hot topics
| Regents Rules | |||||||||
| The UNT System Board of Regents recently adopted The Rules of the Board of Regents of the University of North Texas System (Regents Rules). Regents Rules generally relate to the UNT System as a whole and establish fundamental principles as a basis and guide for UNT System Administration and Institutions in implementing the Board of Regents’ vision and direction. Click to access the Regents Rules. | |||||||||
| Legal Review of Contracts | |||||||||
| The UNT System Board of Regents has delegated authority to the Office of General Counsel to exempt certain contracts and agreements from individualized legal review as stated in the Criteria for Exemption, issued in writing annually by the Office of General Counsel. The current Criteria for Exemption took effect September 1, 2009. The new exemptions include several changes from the FY 09 exemptions, including an increase to the dollar amount of purchasing contracts exempt from legal review. Purchasing contracts (except clinical services agreements) with a value at or below $100,000 are will be exempt from legal review beginning September 1, 2009. To see the complete list of contracts which are exempt from individualized legal review click here. |
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| Contracting Handbook | |||||||||
| The Office of General Counsel provides a Contracting Handbook to assist the UNT System in negotiation and review of contracts and agreements. The Handbook includes forms, checklists and other useful contracting information. Click to see the Contracting Handbook. | |||||||||
| Standard Contracts | |||||||||
| Standard Contracts and Agreements are contracts or agreements prepared on forms created by the Office of General Counsel or by other parties, which have been reviewed and approved in writing by the Office of General Counsel for use without individualized legal review. The written approval for the use of a Standard Contract or Agreement will expire every two years, at which time the Standard Contract or Agreement will be reviewed, revised if needed, and re-approved if appropriate. Click here for additional information. | |||||||||
| Role and Scope of the Office of General Counsel | |||||||||
| Attorneys in the Office of General Counsel cannot provide legal advice or representation to employees or students about legal issues of a personal nature, such as divorce, wills and landlord tenant issues. In addition, the OGC does not provide advice in matters unrelated to University business or to individuals whose interests are or may be adverse to the UNT System and its component institutions. Click for more information. | |||||||||
| Obligation to report Child Abuse | |||||||||
| Every year the campuses of the University of North Texas System host numerous events, activities and programs that welcome and encourage participation by the youngest and most vulnerable population in our communities — children. Summer is an especially busy time for these activities, with youth camps, special programs and outreach activities. While we are enthusiastic about the presence of youth at our camps, activities, and programs, events at other universities highlight the need for all members of the campus community to be clear about the obligation to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. The law in Texas is unambiguous — Any person who has reason to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect by another person must immediately report the suspected abuse or neglect to state or local law enforcement or to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services ("DFPS"). This obligation applies to ALL members of the university community, including faculty, administrators, staff and even students. In addition, there are special reporting obligations for certain employees defined in law as "professionals." "Professionals," including "teachers, nurses, doctors, day-care employees and employees of a clinic or health care facility that provides reproductive services," have a specific duty to make a report not later than 48 hours after suspecting that a child has been or may be abused or neglected or a victim of indecency with a child. A "child" is a person under 18 years of age. Click for more information. |
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| Political Activity by University Employees | |||||||||
While System and Institution employees are encouraged to fully and freely exercise their constitutional right to vote and to express their opinions regarding political candidates and issues, the following are important reminders for us all as University and State Employees:
For guidance on whether a specific political activity is permitted, please contact the Office of General Counsel. For more information click here. |
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