Western Michigan University and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School are discussing the possibility of a stronger alliance that would create a formal affiliation between the two schools
Officials say the initiative would build on more than a decade of cooperation that has led to a number of joint degree programs and shared facility initiatives in Grand Rapids and Lansing.
Informal talks between the leaders of the two schools have been under way for about three years.
More recently, the boards and leadership of both schools have become involved in the informal talks.
In December, both sides agreed to take a number of exploratory steps, with each organization reviewing the impact an alliance would have on its stakeholders, accreditation, financial responsibilities and growth potential.
WMU is a public research university with an enrollment of 25,000, seven regional locations and more than 240 degree programs.
Cooley is the nation’s largest law school, with five campuses in two states, and offers Juris Doctor (J.D.) and advanced Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees.
Under the model being examined, both schools would retain their independence, governance structure and separate fiduciary responsibilities.
Cooley would become the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, continuing as an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity.
When the two administrations complete the exploratory process, the next step would be to submit a proposal for board approval. That could happen as early as this summer.
“The result of such an affiliation with Cooley would make our university one of fewer than 90 universities in the nation to have both a law school and school of medicine,” noted WMU President John M. Dunn. “The benefits that accrue from that distinction would pay dividends to our students, faculty and staff for years to come. The opportunity is made even more intriguing by the common mission and values of our two institutions.”
Cooley President and Dean Don LeDuc said both schools promote academic theory and its practical applications as well as foster an academic culture that is inclusive and accessible. And both, as well, have long traditions of collaboration and community engagement, he added.
“Cooley Law School and Western Michigan University share common educational and public service philosophies and have a long history of cooperation. An affiliation with this great university is an especially good match,” LeDuc said. “Students, faculty, staff and alumni of both institutions will benefit from the tremendous opportunities that would arise from this alliance.”
Formal ties between Cooley and WMU have been strong for more than a decade, examples of which are:
• 2002 — Cooley and WMU launch a partnership that brings a law school to Grand Rapids for the first time, when plans are announced to open a Cooley branch campus in conjunction with WMU’s Graduate Center-Downtown in the Arena District. WMU completed a $1.6 million buildout of one floor of its Graduate Center to to meet Cooley’s needs. In 2005, Cooley moved to its own facility near the WMU Graduate Center.
• 2002 — WMU and Cooley launch a joint JD/MPA (master’s in public administration) degree program
• 2008 — WMU and Cooley launch a joint JD/MBA degree program.
• 2011 — The schools launch their third dual-degree partnership, providing West Michigan with its first-ever Master of Social Work/Juris Doctor program.
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