American University MacGate: An Update

It appears that the situation we reported on earlier, concerning the plight of Mac users at American University’s Washington College of Law, has been resolved. Several of you forwarded us an email from the WCL administration outlining the steps they’re taking to address the situation, including “providing $12,000 towards the cost of laptop rental for all upper-level users of MACs that are incompatible with the exam software.”
Some reactions from students:

“At times it has felt like a modern PCU, sans George Clinton of course: ‘These, Tom, are the Causeheads. They find a world-threatening issue and stick with it for about a week.'”

“Although I am not a Mac user, and am fairly tired of hearing Mac users whining at school, it’s good to see my school do the right thing.”

“We just received this email from the Dean. Looks like your post helped us out. Thanks!”

You’re welcome. We aim to please here at ATL.
Read the full email, after the jump.
Earlier: American University MacGate
MacGate Update: An Explanation from the University of Kentucky


AMERICAN UNIVERSITY — WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW — EMAIL FROM DEAN CLAUDIO GROSSMAN AND ASSOCIATE DEAN DAVID JAFFE
From: Claudio Grossman
Date: Nov 16, 2007 5:23 PM
Subject: Examsoft and Final Exams
Dear All,
I have asked Dean Jaffe to join me in this e-mail because he is a powerful
advocate for the student body and is an administrator and
colleague who we are blessed to have in a law school like ours, committed
to providing a superb legal education in a diverse environment
while contributing through the legal system to important values of human
dignity.
Both of us have witnessed an intense discussion involving the use of exam
software. [Ed. note: Where did said “intense discussion” take place?
Maybe here?] Because we want our students to concentrate exclusively
on finals, the law school administration has determined to provide $12,000
towards the cost of laptop rental for all upper-level users of
MACs that are incompatible with the exam software. In addition, we are
going to administer this program through our Office of Technology,
thereby allowing the student community and the SBA to concentrate on exams
and on other matters. Furthermore, the administration is hereby
announcing that a special ad hoc working group will be created in January,
with participation by all interested parties of our community,
to advise the law school administration as to what exam software, if any,
would satisfy the legitimate concerns of all members of our community.
We trust that in opening this financial space, the SBA will use good
judgment in supporting public interest, journals, conferences on
diversity, career and other opportunities that show the commitment of the
SBA to values that have and that continue to make WCL proud.
During the last weeks, and perhaps not surprisingly, we have witnessed a
vigorous debate. We want to thank all of those who presented arguments,
attempting to bring the best for all members of our community. As we are
united by the common goal to strengthen even further our community, we all
need to remain vigilant for the need to work together and strengthen our
common purposes.
We wish a happy Thanksgiving to all of you as well as success in your finals.
Sincerely,
Claudio Grossman
Dean, WCL
David Jaffe
Associate Dean, Student Affairs

Sponsored

CRM Banner