Lewis & Clark Law School
Countdown to Reopening #1
July 27, 2020

Dear Law Students,

For months now, closely following orders from the CDC, OHA and Governor Brown, we have been working to safely re-imagine our law school campus for the fall semester. In an effort to keep you informed, we are sending this message as the first in a weekly reopening countdown. Please keep in mind that our plans are subject to change as we adjust to the reality of the current day.

Institutional and Law School Website

Lewis & Clark has posted Reopening for Fall 2020 web pages that define the Health and Safety Expectations for all three campuses. It explains expectations on hygiene, wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, self-screening and what to do if you are ill, testing, public access to campus, events, cleaning and HVAC. Many of these expectations are mandated by the Governor, so as things change, these pages will be updated with the latest information.

Lewis & Clark is asking all students to observe a two week period of voluntary self-isolation/limitation on social exposure prior to arrival on campus and to practice healthy habits at all times. These expectations are set forth in: Mitigating exposure to COVID-19: Instructions for students preparing to arrive on campus.

Soon you will receive a link asking you to attest that you have read and understand these College COVID policies.

The Law School has also posted its Fall 2020 Plans page, with a letter from me, and details on re-opening that are specific to the law campus.

We believe, if everyone is committed to safety – for themselves and for each other – we can keep our campus open for you.

Our Commitment to Exemplary Legal Education – Remote or In-Person

We are dedicated to providing you an exemplary legal education, regardless of whether you are experiencing it in-person or remotely. Since last March, when by necessity all instruction became remote, our faculty have invested time in reworking their syllabi and in honing their skills to both teach in person and use remote technology to fully engage all students throughout the semester. They have been remarkable in their ability to thrive in this environment. Many of our classrooms this semester will be hybrid, with most students in the classroom and some of you, due to COVID, participating via Zoom.

Our Law School Community – Caring for One Another

One of the hallmarks of Lewis & Clark Law School is our collegiality. We truly care about one another. Students support students, and both faculty and staff embody our mission of ‘students first.’ In this new COVID reality, this commitment to one another takes on a new dimension. Taking care of each other requires that each of us practice safe physical distancing whether on or off campus, along with the use of face coverings and hand-washing. Taking care of each other requires each of us to avoid reckless behavior, minimize risky behavior and come to campus knowing you have done all you can to help keep yourself and our community safe.

We are in uncertain terrain; we know there will continue to be changes ahead. As lawyers we are trained to analyze the facts, to understand the limitations, to see the opportunities, and to forge solutions. We are problem-solvers. We will meet these challenges and adjust to them to ensure that you graduate with a superb legal education. One thing we know for certain is that you all will be needed – more than ever – to help individuals and communities navigate these tumultuous times in our world. See you soon!


My Very Best,
Jennifer Johnson
Dean, Lewis & Clark Law School

P.S. Next week's countdown email: Life on Campus; coming August 10: Boley Law Library

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Submit it here; we'll do our best to address it in an upcoming email.
Dining options
The Café will be using an app for online ordering of food with online payment. Areas to pick up the food safely have been established. If Brewed Awakenings (our coffee stand) reopens, it will open when the cafeteria is closed to limit the numbers of people in the Legal Research Center (LRC) at any given time. Additional microwaves will be placed in LRC so that students can have safe access for heating food brought from home.
Classroom safety measures
Students, professors and staff are required to wear face coverings. The only exception is when they are alone in a private office.

The professor will teach behind plexiglass barriers, and will be at least 6 feet from students. The first row of student seating will not be used. Student seating is marked to ensure that students sit 6 feet or more from each other.
Protocols for entering and exiting classrooms
We have built a schedule that creates extended time between classes and will have clearly marked entrances and exits. We will provide clear instructions and signage on entering and exiting to ensure social distancing.
Options for taking class remotely
The faculty encourages our students to attend class in person. However, we recognize that some students may have an underlying health condition, live with someone with an underlying health condition, or have other COVID health concerns. Please email Associate Dean Libby Davis to request permission to attend classes remotely. Most classes will have remote capabilities via Zoom.
Options to change from remote status to attend in-person
This option is always available with this caveat: If the classroom is at ‘in person’ capacity given COVID restrictions, students who are attending via Zoom will not be able to attend in-person.

*Photo was taken pre-COVID-19. Beginning this fall, all professors will be wearing masks or behind plexiglass barriers when teaching.
Options to change from in-person to remote attendance
If at some point during the semester, a student determines that they need to attend classes remotely for COVID health concerns, they can request approval to do so by emailing Associate Dean Libby Davis.
Expectations of students attending remotely
Professors will expect students attending via Zoom to be actively engaged in the class sessions. They will call on Zoom students and respond to questions being posed by Zoom students as if they were in the classroom.
Technology support for students
We have an outstanding Computing Services Department that will provide detailed information to all students about computer requirements and accessing classes remotely. Last spring, when we transitioned to all remote classes, very few students had internet issues but any students who have problems with internet access or who face issues that could impact their ability to attend class via Zoom should contact Associate Dean Davis immediately.
Thanksgiving break and final exams
All in-person classes will conclude on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Professors will notify students, once classes start, whether post-Thanksgiving classes will be done remotely or made up prior to Thanksgiving. All final exams will be available remotely.