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.
Expertise, Credentials, and the Value of the University
It seems we can’t trust our own credentials or those that we provide to our students. Or perhaps it would be better to say that we have so much confidence
Constance C. Relihan
May 18, 2026
