Office of General Counsel
The Office of General Counsel provides legal services to the University of Dallas
and is responsible for safeguarding the University’s legal interests and managing
all of its legal affairs. The objective of the office is to provide legal services
commensurate with the University’s commitment to excellence in all of its activities
and within the context of the mission, vision and values that are unique to this Catholic
institution of higher education.
Mission
The General Counsel supports the mission, vision and values of the University of Dallas
by providing legal advice to foster sound decision-making in all areas of operation,
instruction and administration. In pursuing this mission, the General Counsel seeks
to minimize legal risks and costs, reduce litigation exposure and ensure legal compliance
as efficiently, expeditiously, reliably and professionally as possible.
Focus
The focus of the office practice is on preventative counsel and to be proactive to
address legal risks rather than reactive. To the extent possible, the General Counsel
strives to respond to questions before they become problems and to address and resolve
problems before they become lawsuits.
University Policy Website
A broad range of policies guide and govern the activities of the members of the University community. Policies connect the University mission to the everyday actions of the University community
and clarify the University’s expectations for its individual members. University
policies mitigate institutional risk, enhance efficiencies and support the University’s
compliance with laws and regulations. Policies of the University are intended to
support a safe, respectful and ethical learning, living and work environment in compliance
with the University’s mission and values and applicable Federal, state and local laws.
The Office of General Counsel coordinates the editing, review, issuance and archiving
of University policy. This Policy Website is intended to ensure that the University
community has ready access to well-articulated and understandable University policies.
New content will be added and updated as approved. While this webpage is intended
to include all significant University policies, the formal adoption of policy is a
new and developing process. There may be applicable University policies that are
not listed or linked through this webpage. Individuals should inquire with appropriate
University offices and departments about specific policies that may apply to specific
activities. The absence of an applicable policy from this webpage does not excuse
a member of the University community from compliance with University policy. Individual
colleges and departments may have standards and guidelines, all of which must be consistent
with University-wide policies.