What is the role of the Office of The University Attorney?

The basic responsibility of the Office of the University Attorney is to provide comprehensive legal advice and assistance to UNC Pembroke. The Office of the University Attorney provides these services on University matters to the Board of Trustees of UNC Pembroke, the principal administrators of the University, and through them, to the faculty, staff, and student government of UNC Pembroke.

The Office of the University Attorney advises the University concerning the legal implications of proposed policies and actions, counsels the University as to compliance with state and federal laws and administrative regulations, drafts or reviews University contracts, and coordinates legal aspects of the University’s real, personal, and intellectual property interests.

Does the Office of the University Attorney provide general guidance on legal issues related to the University and higher education?

Yes. The Office can provide general guidance for members of the University community on a number of legal issues, including:

• contracts
• copyright law
• FERPA
• insurance
• interview and search committee guidelines
• planning field trips
• public records and open meetings
• state competition with private business
• classroom policies and practices

Does the Office of the University Attorney work with other external agencies?

Yes. The Office of The University Attorney represents the University to a variety of external regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. This function requires responding to inquiries, charges, or complaints registered by or with such organizations, usually through conducting internal investigations, marshaling evidence, and developing and articulating University positions and responses in consultation with appropriate University Administrators. The University Attorney is also the primary liaison between UNC Pembroke and the Office of the Attorney General of North Carolina and the Division of Legal Affairs within the UNC Office of the President.

Will the University Attorney represent me on a personal matter?

No. The University Attorney is advisor to the Chancellor, administrators, and the Board of Trustees of UNC Pembroke on legal matters involving the University. The University Attorney does not advise administrators, faculty, staff, or students on any personal matters.

About the Office of the University Attorney Web site

The materials and information on the Office of the University Attorney web site are presented for informational and general guidance purposes only and should not be relied upon as direct legal advice. The information on this web site will be revised from time to time as appropriate, but references to law or policy may not always be current.

Please contact the Office of the University Attorney for specific legal advice related to the University.

Acknowledgement: Thanks to the UNC Charlotte Office of General Counsel for allowing us to adapt portions of their web site for UNCP's Office of the University Attorney.

Last updated May 25, 2004