ADOPTED AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION STANDING COMMITTEE ON PARALEGALS REPORT TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES RESOLUTION

Transcription

1 ADOPTED AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION STANDING COMMITTEE ON PARALEGALS REPORT TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES RESOLUTION RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association approve the following program: Tarrant County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Hurst, TX. FURTHER RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association reapprove the following paralegal education programs: Fremont College, Paralegal Studies Program, Cerritos, CA; Pasadena City College, Paralegal Studies Program, Pasadena, CA; University of California Santa Barbara, Paralegal Professional Certificate Program, Santa Barbara, CA; Nova Southeastern University, Paralegal Studies Program, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Clayton State University, Legal Studies Program, Morrow, GA; Robert Morris University, Paralegal Studies Program, Chicago, IL; Robert Morris University, Paralegal Studies Program, Springfield, IL; Stevenson University, Paralegal Program, Owings Mills, MD; Webster University, Legal Studies Program, St. Louis, MO; University of Great Falls, Paralegal Studies Program, Great Falls, MT; College of St. Mary, Legal Studies Program, Omaha, NE; Mercer County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Trenton, NJ; LIU Brooklyn, Paralegal Studies Program, Brooklyn, NY; Nassau Community College, Paralegal Program, Garden City, NY; New York City College of Technology, Paralegal Program, Brooklyn, NY; Queen's College, Paralegal Studies Program, Queen's, NY; St. John's University, Legal Studies Program, Jamaica, NY; Cuyahoga Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Parma, OH; Kent State University, Paralegal Studies Program, Kent, OH; East Central University, Legal Studies Program, Ada, OK; Central Pennsylvania College, Paralegal and Legal Studies Program, Summerdale, PA: Harrisburg Area Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Harrisburg, PA; Walters State Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Morristown, TN; Lamar State College Port Arthur, Paralegal Program, Port Arthur, TX; Tacoma Community College, Paralegal Program, Tacoma, WA; and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Paralegal Program, Greenbay, WI; FURTHER RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association withdraw the approval of Everest College Phoenix, Paralegal Program, Phoenix, AZ, and Rockford Career College, Paralegal Program, Rockford, IL, at the request of the institutions. FURTHER RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association extend the terms of approval until the February 2016 Midyear Meeting of the House of Delegates for the following programs: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Paralegal Studies Program, Fairbanks, AK; Auburn

2 University Montgomery, Paralegal Education Program, Montgomery, AL; Samford University, Division of Paralegal Studies, Birmingham, AL; University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Legal Assistance/Paralegals Program, Fort Smith, AR; NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Bentonville, AR; Coastline Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Fountain Valley, CA; El Camino Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Torrance, CA; Miramar College, Legal Assistant Program, San Diego, CA; Mt. San Antonio College, Paralegal/Legal Specialty Program, Walnut, CA; National University, Paralegal Studies Program, Los Angeles, CA; Santa Ana College, Paralegal Studies Program, Santa Ana, CA; University of California LA-UCLA Ext, Paralegal Training Program, Los Angeles, CA; University of California, Irvine Extension, Paralegal Certificate Program, Irvine, CA; University of California, San Diego, Legal Assistant Training Program, La Jolla, CA; Norwalk Community College, Legal Assistant Program, Norwalk, CT: Quinnipiac University, Legal Studies Program, Hamden, CT; Widener University Law Center, Legal Education Institute, Wilmington, DE; Seminole State College of Florida fka Seminole Community College, Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program, Sanford, FL; South University, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies Program, Royal Palm Beach, FL; Kirkwood Community College, Legal Assistant Program, Cedar Rapids, IA: Northwestern College fka Northwestern Business College, Institute of Legal Studies, Bridgeview, IL; Roosevelt University, Paralegal Studies Program, Chicago, IL; William Rainey Harper College, Paralegal Studies Program, Palatine, IL; Vincennes University, Paralegal Program, Vincennes, IN; Bowling Green Community College of Western Kentucky University, Paralegal Studies Program, Bowling Green, KY; Sullivan University, Louisville, Institute for Legal Studies, Louisville, KY; University of Louisville, Paralegal Studies Program, Louisville, KY; Tulane University, Paralegal Studies Program, New Orleans, LA; Baker College of Auburn Hills, Paralegal Program, Auburn Hills, MI; Eastern Michigan University, Legal Assisting Program, Ypsilanti, MI; Henry Ford Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Dearborn, MI; Oakland Community College, Paralegal Program, Farmington Hills, MI; Oakland University, Paralegal Program, Rochester, MN; Minnesota State University Moorhead, Paralegal Program, Moorhead, MN; Missouri Western State University, Legal Studies Program, St. Joseph, MO; University of Southern Mississippi, Paralegal Studies Program, Hattiesburg, MS; University of Montana Missoula, Paralegal Studies Program, Missoula, MT; Metropolitan Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Omaha, NE; Brookdale Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Lincroft, NJ; Fairleigh Dickinson University, Paralegal Studies Program, Madison, NJ; Middlesex County College, Legal Studies Department, Edison, NJ; Raritan Valley Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Somerville, NJ; Genesee Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Batavia, NY; Suffolk County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Selden, NY; Capital University Law School, Paralegal Program, Columbus, OH; Sinclair Community College, Paralegal Program, Dayton, OH; University of Cincinnati Clermont, Paralegal Technology Program, Batavia, OH; University of Toledo, Paralegal Studies Program, Toledo, OH; Ursuline College, Legal Studies Program, Pepper Pike, OH; Rose State College, Paralegal Studies Program, Midwest City, OK; University of Oklahoma Law Center, Legal Assistant Education, Norman, OK; Delaware County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Media, PA; Central Carolina Technical College, Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program, Sumter, SC; Midlands Technical College, Paralegal Program, Columbia, SC; Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Paralegal Program, 2

3 Orangeburg, SC; Technical College of the Low Country, Paralegal Program, Beaufort, SC; Western Dakota Technical Institute, Paralegal Program, Rapid City, SD; South College, Legal Studies and Paralegal Studies Programs, Knoxville, TN; Kaplan College, General Practice Paralegal Program, Dallas, TX; Lee College, Paralegal Studies Program, Baytown, TX; J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Richmond, VA; Marymount University, Paralegal Studies Program, Arlington, VA; Edmonds Community College, Paralegal Program, Lynnwood, WA; Chippewa Valley Technical College, Paralegal Program, Eau Claire, WI; Western Technical College fka Western Wisconsin Technical College, Paralegal Program, La Crosse, WI; Casper College, Paralegal Studies Program, Casper, WY; and Laramie County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Cheyenne, WY. 3

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5 REPORT In August, 1973, the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association adopted the Guidelines for the Approval of Legal Assistant Education Programs as recommended by the Special Committee on Legal Assistants, now known as the Standing Committee on Paralegals. The Committee subsequently developed supporting evaluative criteria and procedures for seeking American Bar Association approval. Applications for approval were accepted formally beginning in the Fall of Programs applying for approval are required to submit a self-evaluation report which provides a comprehensive description of the program, including but not limited to the following areas: organization and administration, financial support, curriculum, faculty, admissions, student services, advisory committee, library, and physical plant. An on-site visit to the program is conducted by representatives of the Association if the contents of the self-evaluation report indicate compliance with the ABA Guidelines. For an initial approval, the inspection team is chaired by a member of the Approval Commission of the Standing Committee on Paralegals, or a specially designated past commissioner, and consists of a lawyer, an experienced paralegal or a director of another institution s program. On a reapproval visit, the team, which is again chaired by a member of the Approval Commission, or a specially designated past commissioner, includes two of the previously mentioned groups. The purpose of the on-site visit is to verify the information provided in the self-evaluation report and to acquire supplementary information helpful to making an evaluation and which can only be obtained through the person-to-person contact and the observation the visit affords. The visit is conducted over a one and one-half day period and consists of a series of meetings with the advisory committee, students, faculty and other individuals involved to a lesser extent and in some aspect of the program, such as the registrar, financial officer, placement coordinator and admissions and counseling staff. The team also observes legal specialty classes in session and may inspect various program data, such as detailed curriculum materials, admission and placement records, student evaluations of faculty members, and courses. Following the on-site visit a written report is prepared by team members. The Approval Commission reviews the evaluation report and makes its recommendations to the Standing Committee on Paralegals, which in turn, submits its recommendation to the American Bar Association House of Delegates for final action. The Standing Committee on Paralegals has completed review of the program identified below and found it to be operating in compliance with the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs and is, therefore, recommending that approval be granted. Tarrant County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Hurst, TX Tarrant County Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate in paralegal studies. 1

6 The following schools were recently evaluated for reapproval. Having demonstrated compliance with the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs, the Standing Committee on Paralegals recommends that reapproval be granted to the following programs: Fremont College, Paralegal Studies Program, Cerritos, CA Fremont College is a four-year private college accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges. The college offers an Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies. Pasadena City College, Paralegal Studies Program, Pasadena, CA Pasadena City College is a two-year public college accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college offers an Associate of Arts degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. University of California Santa Barbara, Paralegal Professional Certificate Program, Santa Barbara, CA University of California Santa Barbara is a four-year university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The university offers a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Nova Southeastern University, Paralegal Studies Program, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Nova Southeastern University is a four-year university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Bachelor of Science degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Clayton State University, Legal Studies Program, Morrow, GA Clayton State University is a four-year university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers an Associate of Applied Science degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Robert Morris University, Paralegal Studies Program, Chicago, IL Robert Morris University, Chicago, IL is a four-year university accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Robert Morris University, Paralegal Studies Program, Springfield, IL Robert Morris University, Springfield, IL is a four-year university accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Stevenson University, Paralegal Program, Owings Mills, MD Stevenson University is a four-year university accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Bachelor of Science degree and a second Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies. 2

7 Webster University, Legal Studies Program, St. Louis, MO Webster University is a four-year university accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. University of Great Falls, Paralegal Studies Program, Great Falls, MT University of Great Falls is a four-year university accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. The university offers an Associate of Science degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, and an option with the U.S. Army for completion of a degree. College of Saint Mary, Legal Studies Program, Omaha, NE College of Saint Mary is a four-year college accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers a Bachelor of Arts degree, an Associate of Arts degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Mercer County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Trenton, NJ Mercer County Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. LIU Brooklyn, Paralegal Studies Program, Brooklyn, NY LIU Brooklyn is a four-year university accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Certificate in Paralegal Studies and a Certificate in Legal Nurse Consulting. Nassau Community College, Paralegal Program, Garden City, NY Nassau Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. New York City College of Technology, Paralegal Program Brooklyn, NY New York City College of Technology is a four-year technical college accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers a Bachelor of Science degree and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Queen's College, Paralegal Studies Program, Queens, NY Queen's College is a four-year college accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. St. John's University, Legal Studies Program, Jamaica, NY St. John's University is a four-year university accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Bachelor of Science degree and an Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies. 3

8 Cuyahoga Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Parma, OH Cuyahoga Community College is a two-year community College accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Business degree, a Certificate in Paralegal Studies, and a Certificate in Legal Nurse Consulting. Kent State University, Paralegal Studies Program, Kent, OH Kent State University is a four-year university accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Minor, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. East Central University, Legal Studies Program, Ada, OK East Central University is a four-year university accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Central Pennsylvania College, Paralegal and Legal Studies Program, Summerdale, PA Central Pennsylvania College is a four-year college accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers a Bachelor of Science degree and an Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Harrisburg Area Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Harrisburg, PA Harrisburg Area Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Arts degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Walters State Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Morristown, TN Walters State Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Lamar State College Port Arthur, Paralegal Program, Port Arthur, TX Lamar State College Port Arthur is a two-year college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Tacoma Community College, Paralegal Program, Tacoma, WA Tacoma Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Paralegal Program, Greenbay, WI Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a two-year technical college accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. 4

9 Applications for reapproval have been filed by the following schools and are currently being evaluated. Until the evaluation process has been completed, the Committee recommends that the term of approval for each program be extended until the 2016 Midyear Meeting of the American Bar Association House of Delegates. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Paralegal Studies Program, Fairbanks, AK; Auburn University Montgomery, Paralegal Education Program, Montgomery, AL; Samford University, Division of Paralegal Studies, Birmingham, AL; University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Legal Assistance/Paralegal Program, Fort Smith, AR; NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Bentonville, AR; Coastline Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Fountain Valley, CA; El Camino Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Torrance, CA; Miramar College, Legal Assistant Program, San Diego, CA; Mt. San Antonio College, Paralegal/Legal Specialty Program, Walnut, CA; National University, Paralegal Studies Program, Los Angeles, CA; Santa Ana College, Paralegal Studies Program, Santa Ana, CA; University of California LA-UCLA Ext, Paralegal Training Program, Los Angeles, CA; University of California, Irvine Extension, Paralegal Certificate Program, Irvine, CA; University of California, San Diego, Legal Assistant Training Program, La Jolla, CA; Norwalk Community College, Legal Assistant Program, Norwalk, CT; Quinnipiac University, Legal Studies Program, Hamden, CT; Widener University Law Center, Legal Education Institute, Wilmington, DE; Seminole State College of Florida fka Seminole Community College, Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program, Sanford, FL; South University, Legal Studies/Paralegal Studies Program, Royal Palm Beach, FL; Kirkwood Community College, Legal Assistant Program, Cedar Rapids, IA; Northwestern College fka Northwestern Business College, Institute of Legal Studies, Bridgeview, IL; Roosevelt University, Paralegal Studies Program, Chicago, IL; William Rainey Harper College, Paralegal Studies Program, Palatine, IL; Vincennes University, Paralegal Program, Vincennes, IN; Bowling Green Community College of Western Kentucky University, Paralegal Studies Program, Bowling Green, KY; Sullivan University, Louisville, Institute for Legal Studies, Louisville, KY; University of Louisville, Paralegal Studies Program, Louisville, KY; Tulane University, Paralegal Studies Program, New Orleans, LA; Baker College of Auburn Hills, Paralegal Program, Auburn Hills, MI; Eastern Michigan University, Legal Assisting Program, Ypsilanti, MI; Henry Ford Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Dearborn, MI; Oakland Community College, Paralegal Program, Farmington Hills, MI; Oakland University, Paralegal Program, Rochester, MI; Minnesota State University Moorhead, Paralegal Program, Moorhead, MN; Missouri Western State University, Legal Studies Program, St. Joseph, MO; University of Southern Mississippi, Paralegal Studies Program, Hattiesburg, MS; University of Montana Missoula, Paralegal Studies Program, Missoula, MT; 5

10 Metropolitan Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Omaha, NE; Brookdale Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Lincroft, NJ; Fairleigh Dickinson University, Paralegal Studies Program, Madison, NJ; Middlesex County College, Legal Studies Department, Edison, NJ; Raritan Valley Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Somerville, NJ; Genesee Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Batavia, NY; Suffolk County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Selden, NY; Capital University Law School, Paralegal Program, Columbus, OH; Sinclair Community College, Paralegal Program, Dayton, OH; University of Cincinnati--Clermont, Paralegal Technology Program, Batavia, OH; University of Toledo, Paralegal Studies Program, Toledo, OH; Ursuline College, Legal Studies Program, Pepper Pike, OH; Rose State College, Paralegal Studies Program, Midwest City, OK; University of Oklahoma Law Center, Legal Assistant Education, Norman, OK; Delaware County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Media, PA; Central Carolina Technical College, Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program, Sumer, SC; Midlands Technical College, Paralegal Program, Columbia, SC; Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Paralegal Program, Orangeburg, SC; Technical College of the Low Country, Paralegal Program, Beaufort, SC; Western Dakota Technical Institute, Paralegal Program, Rapid City, SD; South College, Legal Studies and Paralegal Studies Programs, Knoxville, TN; Kaplan College, General Practice Paralegal Program, Dallas, TX; Lee College, Paralegal Studies Program, Baytown, TX; J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Richmond, VA; Marymount University, Paralegal Studies Program, Arlington, VA; Edmonds Community College, Paralegal Program, Lynnwood, WA; Chippewa Valley Technical College, Paralegal Program, Eau Claire, WI; Western Technical College fka Western Wisconsin Technical College, Paralegal Program, La Crosse, WI; Casper College, Paralegal Studies Program, Casper, WY; and Laramie County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Cheyenne, WY. Respectfully submitted, Laura C. Barnard, Chair Standing Committee on Paralegals August

11 GENERAL INFORMATION FORM Submitting Entity: Submitted By: Standing Committee on Paralegals Laura C. Barnard, Chair 1. Summary of Resolution(s). This Resolution recommends that the House of Delegates grants approval to one program, grants reapproval to twenty-six paralegal education programs, withdraws the approval of two programs at the request of the institutions, and extends the term of approval to several paralegal education programs. 2. Approval by Submitting Entity. April Has this or a similar resolution been submitted to the House or Board previously? This resolution has not been previously submitted. 4. What existing Association policies are relevant to this resolution and how would they be affected by its adoption? This resolution supports the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs, as adopted by the House of Delegates. 5. If this is a late report, what urgency exists which requires action at this meeting of the House? Action is timely. 6. Status of Legislation. (If applicable.) N/A 7. Brief explanation regarding plans for implementation of the policy, if adopted by the House of Delegates. Approved programs are notified of the action of the House of Delegates by the Standing Committee on Paralegals. The programs are monitored for compliance during the approval term by the Standing Committee. 7

12 8. Cost to the Association. (Both direct and indirect costs.) None 9. Disclosure of Interest. (If applicable.) N/A 10. Referrals. None 11. Contact Name and Address Information. (Prior to the meeting. Please include name, address, telephone number and address.) Peggy C. Wallace, Staff Counsel Standing Committee on Paralegals American Bar Association 321 North Clark Street Chicago, IL (312) Contact Name and Address Information. (Who will present the report to the House? Please include name, address, telephone number, cell phone number and address.) Laura C. Barnard Chair, Business Department Director, Paralegal Program Lakeland Community College 7700 Clocktower Drive Kirtland, OH (440) Cell: (517)

13 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Summary of the Resolution This Resolution recommends that the House of Delegates grants approval to one program, grants reapproval to twenty-six programs, withdraws the approval of two programs, and extends the term of approval of sixty-seven programs. 2. Summary of the issue which the Resolution Addresses The programs recommended for approval and reapproval in the enclosed report meet the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs. 3. Please Explain How the Proposed Policy Position will address the issue The programs recommended for approval and reapproval in this report have followed the procedures required by the Association and are in compliance with the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs. 4. Summary of Minority Views No other positions on this resolution have been taken by other Association entities, affiliated organizations or other interested groups. 9