Consistent with the University of Akron’s (UA) strategic priority of building global relationships, the School of Law (Akron Law) recently expanded its formal coordination with the Universidad Católica Santa María (UCSM) in Arequipa, Peru.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UCSM formalizes a collaborative partnership to advance legal education across borders. UA and UCSM began exploring mutually beneficial opportunities in 2023.
As part of this agreement, Akron Law will launch a flexible, fully online Master of Laws program tailored for UCSM graduates who have earned a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB). This innovative program is designed to expand academic and professional pathways for UCSM law students and alumni by providing access to a top-tier legal education.
In March 2025, a delegation from UA traveled to Arequipa, Cusco, Puno and Juliaca, Peru. While in Arequipa, UA administrators signed a university-wide Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UCSM to formalize the collaborative partnership and provide opportunities for other UA divisions.
Beyond the classroom, the trip provided cultural and professional enrichment. Thirteen law students, accompanied by faculty and guests, visited legal institutions such as courts, notary offices and other civic sites in Peru to better understand the local legal system. Patrick Gaughan, associate professor of law, and Gary Spring, visiting practitioner, along with Andrew Costigan, assistant dean of student affairs, led an in-person Law & Economics class, further building on the online course already being co-taught between the two institutions.
The Akron Law students explored Peru’s vibrant culture and iconic landmarks — including the world-renowned Machu Picchu — adding a powerful global learning experience to their legal education.
“This kind of cultural and academic exchange is invaluable,” said Costigan. “Students not only deepen their legal knowledge but also gain global perspectives that are essential in today’s interconnected world.”
In addition, Dean Emily Janoski-Haehlen, and Gaughan engaged in several days of meetings with UCSM representatives discussing various options to further expand the learning opportunities for students and faculty at both law schools.
Future plans include UCSM sending a delegation of faculty and students to Akron this September, continuing the exchange on both sides. There are also discussions underway about Peruvian students enrolling in Akron Law’s Juris Doctor or Master of Laws programs, further enhancing the international student experience on campus. Additionally, Gaughan is co-authoring a scholarly article with a UCSM faculty member on teaching Law & Economics across international contexts — a publication that may be the first of many emerging from the partnership.
“This is more than a one-time trip or event,” said Costigan. “We’re looking at an ongoing partnership that could expand to include research, more robust student and faculty exchanges, and possibly even extend into Europe, given UCSM’s connections in Spain.”
This international collaboration not only expands academic opportunities but also positions UA as a leader in global legal education, offering students firsthand experiences that prepare them for the complexities of practicing law in a globalized world.
For more information about UCSM’s School of Law, click here. The official press release from UCSM can be viewed here.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd; cboyd@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476