MSU Law commits to full integration with Michigan State University

On Oct. 31, the governing Board of Trustees at Michigan State University College of Law voted unanimously for a merger of the College of Law into Michigan State University. The approval followed a similar vote in support of the merger from MSU’s Board of Trustees on Friday, Oct. 26.

Currently, the two institutions operate as close affiliates, with the College of Law maintaining its status as a private, independent law school on the campus of a Big Ten university. The merger is subject to approval by accrediting authorities, as well as other legal requirements.

Full integration will support a high-quality education for law students while enhancing administrative services. It will also promote greater opportunities for collaboration between the faculty and students of the College of Law and MSU’s highly-ranked academic programs.

“Since the original affiliation 23 years ago, the law school has become ever more tightly integrated into MSU. Full consolidation is the next logical step, and one that will benefit both institutions by creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary programs, initiatives, and research,” said Lawrence Ponoroff, dean of MSU College of Law.

MSU College of Law was founded in 1891 as the Detroit College of Law, and became affiliated with MSU in 1995.