12/20 - 10am:
Letter from Dean Dobranski to AMSL students

Dear Students,

The Board of Governors has resolved to relocate the Law School to Florida. The earliest this could take place is the summer of 2009.

I am well aware that throughout the process leading up to the Board’s decision to relocate, many have expressed concerns and reservations. Sometimes these concerns and even doubts were expressed passionately, which is not surprising given the strong feelings we all have for our Law School. Now that the decision has been made, information will become available to help the community better understand the bases for the decision and why the Board concluded that relocation was in the best interests of the Law School.

Prominent among the reasons for relocation that persuaded the Board are:

· An enhanced ability for the Law School to accomplish its mission;
· An unparalleled opportunity to participate in and contribute to the tremendous growth and economic development in southwest Florida;
· Financial incentives that ensure continued success and future growth; and
· Opportunities presented by co-locating with a new and vibrant community and university.

We have already begun seeking the acquiescence of the American Bar Association concerning this relocation. At this time, we do not anticipate any formal action by the ABA until some time during the 2007/08 academic year.

I realize that many of you are concerned about how our relocation will affect faculty and staff at the Law School. Please be assured that all faculty and staff who choose to relocate with the Law School will retain their jobs. The faculty and staff have been indispensable to the success of the Law School, and it is my hope that all of them will consider joining us in Florida.

I also recognize that, for some of you, there is a concern that the degrees you will earn here will somehow be diminished. To the contrary, we believe they will be enhanced by this move. I want to emphasize my own commitment, as well as the commitment of the Board of Governors, to Ave Maria’s continued success. The Board believes that this decision reflects that commitment. The high regard for the Law School and an Ave Maria law degree that is now enjoyed can be best preserved if we all work together in constructive ways to ensure that the relocation is successful.

A transition team is being formed that will plan this transition, and task forces reporting to this group will focus on particular areas. There will be many opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to participate in this process. Any interested individuals are encouraged to express their interest via e-mail to transitionteam@avemarialaw.edu, a special e-mail account that has been created for transition-related communications.

I would like to make you aware of several events that will take place today and tomorrow that you may wish to attend.

* Today at 2:30 p.m. in the Library we will broadcast the press conference of the announcement from Florida. Following that broadcast, Dean Milhizer will answer questions from students.
* Tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Room 269, the announcement and the broadcast of the press conference will be replayed.
* Tomorrow I will a hold a meeting for students to discuss the planned relocation and answer questions in Room 269 at 12:20 p.m.
* Tomorrow at 4:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in Room 269, Mr. Blake Gabel of the Barron Collier Companies, our development partner in Ave Maria Town, will give a presentation for the Law School community and their families. The information provided should lead to a more concrete understanding of the excellent opportunities that await the Law School in Florida and help build confidence in our continued success.

The planning and preparation for the move will be multi-faceted and on-going. We are interested in providing the community with access to information that will help them understand the opportunities available and invite input from the community to help identify what they would find useful. Please send your input to transitionteam@avemarialaw.edu. As a start, after Midterm Break, we plan to have several members of the Collier County bench and bar speak at the Law School about the employment and externship opportunities in southwest Florida for students and graduates.

In the weeks and months ahead, I hope to offer many other opportunities for you to receive more information, have your questions answered, and become actively involved with the Law School’s transition to its new location.
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Tags: accountability