Southern Methodist University is planning to move its law school to a new complex east of U.S. 75, though officials apparently have not formally announced the move to students.
Director of Media and Community Relations Megan Jacob told The Dallas Express the law school is “vitally important to SMU’s continued academic ascension and our plans to better serve Dallas.”
The law school currently sits in the heart of SMU’s main campus, northwest of the university landmark Dallas Hall. The East Campus sits on the far side of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, east of U.S. Highway 75.
“The new facility would be purpose-built for the law school’s unique and specific needs – as well as the needs of the legal community – on SMU’s campus east of U.S. 75,” Jacob told DX. “How students learn, where they learn, and where they live is important.”
SMU is “looking carefully at opportunities for growth” among disciplines, long-term office and classroom needs, residential needs for more undergraduate and graduate students, and purposeful spaces to serve everyone at the university, according to Jacob. She said officials are “thoughtfully and strategically” planning spaces to reflect the law school’s top-20 ranking and Dallas’ strong legal environment.
“Plans for the Dedman School of Law’s future facilities are conceptual,” Jacob said. “We are building on the early work of our faculty and school leadership that envisions the programmatic needs of the school as well as the evolving needs of top law students.”
The new complex could feature six new buildings – including a new Dedman School of Law, a graduate housing tower, a residential tower, and three research or office buildings, according to The Daily Campus.
The new law school will potentially be a U-shaped, five-story building of more than 300,000 square feet. Across the street, officials are planning an 18-story graduate housing tower with 400 beds. The residential tower could also offer 19 levels.
Dedman Law Dean Jason Nance said officials plan to “share information with students about the law school’s move to East Campus after the winter break to allow students to maintain their focus on end-of-semester exams,” as The Daily Campus first reported. The Faculty Senate allegedly heard details about the move on December 3.
“We look forward to sharing more with our community once the planning efforts progress to a point where we can provide a more complete picture,” Jacob said. “Faculty, students, staff and alumni will have meaningful opportunities to impact future design and the school’s long-term growth path.”
