Legal Resources for a Dean of Student Affairs

• A Dean of Student Affairs can enrich life on college campuses.student lovers backpacking in barcelona image by Barcabloo from Fotolia.com
  
  The Dean of Student Affairs (or Dean of Students) is the member of a college's administration who oversees most aspects of student life outside the classroom and advocates for the needs of students. The Dean of Students may advise or supervise dozens of student activities and organizations, including fraternities and sororities, student government, housing, safety and financial aid services. A number of legal issues inevitably arise in this environment, and a number of helpful resources are available.
  
  

Human Resources

• The most important legal resource for a Dean of Student Affairs is the college or university's attorney. Most colleges and universities of even modest size will have at least one attorney on staff to advise and represent the university in legal matters, and this individual should be contacted whenever a legal question arises.
  
  In some situations, a college or university will consult outside counsel if the issues presented so require. A Dean of Students who feels she may have personal legal exposure in a given situation may also wish to consult an attorney unaffiliated with the university.
  
  

Legal Guides and Textbooks

• Two books by William A. Kaplin and Barbara A. Lee cover legal issues in higher education. "A Legal Guide for Student Affairs Professionals, Second Edition" (Jossey-Bass, 2009) is specific to professionals in the field of student affairs, and is also available in a student edition. Kaplin and Lee's related work, "The Law of Higher Education," is a broader legal text covering a wider range of issues. The "Journal of Higher Education" says this text is "essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of organizing and managing American Higher Education Institutions." Both are available from the publisher, Jossey-Bass, and from online book retailers.
  
  Jossey-Bass
  
  c/o John Wiley & Sons
  
  111 River Street
  
  Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
  
  201-748-6000
  
  josseybass.com
  
  

Professional Organizations

• Several professional associations serve college and university administrators in the field of student affairs. Many provide online resources, as well as sponsor conferences, seminars and other events.
  
  American Student Government Association
  
  412 NW 16th Avenue
  
  Gainesville, FL 32601
  
  352-373-8120
  
  asgaonline.com
  
  Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors
  
  9640 N. Augusta Drive, Suite 433
  
  Carmel, IN 46032
  
  317-876-1632
  
  fraternityadvisors.org
  
  Council on Law in Higher Education
  
  9386 Via Classico West
  
  Wellington, Florida 33411
  
  561-792-4440
  
  clhe.org
  
  NASPA--Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
  
  111 K Street, NE, 10th Floor
  
  Washington, DC 20002
  
  202-265-7500
  
  naspa.org