contact with students collecting their thoughts and concerns and providing that feedback to the rest of the search committee ,” he notes . “ I am finding many students are actively interested in the search and the results that it will yield . There have been a lot of questions and feedback about the process and selection of a new dean .”
“ The greatest thing about the dean
Zachary Tomczik search is that everyone has a chance to be involved and to give feedback and provide insight , whether it be through a focus group or through contact with a member of the search committee ,” notes Olson .
Hearing from Stakeholders
In late September 2021 , Link held open forums with the law school ’ s faculty , staff , and students to discuss and answer questions about the dean search process . The search committee also distributed detailed survey questions and held Zoom listening sessions with both faulty and staff , as well as separately with students , to obtain their insights . At the same time , surveys and Zoom listening sessions were also provided for the state ’ s bar members to provide their input to the process as well .
“ A dean who understands how important academics are , but also mental and physical health and wellbeing . A dean who sees a positive future for the School of Law and will put in the effort to make that vision a reality .”
Jensen notes the School of Law ’ s faculty and state bar members also have been active stakeholders in the search process . “ The faculty have actively participated in the focus groups and expressed their preference , and the members of the bar have been provided an opportunity to participate in focus groups .”
This included current Dean of the School of Law Michael McGinniss . “ I have no formal role in the search process , but as the current dean and member of our UND Law academic community , as well as a member of the North Dakota legal community , I ’ ve had the opportunities to provide input and share my own insights about what qualities and attributes are most important for the dean to possess in order to fulfill the duties and meet the challenges of the position ,” he says .
UND School of Law Dean Michael McGinniss
“ Each of the groups who participated in the focus groups expressed slightly different priorities . That is not unexpected ,” says Jensen . “ Judges and the practicing bar have an interest in continuing to have a positive relationship to the law school . Faculty and other law school employees have an interest in how the new dean will handle both immediate and longterm needs within the law school itself . Many of the important attributes do overlap between the interested groups .”
Tomczik says one of the attributes that appeared to be most important to the school ’ s students is visibility and involvement by the new dean . “ Students want to see the dean , not only on campus , but also attending and supporting student organizations . They want the dean to be able to connect and work with the legal community in North Dakota and therefore help provide opportunities for students as they learn and eventually enter the workforce .”
“ I am looking for the same things as my classmates , especially focusing on finding someone who wants to be involved and connect with students ,” Tomczik continues .
Alternate Dispute Resolution Services in person or by zoom
JACK G . MARCIL ROGER J . MINCH
TIMOTHY G . RICHARD jmarcil @ serklandlaw . com rminch @ serklandlaw . com trichard @ serklandlaw . com
701-232-8957 serklandlaw . com
Fax : 701-237-4049 10 Roberts St . N .
PO Box 6017 Fargo ND 58108-6017
NEUTRAL MEDIATORS
Mediation is an effective and cost efficient method to resolve disputes . We are experienced to provide mediation in the following areas :
• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Professional Malpractice
• Construction
• Products Liability
• Trusts and Estates
• Discrimination
• Business Disputes
• Contract
• Bankruptcy
• Banking
Alternate dispute resolution can also include Arbitration , Early Neutral Evaluation , Mediation / Med . Arbitration .
WINTER 2022 7