GENERAL
What does the Office of Legal Affairs do?
The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice and representation to Barry University, including all its campuses, locations and programs. This includes providing advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff acting in their official capacities on a variety of issues affecting the University.
The Office of Legal Affairs also provides risk management services, including claims management for most matters. It does not manage workers’ compensation claims which are managed by Human Resources. The Office of Legal Affairs will also assist programs in determining appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
The Office of Legal Affairs does not represent individual faculty, staff members, or administrators in personal legal matters outside the scope of University business.
Will the Office of Legal Services represent me if I am sued?
If you are sued in your official capacity as a University employee, the Office of Legal Affairs may represent you directly or through outside counsel engaged by the University. The Office of Legal Affairs cannot provide legal advice or representation for personal matters
I was served with a subpoena, complaint or other legal document. What should I do?
Submit the subpoena, complaint or document to the Office of Legal Affairs through TeamDynamix Questions—Legal or Other.
What laws or regulations apply to my department or program?
A good starting point to understand the federal laws that apply to your department is the Higher Education Compliance Alliance Matrix.
Where can I find University policies? University policies can be found here.
Where can I get more information about Title IX? Information about University Title IX compliance can be found here.
What if I have a concern about something happening at the University?
You may reach out to Human Resources (hrsupport@barry.edu), Legal Affairs, HIPAA Compliance Officer (hipaaprivacyofficer@barry.edu) , Title IX Compliance Officer (TitleIX@barry.edu) or you may reach out to the University's Anonymous Reporting Hotline.
How can I reach out to the Office of Legal Affairs? You may reach out here. Legal Affairs can also be reached at legal@barry.edu or 305-899-4784,
When should I reach out to the Office of Legal Affairs?
Early involvement by the Office of Legal Affairs is strongly encouraged. While encouraging communication, however, the Office of Legal Affairs must also prioritize needs and optimize the use of limited resources. To that end, staff and faculty should use the Legal Affairs TeamDynamix ticketing system for routine matters. Any out of the ordinary concerns should be raised through the staff or faculty member’s chain command up to their Dean or Vice President. The Dean or Vice President will make a determination as to the need of involving the Office of Legal Affairs.
ACTIVITIES WITH MINORS
I am organizing an activity/program/summer camp that includes minors. What should I know about working with minors? (1) Review the Activities with Minors Policy which details the University’s requirements for working with minors, including Level II Background Screening, sex offender registry check, sexual abuse prevention training, etc. (2) Complete an Activities with Minors Risk Assessment Intake. (3) Be familiar with the Child Abuse Reporting Policy.
CONTRACTS
Where can I find a contract template?
Contract templates can be found on BUCWIS’s Contract Templates Webpage
How do I get a contract reviewed for legal sufficiency? Submit the contract and the contract routing log HERE.
Who can sign my contract? The Contract Review and Approval Policy provides information about the contract review process as well as who is authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the University. If you submit the contract to the Office of Legal Affairs for legal review, the Office of Legal Affairs will forward the contract for signature on your behalf.
I need a general release, waiver of liability or hold harmless template for an activity or event that I am planning.
If planning an event or activity that you have determined needs a waiver of liability or hold harmless agreement, reach out to Legal Affairs. If the event includes minors, become familiar with the Policy Regarding Activities with Minors and fill out the Activities with Minors Form.
Can the University enter into a contract with a single individual (i.e., a consultant)?
Most likely if the individual is a sole proprietor. Reach out to Human Resources at HRsupport@barry.edu to determine if the individual should be considered a sole proprietor. Here is a Consultant Agreement Template (Sole Proprietor).
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
I am taking an international trip. How do I sign up for the University’s Safe Travel Program? All the information regarding the University’s Safe Travel Program (including international travel insurance) and how to register your trip can be found HERE.
I need proof of travel insurance. Request proof of travel insurance HERE.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The company/vendor/collaborator I am working with has requested a Certificate of Insurance or a renewal. Submit request for the Certificate of Insurance HERE
I graduated from a health care program and my employer needs a credentialing verification. Submit a request for the credentialing verification HERE
How do I report an accident, injury or damage? File an incident report with Campus Safety at 305-899-3333 or dispatch@barry.edu.
I was in a car accident while driving a University vehicle. (1) Contact the local police department and obtain an accident report. (2) Take pictures. (3) Exchange insurance information with any other driver (if any) which can be found in the glove compartment of all University vehicles. (4) File an incident report with Campus Safety at 305-899-3333 or dispatch@barry.edu.
I was injured while working. How do I file a Workers Compensation claim? You can file a claim with Human Resources. More information can be found HERE.
I damaged someone else’s property in my capacity as a University employee. Does the University have insurance to cover this situation? Yes, notify the Office of Legal Affairs HERE. Legal Affairs will file a claim on your behalf.
Is there a policy about vehicles and golf carts? Yes, the Vehicle and Golf Cart Usage Policy addresses who can drive University vehicles and golf carts, how to request vehicle for a one-time use, how to purchase or lease a vehicle, department responsibilities, safety guidelines and use of personal vehicles for University business.
Is there a policy related to bus rentals? Yes, there is a Bus Rental Policy.
WHERE TO FIND UNIVERSITY DOCUMENTS
Where can I get the most current IRS Determination Letter?
The University’s Controller in the Office of Business and Finance maintains a current copy of the IRS Determination Letter. The most current determination letter can also be found at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
Where can I get the most recent Catholic Directory?
The University’s Controller in the Office of Business and Finance maintains a current copy of the Catholic Directory.
Where can I get the most current W-9 form for the University? The most current W-9 form can be obtained from the University’s Controller in the Office of Business and Finance.
Where can I get the University’s most current State of Florida Tax Exempt Certification (Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption)? The most current Tax-Exempt Certification can be obtained from the University’s Controller in the Office of Business and Finance.
Where can I get the most current corporate Certificate of Good Standing for the University?
The Vice President for University Administration serves as the corporate officer for the University, files the annual report and obtains a current copy of the Certificate of Good Standing.