The building now inhibits the ability of the Law School not only to meet future demands but to fulfill its present mission. Although the Law School ranks among the best in the nation on a variety of measures, it now faces threats to its accreditation because of the inadequacy of its physical plant. Library holdings have tripled. Faculty and student research, as well as heavy public use, have demanded growth in research facilities including library services and computer equipment. The School has added two premier research centers and a second scholarly journal.
Students now compete in writing and advocacy programs in a variety of fields.
Faculty are increasingly involved in interdisciplinary projects with other programs on the campus and elsewhere. Students are involved, often serving as research assistants to faculty, in the library, in the centers, and as editors of both journals. Library, student services, and research staff have grown and several faculty positions have been added since the building was constructed. These curricular changes led the School of Law to conclude in 1995 that significant renovation of their facilities was desperately needed. Subsequent investigations into the condition of the building determined that it could not be economically expanded and that a new facility was needed.