals with
legal issues relating to health care. The two schools entered into a formal
agreement of association in 2002.
The possibility of a law school at UCSD is an exciting
prospect for a campus that lacks a program targeted at legal study, said
Pre-Law Society co-President Hovik Nalbandyan.
“In my opinion, this would be a great thing because Cal
Western is an ABA-accredited school, and this would give more incentive for those
students interested in law school to come to UCSD,” he said. “With UCSD’s
reputation, I think Cal Western would definitely grow in the rankings as well.”
However, Smith stressed that no formal decision has been
made, as both groups are still carefully examining all options to determine how
the two programs can best complement each other.
“What kind of combination is what we’re trying to figure
out,” he said. “I guarantee that my ideas will change as we discuss this
further.”
Spector said the work group will make a recommendation
within the next few months.
