Despite the recession, the administration at Binghamton University continues to move forward with plans for a law school.
Last year, state politicians guaranteed BU $3 million to fund the initial design and planning stages for a proposed law school.
The money was locked into the 2008-09 state budget by State Sen. Tom Libous (R-C-I: Binghamton) and Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell), assemblywoman for the 126th district, because they said the proposal of a law school would benefit BU’s reputation and offer economic development for the city.
“Binghamton University received $3.5 million from New York state; a half million is being used for general planning and development and $3 million was specifically allocated to the SUNY Construction Fund for facilities planning,” said University spokeswoman Gail Glover.
The administration is currently focusing on the educational aspects of the law school, but are beginning to think about the facilities and location as well, receiving expressions of interest from several outside groups.
“A feasibility study is currently in process,” Glover said. “As with any initiative of this substance, the proposal will require careful consideration and planning in order to ensure its success.”
There are many steps of approval that the law school must go through before it can become a part of Binghamton University.
According to David Henahan, spokesman for State University of New York, the planning starts as a campus-based initiative, which is where it stands right now. After approval by the provost’s office and the campus administrators, the plans need to be submitted to the appropriate approving bodies, including a committee of the Board of Trustees, the full Board of Trustees and the State Education Department. The last step for the law school would be approval by the governor.
“We are currently working with a consultant on a comprehensive study to position the school and to develop a plan for a sustainable base of support for the academic excellence to which we aspire,” Glover said.
The administration hopes that the community will continue to show enthusiastic support, which will be vital to the success of the project, she said.