General Counsel FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who does the University General Counsel represent?
The University Counsel represents Boise State University. In that capacity, the University Counsel advises the State Board of Education, President, Administrative Council, faculty, staff, volunteers and sometimes students, all in their official capacities, on various legal issues impacting the University.
Can I obtain personal legal advice and services from the General Counsel?
No. The University General Counsel provides legal services related to University business only.
I am a student. Can I obtain legal services from the General Counsel?
Only if it is related to your official capacity with the University. For other situations, ASBSU has an attorney who can answer legal questions for you. Please call 426-1527 to make an appointment.
How can I contact the Office of the General Counsel?
We are located in the Mathematics/GeoSciences Building, Room 206
Our phone number is 426-1203
Our fax number is: 426-1345
If I receive a subpoena, who do I contact?
Do not accept the subpoena, unless it is for you as an individual. If the subpoena is for records of the University, please direct the server to the Registrar’s office. If the subpoena is for the University, please direct the server to the General Counsel’s office.
How do I make a Public Records Request? If I receive a request for records who do I contact?
Please visit: http://news.boisestate.edu/open-records-request/ to download an Open Records Request Form and submit to Communications and Marketing via email at communications@boisestate.edu.
I heard that everything the University creates is a public record; is that true?
As a public institution, the University is subject to public oversight. One important means the Legislature has created to assure such oversight is the ability of the public to have access to University records and documents. All documents (whether paper or electronic) that relate to the official duties of University employees are considered public records, subject to inspection by any member of the public (with a few execptions).
What is a supervisor’s responsibility when someone provides information about sexual harassment?
If a student feels they have been discriminated against on the basis of sex by another student, please contact Blaine Eckles, Director, Student Rights and Responsibilities at: http://www.boisestate.edu/osrr/
If a student feels they have been discriminated against on the basis of sex by a staff member or if a faculty or staff member feels they have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, please contact Marla Henken, EEO/Affirmative Action Director at 208-426-1979.
Does an instructor have to provide classroom accommodations to students with disabilities?
Please see the Disabilty Resource Center’s website for all questions regarding accommodations: http://drc.boisestate.edu/
Does the University have general liability insurance for claims of loss or damage?
Yes. In order to file a claim, please contact the Office of Risk Management and Insurance or go to their website: http://rmi.boisestate.edu/GenLiability.shtml
Who has authority to sign contracts on behalf of the University?
Only those individuals who have been delegated signing authority by the Vice President for Finance and Administration. If you have not specifically been delegated authority to sign contracts for the University, please check with the office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration (426-1200), your director or dean to see who should sign.
How do I get permission to use the Boise State name, trademarks or logos?
You should direct all questions regarding use of Boise State’s name, trademarks or logos to Rachael Bickerton, Director of Trademark Licensing and Enforcement.
I was contacted by a law enforcement officer about University matters. What should I do?
When contacted by a law enforcement officer seeking access to records or files or requesting to interview University faculty, students or staff, you should be polite and state that the University will generally cooperate, but only in consultation with its legal counsel. You should ask the law enforcement officer to contact the General Counsel’s office.
I have received a notice from an estate regarding a gift that has been left to the University, what should I do with this information?
All estate documents, including any checks and receipts for funds, should be sent to the Foundation – Jennifer Neil.
I have a complaint to make about my employment; what do I do?
Please contact Marla Henken, EEO/Affirmative Action Director at 208-426-1979.
Who owns the rights in the intellectual property that I create while I am employed by the University?
Please see the Intellectual Property Policy: http://www.boisestate.edu/policy/policy_docs/1090_intellectualproperty.pdf
I received a Summons to appear for jury duty; can I get out of it?
You should comply with the rules of the court and county where you have been called for jury duty. This means that you need to appear at the time and date specified when summoned for jury duty. When you receive a notice or summons to appear for jury duty, notify your department administrator immediately.
Can a University Department or College sell or serve alcohol on campus?
Please see the Alcohol Beverage Permit Process: http://www.boisestate.edu/policy/policy_docs/1050_AlcoholBeveragePermitProcess.pdf
May I engage in political activity as an employee of the University?
Please refer to the Partisan Political Activities of Employees policy located here:
I have a contract that needs review. What do I do?
Refer to our University Contracts page for the contract review process
Can I have a raffle at my event?
The state of Idaho has specific laws that set forth the obligations that must be met in order for a University entity to hold a raffle which includes a limitation on the number of raffles that may be held per year. Therefore a department, student organization, must obtain approval of the raffle from [Alicia Estey]