W.H. Knight, dean of the UW School of Law, sits next to last
week’s edition of U.S. News & World Report, as he explains to law students
his error in reporting the school’s data to the magazine.
by Brian Turner
04/14/2003
After reviewing the UW School of Law’s data last week, W. H. Knight, the
school’s dean, announced Friday the school reported erroneous information to
U.S. News & World Report.
Law students, staff and faculty assembled in Condon Hall Friday to discuss the
school’s unexpected ranking in the magazine’s list of best colleges. The
publication’s annual issue of America’s Best Graduate Schools ranked the
school 45th in the nation, a 19-place drop from last year. When the rankings
were released, school administrators questioned whether or not the publication
reported accurate statistics.
Based on data received from the school, U.S. News reported that 75 percent of
students from the 2001 graduating class found employers within nine months
following graduation. The correct number is 93 percent, according to the school.
Before publishing America’s Best Graduate Schools, U.S. News sent a letter to
the school asking for a confirmation of the 75 percent nine-month job-placement
rate — a figure substantially lower than in previous years. Knight personally
confirmed the incorrect figure.
Knight assumes full responsibility for the mistake.
“I’m sitting because I’m nervous, embarrassed and weak-kneed,” Knight
said as he addressed the audience. “I should have caught the numbers.”
Knight has already requested from U.S. News an errata report publishing the
corrected figures, as well as a recalculation of the proper rankings on the
magazine’s Web site. In addition, Knight requested a private letter issued to
the law school explaining the calculations used to rank each school, so the
school can recalculate its own rank.
According to Richard Folkers, director of media relations for U.S. News, a
correction cannot be posted until all the figures have been reviewed. Even if a
correction is necessary, the extent to which such a correction will be reported
is speculative.
“It is highly unusual to recalculate data after the rankings have been
printed,” Folkers said, “especially when the error is on the fault of the
school.”
However, the law school will take matters into its own hands — notifying
incoming students, the UW Board of Regents and alumni of the erroneous ranking.
The dean has also been in touch with the law school’s largest supporter,
Regent William H. Gates.
“I hope to repair the damage done and regain our stature as a top
institution,” Knight said.
Although Friday’s meeting was meant to address the school’s ranking by U.S.
News, it developed into an emotionally charged discussion of the quality of
educational experience at the law school.
Amid tuition rates nearly doubling in the past three years — which students
said they were not properly notified of — and budget cutbacks totaling
$500,000 for the law school, many took the opportunity to express concerns and
suggestions for improvement.
“Being ranked 45th isn’t correct statistically, but from the sentiments
expressed in this room, maybe U.S. News is prophetic, and we really are a No. 45
institution,” said Ken Levinson, a second-year law student.
On the other hand, several students expressed satisfaction with their
educational experience, and as the law school plans to move into a state-of
the-art, $76 million facility next fall, the U.S. News report is a just a minor
setback.
Maurice Classen, a second-year law student and senator for the Graduate and
Professional Student Senate, said he saw a positive side to the school’s
errant ranking in U.S. News.
“Students have had the chance to share their stories and ideas,” said
Classen. “The law school is aware of the things [it has] to work on.”
