Golden Gate University School of Law Faces Uncertain Future as Board of Trustees Meets

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Golden Gate University School of Law Faces Uncertain Future as Board of Trustees Meets

Golden Gate University School of Law's Future Hangs in the Balance as Board of Trustees Convenes

Challenges and Uncertainties Surround Golden Gate University School of Law

In a critical juncture for the Golden Gate University (GGU) School of Law, the university's Board of Trustees is set to meet on June 21 to discuss the future of the struggling institution. Concerns over ABA accreditation and mounting financial deficits have prompted this pivotal decision.

Golden Gate University School of Law's Future Hangs in the Balance as Board of Trustees Convenes

Persistent Financial Struggles and Accreditation Concerns

Over the past decade, the GGU School of Law has grappled with a persistent struggle to generate sufficient tuition revenue to cover operational expenses while simultaneously ensuring compliance with ABA bar passage requirements. Recognizing the situation's urgency, a comprehensive plan was formulated approximately a year and a half ago (in January 2022). This bold proposal, developed in collaboration with internal and external legal education experts, aimed to transform GGU Law in line with the university's enduring commitment to accessibility and affordability. The plan received overwhelming support from the law school faculty.

Financial Challenges and Real Estate Market Impact

Despite the integrity and promise of the plan, which was expected to be adequately funded, the university now faces challenges arising from tighter capital markets and the significant devaluation of commercial real estate in downtown San Francisco. GGU had intended to sell its downtown properties and optimize its physical space requirements. However, the current state of the downtown real estate market is unlikely to resolve all of the institution's financial difficulties. Enrollment at the law school has experienced a sharp decline of over 80 percent since 2010. Although employment statistics have improved over the same period, the figures for the class of 2022 graduates remain distressingly low at 38 percent. Comparatively, UC Law—San Francisco, formerly Hastings Law School, leaves its students with approximately $270,000 in debt but boasts a 73.5 percent employment rate. The GGU School of Law's financial burden, with a projected deficit of around $283,000 per student, seems disproportionate when considering the nearby alternative delivering more favorable outcomes.

Leadership Concerns and Departures

Furthermore, a closer examination of the email reveals potential causes for additional concern. The email was signed by Mark Yates as "Dean, GGU Law," raising questions about the leadership structure. Colin Crawford was previously designated as the incoming dean of the University of Arkansas—Little Rock, effective July 1. However, no official announcement regarding Yates's promotion or role within the institution has been made. Such a leadership shuffle just before the Board's vote on the law school's future does not bode well for its prospects.

The recent departure of the university-wide provost, who left for Hawai'i last month after a relatively short tenure at GGU, adds to the uncertainty. The provost was pivotal in a failed initiative to establish an online education partnership with the University of Arizona. This departure raises concerns about stability and strategic decision-making within the university administration.

Golden Gate University School of Law Faces Critical Decision on Survival

Uncertain Future and Formidable Challenges

The outlook appears bleak as the Board of Trustees gathers to deliberate on the law school's future. The combination of accreditation pressures, mounting deficits.

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Golden Gate University School of Law Faces Uncertain Future as Board of Trustees Meets

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