Law & Policy in Higher Education

Catalog description

This course examines current legal and policy issues in higher education, including policy, analysis, research and development, implementation, refinement, and monitoring mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on the use of policy as a tool for continuous improvement and development of higher education institutions and systems. The role of consultation with stakeholders in policy and regulatory development and refinement is stressed. The course emphasizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes relating to policy, the application of legal constructs and standards, and the understanding of governance structures and functions. Students learn about relevant statutory and case law for postsecondary leaders and policy makers with particular emphasis on employment, affirmative action, torts, public and private law, academic freedom, contracts, tenure, free speech, privacy rights, civil rights, due process and student rights. Emphasis is placed on what postsecondary leaders need to know about the law and policy.