Rodney O. Fong joined USF School of Law as assistant professor and co-director of Academic Support Program. He will focus on improving the academic support services for all law students, with a particular emphasis on bar preparation and success, and he is immediately assisting the 2013 graduating class as they prepare for the bar exam.

Fong joins Richard Sakai and Carol Wilson, both assistant professors and co-directors of the Academic Support Program, in expanding and leading the program’s efforts to create a supportive atmosphere that equips students with the skills to succeed as law students and lawyers. Previously, Fong was assistant dean for bar exam services at Golden Gate University School of Law, where he built a successful bar pass program that raised and stabilized the school’s bar pass rates. He has also served as chair of the State Bar of California’s Council on Access and Fairness, director of academic support programs at Santa Clara University School of Law, and chair of the Section on Academic Support Programs for the American Association of Law Schools.

Fong is a long-time USF community member, having graduated from USF with a bachelor’s degree in 1977 and a JD in 1980.

“What a feeling to be back on campus, nearly 40 years after I first arrived as an undergraduate,” Fong said. “In my new role, I am very excited to meet with as many students as possible, especially the 3Ls preparing for the bar exam this summer. I think the best way to provide support is to understand each student’s individual strengths and what they perceive their weaknesses to be, so we can develop a personalized strategy for their success.”