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.