Old Main columns detail

Legal Topics

Guidance and information on common legal topics.

Nittany Lion mascot at white out football game.

Affiliated Entities

Learn how affiliated nonprofit entities help strengthen the University’s research, outreach, and financial resources.

Columns on a brick building

Affiliation Agreements/Internship Agreements

Learn what academic affiliation agreements are and the process to create one between Penn State and a potential partner organization.

Penn State University Seal

Business Transactions & Contracts

Agreements, negotiations, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation in Penn State business transactions & contracts.

Clocktower Altoona campus

Faculty & Staff Matters

Matters associated with Penn State employees including benefits, contracts, employment & personnel, free speech & civil rights, human resources, research, retirement, tenure & promotion.

Old Main through the metal globe statue.

FERPA

Learn what FERPA protects and how Penn State students can give permission for their education records to be shared.

campus building

Immigration

We help Penn State navigate the complex immigration-related processes and questions that arise due to the global nature of the institution.

Westgate Building (IST)

Intellectual Property

Helping to secure rights for inventions and creative works while ensuring compliance with copyright and patent laws.

Phd commencement ceremony

Legal Documents

What to do if you are served with a legal document like a Summons, Writ, or Complaint indicating that a lawsuit has been filed agains the University.

borland building

Litigation

Providing legal guidance to prevent disputes, managing risk, and representing the University in legal proceedings.

Penn State University Seal

Litigation Holds

What a legal hold is, when Penn State may require one, and what you need to do if you’re asked to preserve records during an investigation or legal matter.

Phd commencement ceremony

Real Estate

Issues relating to the ownership, construction, leasing and management of all University real estate and facilities.

Old Main cupola through trees.

Subpoenas & Search Warrants

What to do if you are served with a subpoena or search warrant as a Penn State employee, and guidance for third parties seeking to serve the University with a records subpoena.

Questions?

These resources provide general information and answers to common questions but are not a complete list of all legal matters handled by our office. To contact an attorney about a specific matter not presented here, see our Subject Matter Index or contact GeneralCounsel@psu.edu.