Being a department chair means having to handle a diverse array of legal issues, including academic freedom, harassment, student privacy, and personnel matters such as termination and denial of tenure. Rather than trying to acquire a thorough understanding of the intricacies of every legal situation one might encounter, Fernando Gomez, vice chancellor and general counsel for the Texas State University System, recommends developing a basic understanding of legal principles, using common sense, and seeking expert help when necessary to make this important aspect of the position more manageable.
Investigative Overreach on Campus: Faculty Perspectives and Strategies for Improvement
Review of Professors Speak Out: The Truth about Campus Investigations, edited by Nicholas H. Wolfinger (Academica Press, 2025)
Martha McCaughey
August 18, 2025
