Office Of Legal Affairs, Ethics, and Compliance

The Office of Legal Affairs, Ethics, and Compliance (OLAEC) manages and coordinates legal services for Columbus State University, including providing counsel and advice to the President, the Executive Leadership Team, and various administrators on a variety of matters, including but not limited to employment, public records requests, business transactions, student concerns, and compliance with pertinent federal and state laws. OLAEC also works closely with lawyers at the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Office of Attorney General.

We provide advice and counsel to the University, including CSU officials acting in their official capacities. We do not provide advice and counsel to employees on matters that are personal in nature, nor do we advise students on legal matters except when those students are employees or are acting in an official or volunteer capacity, such as, an officer in the student government association or as a recognized volunteer in a structured volunteer program.

Although we don't perform legal services of a personal nature, USG employees can seek personal legal advice or representation through the KEPRO Employee Assistance Program (EAP). A 30-minute phone or in-person consultation is available to help answer basic legal questions and simplify the process of obtaining legal help.

The Office of Legal Affairs, Ethics, and Compliance is located in Suite 206, Richards Hall. We welcome all calls and questions.

DISCLAIMER: Materials presented are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Any attorney should be consulted regarding the specific facts and circumstances associated with any legal matter. No warranties or representations are made as to the accuracy of any information presented here or at any of the web sites to which a link is provided, and the inclusion of a link or reference is not intended to be or imply any endorsement. Any discrepancy between the information presented here and the official rules and policies of Columbus State University is not intended to and does not alter or amend the official rules and policies.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

The Office of Legal Affairs can assist with legal concerns on Covid-19 related issues. Below are resources that may be able to address your concerns immediately. If not, feel free to contact our office for further assistance.

Waivers and Releases

Below is COVID-19 specific waiver for activities that take place during periods when the state of Georgia is subject to Executive Orders issued by the Office of Governor in response to COVID-19, and possibly beyond. This waiver would be signed in addition to any other standard release or waiver to be signed by the participant.

• Assumption of the Risk, Hold Harmless, Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19 (Participant) (Word)
• Assumption of the Risk, Hold Harmless, Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19 (Parent or Guardian) (Word)

Contracts and other legal obligations

Due to COVID-19, form contracts found under the Frequently used contracts and forms tab have been updated to address COVID-19 related issues. If you have questions regarding the university's legal obligations under existing or proposed contracts in light of COVID-19, please let us know by providing the following:

• A copy of any contracts, including all addenda and amendments (don't worry if you don't have all contract documents. If the agreement was approved via the online submission process, we will have it.)
• Any correspondence with the party or vendor; and
• A summary of the nature of the concern or dispute