Office of General Counsel – at Appalachian State University

Whom We Can Help

The Office of General Counsel is part of the Division of Institutional Integrity and provides legal advice, counsel and representation, training, and risk management services to Appalachian State University, to its constituent units and affiliated entities, and to its trustees, officers, employees, and student leaders while acting on the university’s behalf.

Not one of these people? Try our campus partner at the Appalachian State University Student Legal Clinic, in the Division of Student Affairs.

Services We Provide

Our legal team provides a wide range of services on all matters having legal significance for Appalachian. Learn more about our services.

For specific advice, browse our Legal Topics.

In the fall of 2021, Chancellor Sheri Everts authorized the creation of a new division, the Division of Institutional Integrity that reports to the General Counsel.

Legal Topics

Policy Manual

The Office of General Counsel maintains the policies contained in the Appalachian State University Policy Manual which are applicable to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors of the University University Policies are developed, reviewed, revised, approved,...

Record Retention

The UNC System Records Retention and Disposition Schedule (the "Schedule") is a tool for the staff and faculty of Appalachian State University to use when managing the records in their offices. This schedule lists records commonly found at Appalachian and gives an...

Public Records

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132 et seq., public records may be released to the public upon request. Public records are defined as any document, regardless of physical form or storage location, that is made or received in the scope of conducting University business....

Intellectual Property

Appalachian State University encourages faculty, staff, and students to participate in scholarly research and creative activities that create knowledge and enhance the education of our students and community. Intellectual property is a general term that describes a...

First Amendment

Appalachian State University ("University") is a supporter of the concepts of free speech and academic freedom and acknowledges the differences between speakers, opinions, and beliefs. Still, the University must balance respect for and obligation to the First...

Facility Use

Appalachian State University encourages the free exchange of ideas on its campus while ensuring that other important University interests and activities are not infringed upon or disrupted. As such, the Facility Use Policy is designed to support the University’s...

Delegation of Signature Authority

The chancellor at each University of North Carolina institution has the authority to sign contracts, leases, and other legal documents. Accordingly, Appalachian State University’s Chancellor retains this authority at all times and may exercise it personally or through...

Contracts Process/Management

A contract is any document that imposes an obligation on the University or legally binds the University to another party. Contracts can be used to purchase goods or services, detail a relationship between two entities or persons, or include the responsibilities and...

Political Activities of Employees

University employees who wish to run for or hold any elective or appointive public office are subject to state law and regulations adopted by the Board of Governors or the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). Due to potential conflicts of interest or time, all EPS...