Dear Students,

Good morning! Today marks the start of a revolutionary day in legal education, as the great majority of law schools move to distance learning platforms. This is a grand experiment that has presented daunting challenges for students, professors and administrators. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Cardozo community for approaching this challenge with grit, determination and resilience.

Just a reminder – there will most certainly be glitches and setbacks.  There are issues still to be worked out, and new issues will arise. Please know that the Cardozo administration is working overtime – and I mean that quite literally – to give you the best experience possible.  In particular, we are so very fortunate to have Dean of Students Jennifer Kim on our team. I have been blown away by her dedication to our students. She and her excellent staff are working tirelessly to meet student needs during this extraordinarily trying time, and they are doing a fantastic job. When you can, please send virtual hugs to Dean Kim and Francesca Acocella (Director of Student Services), Sarah Steinbruck (Administrator of the Office of Student Services, and Nicole Seawright (Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion). Let them know you appreciate their work on your behalf.

One more thing: in light of the developments in the last 24-hours, we are extending remote/online learning until spring break, which begins April 9th.  Administrators and faculty will continue to work remotely until the end of the break. 

So, let’s do this. Let’s support one another, practice random acts of kindness, excuse small transgressions, share notes, recommend Netflix shows and strive to meet inevitable challenges with grace and a good dose of humor. The Cardozo administration and faculty stand ready to support you.

But most importantly – this is a good time to remember what truly matters. Treasure your family,  friends and community. Check-in on those who are suffering. Tell those who love you that you love them. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we came through this difficult period with stronger relationships and more love in our lives? Let’s make that a goal.

As for me, I am working remotely, at home with my husband who is in a high-risk category and a daughter who is returning from abroad to enter self-isolation for 14 days. Wish us all luck!

Wishing you all the best -

Melanie Leslie ‘91

Dean and Samuel Belkin Professor of Law