The Division of General Counsel at Jackson State University provided legal support to all major divisions of the university in 2011-2012. They responded to legal requests, managed litigation, investigated employee complaints, drafted policies and contracts, and communicated with other legal offices. Through their efforts, no lawsuits resulted in verdicts against the university, litigation was reduced, employee complaints decreased, and policies were updated.

1. 2011 – 2012
Annual Report

2.  During 2011-2012, the Division of General
Counsel (DGC) provided legal counsel and
support to every major University division, and it
proudly shares in what was a momentous year for
Jackson State University.
 The DGC’s primary function is to timely respond
to all legal requests from other JSU divisions,
while also managing legal matters of which the
DGC takes ownership and is accountable.

3.  Actions: During 2011-2012, the DGC implemented litigation
strategies, managed outside legal counsel, coordinated
discovery requests with University personnel, drafted
dispositive legal pleadings, prepared witnesses for
depositions and hearings, and participated in depositions and
hearings.
 Outcomes: No verdict was awarded against the University,
multiple lawsuits were dismissed, two tort cases were
favorably settled, and the overall litigation case load was
decreased. All discovery deadlines, some involving extensive
document review and production, were met. Dispositive
motions which were drafted during this time period are
currently pending in federal court.

4.  Actions: The DGC worked closely with the Division of
Human Resources and the Division of Academic
Affairs to investigate and resolve employee
complaints as well as support appeal processes. The
DGC drafted responses to complaints and advised
administrators based on investigative findings.
 Outcomes: This work reduced potential future
liability, ensured compliance with laws and policies,
and promoted fairness through institutional
oversight. During 2011-2012, the number of
employee complaints which advanced to become an
active lawsuit continued to decrease.

5.  Actions: The DGC assisted the Division of Academic
Affairs in drafting a Diversity Plan, and the DGC, in
connection with other University divisions, responded
to EEOC and OCR Complaints.
 Outcomes: The DGC responded timely to all EEOC
Charges and investigations, none of which resulted
in an adverse finding by the EEOC. Furthermore, the
majority of Charges did not advance to litigation.
The DGC negotiated and facilitated a successful
settlement of an OCR complaint without any cost to
or payment from the University.

6.  Actions: The DGC drafted, reviewed, edited, and
approved most of the University’s contracts, exclusive of
those involving Federal grants.
 Outcomes: The number of contracts being reviewed has
continually increased, demonstrating proper
acknowledgement by divisions of review requirements.
For example, over 35 contracts were drafted or edited
and approved in the most recent month. As a result,
review turnaround times have increased. However, the
hiring of an Associate General Counsel for the Fall of
2012 will enable expedited contract review and
approvals.

7.  Actions: The DGC drafted, edited, and approved policies
during 2011-2012.
 Outcomes: The most notable collection of policies which
was approved during this time is the 2012 JSU Staff
Handbook. Some notable policies govern the following:
sexual harassment, employee complaint procedures, ethics
and whistleblowing, commencement, background checks,
free speech, limited English proficiency, tuition waivers,
the use of state-owned vehicles, and the policy on
policies. Additionally, the 2011 Faculty Handbook is
currently under revision, and multiple other policies are
being drafted.

8.  Actions: The DGC maintained communication with IHL’s Office
of Legal Affairs, and assisted with the drafting of IHL agenda
items for submission. The General Counsel periodically met with
attorneys of peer institutions, and regularly communicated with
JSU’s Third Party Administrator in regard to claims. The DGC
served as the point of contact for attorneys who are adverse to
the University, and this division frequently engaged outside
groups or persons in order to resolve conflicts.
 Outcomes: Frequent communications with IHL Legal Counsel as
well as in-house counsel at peer institutions have benefited JSU
and promoted a consistent approach to addressing significant
legal issues which affect all Mississippi’s state institutions.
Involvement in conflict resolution reduced potential liability while
enabling administration to dedicate attention to other matters.

9.  Cabinet: The General Counsel served as a member of the President’s
Cabinet, where he supported major University initiatives by contributing
to strategic decisions and participating in special projects. The iPad
project is one such example.
 General Counsel and Training: The DGC routinely responded to legal
inquiries, and provided training bi-monthly during new employee
orientation.
 Public Records: The DGC responded to external requests for
information, including all public records requests.
 Procurement: Advised on procurement issues.
 Real Estate: Performed title work, or otherwise supported, real estate-
related projects.
 Public Relations: Provided occasional review of press releases.
 Intellectual Property: Assisted auxiliary enterprises with copyright or
contractual issues.
 Investigations: Investigated ethics matters or other potential violations,
and provided advice to the Division of Internal Audit.
 Staff Hiring: The DGC successfully hired an Associate General Counsel
who will begin working with us Fall 2012.