The News-Gazette.com: Current UI law dean's letter on admissions

Current UI law dean's letter on admissions

By The News-Gazette

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3:02 PM CDT

Letter from Bruce Smith, dean of the UI College of Law.

Dear Alumni and Friends of the College of Law:

In recent weeks, certain press reports have suggested that the University of Illinois College of Law has been subjected to undue external influence with respect to the admission of students. Such reports understandably capture the public’s attention, but they fail to capture the true character and excellence of the College of Law. The College is a community of top-notch students, world-class scholars, award-winning teachers, dedicated staff, and accomplished alumni.

Each year, approximately 200 students from across the nation come to study at the College of Law: members of Phi Beta Kappa; holders of Ph.D. degrees; former Peace Corps volunteers; decorated war veterans; and first-generation college graduates. By all academic measures, these students are consistently recognized as among the best in the nation.

Since becoming Dean of the College of Law four months ago, I have traveled to Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., to meet with prospective students and convey to them what makes this institution so incredibly special. Above all, I have stressed to them the genuine sense of community that binds us together as students, teachers, and staff through our shared commitment to learning, scholarship, and public service. In August, I look forward to welcoming the incoming Class of 2012 — the most academically talented ever admitted to the College.

Let me be clear: I would not welcome — nor would any dean welcome — undue external influence in the admissions process. The efforts of the Illinois Admissions Review Commission recently appointed by Governor Quinn to ensure the integrity of the admissions process at the University of Illinois are profoundly important and much appreciated. The College of Law will continue to cooperate fully and promptly with the Commission’s inquiry, and we eagerly await the inquiry’s beneficial results.

Best regards,

Bruce P. Smith
Dean and Guy Raymond Jones Faculty Scholar University of Illinois College of Law
504 East Pennsylvania Avenue
Champaign, Illinois 61820
smithb@illinois.edu