To the King Hall community ...

 

Ordinarily, at this time of year, spring break would be a time of rest and relaxation. This year, of course, is different. The global situation is nothing less than daunting, to say the least. As we adapt to life in the midst of a widespread public health crisis, I want to give you a sense of the coming weeks at UC Davis School of Law.

At the outset, let me commend all of you for your incredible resilience. Thank you for your spirit and understanding.

The King Hall community is rising to the challenge. Through swift, herculean efforts, we have been able to move instruction and most operations online in a week. That feat is nothing less than remarkable. Although rapid change in the ordinary ways of doing things is always challenging, faculty, students, and staff have adapted amazingly quickly – and with understanding and kindness – to the new methods.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the Admissions Office, and the assistance of our Information Technology unit, we will hold Admitted Students Day on April 4; it will be virtual, unfolding entirely online. Alumni and friends of King Hall have agreed to answer – online of course – admitted students’ questions.

In the noble King Hall tradition, students have let their voices be heard on grading for the spring semester. The law faculty discussed this issue late last week. We will have word to the community on grading, final examinations, and commencement in the next week or two. We are aware of the anxiety that the uncertainty is causing and are moving as fast as we can to make decisions on these matters.

As we navigate an unprecedented and uncertain situation in the coming days, resilience and reliance on community will be necessary. All of us need to work as one as we do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy while preserving our academic enterprise.

Students with questions and concerns about their coursework should check online for updates. Please feel free to contact  Senior Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Emily Scivoletto ([email protected]). Employees who have questions about teleworking can talk to their supervisors, or consult this  campus website . 

The situation is evolving so rapidly that there remain far more unknowns than certainties. Nonetheless, one thing is known – King Hall’s famous spirit of cooperation has remained intact during some of the most difficult days the law school has ever faced. 

Sincerely,

 

Dean Johnson