Through a series of conversations over the course of the academic year, we aim to bring together campus leaders to grapple with timely issues, share experiences, and learn from one another. We have intentionally selected topics relevant to Oberlin’s operations and goals, imbued with legal nuance or hidden complexity, and ultimately, robust for discussion. We invite you to join us in these Conversations with Counsel. Some topics might seem more intriguing or relevant to your experience than others, and we encourage you to take part in these conversations as much or as little as your time and interest permit.
During spring 2023, Conversations with Counsel will be held from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of the months of February, March, and April in Moffett Auditorium (Mudd A Level). Please register here for upcoming sessions of Conversations with Counsel. Registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome!
Thank you for considering spending some of your valuable time with us, and we look forward to engaging with you at our spring 2023 sessions:
The Law as an Ally in Advancing EDI
February 23, 2023
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
As the College continues its efforts at building a more diverse and inclusive community for faculty and staff, Human Resources, in partnership with academic departments and administrative divisions, will be developing strategies and recommendations to move us forward. Echoing themes found in the Presidential Initiative, this session will provide helpful discussion and guidance for that work. It will cover topics ranging from faculty and staff hiring practices to workplace culture, all in the spirit of partnering to effectively navigate unique challenges with the employment law landscape.
Digging into the College’s Business: Contracts & things that don’t seem like contracts but actually are
March 30, 2023
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
This session will explore the College’s legal processes and support systems for the institution’s contracting activities. The discussion will include practice tips for employees who make and perform under agreements on behalf of the College. Topics will include licensing agreements, waivers, program agreements, standard business agreements, independent contractor agreements, community partnership agreements, and other arrangements that do not readily present themselves as legal agreements.
Oberlin & Me: When am I Oberlin, and why does it matter?
April 27, 2023
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
This session will focus on the intersection of action and responsibility. We will explore a variety of topics, such as specific actions that could be attributable to the College (including social media and other speech), implications of actions taken pursuant to one’s employment, and the creation of obligations on behalf of the College. We will also consider the College’s procedures regarding protests and student speech.
