Key Legal Issues College Faculty Need to Know

In this episode of Teaching in Higher Ed, Bonni Stachowiak interviews Kent Kauffman, a professor of business law and ethics, about legal issues that faculty members should be aware of. Kauffman shares his early teaching experiences and discusses common legal pitfalls related to grading, syllabi, academic freedom, and intellectual property. He emphasizes the importance of preventative measures to avoid legal issues, such as clear communication in syllabi and understanding the scope of academic freedom and intellectual property rights. The conversation also touches on the distinction between legal rights and best practices, advising faculty to prioritize clear communication and proactive planning to minimize potential disputes and lawsuits. Both Bonni and Kent recommend the TV show "Slow Horses," and Kent recommends "Shrinking," "All Creatures Great and Small," and "The Inside Trader Joe's Podcast."