Indiana Tech has officially dedicated its new law school, with a party held Saturday at the school’s campus to commemorate the 28 students enrolled in its first class. and to set the tone for the venture, which is meant to diversify Indiana Tech’s offerings.
“This adds to the campus in every way. It distinguishes us as we continue to find ways to improve our image and reputation,” said Arthur Snyder, Indiana Tech’s president, according to news-sentinel.com.
“I certainly don’t want to sound prideful, but we’re very pleased. We have a group of students who are committed to learning, to improving themselves in this setting,” Snyder said. “I’m very satisfied with our startup and the quality of the dean [Peter C. Alexander] and the staff, as well as the type of students we have been able to attract.”
“We believe that this school gives us a little more status, a little more ability to offer a well-rounded experience,” ,” said Janet Schutte, Indiana Tech’s director of marketing. “It adds to the university, as a whole. It’s going to raise everybody up.”
What the law school will add in and of itself is another matter. Though it might reflect well on the university to offer a law school, what standing will that school have? The projected opening class of 100 fell a bit short, as perhaps many students lacked the adventurous spirit to try to program until it has tested its mettle a bit. All students have to go on is promises and the actual law school building, which is three stories, full of glass for high visibility, and characterized by openness and a modern and professional atmosphere.
“We wanted to make it a place where students would feel comfortable,” said Schutte. “Students can study here. They can meet with teachers, not just in their offices but anywhere in the building, and have it feel comfortable, for both sides.”
Having but the building and staff, but of course little to go on as far as an indication of ranking, the school has nevertheless partnered with local judges and lawyers, and used the dedication ceremony to lend the school a sense of prestige and importance.
Speaking of the the dedication, Peter Alexander, Indiana Tech’s dean, said, “Well we think it’s really important. It actually helps to raise the profile of the university as a continuation of the things we’ve tried to do with our Masters Degrees, our PhD program, our flexible learning program that we call our college of professional studies, and now the law school.”