Preface
COLLEGE OF LAW
Preface
The College of Law at Michigan State University shares with the rest of the University the commitment to free inquiry and pursuit of knowledge that marks the academic institution. Students enrolled in the professional curricula of the College of Law are collectively referred to in this document as “law students”. This document and related documents, including:
• Michigan State University Student Rights and Responsibilities
o (http://splife.studentlife.msu.edu/student-rights-and-responsibilities-at-michigan-state-university)
• Academic Hearing Procedures for Michigan State University College of Law
o (www.law.msu.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/academic_hearing_procedures_for_msu_law.html)
• Code of Student Discipline
o (www.law.msu.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/code-discipline.html)
contain guidelines to the rights and responsibilities of law students in matters of conduct, professionalism and ethics, academic pursuits, keeping of records, and employment. This document describes structures and procedures for interpreting and amending the guidelines described herein, for formulating regulations governing law student conduct, for adjudicating law student disciplinary cases not arising under the Code of Student Discipline, and for channeling law student complaints, grievances, or concerns to faculty, staff, and administrators for appropriate action.
The College of Law educates students for careers in the legal profession and evaluates students on their professional and ethical behavior as well as on other elements of their academic performance. This dual focus has been incorporated into this document. When disputes or complaints arise regarding law student rights and responsibilities, the academic tradition of the University and the professional and ethical traditions of the legal profession generally allow for the differences to be settled quickly and informally. This document is intended, in part, to address those instances when a formal mechanism for adjudicating differences must be instituted.