Office of General Counsel
Our Mission
The University of St. Thomas Office of General Counsel (OGC) works to provide effective, practical and strategic counsel that:
- reflects the St. Thomas mission, vision and convictions;
- assures compliance with applicable laws; and
- makes the best use of available resources, consistent with the university's strategic priorities.
We seek to meet the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism in our work and to treat clients and counterparties alike with empathy, dignity and respect.
We work creatively and collaboratively with clients and counterparties to determine the best approach under the circumstances. At the same time, we always keep in mind the overarching goal to develop solutions, systems and practices that maximize opportunity and reduce risk for St. Thomas on a sustainable basis over time.
Contact Us
Email: generalcounsel@stthomas.edu
Phone: (651) 962-6571
Fax: (651) 962-5205
Mailing Address:
University of St. Thomas Office of General Counsel
Mail AQU 104
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55115
University Policies
The University of St. Thomas – acting through its board of trustees, officers, employees, colleges, schools, divisions, departments and other units – regularly adopts and updates policies that set forth operational and behavioral expectations for members of the St. Thomas community.
Some university policies also apply to individuals and organizations who volunteer for St. Thomas, visit our campus, use our facilities or maintain business or other relationships with the university.
The St. Thomas mission, convictions, and vision statement articulate the foundational operational and behavioral expectations that apply to this community. These expectations carry through everything we do. Other policies adopted by St. Thomas and individual schools, colleges, divisions and other units build on this foundation.
Policies that do not require the president’s direct approval are included in the University Policy Repository upon request or approval of the policy owner. If not in the University Policy Repository, these other policies generally are maintained by individual policy owners on separate websites.
This website provides links to the University Policy Repository, along with other policy information that may be helpful to members of the St. Thomas community. If you have questions about particular policies, we encourage you to contact the policy owner identified on the policy. If you have questions about other information on this website, please contact the Office of General Counsel.
Office of General Counsel
Phone: (651) 962-6571
Email: generalcounsel@stthomas.edu
Fax: (651) 962-5205
Overview
The University of St. Thomas – acting through its board of trustees, officers, employees, colleges, schools, divisions, departments and other units – regularly adopts and updates policies that set forth operational and behavioral expectations for members of the St. Thomas community.
Some university policies also apply to individuals and organizations who volunteer for St. Thomas, visit our campus, use our facilities or maintain business or other relationships with the university.
The St. Thomas mission, convictions, and vision statement articulate the foundational operational and behavioral expectations that apply to this community. These expectations carry through everything we do. Other policies adopted by St. Thomas and individual schools, colleges, divisions and other units build on this foundation.
Policy Management
Policies that do not require the president’s direct approval are included in the University Policy Repository upon request or approval of the policy owner. If not in the University Policy Repository, these other policies generally are maintained by individual policy owners on separate websites.
Who to Contact
This website provides links to the University Policy Repository, along with other policy information that may be helpful to members of the St. Thomas community. If you have questions about particular policies, we encourage you to contact the policy owner identified on the policy. If you have questions about other information on this website, please contact the Office of General Counsel.
Office of General Counsel
Phone: (651) 962-6571
Email: generalcounsel@stthomas.edu
Fax: (651) 962-5205
Legal Services & Resources
The Office of General Counsel is responsible for managing legal affairs for the University of St. Thomas. Our attorneys represent St. Thomas in legal matters and advise the president, other administrators, faculty, staff and the board of trustees on the broad spectrum of legal issues and considerations that relate to the university’s activities and operations.
Ethics Reporting
All members of our community are expected to act in accordance with the community standards articulated in the St. Thomas mission, convictions, policies and applicable law. When you have questions about whether particular conduct or activities are consistent with St. Thomas community standards, or you observe behavior that you believe violates these standards, the university wants you to speak up.
Meet our Staff
The Office of General Counsel comprises our general counsel, associate general counsel, and paralegal. From time to time we may engage outside legal service providers to assist us.
Abigail S. Crouse
General Counsel and Secretary
Peter Shaw
Associate General Counsel
Carrie Mahto
Paralegal and Office Manager
This website primarily is intended to benefit St. Thomas faculty, staff and students. Nothing on this website is intended to constitute legal advice. Faculty, staff and student employees seeking legal advice related to your work for St. Thomas should contact an Office of General Counsel attorney using the contact information at the top of the page.
The Office of General Counsel does not provide personal legal advice to employees or students but may provide referrals on request.