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Monday Morning Message 6.8.20 No Room for Silence.
“We stand with CSU’s finest – our students. There is no more powerful statement than their words which come from the heart. The future we are all thinking about belongs to them. A challenge for all of us: let’s look inside of ourselves. Consider our own conscious and unconscious racial biases by questioning everything, listening more closely, and then – most important – becoming an active participant in changing our collective path forward. Each of us has something to contribute. Now.” - Cleveland State University President Harlan Sands
Monday Morning Message 6.1.20 Charge to our 2020 Graduates: Help Heal our Nation
“It is amazing to think that when we met 3 years ago you were only starting this journey…..While the current health crisis prevents us from being together physically on this momentous occasion, I have to confess to enjoying the intimacy of it just being you and me, in my home, where very few enter, for a short chat…..
Like you, I am an alum of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. We are now cut from the same cloth. When we were last together, you were aspirants. Now you are veterans of Law School, Covid-19 and, among other things, New Normals….No matter how legitimate your fears or concerns may be, remember, your legal degree--alone--arms you to withstand even a global pandemic.
Monday Morning Message 5.26.20 Above and Beyond: Our Students
“Learn how to dance with the unknown.” – Jonathan Fields, Uncertainty
This unprecedented semester recently ended, and I could not be more proud of our students. They leaned into the disruption and uncertainty and learned how to dance with the unknown.
Our students were forced to juggle the usual pressures of being a law student with a range of new and unexpected challenges, not of their making. They faced sudden and unexpected stress and faced these anxieties without the direct support networks they have built on campus.
Monday Morning Message 5.18.20 Above and Beyond: Our Staff
“I am unbelievably impressed and grateful for colleagues who have enthusiastically helped with new areas, learned new technology, tracked down answers across campus, moved entire departments (like the entire library!) to remote work overnight, kept in touch with alumni, helped with student questions, and just generally responded to crisis with grace and kindness.” – Sarah Beznoska, Assistant Dean for Student and Career Services
“Not a day goes by that I don't feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the C|M|LAW community. It's nice to be appreciated for the work we are accomplishing as a dedicated team during these unprecedented times.” – Marcie Rechner, Student Records Administrator
Monday Morning Message 5.11.20 Above and Beyond
“I have just been amazed at how wonderful Cleveland-Marshall's faculty has been throughout this entire process. It was evident to every student that the faculty was doing their best and were doing everything they could to make this situation better. Our professors were always reachable by email. Some provided their phone numbers and Zoom meetings to help answer questions. I never once thought that I was alone or abandoned… I have actually reflected on this last week and thought to myself, ‘If I had to be in law school during COVID-19, I am glad it is at Cleveland-Marshall.’ "– 1L Student
Monday Morning Message 4.4.2020 A COVID-19 Serenity Prayer for Final Exams
“Well, tests ain’t fair. Those that study have an unfair advantage.” – Allan Dare Pearce, Paris in April
“You can train your mind to not only handle the unease that comes from having to consistently act without having all the answers, but embrace and invite it as a signpost that what you’re doing matters….learn how to dance with the unknown.” - Jonathan Fields, Uncertainty
Final exams begin today and continue until May 15.
This morning’s message contains three separate messages to our students.
First, another special video message from our faculty and staff.
Second, my COVID-19 serenity prayer for final exams.
Monday Morning Message 4.27.2020 A Special Video Message to Our Students from Our Faculty and Staff!
“At a time when so much is uncertain, I'm particularly grateful for the steady flow of information and the many opportunities to provide input. I'm sure balancing the unique needs of students, faculty, and staff has been overwhelming, but your transparency throughout this process has made the situation a little less overwhelming for everyone else.” -2L Student
“It is the personal connection that has been shining through during this trying and transitional time… Everyone at the law school has gone out of their way to extend help in any way they can….That is why I grow happier every day about choosing Cleveland-Marshall.” -1L Student
Monday Morning Message 4.20.2020 Who's the Busiest and Most Important Lawyer in the World? Hint: She Came to CSU Last Week
“Make sure that the statements you are making are things that you can live by and stand behind…..be true to your principles…..in those times where there's just so much information coming at you from all angles….. go back to your core values and your core principles…” – Aparna Bawa, Chief Legal Officer of Zoom
During this public health crisis, one company, in particular, has become an overnight global phenomenon and has become the virtual lifeline for most of us.
Monday Morning Message 4.13.2020 Just You Wait
“There's a million things I haven't done. But just you wait” –Alexander Hamilton, the musical.
“This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled. But there are moments when we can... reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that's what I mean by 'Hallelujah.'”– Leonard Cohen
During this difficult time, I have been struck by the messages of hope and solidarity springing up everywhere. The voices of song and music, in particular, have a special power to lift our spirits and bring us together.
So this morning, I’m sharing some of my favorites that were produced in just the last few weeks. To paraphrase Bob Dylan, they provide “shelter from the storm.”
Monday Morning Message 4.6.2020 Students on the Front Lines
“As I witness faculty, staff, and students rising to overcome the seemingly impossible challenges this pandemic presents, I have never been more proud to be a member of the CM family…..Everyone is working so hard to adapt, and of course my heart especially goes out to the students…..My gift to the Student Emergency Fund won't go nearly as far as I'd like, but my hope is that it makes a difference in someone's life….. Susan Becker, CSU C|M|LAW Professor Emerita, Public Interest Leader-in-Residence, Member, Hall of Fame