Office of Legal Affairs

The Office of Legal Affairs represents Middle Georgia State University and provides legal advice and services to University administrators, faculty, and staff acting in their official capacities. The Office does not represent individual employees or students in their personal capacities.

No. The Office represents MGA and cannot provide personal legal advice or representation to students, faculty, staff, or members of the public. Individuals needing personal legal assistance may wish to contact the State Bar of Georgia or another private legal-services provider.

However, if an MGA employee is sued or becomes involved in litigation because of actions taken within the scope of their University employment, the University will coordinate with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office regarding legal representation and defense. Employees who receive a lawsuit, subpoena, demand letter, or other legal document related to their University employment should contact the Office of Legal Affairs immediately.

Contracts and other agreements that create obligations for MGA should be submitted through the University’s contract review process before they are signed. This includes agreements such as contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), affiliation agreements, facility-use agreements, software and technology agreements, and other documents containing terms or conditions that bind the University.

Do not sign an agreement on behalf of MGA unless you have been specifically delegated authority to do so. For information about submitting an agreement for review, visit the Contracts page.

Only individuals with appropriate delegated signature authority may execute agreements on behalf of MGA or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia by and on behalf of MGA. Employees should not sign contracts, terms and conditions, click-through agreements, or other documents purporting to bind the University unless they have been specifically authorized to do so. 

Contact the Office of Legal Affairs immediately and provide a copy of the document. Legal documents often have short response deadlines. Employees should not respond on behalf of MGA, accept obligations on MGA’s behalf, or provide University records without appropriate review.

Do not obstruct or interfere with the officer. If the officer requests University records, seeks access to a nonpublic area, or presents a subpoena, warrant, or other legal document, promptly contact the Office of Legal Affairs or MGA Police. Employees generally should not provide University records or authorize access on MGA’s behalf without appropriate University review.

MGA maintains procedures for reporting sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and other concerns addressed under Title IX. Information about reporting options, supportive measures, University procedures, and Title IX contacts is available on MGA’s Title IX webpage

University programs and activities involving minors must comply with MGA and University System of Georgia requirements regarding registration, supervision, training, background checks, and reporting. Departments should review these requirements early in the planning process.

Visit the Programs Serving Minors page for more information.

Contact us whenever you encounter a legal issue affecting MGA, particularly before taking action when you are unsure about the University’s legal obligations. Common matters include contracts, subpoenas and litigation, employment matters, student issues, policies, open records, regulatory compliance, privacy, intellectual property, minors on campus, and questions involving state or federal law.