Legal Compliance and Policy Coordination
The Office of Legal Compliance and Policy Coordination, in partnership with DePauw’s outside counsel, provides legal guidance and representation to university administrators, faculty, staff, and student governance groups on matters involving federal and state laws, university policies, and institutional operations.
This site offers information about the role of the office, available resources, university policies, and legal and compliance matters relevant to the DePauw community.
Need a Legal Inquiry Resolved?
To ensure efficient and coordinated handling of legal matters, all legal questions or concerns should initially be brought to the attention of your respective Vice President. The Vice President will evaluate whether the issue can be resolved at the divisional level or requires further legal input. If necessary, the Vice President will forward the inquiry to this office for review. The office will then collaborate directly with the Vice President to assess the issue, provide legal guidance, and determine the most effective course of action to resolve the matter."
Disclaimer: No Personal Legal Advice Provided
This website provides general legal and compliance information for educational purposes only. Further, the university’s legal office does not provide personal legal services to students, faculty, staff, or the public. For personal legal matters, please contact a qualified attorney.
Mission, Values, Vision (Need to title this something else)
As a trusted legal partner to DePauw University, the Office of Legal Compliance and Policy Coordination is committed to upholding the highest standards of legal excellence and ethical responsibility in support of the University’s mission, values, and strategic goals. We serve as strategic partners to the President, senior administrators, and university stakeholders, by helping navigate the legal landscape of higher education to support DePauw’s academic, operational, and community goals.
The mission of the Office of Legal Compliance and Policy Coordination at DePauw University is to provide timely, well-informed, and objective legal advice that enables sound, effective, and ethical decision-making across all levels of the University. We are dedicated to ensuring that all institutional actions, policies, and initiatives comply with applicable federal and state laws, regulatory requirements, and DePauw’s internal policies and governance standards. Through proactive identification, assessment, and management of legal risks, we strive to safeguard and advance the University’s reputation, financial and human resources, and strategic priorities, while fostering a campus-wide culture of integrity, equity, accountability, and transparency in all University operations and relationships.
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Integrity
We conduct our work with honesty, fairness, and accountability, by ensuring legal compliance and ethical decision-making in alignment with DePauw’s commitment to trust, integrity, and respect. -
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in legal practice, regulatory compliance, policy development, and institutional governance, by reflecting the university’s dedication to excellence in all areas. -
Collaboration
We partner with university leadership, faculty, and staff across departments to proactively address legal and policy matters — promoting shared responsibility and advancing DePauw’s mission and strategic goals. -
Equity and Inclusion
Through legal guidance and policy coordination, we support a campus culture that is inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all — in keeping with DePauw’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student success. -
Confidentiality and Transparency
We protect sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality, while promoting transparency and ethical governance wherever possible — building institutional trust and informed engagement. -
Responsiveness and Service
We provide timely, practical legal advice and compliance support to help the university navigate complex regulatory environments and make sound, values-driven decisions.
To be a trusted and essential resource for DePauw University enabling leadership to act with confidence, legal clarity, and accountability, while ensuring compliance and advancing institutional goals in service of the university’s long-term success.
Compliance Partner Network
The Compliance Partner Network (CPN) brings together cross-departmental partners to foster a culture of ethical conduct, legal compliance, and institutional integrity. Working collaboratively across departments, the CPN helps ensure that University policies and practices align with federal and state laws while upholding DePauw’s mission and values.
If you need a policy reviewed, revised, or created, please contact the CPN for guidance and coordination. Engaging the network early in the process promotes clarity, compliance, and consistency across the University.
- Phone: (765) 658-1029
- cpn@depauw.edu
Contact Us
Office of Legal Compliance and Policy Coordination
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- joycethompson-mils@depauw.edu
- (765) 658-1029
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313 S.. Locust Street
Greencastle, IN