VISION

Saint Augustine’s University and its Board of Trustees will have efficient and cost-effective access to the high-quality professional legal advice, counseling, and representation they need to achieve their missions.

MISSION

The mission of the General Counsel’s Office is to provide the highest quality legal advice, counsel, and representation* to our clients, Saint Augustine’s University, its Board of Trustees, officers and employees (acting within the scope of their official responsibilities) so they can: (a) carry out their missions, (b) prudently manage the related risks and opportunities, (c) resolve legal conflicts, and (d) meet their legal and ethical responsibilities. The General Counsel’s Office will deliver legal services efficiently, with minimum disruption to our clients, and in the best interests (legal and non-legal) of Saint Augustine’s University.

*Legal advice, counsel, and representation include the following services:

  • Defending, asserting, managing, and resolving legal claims/conflicts
  • Reviewing, negotiating and approving contracts, leases, and other legal transactions
  • Engaging, overseeing, and managing external legal counsel
  • Preventative efforts:
    • Training
    • Counseling Trustees and Administrators
    • Supporting Risk Managers
    • Advising on the ethical/moral aspects of administrative/ legal matters

Values Ethics:

  • Keeping commitments
  • Humility
  • “Doing the right thing”
  • Respect our clients

 

Service:

  • Highest Quality
  • Knowledgeable (broad and current)
  • Common Sense and Practical
  • Preventative/Proactive
  • Respectful
  • Independent
  • Counseling
  • Cooperative 

Client Satisfaction:

  • Timeliness
  • Accessible
  • Approachable
  • Listen well
  • Respect Roles

 

Quality of Personal/Professional Life:

  • Enjoyable: People, Place, Equipment, Stress levels
  • Fulfilling
  • Commitment to Institutional Missions
  • Challenging
  • Fresh
  • Interesting
  • Approach Life with a sense of Curiosity, Wonder, and Humor

WHEN TO CONSULT THE OGC

As in-house counsel, we are the most effective when providing early, preventative and prospective advice on matters by identifying, managing and avoiding risk and legal situations rather than waiting until a controversy or problem has been encountered.

The OGC should always be contacted in the following circumstances:

  1. When outside counsel contacts you about a matter relating to the university.
  2. When a government inspector or investigator shows up in your office.
  3. Whenever you need legal advice pertaining to your official responsibilities at the university.
  4. Matters involving the university’s accreditation.
  5. Crisis communication and/or university statements on Title IX issues, board governance, executive leadership, or presidential transitions.
  6. When the university has received a subpoena, a notice or threat of a lawsuit, claim, proceeding, investigation or contract dispute.
  7. When you receive a notice or complaint from an administrative agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP
  8. When an outside party has demanded payment for a wrong alleged to have been committed by the university or by an agent of the university.
  9. When the university receives a request for records or documents.
  10.  Anytime you are asked to sign a contract (e.g. agreement, memorandum of understanding, license) other than an OGC approved template form for which you have express written delegated signatory authority.
  11. When the Committee on Problem Admissions and Extraordinary Disciplinary Emergencies is formed to hear a student matter.
  12. When an individual has suffered a serious injury or death occurring on property owned, leased or managed by the university.
  13. When a university employee in the course and scope of work has suffered a serious injury or death.
  14. When serious injury or death has occurred to an enrolled student while participating in a university sponsored activity, program or field trip.
  15. When significant property damage has occurred to property owned, leased or managed by the university.
  16. Prior to acquiring or disposing of real property.
McCullers

Damian McCullers, Esquire 

University General Counsel

generalcounsel@st-aug.edu

If you have any questions, please contact the office at generalcounsel@st-aug.edu.

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