FAQ Below are some frequently asked questions relating to the Office of University Counsel and other legal matters. If you have legal-related questions, please contact the Office of University Counsel. General Counsel ☰ Menu Legal Resources UNI Policies FAQ EthicsPoint Reporting Who does University counsel represent? The office of University Counsel represents the University of Northern Iowa. This representation does not extend to faculty, staff, students, or administrators in a personal capacity. University Counsel advises and supports faculty, staff, students, and administrators in their official capacities. What type of legal services does University Counsel provide? University counsel provides a wide range of legal services to UNI. When issues are not within the expertise of University Counsel, outside counsel may be retained. Attorneys from the Iowa Attorney General’s Office may also provide legal assistance for various matters. Is what I tell University Counsel confidential? Conversations with University Counsel are generally confidential as to third parties. University Counsel may disclose what is necessary to other University officials or administrators on a need-to-know basis or as required by law. Should I accept service of a subpoena, lawsuit, or legal document? No, unless you are authorized to accept legal documents on behalf of the University, you are to refuse to accept such documents and direct the process server to University Counsel. Should you be a named party in connection with a legal matter in your professional capacity, contact and forward the documents to University Counsel immediately. If you are served with legal documents in your personal capacity, you may want to seek outside legal assistance. Can University facilities, equipment or supplies be used for employee’s political activities? No, University resources may not be used for personal endeavors, including political activities. Additionally, employees do not have the right to speak on behalf of the university concerning political matters unless it is within the scope of the employee’s employment. See UNI policy 10.09 Federal and State Lobbying and Political Activity and Iowa Code Chapter 721 Official Misconduct. I would like to file a grievance; how do I do that? Certain UNI grievance policies and procedures can be found on the UNI Policy website. Other concerns and complaints may be addressed through direct communication with the appropriate person(s) and/or the relevant process as provided in UNI policies, handbooks, etc. UNI also has a confidential reporting service through EthicsPoint, for anonymous reporting of inappropriate conduct or similar concerns. How do I request public records from UNI? Contact the Director of University Relations or designee, E Bartlett 126, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0392. For other information regarding public records requests, including what is considered a public record, see the UNI public records policy and Public Records webpages.
